The Mistake Painful

Chapter I

Princess Psalm Jaxeen's POV

"Daddy!" I called out as I ran towards him. He stopped walking and waited for me.

"Yes, (my child)?" he asked, putting an arm around me as we walked together into the hospital.

"Can we talk about what happened between Llishan and me, Daddy?" I asked, my voice hesitant. He stopped and looked at me, making me instinctively bow my head. Daddy knows how much I love Mc Llishan.

"What about it?" he asked seriously.

"It's been a year, Daddy, and nothing has changed," I complained. I wasn't happy because the man I love isn't happy being with me.

"You're a woman, Princess Psalm, and something happened between you two. He has to take responsibility. Is that so hard to understand?" he said sternly.

"But, Dad..." I started to protest, but he shook his head.

"No more 'buts'!" he warned.

"Daddy, let's just let him go. I'll move on," I pleaded, but he kept walking, ignoring me.

"Daddy!"

"Daddy!" I ran after him. He shook his head again, not wanting me to be at a disadvantage simply because I'm a woman.

"Please, Daddy!" I begged, following him wherever he went.

"I'm begging you, Daddy... Help me because... he's hurting."

"P-Please... Daddy?" I stammered, still trying to convince him. He finally stopped and looked at me with concern. No parent wants to see their child in pain, I thought.

My daddy is my first love, and I love him dearly. He raised me with unconditional love, and I can see his concern as a father in his eyes. I'm lucky to have him, and I wouldn't ask for more.

"Alright, fine," he said, relenting, which made me smile because I could now give my husband what he wanted.

"I'll give him his freedom, but they'll have to forget that the name 'De-Gracia' was ever associated with them," he added, leaving me speechless.

"Once is enough for a wise person, my dear daughter," he said as he patted my right shoulder. I sighed because I knew I couldn't persuade my daddy about Llishan's wishes. This was one thing I didn't like about the situation between us-my father's friendship with Llishan's father was nearly ruined because Daddy insisted that Llishan take responsibility. Mc Llishan agreed to marry me, even though it was against his will.

"Alright, Dad," I replied, giving him a kiss and a tight hug. He hugged me back and kissed my forehead, making me close my eyes.

"Take care, anak. Always remember that we love you!" he said. I no longer have a driver since Bella, my lively friend, is no longer with me. I've learned to do things on my own now.

"Bye, Daddy. I love you too!" I said as I turned away from him. I heard him call back, so I turned again and blew him a flying kiss.

Today, our team is offering a free check-up at the PNP camp, as our Medical Team is under contract to serve as their doctors before they undergo training, especially for the new recruits.

I freshened up, applying some makeup so I wouldn't look pale. I brushed my shoulder-length hair and tied it up, knowing it would get hot later in the hall. I smiled, checked my reflection in the mirror, and put on some perfume.

I grabbed my lab gown, removed my wedding ring from my finger, and got out of the car. I was wearing a V-neck sleeveless tank tucked into high-waisted pants, just the way I like it-comfortable, yet stylish.

"Doctora De-Gracia?" someone called from behind, making me turn.

"Captain De Jesus?" I greeted with a smile, nodding at him.

"You look great!" he said in admiration as he walked towards me.

"Thanks," I replied with a slight smile.

I put on my lab gown, and we walked together to the training hall, which was also where he needed to go. I could already see my colleagues setting up the equipment, and it seemed I was the only one they were waiting for. Other officers were busy, with some already lining up while others were completing their forms.

"Sorry for being late," I apologized to my team.

"It's fine, we understand," Dr. Henry, the head of our team, kindly replied.

A few minutes later, we began our work, particularly checking the officers' health status, both internal and external, especially regarding their skin.

We all know that skin is the largest organ of the body, and for men in uniform, it's essential to keep it in good condition. Various skin conditions, like Lichen Simplex Chronicus, Urticaria, and itching, can affect their performance. As doctors, we provide them with the necessary treatments. There were quite a few of them, so we didn't notice the time passing.

I love my profession because it makes me happy to help others. My back was soaked with sweat due to the heat, and the hall was packed to its capacity, making it hard for air to circulate. But I didn't mind, as our job was to serve people, and everything was organized despite the heat.

I wiped the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand. I think they forgot to bring the stand fan, which made it even hotter. Someone placed a bottle of water beside me, but I was too busy filling out a police officer's form to notice.

"Doctora, water?" Captain De Jesus offered, making me look up.

I smiled and nodded, as I was already parched, barely able to swallow. He opened the bottle and handed it to me like a true gentleman. I put down my stethoscope and took the water he offered, drinking it gratefully.

"Thank you!" I said softly afterward.

"You're welcome," he replied with a smile and a playful wink before walking away. I didn't pay much attention to him as I focused on my work again.

"On vacation, is your girlfriend?" I overheard Captain De Jesus ask someone, but I ignored it and stayed focused on my task.

"She went home to Siargao."

I recognized that voice. I wasn't sure how long he had been there, but I began to sweat more. I took a deep breath, remembering what he had said before: that I should ignore him whenever we're in camp. So, I quickly finished what I was writing and got back to work.

Once we were done, I placed my stethoscope around my neck and took another sip of water, looking for some fresh air. Dr. Henry approached me, wiping sweat from his forehead with a smile.

I hurriedly left the office where we had eaten when I heard my name being called, so I turned around. I was no longer wearing my lab gown because I was about to go home.

"Yes, Captain?" I asked De Jesus, who had called me. Don't tell me he took his dad's joke about us going on a date seriously.

"Major Sanchez wants to talk to you," he said, frowning. But of course, being the soft person that I am, I waited for him outside.

"Follow me to my office!" he commanded sternly, walking past me, so I followed him.

We've been under contract with the PNP as their medical team for a long time, but I've never been to Mc's office because I knew I wasn't welcome, and I already knew the reason. I entered his office but didn't sit in front of his desk yet because he hadn't invited me to, and it would be embarrassing if I took the initiative.

"Have a seat," he commanded seriously, so I quickly sat down.

"Thank you, Major," I replied. We still have to remain professional in all matters.

"Next time, if you have a free medical session here, don't wear a V-neck sleeveless top," he scolded me. I glanced at my outfit because it wasn't inappropriate, and it suited me.

"I was wearing my lab gown," I said seriously.

"Don't argue. You don't have a large enough chest to wear something like that. No one here will find you attractive because it doesn't suit you," he retorted. My eyes widened at what he said. Mind your own business, I thought, but he just gave me a stern look.

"Wear a t-shirt next time. There are plenty at home," he said without much enthusiasm.

"Fine," I agreed, standing up.

"We'll talk at home," he added, but I didn't respond because I knew he wouldn't come home.

"I'll be going now," I said goodbye, glancing at a picture of him and AZ. I ignored the pain it caused because what could I do? I had to accept it and pretend like everything was fine, even though nothing would change.

I quickly headed to my car and went to see AJ. I'd check on him and hang out there for a while.

FLASHBACK...

I don't know what happened. I just woke up one day, and I had destroyed a relationship that I didn't mean to.

I woke up with someone lying on top of me, and I was shocked to see that the person I had always dreamed of was beside me. I moved slightly and winced because I felt pain in the center of my body, and my whole body ached too. I couldn't remember much, but I was happy, of course.

"Yes, he got me... He loves me," I said excitedly, getting up slowly. I walked with a limp and headed to my walk-in closet with a smile on my face. I couldn't believe what had happened between us. It felt so good that I smiled while searching for a t-shirt to wear. I decided to take a picture of Mc Llishan while he was sleeping.

I'll take Llishan's picture while he's sleeping, I thought as I left the room. This will be my proof, so I quickly transferred the photo to my laptop. I wasn't satisfied with just that, so I sent it to my dad's email account. I messaged him, saying that something had happened between me and Mc Llishan and that he loved me, even though that wasn't true.

I headed to the kitchen to cook us breakfast because I was so happy. I couldn't stop smiling while cooking. I also made coffee because my head hurt from the drinking the night before. I tried to remember, but I couldn't, so I just let it go, as my mind said. I saw him head to the

To Be Continued.....

Chapter 2

living room, so I quickly approached him.

"Good morning, Babz," I greeted him sweetly, hugging him tightly. I noticed he didn't hug me back, so I looked up to see his reaction.

"What happened?" he asked seriously, moving slightly away from me. I started to panic and get confused. He doesn't remember what happened? So, neither of us remembers? My mind bombarded me with questions.

"Y-You don't remember anything?" I asked nervously.

"I wouldn't be asking if I did!" he replied seriously.

"S-Something happened between us," I stuttered, because that was the truth. I wasn't lying, even if I couldn't remember everything. Something definitely happened between us. Period.

"Are you sure something happened between us?" he asked. He didn't believe that something had happened between us? My mind was in disbelief. I suddenly burst into tears because it was a mistake, even though he was my first. I knew he wouldn't take responsibility because I knew who he was.

"I wouldn't touch a woman I don't love!" he said angrily. I knew that because he was a man of principles. I thought he loved me because something happened between us, but we were both just drunk and couldn't remember anything.

"This is a mistake!" I said, sitting down on the sofa. I had a big problem because I told my dad something had happened between me and Llishan, and I even had proof.

"AZ is my girlfriend, and she's the only one I love, Psalm. Do you understand? So don't try to trap me!" he said firmly.

"I-I didn't know... And I-I'm not trying to trap you," I sobbed in defense of myself.

"I'm sorry if that's what you think," I apologized, leaving it to my dad because it was too late, and I couldn't take it back. But what about me? my mind asked.

He left without even saying goodbye, and I cried and cried. I grabbed my phone and called my dad. I wanted to take back what I had said earlier because I didn't want to hurt anyone, and I realized I was wrong. I thought he loved me. I thought the person I had prayed for since we were kids finally loved me, but I was wrong, and maybe it would always just remain a dream.

"D-Daddy?" I called him, crying. I couldn't stop my tears because the pain was too much.

"Come home, and we'll talk," he replied seriously. I took a deep breath and wiped my tears.

"O-Okay, Daddy," I said before ending the call. I took a shower and got ready. I put on some makeup to hide the fact that I had been crying.

When I got home, I walked inside, and to my surprise, I saw my dad sitting with Uncle Mc and Auntie Faith.

"Sit down, Princess, and let's wait for Mc Llishan," my dad said sternly. I looked at him and shook my head.

"Daddy, please, don't!" I pleaded.

"Don't continue with whatever you're planning. I'm sorry, but I'm fine. I was wrong, Daddy. I was wrong, Mommy," I tried to convince my parents, but they just looked at me.

"M-Mom... This is embarrassing for the Sanchez family," I said, looking at Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez, who were watching me.

"Mommy, please? Listen to me," I pleaded with my mom, but they just looked at Mc Llishan's parents.

"I'm sorry, Uncle. I made a mistake," I apologized.

"Let's wait for my son, Jaxeen," General Sanchez replied, but I shook my head.

"D-Daddy... please?" I begged, but my dad just looked at me. Sadly, I couldn't change his mind. I took a deep breath and lowered my head because there was nothing more I could do. Soon, Mc Llishan arrived.

"Mommy, Daddy," he greeted his parents. I didn't look up because I didn't want to see the anger in his eyes toward me

"Aunt, Uncle, good afternoon," he greeted my mom and dad. I looked at him and saw him kiss my mom.

"Why were you gone so long?" his mom asked.

"I'm with AZ, and he's in the car right now."

"We just stopped by because you said you needed to talk to me," he answered casually.

"My Princess sent me this photo and said something happened between you two last night?" my dad asked seriously, looking at Llishan. I glanced at him, and our eyes met. I swallowed hard as I saw the anger in his eyes.

"Now, break up with your girlfriend and marry my daughter," my dad commanded sternly.

"Daddy!" I scolded him.

"Why would I do that?" he asked my dad seriously.

"I won't marry your daughter! I don't love her!" Mc Llishan angrily responded, causing my dad to stand up.

"We have nothing more to discuss, Sanchez. You may leave," my dad ordered seriously and turned his back on us.

"Llishan, marry Jaxeen!" General Sanchez said, making all of us look at him.

"Please, uncle, don't force it because he doesn't love..."

"I know what you're thinking. I'll let him marry your daughter," my uncle interrupted, cutting me off. This is all so wrong.

"Good!" my dad replied.

"You may leave now," my dad dismissed them.

Llishan approached me and dragged me out of the house. In his anger, he didn't care if he was hurting me as he pulled me along.

"What were you thinking? Why did you tell them something happened between us?!" he shouted at me.

"Are you out of your mind?!" he yelled, running his hands through his hair in frustration.

"I thought you loved me because of what happened between us," I replied.

"JESUS CHRIST, PSALM!" he shouted angrily, causing me to step back.

"Love?" he asked.

"Am I your boyfriend for you to expect me to love you?" he shouted, and I shook my head.

"See! Don't expect me to love you because it won't happen. Fix this mess, Princess Psalm, because if we end up married, I will never forgive you!" he said before leaving me speechless.

I quickly ran inside the house, rushing to my parents' room. I cried in their arms, pleading.

"Daddy, please!" I begged him.

"Let him go. This is too painful, Daddy. I don't want this anymore. Maybe it's better if we just remain friends, like when we were kids," I said.

"Let them decide for themselves, my child," he replied.

"Mommy, please?" I turned to my mom, but she just stroked my hair and wiped away my tears.

"I love you," she said softly.

"Daddy... Daddy," I cried, burying my face in his chest.

"Shh! You will be happy someday," my dad said, and I poured all my pain into him. Daddy has always been my comfort zone since I was young because I've always been a daddy's girl.

"Let's just let him go. AJ is here... I can manage," I said.

"But you're a girl, my child. I know Llonard, and he won't tolerate what happened between you and Llishan. One of Llonard's principles is that no woman should be wronged."

"I won't marry someone who doesn't love me because I'll only end up miserable," I insisted while my dad tried to comfort me.

"Your Uncle Frank said love is a choice," my dad replied, making me lift my head to look at him.

"But I don't want to hurt others, Daddy. I'd rather be the one in pain than cause others to suffer."

"Everything happens for a reason, my child," he said gently. I couldn't change their minds anymore.

It was embarrassing to the Sanchez family, but there was nothing I could do because our parents had already agreed. After a week, Mc Llishan and I were married quietly, as he requested. He didn't want anyone to know we were married, and I agreed just to end it all.

I admit it hurt, but I just closed my eyes and took deep breaths, especially when he refused to wear our wedding ring. It broke my heart, but there was nothing I could do. This is my reality, and I must face the consequences.

We lived in his newly built house near Bachelor Home, but he was always busy and often went back for training due to his promotion. I was frequently alone in the house.

I did everything I could and knew I was wrong, so I apologized to his girlfriend for what happened. It was the right thing to do. I explained everything, but it didn't matter.

"I'm sorry," I apologized.

"I was drunk," I said.

"You knew we were together, right?" she asked, and I nodded.

"I'm sorry again," I said.

"I promise I won't get in your way. Please don't break up with him."

"I'm begging you. Llishan has loved you since childhood; we were just both drunk, and our parents overreacted."

"Do you really think I'd break up with him?" she asked, laughing.

"He already told you that you're only married on paper, Psalm. He doesn't love you; he loves me!" she angrily said.

"I know. I know," I replied.

"I'm sorry," I said, but she just shook her head.

"I hope you can forgive me."

"I'm leaving now, thank you," I said, bowing to her out of respect.

From that moment on, I no longer expected Mc Llishan to love me. Since childhood, I had always been hoping for something that would never happen.

"I was hoping that he would come to my 18th birthday. I even prepared a song since I had rehearsed it with AJ to make sure everything was perfect. I wanted to sing to him while we danced, as he was supposed to be one of my 18 roses. But he let me down-he didn't show up and ignored me because he said he had to take care of AZ..."

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3

I was roused from sleep by a light tapping on my cheek. I groaned, disappointed that I had been pulled from a pleasant dream, a nostalgic journey into my past.

"Were you dreaming?" he asked, which made me automatically open my eyes and stretch, trying to fully wake up.

"Thank you," I replied and got up from the other bed beside his.

"How are you feeling?" I asked as I approached him. I pulled up a chair and sat in front of him.

"I'm okay now," he replied softly, lying back down but still facing me. I gently stroked his hair as I gazed at his calm face.

"Thank you for fighting for my life," he said tenderly.

"Why won't you let me love you?" I asked, but he only smiled. If only I could teach my heart to love him, I would. But it just wasn't possible.

"Love me like an older brother or a friend, because I can't give you the kind of love you want," he said seriously, pinching my chin playfully. I smiled and nodded in response.

I took care of him, staying a while so he knew he wasn't alone in his battle. I wouldn't give up on him, even if his condition worsened, and I believed he still had a long life ahead.

"I-I'm dying," he said sadly, making me look away. He touched my cheek, and I quickly grabbed his hand, squeezing it.

"You know that, Princess Psalm," he said, his emotions weak and fragile. I shook my head, determined to find a way to extend his life as long as his body remained functional.

"I won't let you die. You know that too," I said firmly, standing up and kissing his forehead.

"You're my best friend. You replaced him when he broke his promise to me. I love you, AJ," I said.

"Don't deceive yourself, Princess. Thank you so much for being here with me and for loving me as your brother," he replied.

"Thank you, too, for always being there for me," I said.

"I love you so much, Princess Psalm, but I can't let you love me back as your man," he said emotionally, stroking my face as he often did. I closed my eyes as tears fell from his beautiful eyes. I wiped them with my thumb and smiled, knowing there was hope as long as the future remained.

"I declare healing for you, AJ, which is why I'm fighting for you," I said firmly.

"Thank you for loving me. Thank you for staying with me, even when it's been so painful," I said, my voice heavy with sorrow. His arms had always been a refuge for me, where I cried out all my pain, and he never left my side.

He is my greatest love, but fate never wrote our story together. We remained best friends because we both knew that's where we were meant to be. He knew every detail of how I was hurt and how I hoped for nothing. He's the reason I fight, because I'm afraid of losing him. He's the only one who has loved me without hurting me or making empty promises. He kept his promises, unlike others who broke theirs.

"You'll always be here," he said, placing my hand over his chest. I smiled and kissed his forehead.

"Thank you," I replied, ruffling his hair.

If I could transfer my love for him, I would, but he won't let me love him the way I loved Llishan. He knows he can't give me the kind of everlasting love I need because he's fighting only for me. He's fighting for his promise, but isn't fate unfair? Love is always a choice, and I'm ready to love him, but he can't reciprocate. I want to move on from the past. I want to stop hurting, to be numb. I want peace, without the guilt of having hurt others because, to this day, I still carry that blame.

I want so much, but there are two things that can't coexist, even though they both exist in this world. If only I could wish for AJ, but it's not possible. My phone rang, so I stood up and took it out of my bag before answering.

"Hello," I answered calmly.

"Where are you?!" the voice on the other end demanded angrily, though he was trying to hold back. I could sense the frustration in his voice and his heavy breathing.

"Let's sleep. It's already midnight," AJ urged, making me even more flustered.

"Wow," the caller laughed sarcastically before falling silent. I thought he wouldn't say anything else, but then he yelled, startling me.

"Psalm Jaxeen!" he shouted, unable to contain his anger.

"Your husband has been waiting for you and going crazy looking for you, while you're flirting with another man."

"B*llshit!" he yelled before hanging up.

"How rude," I muttered, lowering my phone.

"Jealous?" AJ teased, turning on his side.

"Go home tomorrow. It's late," he said.

"Alright," I agreed, just as the door to the private room opened and Dr. PJ walked in.

"Working the night shift?" I asked with a smile, stretching my arms while still seated.

"Yes," he answered briefly as he adjusted AJ's IV.

"Want to ride with me?" he asked seriously.

"Can I?" I replied.

"I'm heading home after this," he said with a nod.

"Sure," I agreed.

"Let's go, but first we'll stop by the nursery," he said, standing up. I said my goodbyes to AJ and to his mother, who had been watching over him. I saw her move to the bed I had been lying on before I closed the door.

After visiting the nursery, I felt more at ease. Let Mc Llishan be angry with me; I knew he wouldn't come home anyway.

"Where are you going?" I asked as we drove.

"Home," he replied briefly, focused on the road.

"Where should I drop you off?" he asked, glancing at me.

"Just take me home," I said, knowing Llishan was there. I thought he wouldn't come home, so I wasn't planning to return either. The hospital had become my home ever since he became busy and indifferent toward me.

"How's your research going, sis?" my brother asked, making me look at him.

"Aaron Job's cancer cells are spreading," he said.

"I'm doing everything I can," I replied, knowing the end was near despite all the medications he was receiving. It was fortunate his body was still responding to treatment.

"Thanks for the ride," I said as I got out of the car. I swallowed hard when I saw Llishan leaning against the door, his expression unreadable. So, he can wait, I thought to myself. I approached him and lowered my head, not bothering to greet him since he wouldn't respond.

"I'm sorry I'm late," I apologized. He grabbed my arm and pulled me inside the house.

"Where have you been?!" he yelled angrily.

"Are you still not going to break up with that guy?!" he shouted.

"AJ and I aren't in a relationship," I defended myself.

"LIAR!" he yelled, making me take a step back. But he quickly grabbed my arm again, dragging me up the stairs. I had never seen him this angry before.

"Don't you dare hurt my sister! I swear, you won't see her again!" PJ threatened him, and we both froze. Llishan immediately let go of me.

"PJ," I called to my brother.

"She was at my hospital," he informed Llishan, telling the truth.

"Aaron was hospitalized, so she was there, with us and his mother."

"Go home. It's already morning!" Llishan snapped at PJ before heading upstairs. I watched him go, then glanced at PJ, who just shrugged and smiled at me.

"I have to go. Goodnight," he said as he approached me, even though I was halfway up the stairs. He kissed my forehead, making me close my eyes. I was so blessed to have a loving brother.

"Thank you, and goodnight to you too," I said.

I went upstairs and headed to our room. Yes, we shared a room and slept beside each other whenever he was home.

I opened the door quietly and slipped inside. I was surprised to see him sitting up, leaning against the headboard, staring at me.

"I-I'm sorry," I apologized, leaning against the door. He just glared at me, making me lower my head. Earlier, he was serious, but now his gaze was so intense it felt like he was ready to devour me.

"I told you earlier that we needed to talk, didn't I?" he asked, still glaring.

"I-I thought... Mmm... I thought you weren't..."

" he yelled, throwing a pillow in front of him. I was terrified and pressed myself against the door, afraid he might hurt me. But deep down, I believed he wouldn't physically harm a woman. He must have seen how scared I was because he calmed down a little.

"So, when I don't come home, you don't come home either?" he asked angrily. I quickly shook my head.

"it's just that I stayed out late today," I explained.

"Coming home is the issue, Psalm, not staying out late," he said seriously.

"And it's not late anymore; it's morning," he corrected, flopping down onto the bed in frustration.

"Go to sleep, and maybe I'll stop disturbing your sleep with your lover,"

To Be Continued..