I am here standing in front of my boyfriend's apartment, carrying gifts and food. Today is our 4th anniversary. We started dating when I was in 12th grade and he was a freshman in college. Now, he has graduated, and I am a 4th-year nursing student. I start knocking, and after a while, the door opens. "Surprise, love!" I happily greet him, but I notice that he doesn't look happy. "Love? Are you okay?" I ask. "Yeah, come in," he says, so I walk in. I look around, and it's dark. There are no lights on. His anxiety and trauma must have returned; he was like this when his mom passed away. I set the food on the table. "Love, are you okay?" I ask again. "Yeah," he says as he sits on the sofa, rubbing his head. I approach him and sit beside him. "Do you want me to massage you?" I ask, reaching out to touch him, but he moves away. "I have to tell you something," he says. Suddenly, I feel nervous. Please, don't let it be something bad. "Let's go out tomorrow. I didn't get a gift for today," he says, and my anxiety is replaced with happiness. "Okay, love!" I say cheerfully. "For today, I want you to go home and rest. Let's meet tomorrow. I want to be alone," he says, which hurts my heart again. I stand up slowly. "O-okay, love," I say, and as I am about to leave, he suddenly hugs me from behind. "Happy anniversary, take care," he says and kisses my cheek before letting go. I smile and leave his apartment. Author's POV After his girlfriend leaves, his father suddenly calls. Before answering, he sighs deeply. [When is your flight?] "Monday," he coldly replies. [You better be ready. Remember what your mom said to you before she died.] "I remember that. You don't need to say it," he says in a very cold voice. [You're leaving for America on Monday, and you haven't told your girlfriend yet, right?] He doesn't respond because he knows his father disapproves of his girlfriend. [Spend your last day with her, because it will be her last time spending a day with you.] He doesn't say anything and ends the call. He knows he loves his girlfriend deeply, but he made a promise to his mother. 'Son, I know you will become like me, a famous model and actress. You must become a famous model and actor, okay? Even though I know I won't live long, I know you will fulfill my wish. I want you to be known by everyone because I know I have lacked so much for you. I'm sorry, son, because your mom got sick.' His mother had leukemia and passed away when he was only six years old. Now he wants to fulfill her wish. The only problem is his girlfriend, who is still in the Philippines. Carmella's POV I woke up early because I am so excited about today! We're going out, ahhh!! It's Sunday, so no classes,! I am happily waiting for my boyfriend outside the apartment I share with my sibling. I'm wearing a white dress that goes to my knees. It's a formal dress with short sleeves and a V-neck. I'm also wearing a silver necklace he gave me on our first anniversary. After a while, a car stops in front of me. I smile as he gets out and opens the door for me. I get in and fix myself, but I feel a bit nervous today for some reason, bwahaha. He is wearing a maroon turtleneck, a long black blazer, and black pants. Wow, he looks so handsome.
Chapter 1 the museum
Chapter 1
After a while, we arrived at the museum. The paintings here are beautiful. As we walked, it felt like he wasn't holding my hand and seemed lost in thought.
Sigh I thought, and wrapped my arm around his, causing him to look at me. I smiled at him.
After our time at the museum, we wandered around. I could see a smile on his lips, and he seemed happy. I collected some gifts and mementos for memories.
It's now 5 PM, and we're at the amusement park, riding various attractions. Someone even took a Polaroid picture of us-I'm definitely keeping this. While we were walking, I spotted a photo booth.
"Love, let's go here!" I said excitedly, pulling him inside. I put a Mickey Mouse headband on him-it looked so cute. I wore a Minnie Mouse headband. We struck different poses, getting two photo prints since we each needed one.
I was preparing for our last pose when he suddenly turned me towards him and kissed me. I was surprised because it had been months since our last kiss. I responded to his kiss, his hands on my waist.
LATER
It's 9 PM, and we're on a small bridge in the park adorned with lights. The reflection of the lights on the water was beautiful.
We sat on a bench on the bridge. Our belongings were in his car, as we didn't want to carry them around because they held many memories.
I wrapped my arm around his and rested my head on his shoulder.
"Hmmm, it's so beautiful, love," I said.
Author's POV
As the girl rested her head on the boy's shoulder, he pondered whether to proceed with his plan or not.
"Finally, love, I'm graduating. Next year, I'll start my MBBS program before becoming a doctor," the girl said calmly, while the boy listened silently.
"Love, after I become a doctor, all our promises to each other will come true. Together, without any regrets," she added.
She stood up and approached the bridge railing, illuminated by lights.
"Soon, love, we'll get married here. The view is beautiful, and we can even camp over there," she said cheerfully, pointing to a grassy field with trees.
"Doo-"
"Carmella," the boy called her name, sending chills down her spine with the cold tone in his voice.
She turned to face him and saw him standing behind her.
"Let me drive you home," he said and started walking away. Confused, the girl followed him.
The boy drove her home, stepping out first to open the door for her. As she exited, her brother emerged from the apartment.
"Hi, Brother Kreu," her brother greeted.
"Can you grab the things from inside, Leb?" he instructed. Her brother took the purchased items inside.
With her brother inside, she faced the boy.
"Love? Is something wrong?" she asked, but he only looked down. He couldn't bring himself to break up with her because he loved her deeply.
He approached her and hugged her. She was about to return the embrace, but he stepped back, got into his car, started it, and drove away, leaving her in shock.
She pulled out her phone and called him, but he didn't answer. As he drove, tears fell from his eyes. He just wanted to fulfill his mother's wish, but his father said it would ruin his future and lose fans.
So he planned to leave her without saying goodbye.
Carmella's POV
I called Kreu, but he didn't answer for two days.
I went to his apartment, but they said he had left a long time ago. I didn't know any of his friends or family because I was kept secret from them.
I had planned to introduce him at my graduation since my brother would bring our mother from the province. But where was he?
He promised he wouldn't leave me, so it's impossible he left without saying goodbye!
Graduation
I called Kreu, but he was unavailable. Where are you? Did you forget your promise?
Flashback
I was sitting on a bench at our university, reading a book, when someone suddenly hugged me and kissed my cheek.
"Hey, ahahaha," I said, and he sat next to me.
"Graduation is near, love," he said.
"Yeah, I promise I'll attend," I replied. He looked at me and smiled, then kissed me on the lips.
"I love you," he said.
"I love you too," I replied.
Graduation
I received a tight hug after his graduation.
"Congratulations, love," I said, smiling and hugging him tightly. I gave him my gift.
I asked if his family was there, but he said no and pulled me towards the cameraman.
We took pictures together and immediately bought them.
We walked while I carried his toga, holding hands.
"Love, after you graduate and become a doctor, I promise I'll marry you and introduce you to the world as my brilliant doctor wife and the mother of my children," he said with a smile, making me smile too.
"Yes, love, you should be at my graduation too," I said with a smile.
"Of course, I promise. I'll be the first to attend your graduation, and I won't miss our wedding," he said, kissing me.
"I love you," he said.
"I love you too," I said, smiling, and he hugged me tightly.
End of flashback
"Carmell Vyn Santiago," I was called back to reality. I was on stage, receiving my diploma and certificates. I tried to smile for the picture but couldn't.
As I stepped off the stage, tears flowed, remembering the memories.
"Anak! Anak!" my mother called, hugging me tightly.
"Congratulations, anak! My child has graduated, I'm so happy!" she said joyfully.
"Oh? Why are you crying, oh my," she said, wiping my tears. I couldn't hold back and hugged her tightly, crying.
"M-ma...hic Mama...hic It hurts so much hic" I cried.
"Oh, anak, what happened?" she asked, but I just hugged her tightly and looked at Caleb behind her.
He looked at me as if he knew what had happened between Kreu and me. I signaled him not to say anything.
It hurt so much. The promises he made felt like they vanished into thin air.
Even after the graduation ceremony ended, I waited for him, thinking he might surprise me, but he never came.
I was scrolling through Facebook and saw a post... A new model? Kreu... wait... is this Kreu? A new model? In America?? Wait, why didn't he tell me?? What if he marries someone else?? What if he falls for someone and forgets about me?? What about me??
Home
"Oh, anak, it's good you're home. I was so worried about you," my mother said, but I felt tired and not in the mood to talk.
"Anak," I looked up to see my father coming from the kitchen, wearing an apron.
"Pa..." I said weakly. I didn't see Caleb. He might have gone to his room since my father was here.
"The gift from your Aunt Anna and me is in your room," he said.
"You didn't have to. You can leave now," I said coldly.
"Anak..." my mother said softly.
"Mom, please ask him to leave. I'm not in the mood to talk right now," I said, heading to my room.
"I'm here to congratulate you, anak. Haven't you forgiven me yet?" he asked.
"Why? Is it necessary?" I asked.
"That was a long time ago, anak. Your mother and I are okay now," I turned to look at them.
"Mom, are you really okay?" I asked, but she didn't answer. I looked at my father.
"Do you know the mistake you made?" I asked my father.
"You left us in the province, abandoned Mama, my sibling, and me. You left us for your mistress! Or did you leave because Mama refused to move to Manila with you, so you found someone else?" I shouted.
"A-anak, that's enough," my mother said.
"No... it's not enough!" I shouted, taking a deep breath.
"W-why... *hic* Why did you have to *hic* leave us, ma..." I cried, running to my room.
Author's POV
Entering her room, the girl broke down in tears from the pain she felt.
Her father had left them in the province. He was from Manila, while her mother was from the province. Her paternal grandparents disapproved of her mother.
The girl was only ten when her father left them, visiting the province once a year. The last time he visited was when she was in Grade 9, to get her mother to sign annulment papers. This made the youngest child harbor a deep resentment towards him.
When they found out he married someone else, her anger grew. She couldn't bear to call him her father anymore.
To Be Continued...
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