10. Celebration

As the reception hall erupted in cheers and applause, Jarred took my hand, and we slipped away from the crowd, making our way to a private room reserved just for us. The doors closed behind us, and we were enveloped in a warm, intimate silence.

The music started, a soft, romantic melody that filled the room. Jarred pulled me close, and we swayed to the rhythm, our bodies moving in perfect harmony. I felt like I was floating on air, my heart soaring with joy.

As we swayed to the music, our bodies entwined, Jarred's eyes locked onto mine, overflowing with adoration and love. "Our first dance," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.

I felt my heart swell, and words failed me. I was drowning in a sea of love, and all I could manage was a whisper. "I love you."

Jarred's face lit up, and he pulled me into a tight hug. "Finally, love. Finally," he breathed, his chest heaving with excitement.

I smiled, feeling like I was walking on air. "Looks like we made it," I said, quoting one of our favorite songs.

As we danced, I gazed up at Jarred, my eyes searching for the perfect moment to share a secret. "Do you know why I love cherry blossoms?" I whispered, my voice barely audible over the music.

Jarred's eyebrows furrowed, and he leaned in, intrigued. "Hmm?"

I took a deep breath, and a wave of nostalgia washed over me. "Because of Papa," I said, my voice cracking with emotion.

Jarred's eyes widened, and for a moment, he looked taken aback. But he quickly recovered, his face softening into a gentle smile. He caressed my cheek, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "You don't have to tell me if that memory still hurts you," he said, his voice filled with compassion.

I shook my head, my eyes locked onto his. "No, I want to share this with you," I said, my voice firm.

"The last memory I have of him was when we went to Japan. They were celebrating hanami, the traditional Japanese custom of admiring cherry blossoms."

A smile spread across my face as I remembered the happy times with my father. "We were one of those people who witnessed the festival. It was fun and memorable. Papa kept a petal of cherry blossom and laminated it."

I gazed up at Jarred, my eyes overflowing with adoration. I reached up and caressed his cheek, my touch mirroring his earlier gesture. "Cherry blossoms are special to me because they remind me of my last moment with the first man in my life," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "And you make it even more special."

"Babe, can I ask you something?" Jarred said, his eyes locked on mine. I nodded, and he continued, "Why do you hate it when people talk about your father?"

I froze, the music still playing in the background, but my entire world had come to a standstill.

"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it," Jarred said gently, his voice full of understanding.

I took a deep breath, letting the memories wash over me. "It's just...even until now, it still hurts that Papa died without justice," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. A pang of sadness echoed in my heart, and I felt Jarred's arms wrap around me, holding me close.

"I'm sorry," Jarred whispered, his eyes filled with compassion.

I smiled weakly at him, trying to reassure him that I was okay.

"Let's not talk about it," I said, trying to shake off the sadness. "Let's just enjoy our day together."

The music slowly came to an end, and Jarred pulled me close, his lips brushing against my ear. "I love you, wife," he whispered.

I smiled, my heart full of joy. "I love you too, husband."

We pulled back, and Jarred took my hand, leading me to a beautifully decorated table. On the wall behind it, there was a stunning picture of my father, Jarred's grandparents, and other loved ones who had passed away.

We sat down in front of the picture, holding hands, and looking at the faces of those who had shaped our lives. I felt a sense of peace and gratitude wash over me, knowing that they were watching over us, smiling down on our union.

"Babe, this is my father," I said, my voice a little shaky as I handed Jarred the picture.

For our five years relationship, I'd kept my father's memory locked away, never sharing it with Jarred until now. As he took the picture, his eyes scanned it intensely.

"What's wrong?" I asked, noticing a flicker of emotion on his face.

Jarred shook his head, a soft smile spreading across his lips. "You look so much like him," he said, his eyes locking onto mine.

I felt a lump form in my throat as I gazed at the picture, seeing the resemblance for myself. Jarred's words brought back a flood of memories, but this time, they felt bittersweet rather than painful.

Jarred squeezed my hand, and I turned to him, smiling. "They're happy for us," he said, his eyes shining with tears.

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I know they are."

"I miss you, Pa," I said, my voice cracking as a tear escaped from my eye. Jarred's hand tightened around mine, offering comfort.

"I was hoping that you are here by my side witnessing this special event of my life, but I know you are watching from above," I continued, my eyes fixed on my father's picture.

Jarred gently wiped away the tears that fell from my eyes. "I am sure he's watching you, love," he said, his voice filled with reassurance.

I smiled weakly at him, feeling a sense of gratitude for his presence. Then, Jarred turned to my father's picture and said, "Hi po, I promise to make your daughter the happiest woman. I'll love her endlessly."

My heart swelled with emotion as I watched Jarred speak to my father's picture. It was a poignant moment, one that I would cherish forever.

After sharing our moments with our loved ones in heaven and enjoying our private first dance, we made our way back to the reception. The music and laughter enveloped us once again, and we were swept up in the joy and celebration of our special day.

As I walked into the reception hall with Jarred by my side, I couldn't help but feel like a princess in a fairytale. The room was transformed into a magical wonderland, with twinkling lights, elegant decorations, and a sea of smiling faces.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of my wedding dress rustling against my legs. Jarred squeezed my hand, and I turned to him with a smile. "We did it," I whispered, my eyes shining with happiness.

The DJ's voice boomed through the speakers, "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Jarred Garcia!"

The room erupted in cheers and applause as Jarred and I made our way to the center of the dance floor. I felt like I was floating on air, my heart soaring with joy.

The music started, and Jarred took my hand, pulling me close. We swayed to the rhythm, our bodies moving in perfect harmony. I looked up at Jarred, and our eyes met in a loving gaze.

This was it. This was the start of our new life together. And as we danced, surrounded by our loved ones, I knew that this was just the beginning of our happily ever after.

Ashley, my best friend since high school, stood up to give her speech, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Hi, everyone, I'm Ashley, the best woman, not a maid, because Clyde's room was a mess, and I never wanted that honor," she said, chuckling. She watched too many random videos on tiktok.

The room erupted in laughter, and I couldn't help but smile, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me. Ashley and I had been through thick and thin together, sharing countless memories, laughter, and tears.

"Clyde, she's my best friend since we were in high school," Ashley continued, her voice filled with emotion. "We've done a lot of crazy things together. We've shared our laughs and cries. Clyde, you deserve all of this. Everything good that happens in your life, you deserve it because of how kind you are. Jarred's lucky to have a wife like you."

I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes as Ashley spoke, her words touching my heart. Jarred squeezed my hand, trying to calm me down, but I was too emotional.

Ashley noticed my tears and smiled wryly. "Gosh, bakit ba 'ko naiiyak?" she said to herself, laughing.

She then turned to Jarred and said, "You should thank me for forcing Clyde to do the photo booth. That's where you two met, after all."

I looked at Jarred and raised an eyebrow, remembering how Ashley had convinced me to do the photo booth, claiming that her crush was there.

Ashley then turned serious, her eyes locked on Jarred. "Jarred, kapag nagsawa ka na diyan, balik mo lang siya sa 'min," she said, jokingly threatening Jarred.

Jarred smiled and whispered, "Never."

Ashley smiled, seemingly satisfied with Jarred's response. "Please make her the happiest. The cry she will experience from you should be too much joy. Don't hurt her, or else papatayin ka namin," she said, laughing.

I saw Jarred nodding, a smile still plastered on his face, and I knew that he would do everything in his power to make me happy.

As Ashley finished her speech, the room erupted in applause and cheers. I stood up, hugging Ashley tightly, tears of joy streaming down my face.

"Thank you, Ash," I whispered, my voice shaking with emotion. "I love you."

Ashley smiled, hugging me back. "I love you too, Clyde. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

As we pulled back, Jarred stood up, taking my hand in his. "I think it's time for the best man's speech," he said, smiling at his best man, who stood up, adjusting his microphone.

The best man, Clint, cleared his throat, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Ladies and gentlemen, family, and friends, welcome. My name is Clint Monteverde, and I'm honored to stand here today as Jarred's best man."

The room was silent, with all eyes on Clint as he shared the story of how he knew Jarred and me. I was surprised to learn that Clint and Jarred had been childhood friends, and that only a few people knew about their close relationship.

I listened intently as Clint revealed the surprise connection between him and Jarred. I had always known that Jarred had a best friend who lived abroad, but I had never imagined that it was Clint, my boss.

As Clint explained how he and Jarred had been childhood friends, and how he had left the country years ago, I felt a sense of wonder and curiosity. It was amazing to think that Clint had known Jarred for so long, and that their friendship had endured despite the distance.

I looked at Jarred, who was smiling at me with a look of nostalgia in his eyes. I could tell that he was happy to have Clint by his side, and that their friendship meant a lot to him.

I turned my attention back to Alex, who was still speaking. "So, when Clyde started working at my company, she had no idea who I was or my connection to Jarred," Clyde said, a smile spreading across his face.

I felt a sense of amusement at the thought of how unaware I had been of the connection between Clint and Jarred. It was funny to think that I had been working for Clint for so long without knowing about his close friendship with my husband.

"I remember when I saw some resumes of applicants to my company here in the Philippines," Clint said, a smile spreading across his face. "I was in the US at the time, and I called Jarred to ask if Trixie Clydelyn Hudson was the girl he was talking about."

The room was silent, with all eyes on Alex as he paused for dramatic effect.

"When he said yes, I asked him if I should accept her," Clint continued. "And Jarred said, 'Hire her because you see potential in her, not because of me.' And in that instance, I knew that Jarred was goddamn in love with Clyde."

The room erupted in laughter and applause, and I felt my face heat up with embarrassment. I looked at Jarred, who was smiling at me with a look of adoration in his eyes.

"I had no idea," I whispered to Jarred, feeling a sense of wonder and gratitude.

Jarred leaned in and whispered back, "I wanted to make sure you got the job on your own merit, not because of our relationship."

I smiled, feeling my heart full of love and appreciation for Jarred.

Clint paused, taking a deep breath. "I've known Jarred for over a decade, and I've seen him go through many phases. But one thing that's remained constant is his kindness, his generosity, and his heart of gold."

Clint smiled, looking at Jarred. "And then, he met Clyde. I remember the first time he told me about her. He said, 'Clint, I've met the one.' And I said, 'Jarred, you say that about every girl you meet.'"

The room erupted in laughter, and I playfully rolled my eyes.

Clint continued, "But this time, it was different. Jarred was different. He was happier, more confident, and more in love than I'd ever seen him."

Clint looked at me, his eyes warm with sincerity. "Clyde, you've brought out the best in Jarred. You've made him a better man, a happier man, and a more loving man. And for that, I'm eternally grateful."

As Clint finished his speech, the room applauded once again, and Jarred stood up, hugging Alex tightly.

"Thank you, man," Jarred whispered, his voice choked with emotion.

I smiled, feeling my heart full of joy and love. This was it. This was our day, our moment, our forever.

Kiraz squealed with excitement, "Clydeeee!" as she hugged me tightly and kissed my cheek. She looked stunning in her pink dress, and I couldn't help but compliment her and Ashley, who was standing beside her.

"Ang ganda niyo," I said, meaning "You both look beautiful."

Ashley smirked at me, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Boring na, naka-tali na," she teased, referring to my newlywed status.

I just rolled my eyes at her, and Kiraz chimed in, "Inggit ka lang kasi siya pinili, ikaw hindi," which means.

Kiraz and I shared a high-five, and Ashley's face turned bright red.

I changed the subject, "I saw him earlier." I was referring to Ashley's ex, our photographer.

Ashley's eyes lit up, "Paki-hanap 'yung pake ko,"

Kiraz and I burst into laughter, and our host interrupted, "All single bridesmaids and maid of honor, gather in the middle."

Ashley was about to return to her seat when I grabbed her hand, "Sa gitna daw kayo,"

She rolled her eyes at me, and I teased, "Sa 'yo ko itatapon 'yung bouquet,"

She shot back, "Subukan mo at itatapon ko pabalik sa 'yo,"

I just laughed at her, and after a minute, everything was ready for the bouquet toss. I turned my back to the group, threw the bouquet, and immediately looked back to see who would catch it.

To my surprise, the bouquet landed in Kiraz's hands, while Ashley just stood there, holding her glass and drinking from it, completely uninterested in the bouquet.

When Kiraz caught it, we all looked at Clint, who was smiling like a wild animal. Kiraz turned bright red and didn't know what to do, while we all laughed at her. Ashley was teasing her mercilessly, and Kiraz finally sat down in her chair, looking angry but also a bit flustered.

We were all having a blast at the after-party, just a group of close friends left, while the others had retired to their hotel rooms. We were sitting in a circle, drinking and laughing, playing a game of "Truth or Truth".

Ashley exclaimed, "Gago, seryoso?" As Kiraz revealed a juicy secret. We all burst into laughter, and I couldn't help but tease Clint, who was turning bright red.

Just then, Jarred asked, "Masarap ba bro?" and we all erupted into laughter again.

Clint shot back, "Gago, kung maka-tanong ka, kala mo hindi virgin"

Kiraz took her turn, asking, "Never have I ever nakipag-sex sa hindi ko naman jowa" Ashley drank from her cup, and we all laughed again.

Ashley teased Kiraz, "Gago ka ah" but Kiraz shot back,

"Hindi nag-name drop, sadyang tinamaan ka lang" The game continued, with more laughter and teasing.

"Ahh, sige eh," Ashley said with a grin, clearly enjoying the lighthearted atmosphere.

But then, she suddenly dropped a bombshell. "Never have I ever cheated on my partner," she said, a mischievous glint in her eye.

The room erupted into laughter as both Kiraz and Clint simultaneously took a swig from their bottles, their faces turning bright red with embarrassment. I couldn't help but join in on the laughter, tears streaming down my face as I held my sides.

"Siya naman na unang nag cheat, gumanti lang ako." Saad pa ni Kiraz.

Jarred joked, "Lesson learned: wag na maging gago"

And then, Ate Keziah asked, "Never have I ever tried the BJ"

Jarred's jaw dropped when Jane drank from her cup, and he asked, "Hoy?? Ano yan?"

I couldn't help but laugh, and Jarred looked at me, shocked, asking, "You knew?"

I revealed, "Nung bridal shower, she asked me not to tell you" We all laughed again, and Jarred whispered to me, "My sister is not a baby anymore." It was a cute moment, and I couldn't help but tease him a bit.

Ate Keziah asked, "First niyo ang isa't-isa?". I smiled, thinking back on our journey.

"Jarred is my first boyfriend, but I am not his first girlfriend," I said.

Kuya asked, "Pang ilan sa Clyde?" Jarred replied, "Pangalawa"

Ate Keziah's curiosity got the better of her, and she asked, "Ba't kayo nag-hiwalay nung una mo?"

Jarred's expression turned slightly somber, and he said, "She cheated."

But then, his face lit up with a smile, and he added, "But I'm glad she did. Because I got a chance to meet Clyde."

Ashley chimed in, "Cringe niyo" and we all burst out laughing at her.

Kiraz teased, "Bitter" and Ashley playfully rolled her eyes.

As I watched my friends laughing and joking together, I felt a deep sense of happiness. They were all smiling, their eyes shining with genuine joy. The atmosphere was filled with love, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie.

I looked around the table, taking in the faces of the people I loved. Jarred, my husband, was beaming with happiness. Kiraz, Ashley, and the others were all smiling, enjoying each other's company.

I hoped that we could stay like this, happy and carefree, for a long time to come. No drama, no stress, just pure joy and love. As I gazed at Jarred, I knew that I had found my partner, my best friend, and my soulmate.

The night wore on, filled with laughter, stories, and memories. We talked about our dreams, our aspirations, and our plans for the future. We supported each other, encouraged each other, and lifted each other up.

As the evening drew to a close, I felt grateful for these people, for their love and their friendship. I knew that I could count on them, no matter what life threw our way.

And as I looked at Jarred, I knew that I had found my forever love, my partner in every sense of the word. We would face life's challenges together, hand in hand, and heart to heart.

As we stood on the balcony, wrapped in each other's arms, I felt a sense of pure bliss wash over me. "I am beyond happy," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the sound of my own heartbeat.

Jarred's warm breath danced across my skin as he kissed my neck, sending shivers down my spine. "I love you," he whispered, his words dripping with emotion.

I giggled, feeling carefree and alive, as he continued to kiss my neck. His lips were gentle, yet passionate, and I felt my heart swell with love for him.

"I promise to always love you," he whispered, his voice filled with conviction. "When you're at your worst and at your best, I will always love you."

I turned to face him, our eyes locking in a gaze that spoke volumes. Jarred's hands encircled my waist, pulling me closer to him, our bodies swaying together in perfect harmony.

"I love you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Our lips met in a kiss that was full of love and intimacy. The world around us melted away, leaving only the two of us, lost in our own little bubble of love.

We spent the night wrapped in each other's arms, pouring all our love into each other. It was a night I would never forget, a night that would be etched in my memory forever.

Our first night as husband and wife was nothing short of magical. It was a night that I would always cherish, a night that would remain in my heart forever.