-Disclaimer: The story presented here is a fictional creation.

-Credits:

Pictures used in this story are credited to their respective owners.The song referenced above belongs to its rightful owner.

-Grammar Note: The translations provided aim to convey the meaning of the text accurately, but there may be grammatical errors depending on context and interpretation.

NOTE: Italized letters indicates flashback scenes

***

I stood in the garden, my fingers gently caressing the petals of a blooming rose. The garden had always been Stacey's sanctuary, a place where she found solace and joy.

"She really loves flowers," I thought, a smile tugging at my lips.

The sound of laughter and clinking glasses drifted from the reception. I closed my eyes, trying to drown out the voices. It feels so quiet when all you think is peace.

Sabi nga ni Stacey, "When the world is in chaos, just think of someone that could ease your mind."

And I've been thinking about Stacey a lot.

"Jho?" A familiar voice broke through my thoughts. I turned to see Ysobel standing a few feet away. She went near me and gave me that familiar smile.

"Bel," I said. "Ang tagal mo." I complained.

"Tanga, kanina ka pa nila hinahanap. Magsisimula na daw," she said, rolling her eyes at me.

"I can't wait to see her walking down the aisle," I said, smiling.

She stepped closer, her gaze searching mine. "I'm so proud of you, Jho."

I took a deep breath and nodded, allowing her to lead me back to the celebration. As we walked, I glanced at the woman I loved, waiting at the aisle as the guests stood up, admiring her. And here I am, standing near the altar with the best view of the sea, sunset, and her.

The ceremony began, and Stacey glided down the aisle, her smile radiant, her eyes meeting mine. The smile that I always wanted to see every morning I wake up.

I stood there, my heart pounding, as she made her way. The guests turned to watch her, their faces lit with admiration. The beauty of the moment was almost too much to bear.

"Inagatan mo! Jho. Each flower is delicate and needs love to grow."

"Like you, then?" I teased, earning a playful shove.

 "Yes, like me. Now, focus!"

-

"I could stay here forever, you know."

"Me too. It's perfect."

She turned to me, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of mischief and something deeper.

 "Promise me, no matter what happens, we'll always have moments like this."

"I promise."

-

"Jho, this is so sweet. Akala ko nakalimutan mo na!"

"Of course, Stacey. How could I forget?"

- 

"Jho, what is that supposed to be? A blob?"

 "It's a flower, Stacey. Can't you see the petals?"

"If you say so. Here, let me show you how it's done."

She took the brush from my hand and began to paint, her strokes swift and confident. I watched her, pretending to be annoyed but secretly admiring her talent.

I smiled at the thoughts of our memories. I looked at Stacey as she gave the most beautiful smile I could ask for.

The choirs are singing, the bell is ringing but all I could focus on was Stacey. Her eyes, filled with joy and excitement, locked onto mine, and for a moment, it felt like it was just the two of us standing there, surrounded by the soft hues of the setting sun.

"Ang ganda ko no?" she had once said, teasingly.

"Araw-araw mahal." I had replied, and she had blushed, calling me a "sisiw" as always.

But then, my gaze shifted to my brother, the man waiting for her at the altar. The man she was about to marry.

As she reached the altar, she took my brother's hands in hers, and I felt a pang of bittersweet happiness. The officiant's voice brought me back to the present.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Stacey and Mark in holy matrimony..."

The words seemed to blend into the background as I focused on Stacey. I could see her lips moving, repeating the vows she had so carefully prepared.

 Each word was filled with love and promise, and it was all I could do to keep my emotions in check.

"Jho...Jho... I'm sorry... I-I didn't mean to." She's crying, Stacey's crying as she hugged me.

"Bigla nalang nawala Jho... I don't know..." She said as she clung onto me like her life depended on it.

"You could've told me, Staks, mas masakit ang ganito eh." I said, sobbing.

"Mas masakit kapag sa iba ko pa malaman."

The memory of that painful conversation replayed in my mind, making it even harder to watch her exchange vows with my brother. 

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

The cheers of our friends and family surrounded us, but all I could focus on was the woman I love.

"Mahal mo ba?" I asked as I closed my eyes, not wanting to hear the words.

"I'm sorry..."

"In that 4 years, Staks, naging ako ba?" I pressed, my voice trembling with the weight of unspoken emotions.

"I... I'm sorry, Jho."

"Pucha, puro ka nalang sorry eh! Mas nasasaktan ako sa mga sorry mo, Staks!" I shouted, the pain and frustration spilling over.

"Staks, naging ako ba?" I repeated.

The officiant's voice brought me back to the present.

"You may kiss the bride." I watched as my brother leaned in, gently pressing his lips to hers. Sealing their union with a kiss that felt like a dagger to my soul.

 I stood there, frozen in a moment that felt like an eternity. 

The cheers and applause of our friends and family echoed around me, but all I could hear was the sound of my own heart breaking.

I watched them embrace, their love evident in every touch and glance. Stacey's smile was radiant, filled with the happiness she had found with Mark. 

"Staks, naging ako ba?"

"Siya naman talaga sa simula pa lang, Jho," 

It was everything I had ever wanted for her, yet it tore me apart knowing it wasn't with me.

-

THE END

eeeeyyyyyy 4 years HAHHAHHAHAH