Chapter 126 - Can't Thank You Enough

After everyone was ushered into their seats and the tables were filled with drinks, the master of the ceremony came up and announced the formal opening of the program. Invocation followed and in the huge screen appeared the replica of Allyza in her maiden voyage as it sailed gracefully through the sparkling blue water. The piano instrumentals which flowed out into the atmosphere stirred up once more the supposedly calmed-down turbulence inside Allie's heart since it was one of her collections titled, "Lead Me, Lord".

A song made famous in the Philippines by Gary Valenciano, it was one of her collections she often played everytime she felt alone, confused and dejected.

It was obviously chosen by Ajie. He knew exactly where to touch her since the song would surely remind her of the days when they started dreaming about designing a ship.

While she bowed down her head in silent prayer, allowing the music to fill her empty soul and soothe her pain-stricken soul, her tears came dripping down. Hayri saw her and he tightened his hold across her shoulders to comfort her.

As the master of the ceremony in his gleeful tone gave his introduction by congratulating Ajie and AJ&J Builders, he also included the second highlight of the party which intensified the uneasiness Ajie felt inside. How he hoped he could just ran away from this, yet, he also didn't want to disappoint the people who supported him in achieving his dreams, especially Mr. Lopez.

"We are so fortunate tonight that we are chosen to witness, not only the ceremonial ship launching and inauguration, but also in the pledging of two hearts in love to join their souls for a lifetime..." rang the resonant and energetic voice of the master of the ceremony.

The people gave a round of applause and the camera was focused on Jane who gave out a polite smile while her hand reached out to clasp it with Ajie. The camera man must have been briefed by Ajie ahead since he didn't dare to capture his reaction in a closed focus as he winced in discomfort. He just smiled weakly, nodded and looked down. He tried so hard to conceal the turmoil inside his heart but those people who were closed to him, especially Jane, understood him very well.

Out in the corner of the table, Leo shivered in guilt. His lips turned pale and his blood seemed to drain out from his face the moment the master of the ceremony mentioned about the engagement. He was haunted with guilt for a long time already but even until this time, he still could not gather the courage to tell the truth. Issa noticed his restlessness and she reached out to touch his forehead and at the sides of his neck to check for his temperature.

"Not feeling well?" she asked, looking up at him with glints of worries in her eyes. She had always known him as a fit man and his sudden discomfort alarmed her.

"I'm just perhaps overjoyed with the success of our son," he lied.

Even to his wife he couldn't muster a sense of bravery to confess. He just couldn't imagine the wrath of the Lopez's, especially Mrs. Lopez who underwent a major depressive disorder due to Ajie's loss. He also could not face his son for depriving him of the abundant life he should have started to enjoy with his true family when he was younger.

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The program came to the point where Ajie was called up to the stage for an interview. He stood up and before he turned towards the direction of the stairs, he looked at Jane with tender eyes and the latter understood what he meant. He was afraid that he might lose his emotional control and that he might hurt her. Of all the people surrounding him, only Jane understood him without condemning, even to the extent of hurting her with the honesty of his feelings. She was more of a true friend for him and that would be a remarkable attribute of her to become his wife. Even with the high hopes of reconciling with Allie, in case his plan would never work out, at least he knew Jane would be a good lifetime companion. Yet, as long as they were yet unmarried, he would still go on with the hope.

"Sir Adrian, how do you feel as the builder and designer of the world's largest and most luxurious ship?"

"Very happy and grateful of the people who inspire me to become one."

"If you don't mind, can you please enumerate the names of the person involved?"

"Above all, glory be to God who grants me the success. Without him, my life and this dream is nothing. Next are my parents who first prayed for my success, who first planned to give me a good education..." he said as he glanced up at his parents who were watching him with great pride.

"Next, is my wife. She's the one who first shared the details of the dream with me. She laid out her wild ideas which all came into reality and most of all, she's the one who first believe in me and my ability, " Ajie paused as he glanced at Allie who was also staring up at him.

Tears started to glisten in his eyes as he looked at her with longing to have her back in his arms. Then, he went ahead.

"Back then, we both dreamed to celebrate our success during the maiden voyage of this ship but sad to say, some things in life are not meant for us."

He paused and took a deep breath, trying with all his might to hold back the breaking of his defenses. Somehow, no matter how much he tried to stay strong, drops of tears escaped and he wiped it away with his fingers. It took some moments before he continued and a deep silence ruled the hall.

"Another is Mr. Lopez, his trust and faith in me, made me become what I am today. To think, I was just a stranger when we first met. He made everything easy and possible for me. I just couldn't thank him enough."

Mr. Lopez waved a hand, his grin was so wide that it almost reached out to both of his ears. He smiled back and bowed, acknowledging the great respect he had for him.

"And I would never forget to mention Dr. Jane who shares all my troubles as I went through all the processes of accomplishing my goals. I can't thank her enough also for patiently bearing with me."