Inside the newlyweds’ car, Ashley was quiet. She sat at the far end, away from her new husband. She wasn’t sure where they were going or how long it would take them to get there. She decided to feign sleep so she could avoid talking to him. She leaned against the seat and closed her eyes. Tanaga saw right through the ruse, but he let her have her peace. He sat staring at his lovely new bride, lost in deep thought.
Ashley’s mind was in turmoil. Everything was surreal. She couldn’t believe how much her life had changed in such a short time. She’d had a simple life in the Philippines. Suddenly everything had flipped one hundred and eighty degrees. Ashley’s family had never had much money, and suddenly she was the wife of a billionaire. Even though she may only be his wife by name, still, she’s his wife.
Ashley thought of her family, and suddenly she remembered her phone. She opened her eyes and looked at Tanaga. She was about to ask him for her phone, but suddenly his phone buzzed. Ashley faked sleep again. She didn’t realize how tired she actually was. Soon she gave in to the fatigue and was no longer pretending. Tanaga noticed Ashley’s breathing had deepened.
"Hold your thoughts for a moment." He said to the person on the other line. He realized Ashley had actually fallen asleep and had done so in an uncomfortable position. He gently moved her so that her head could now rest on his shoulder so she could rest more comfortably. Making sure that she would not wake, he returned to the business he was handling on the phone.
"So, you’re telling me you met a Filipina in America, and you married her? Wait, how did you get married? Never mind, We’ll talk about it later." Jeff said, realizing it may very well be a long story. Jeff was Tanaga’s best friend and business partner in the Philippines.
"Why don’t you come to have dinner with me tonight on my yacht? Your jet could have you here in a couple of hours." Tanaga offered.
"I can’t. I’m going to see my grandfather. He’s in the hospital. That’s why I had to come back so urgently. Maybe next time."Jeff said.
Tanaga and his friend continued talking about business until the car finally reached the private pier where Tanaga’s yacht was anchored. It was the largest yacht in all of Asia. The second-largest happened to be owned by Jeff. The friends said their goodbyes.
When Ashley didn’t wake, Tanaga decided to carry her. He stepped out of the car and slowly scooped Ashley up in his arms. The driver waited beside him, ready in case his boss needed his assistance. When he headed towards the yacht with Ashley in his arms, he was surprised to see his butler standing on the deck, a big smile on his face.
"Congratulations, Sir! May you both be blessed with many children to come!" Then he bowed to Tanaga is a sign of respect. The other crew members and employees on board did the same. They all lowered their heads as Tanaga walked through, proudly carrying his beautiful new wife.
The butler mischievously smiled to himself, thinking of what he had prepared for the couple.
[Hmmm...Do you want to try and guess what the meddling butler has in store for the couple? It went so well the last time he planned something for them. Any idea what it could be? Hahaha! Next time...]