Her

I am back in New York. After Tita Ava caught me and Santi making out like teenagers, I didn't have the courage to face her again. I was so ashamed of my actions. That same night, I left the mansion.

Of course, Alecx didn't approve of what I did. But I reminded her that she also ran away from Tristan the last time. We think alike. We are really best friends. We are both cowards. She was not able to stop me, and I left abruptly.

"So, what do you think? Is this a lot better?" Suddenly, Kyle interrupted me from my deep thoughts. I haven't been back to the office yet, but Mr. Archer didn't like the blueprint design of one of our junior architects. Kyle was kind enough to bring it to my apartment and help me do damage control. So here I am, trying to make revisions before Cathy presents the design to our client this week.

"Yeah, that's more like it. I think we nailed it. Please tell Cathy she needs to know her client next time. I've worked with Mr. Austin before. He likes to make a statement in his coffee shops. He never settles for the ordinary. I like Cathy's design but it's too simple for Mr. Austin's taste."

"Will do. By the way, how was your trip? Did you have fun?" Kyle asked while pouring some red wine in his empty wine glass. Seems he still wants to hang around. I'm still jet lagged and not really up for a conversation but what can I do? I have to be a gracious host.

"I did. I had a great time visiting my best friend and family." I replied briefly while sipping my wine. Suddenly, I heard a faint familiar music playing from outside. It got louder until I started to recognize the song.... It's Tennessee Whiskey! I don't know if it's just my imagination, so I looked at Kyle and asked,

"Are you hearing that?"

"Yes, that's so loud. Is that a country song? Does your neighbor like blasting her music across the whole building?" He grinned.

"Wait here. Let me just check." I got up, opened the door, and was surprised to see who was standing at my doorstep.... It's Mr. Country Boy in the flesh.

"Hello My Princess." He said, flashing his gorgeous smile at me.

"Is there somebody outside?" I heard Kyle ask while approaching me.  He was curious to see what is going on. The smile on Santi's face got wiped out instantly and was replaced with a dark expression as soon as he saw Kyle appeared behind me.

"Santi, what are you doing here?" I asked him, still in complete shock at his presence.

"What is he doing here?" He asked back angrily, pointing at Kyle.

"I'm the one who asked the question first. And it's none of your business who I invite in my apartment."

"I want him out of here now. Let's talk." He replied sternly.

"Is there anything wrong? Is he bothering you Carla?" Kyle asked me.

"I'm not bothering her. We just need to talk. I am her fiancée. So, if you could leave us now, we just need to straighten things out."

I was not able to hide the shock in my face when he said that. I was about to say something when Kyle replied,

"Oh, I didn't know you were already engaged, Carla. Okay, I'll go ahead then. Seems you guys have to fix some things." Kyle gathered the blueprint and other office documents on the table and left hurriedly.

"What was that all about? Are you out of your mind telling Kyle I'm your fiancée?!"

"Can we please go inside so we can talk like civilized people? I had a long flight, and I went straight here from the airport. So please, give me some slack." He said and barged inside my apartment while pulling his small luggage behind him.

"I'm asking you again, what are you doing here?" I said emphatically after Santi closed the door behind us.

"Before I answer that, why is that guy here in your apartment? Really, that fast?! You were just melting in my arms a few days ago, then, suddenly you're inviting a man inside your house. You are really something."  He was shaking his head in disbelief.

"You are out of line there, Santi. Kyle is a gentleman. We were going over a blueprint design. Why is it that you always think I throw myself at every guy? Do I look like a flirt, a whore to you? You don't know me so be careful with what you say." I said, hurt with his accusation. His expression suddenly softened. I saw guilt in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, My Princess. I just get jealous every time I see you with another guy."

"Jealous? Why?" I asked, confused with his answer.

"Isn't it obvious to you by now? I want you for myself. I'm crazy about you Carla." I was speechless. It was music to my ears to hear him say that, but I know we can't be together. Sadness and frustration filled my heart.

"You know we can't do this, Santi. We are cousins. This is wrong." Tears started to fall down my face.

"What if I tell you we are cousins by name but not by blood." I looked at him confused.

"What do you mean? Don't play with me, Santi. This already hurts so much. I don't want you joking around and telling me lies."

"I am not joking Carla. My moms finally told me the truth. They didn't have me through IVF. Mommy Lucy was already pregnant with me before she met Mama Ava. When they got married, Mama Ava adopted me. That's why I became a Ramirez. There is only one true-blooded Ramirez heir. And that's you, Carla." He started closing the gap between us and gently wiped away the tears from my face.

"So, don't cry, My Princess. I don't like to see you sad. Whatever this is, whatever we have, this is not wrong. We can be together."

I couldn't believe what I just heard. I could see in Santi's eyes that he's telling me the truth. I was starting to feel relieved, but I remembered what he told me before that he was already in love with someone else.

"But what about the girl that you like? You said you already fell in love with somebody." He grinned at my remark.

"You silly girl. That was you whom I was talking about. I didn't have the courage to tell you because I'm afraid you'll run away. It was you all along. I've fallen in love with you the moment I saw you on my doorstep angrily cursing me for playing Tennessee Whiskey loudly." He tenderly caressed my face and smiled at me.

"I love you, Carla. I'm so in love with you, My Battle Angel. I'm so glad I've found you." While staring at me lovingly, he reached out for a small box inside his pocket.

"Marry me. This may be too soon, but I have never been so sure about myself. I can't imagine my life without you." He got the big diamond ring from the velvet box and slipped it in my ring finger. I was overwhelmed with emotions. I have never thought I could feel such joy and happiness.

I gently touched Santi's face and looked at his handsome face, memorizing every detail. I feel like I am in a dreamlike state.

"Is this real? I couldn't believe all the things that you just said."

"Believe it. This is real. I just confessed all my feelings for you. But I haven't heard you say it yet...." He pouted at me, seeming hurt that I was quiet all this time.

"Oh Santi!  You had me at Tennessee Whiskey.  Yes, I'll marry you.  And I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

He scooped me in his arms and carried me bridal style while looking at me tenderly.

"Wait, what are you doing?" I asked curiously.

"I can't wait to make love to you, my soon to be wife. I've waited for this for a long time." He winked at me, and I blushed at his remark.

"We have to start making babies. Your dad clearly stated that he wants to see little Carlas soon. He said to tell you to follow your heart. He gave us his blessing." I was so happy to hear that my dad approved of us being together. I looked at Santi, no longer holding back on how much I feel about him.

"I love you so much, Santi. I love you so much, Mr. Country Boy."

"And I love you more, My Battle Angel. It has been a journey finding you but it's definitely worth it. I would do it all over again just to find you, Carla Maria Ramirez."

I stared at him lovingly. My heart swelled with emotions. Finally, I have found my true happiness.... In the arms of the man I love.

                                                                  —— The End ——