The Torn Contract

Find the love that comforts you,

A love that stays, constant and true,

Like a sky that is always blue.

I smiled genuinely as Rayana ended her vows in the video by reading a poem. I never expected her to end up with my cousin, Rhette—I honestly don't know how Rhette managed to charm my friend. But I’m happy for Rae. Even though Rhette acts like a fool sometimes, he knows how to take care of someone. Especially the one he loves.

I laughed when I saw Kuya Jace taking photos of his younger brother. Rhette was crying while watching their wedding video, even though some of the clips had been filmed just moments ago. The videographer Rhette hired didn't disappoint, either. The shots and photos were laid out beautifully.

“I heard it was edited by his friends,” Ollie suddenly remarked.

“Who?” I asked.

“The one who edited the wedding video. Apparently, he's a friend of your cousin from high school all the way through college.” I furrowed my brow at that. Aside from Ender and Hitaro, were there other friends I didn't know about? “What was his name again? I think it starts with the letter K, I just can’t remember if—”

“Kazuki! Man!”

Evelisse and Ollie both turned toward the back the moment they heard Rhette’s voice. Their jaws dropped as they watched the man Rhette went to greet. “Thank you, man! Really! It's such a good video. Good thing I could put your talent to use!” Rhette said with a playful laugh.

His friend laughed back. “You idiot!” I watched them exchange a quick bro-hug.

Olympia leaned toward the table, her eyes wide. “He's freaking hot, Jaslene! Why is this friend of Rhette only showing up now?! I’m asking Rae later! Does he have a brother? Maybe he can be set up with you!” I glared at Ollie, while Elsie just giggled beside her.

“Stop it, Olympia! You know I’m allergic to men.”

“As if! You’re the only single one left in our batch!” she added.

“Don’t you think it’s time to find a cure, Jaslene?” Elsie chimed in.

These fools! I just shook my head at my friends. Here they go again. That was why, when it was time for picture-taking with the bride and groom, Ollie immediately led me and planted me right next to her—specifically to place me right next to Rhette’s friend, whom we were seeing for the very first time.

“Sorry,” I whispered when I bumped into him. Because of the "invisible gap" Ollie kept insisting on, she kept pushing me closer even though there was already plenty of space.

“It’s fine, Miss Ma’am.”

Ollie grabbed my dress, stifling a laugh. “Stop it, Olympia,” I said when she pushed me again.

Ollie looked at me innocently. “Elsie said we need to adjust.”

“Huh?” Evelisse looked confused at the sound of her name. I caught Ollie widening her eyes at Elsie. Elsie then cleared her throat. “Sorry, Jas! There’s just no space over here.” She glanced at the man beside me. “Sorry.”

He chuckled. The hair on the back of my neck stood up at the sound of his laughter. When he was laughing with Rhette earlier, it didn't feel like this. Why did it sound so... s*xy?

My eyes widened as I realized what I was thinking. Get your head out of the clouds, Divina! I shook my head, but I was stunned when he suddenly spoke to me. “You okay, Miss Ma’am?”

I didn’t want to look at him. It was too embarrassing! He might think I’m losing my mind! I nodded without meeting his eyes. “I’m fine,” I answered shortly.

“Okay, everyone, let’s compress a little!” the photographer called out. I cleared my throat when Ollie pulled me close to her. “There! Sir, please move a little closer to Ma’am,” the photographer instructed the man beside me.

Following the photographer's request, Kazuki closed the gap between us. It felt like I had fallen into a trap. I was caught by his eyes—eyes that seemed to speak. The color of his eyes matched the exact shade of the green ink I often use for my paintings.

Green.

“Stay still! In 3, 2, 1—”

“Look at the camera, Miss Ma’am,” he whispered in my ear.

Startled, I looked straight ahead and flashed my sweetest smile.

“Next, the bride’s family, please!” the photographer called out, but the three of us stayed in our spots as Rayana had requested.

Evelisse, Olympia, Rayana, and I have been childhood best friends. People back in Cento Uno used to place bets on which of the four of us would get married first. The elders guessed it would be Olympia. Ollie used to just laugh it off.

But look at how playful the world is—the one we least expected to settle down early was the first to go. And with my cousin, of all people!

Rae and Rhette used to fight like cats and dogs. I won't deny that Rhette was known for being a womanizer. Rayana, on the other hand, was well-known for being polite, pretty, and brainy. Even in the smallest details, the two were worlds apart. I can't blame our elementary teachers for being shocked that these two ended up together.

If I’m not mistaken, Rayana even stabbed Rhette with a pencil back in Grade Five. I just never imagined they would develop feelings for each other in college. No wonder Rhette was always visiting Manila; you’d think he was just headed to the market to buy soy sauce.

But you can see the effort. Yes, Rhette may have been a "bad boy" before, but I never expected that only Rayana could soften his edges.

“Before anything else, of course, we also want to hear what our groom’s cousin has to say. May we call Ms. Divina Jaslene for her speech?” I nearly spat out my Pepsi when my name was called.

Confused, I looked toward the front. And of course! From the expressions on the newlyweds' faces, I knew this was their doing.

“Go! Jaslene!” Ollie cheered, as if my walk to the front was a march into battle.

Well, I feel it kinda looks that way to me. I hate crowds. I absolutely hate being the center of attention.

“Wow! Our groom’s cousin is absolutely stunning!” the flamboyant emcee exclaimed.

“She’s still available! To anyone interested!” Rhette chimed in. I shot him a death glare as he shamelessly started playing matchmaker again.

“You’ve got to get through me first!” added Kuya Axsel, my second oldest brother. The guests erupted in laughter. I pressed a hand to my forehead, walking toward the front.

“I see! It looks like there are many who want to court her, but they have to court the older brothers first!”

The guests laughed again. I looked away, fixing my gaze on a pot of bougainvillea off to the side, thinking I was safe. But I regretted it instantly when I saw him leaning right there, those green eyes already waiting for me. He smiled, and I had to look away before I forgot my own name.

“Alright, Ma’am Divina, the floor is yours,” the emcee sa