11.

I trudged out of the meeting room, my feet feeling heavy with the weight of my responsibilities. I had just left a meeting with our accounting manager, Cali, and the rest of the team, where we discussed the upcoming implementation of a new accounting system for our company's latest client.

As I walked back to my desk, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. The deadline for the implementation was tight, and I had a lot of work to do to ensure that everything went smoothly.

I dropped into my chair, letting out a deep sigh as I began to sort through the stack of papers and files on my desk. My friend, Kiraz, walked by and noticed my frazzled expression.

"Okay ka lang ?" she asked, concern etched on her face. "You look like you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders."

I forced a laugh, trying to downplay my stress. "Just a lot on my plate right now," I said. "This new client is going to be a challenge."

Karen nodded sympathetically. "I know how you feel. I've been putting in some long hours myself lately. But we'll get through it. We always do."

I smiled, feeling a small sense of relief at her words. "Thanks, Kiraz. Just talking to you makes me feel a little better."

Kiraz smiled back and continued on her way, leaving me to tackle my mountain of work. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the long hours ahead.

As I dived back into my work, my phone rang, shrill in the silence. I answered, hoping it wasn't another problem to add to my list.

"Accounting department," I said, trying to sound cheerful.

"Clyde, it's Cali," my manager's voice came through the line. "I need you to review the contract for the new client and make sure everything is in order. Can you get that done for me by the end of the day?"

I hesitated, feeling my stress levels rise again. But I knew I had to push through.

"Yes, of course, Cali. I'll get right on it."

I hung up the phone and let out a deep sigh. It was going to be a long day.

The whirlwind of life had been swirling around me like a tornado, leaving me breathless and bewildered. Work had been piling up, and the added excitement of moving into our new home had my stress levels soaring.

But it was a good kind of stress, the kind that came with anticipation and expectation. After all, this was the culmination of our dreams, the realization of our happily ever after.

We had spent the past few months living in my husband's cozy condo, waiting patiently for our new home to be completed. And finally, the wait was over. Last week, we had received the keys to our brand new house, and we couldn't wait to make it our own.

The cherry on top was the blessing ceremony we had held with our Pastor, a beautiful and intimate affair that had filled our hearts with joy and gratitude.

"How's my baby?" he asked, his voice warm and soothing.

I let out a deep sigh. "Tired," I admitted. "Baka late nako maka uwi, babe."

Jarred chuckled. "I'll bring you dinner, love. Hang in there."

I couldn't help but smile at his thoughtfulness. Even though we were both busy - him with computing his students' grades and me with my own workload - he always made time to take care of me.

"By the way, have you finished computing the final grades?" I asked, trying to sound casual despite the exhaustion creeping into my voice.

"Yeah, I'm done," he replied. "I'll be there in a minute. Just hang on."

I felt a surge of relief at his words. Knowing that Jarred was on his way made me feel a little better.

"Okay, ingat," I said, trying to sound stern despite the smile spreading across my face.

"You end the call, I love you," Jarred said, his voice low and husky.

"Alright, I love you," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper before I hung up the call.

As I set my phone down, I couldn't help but feel grateful for Jarred's love and support. Even on the toughest of days, he always knew how to make me feel better.

As I sat at my desk, my eyes fixed intently on the computer screen, I could sense Kiraz's presence hovering beside me. "Girl, una nako," she said, announcing her completion of her tasks.

I nodded absently, my fingers flying across the keyboard as I worked to ensure the accuracy and organization of my client's financial transactions.

"Geh, halong"

"Umuwi ka narin. Jarred's waiting for you." Kiraz said, using the affectionate term.

I didn't look up, my focus still on the screen. "Jarred's on his way here with my dinner," I replied, a hint of a smile playing on my lips.

Kiraz chuckled. "Sana all."

I heard Clint's voice pipe up from across the room. "Sana all? I'm with her all day in the office."

Kiraz shot back, "Malamang, ikaw boss eh."

I shrugged, not bothering to respond, and continued working.

Just then, I sensed a familiar presence approaching. The scent of Jarred's cologne wafted through the air, and my heart skipped a beat. I looked up to see his handsome face smiling down at me.

All my stress and fatigue melted away as I gazed into his eyes. I smiled, feeling a sense of relief and happiness, and opened my arms wide, inviting him into a hug.

Jarred obliged, wrapping his arms around me and holding me close. "I miss you," I whispered, feeling a sense of comfort and security in his embrace.

He hugged me tighter, then pulled back and handed me a takeout container. "Here's your dinner. Eat up."

My eyes widened as I saw my favorite dish, buttered chicken, staring back at me. "I need to finish this first," I said, gesturing to the work on my computer.

Jarred chuckled. "You eat, and I'll finish that for you."

I raised an eyebrow, Jarred grinned. "My dad taught me some accounting before he left us. Don't underestimate me, Trixie Clydelyn."

I laughed, feeling a sense of playfulness wash over me. "I didn't say anything. You're so defensive."

Jarred teased, "Eat, or else."

I asked, "Or else?"

He replied, with a mischievous glint in his eye, "I'll eat you."

I hit him playfully on the shoulder. "Jarred!"

As we sat there, Jarred working on my tasks and me savoring my dinner, he casually dropped a bombshell. "We can move into our new house on Saturday."

I felt a surge of excitement mixed with a dash of panic. I had been so caught up in work and other things that I hadn't even started packing yet.

I leaned my head on Jarred's shoulder, feeling a little overwhelmed. "I haven't packed yet," I admitted.

Jarred didn't even look up from his work. "I'll help you," he said, his voice confident.

I pouted, feeling a little anxious about the task ahead. "I have a lot of things," I said, trying to convey the magnitude of the packing challenge.

Jarred chuckled and teased, "Yeah, you have a lot of clothes, but every morning you complain that you have nothing to wear."

I rolled my eyes, feeling a twinge of guilt. He was right, of course. I did have a tendency to accumulate clothes, and yet I often found myself struggling to find something to wear. Jarred's teasing remark made me smile, and I felt a sense of gratitude towards him for being so supportive and understanding.

"Done," Jarred announced, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

I turned my attention to the computer screen, scanning the work he had completed with a critical eye. But as I reviewed the numbers and figures, my expression transformed from scrutiny to surprise. "Gosh, you did it even better," I exclaimed, my amusement evident in my tone.

Jarred chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I doubt that," he said, his voice laced with humility. "This is your field, not mine. You're the expert, not me."

As he spoke, he reached out and gently caressed my cheek, sending a shiver down my spine. His touch was like a warm breeze on a summer day, soothing and comforting.

"Are you done eating?" he asked, his voice interrupting my reverie.

I nodded, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. The food had been delicious, and the company had been even better.

"Let's go home, baby," Jarred said, his voice filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation.

I smiled, feeling a thrill of excitement at the prospect of going home with him. We began to gather my things, making sure that everything was settled and in order before we left.

As we packed up, Jarred couldn't help but tease me about my tendency to leave a trail of papers and files in my wake. I laughed and playfully rolled my eyes, feeling grateful for his help and support.

Finally, with everything tidy and in its place, we were ready to head out. Jarred slung his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close as we walked out of the office together.

The evening air was cool and crisp, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of chirping birds. It was a beautiful night, and I felt grateful to be sharing it with the person I loved.

"Finally," I breathed a sigh of relief as we arrived home. I was exhausted, both physically and mentally, and all I wanted to do was collapse onto our bed. Which is exactly what I did, throwing myself onto the soft mattress and letting out a deep sigh.

As I lay there, I felt Jarred's arm wrap around my waist, his body hovering above mine. "Change your clothes first, before you sleep," he whispered, his breath tickling my ear.

But I was too tired to even think about moving. I didn't have the energy to get up and change, or even to go to the bathroom. I just lay there, feeling like a limp rag doll.

Jarred tried again, his voice gentle but insistent. "C'mon, love. Just get changed and then you can sleep."

But I still didn't budge. I was too far gone, too exhausted to care about anything except sleep.

Jarred chuckled and suddenly, his fingers began to dance across my skin, tickling me mercilessly. I let out a shriek of laughter, trying to wriggle away from him, but he just kept tickling me.

"Hahaha...love!" I called out, laughing so hard I could barely breathe. "Sto...HAHAHA. Stop it!"

But Jarred just kept going, his fingers relentless in their pursuit of my ticklish spots. "Ligo na," he said, still tickling me. "Take a bath, and then you can sleep."

I finally managed to gasp out a promise. "Maliligo na, just stop it!" And Jarred finally relented, stopping the tickling and letting me catch my breath.

As I lay there, still chuckling and trying to calm down, Jarred leaned in and kissed me softly on the lips. "I love you," he whispered, and I smiled, feeling grateful for this man who always knew how to make me laugh, even on my most exhausted days.

"Maliligo na 'ko," I said, announcing my intention to take a shower.

Jarred looked at me with a mischievous grin. "Sabay na tayo," he said, suggesting we take a shower together.

I playfully pinched his nose. "No," I said, and quickly retreated to the bathroom, locking the door behind me.

I took a quick shower and went through my night routine, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I slipped into a pair of shorts and a white bralette, and left the bathroom to find Jarred lying on our bed, engrossed in his laptop.

He looked so serious, his brow furrowed in concentration, that I couldn't help but burst out laughing when I saw what he was watching.

"What?" he asked, looking up at me with a mock scowl.

"Ang seryoso ng mukha mo," I said, still chuckling. "I thought you were watching some documentaries."

But as I looked at the screen, I saw that he was actually watching an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants. I laughed even harder at the sight.

Jarred rolled his eyes good-naturedly and stood up. "I'll just take a shower, love," he said, and I nodded, still grinning.

As soon as he left, I snatched his laptop and continued watching SpongeBob, laughing and giggling at the absurd antics of the beloved cartoon character.

As Jarred emerged from the bathroom, I couldn't help but notice how fresh and revitalized he looked. His hair was still damp from the shower, and his skin had a warm, golden glow. He was only wearing his boxers, and I felt a flutter in my chest as he walked towards me.

He lay down beside me on the bed, resting his head on my shoulder. I smiled and whispered, "Bango mo," He chuckled and nuzzled his head into my neck, inhaling deeply.

I had noticed that since we got married, Jarred had developed a fascination with my neck. He loved to kiss, nibble, and snuggle into it, and I had to admit, it was one of my favorite things about our intimate moments.

As we settled into a comfortable position, Jarred whispered, "Let's sleep na." I nodded in agreement and placed the laptop on the bedside table.

I turned to him and planted a gentle kiss on his lips. "Let's sleep," I echoed.

Jarred nodded and immediately wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. My head was nestled against his chest, and he began to caress my hair, his fingers gently stroking my scalp. I felt a wave of relaxation wash over me as he whispered, "Goodnight, and I love you."

I snuggled deeper into his chest, feeling safe and loved. I sneezed my head closer to his chest and hugged him tightly, my eyes drifting shut as I drifted off to sleep.

I woke up early, feeling a mix of excitement and dread. Today was just another day at the office, but it was also a reminder that our big move was just around the corner. My husband, Jarred, and I were finally going to start our new life in our newly built house.

As I got ready for work, I couldn't help but think about the mountain of paperwork waiting for me at the office. As an account payable, my days were filled with invoices, receipts, and financial reports. It wasn't the most glamorous job, but it paid the bills and allowed me to support Jarred and our future together.

The office was its usual chaotic self when I arrived. My friend, Kiraz, were already at their desks, sipping their morning coffee and chatting about their weekends. I exchanged pleasantries with her, but my mind was already focused on the task at hand.

The day flew by in a blur of paperwork and meetings. I barely had time for lunch, and when I finally took a break, I found myself scrolling through social media, looking for inspiration for our new home. Jarred and I had been planning this move for months, and I couldn't wait to start decorating and making our new house feel like home.

When the clock finally struck 5 PM, I packed up my things and headed home. Jarred was already there, waiting for me with a smile and a kiss. We spent the evening packing up our belongings, sorting through boxes and deciding what to keep and what to donate.

As we worked, Jarred and I chatted about our plans for the new house. We talked about where we would put the furniture, what color we would paint the walls, and how we would decorate the garden. It was exciting to think about starting this new chapter in our lives, and I couldn't wait to see what the future held for us.

As the night drew to a close, Jarred and I collapsed onto the couch, exhausted but happy. We knew that the next few days would be chaotic as we finished up the move, but we were ready for the challenge. We were ready to start our new life together, and we couldn't wait to see what the future held.

As we stepped through the front door of our new home, I couldn't contain my excitement. "I love it!!" I squealed, my eyes scanning the beautiful space.

Finally, we had a place to call our own. A place where we could build our life together, create memories, and start a family. Our new home was a simple yet modern two-story house with a rooftop area, perfect for stargazing on warm summer nights.

As we walked through the garden, I couldn't help but feel a sense of serenity. The cobblestone pathway led us to the main door, flanked by a garage on one side and a beautiful garden on the other. The garden was a riot of colors, with vibrant flowers, a small fishpond, and a wooden hanging chair that looked like the perfect spot to curl up with a good book.

As we entered the house, I was struck by the cozy atmosphere of the living room. A plush sofa for two sat invitingly in front of a wide TV, while four single sofas were arranged on either side, creating a comfortable seating area. A small glass cabinet underneath the TV showcased our collection of albums by our favorite artists.

In one corner of the room, a small hanging chair beckoned, accompanied by a bookshelf filled with our favorite novels and coffee table books. The dining room was adjacent to the living room, featuring a large round table that could easily seat our parents and us.

Moving further into the house, we entered the kitchen, which was simple yet functional. I could already imagine us cooking up a storm together, experimenting with new recipes and flavors.

As we made our way upstairs, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. We were heading to the master bedroom, our bedroom, and I had a feeling it was going to be just as beautiful as the rest of the house.

As we entered the room, I was taken aback by its elegance. The centerpiece of the room was a stunning California king bed, perfectly positioned in the middle of the room. The bed was inviting, with plush pillows and a comfortable-looking mattress that seemed to be calling my name.

On the right corner of the room was our spacious walk-in closet, where we could store all our clothes, shoes, and accessories. Next to the closet was a large mirror that doubled as a door to our bathroom. I loved the clever design, which added a touch of sophistication to the room.

On the left side of the room, a comfortable two-seated sofa sat invitingly, accompanied by a round table and a bookshelf tucked away in the corner. A TV was mounted on the wall, providing the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a long day.

But what really caught my attention was the balcony. I walked over to the sliding glass doors and pushed them open, stepping out onto the balcony. The view was breathtaking - I could see the entire garden, the fishpond, and even the rooftop area. It was the perfect spot to enjoy a quiet morning coffee or a romantic evening dinner.

I turned to Jarred, who was watching me with a smile on his face. "This is it," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "This is our little slice of heaven."

As I looked around our new home, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and happiness. This was it - our own little slice of heaven, where we could build our life together and create memories that would last a lifetime.

As we stood on the balcony, wrapped in each other's arms, the cool night air danced around us. Jarred's warm breath caressed my skin as he whispered, "I love you so much, love." His arms tightened around me, holding me close as he took a sip of wine.

I felt a flutter in my chest as he kissed my cheek, his lips sending shivers down my spine. I giggled, unable to help myself, and asked, "For what?"

Jarred's hug grew tighter, his voice filled with emotion. "For loving me. I couldn't imagine my life without you." His words touched my heart, and I reached up to caress his hand.

"I'm thankful to have a husband like you," I said, leaning my head back against his shoulder.

"Hinding-hindi kita iiwan, mahal," I whispered, promising to never leave him.

Jarred's response was a tender kiss on my skin, followed by a promise of his own. "Kahit kailan, kahit anong mangyari, sa 'yo lang ako maniniwala," he vowed, his words sealing our love forever.

As we exchanged promises, our lips met in a soft, gentle kiss. But as the moment deepened, our passion ignited, and our kiss grew more aggressive. In the blink of an eye, I found myself lying in our bed, naked and wrapped in Jarred's arms.

Our first night in our new home was a night of unbridled passion, our love shining brighter than ever. As we made love, our hearts beat as one, our love forever etched in the walls of our new home.