Beef
The plan was simple: Fly to New York. Get married. Go home like nothing happened.
No extravagant ballrooms. No high society spectacle. No media circus.
Just them, their families, and Liv because, let’s be real, there was no way Liv was going to miss this. She is basically their matchmaker.
The venue? A breathtaking penthouse overlooking the New York skyline. A setting straight out of a dream. Floor to ceiling windows revealed the city bathed in golden twilight, while soft string lights wove through elegant floral arrangements. Candles flickered along the pathway leading to the altar, casting a warm glow over the intimate gathering. The crisp evening air carried the distant hum of the city below, yet up here, it was a world of their own. It was timeless, sophisticated, and—despite the grandeur of the location—felt entirely theirs.
The atmosphere? Intimate. Elegant. Timeless. A love story written in lights and whispered vows.
Except…
Rafa and Liv were being their usual selves.
Liv adjusted her dress, eyes gleaming as she nudged Rafa. “So, who do you think’s going to cry first?”
Rafa smirked. “Adrielle. She’s a walking emotions department.”
Liv scoffed. “Are you kidding? Cassandra might act all ‘I’m a composed CEO,’ but the moment Adrielle starts speaking, she’s done for.”
Rafa grinned. “Bet?”
Liv held out a hand. “Five hundred dollars.”
Rafa shook it. “Make it a thousand.”
Liv laughed. “Wow. Confident.”
Rafa winked. “I know my sister. You’re going to be a thousand dollars poorer in a few minutes.”
Cassandra took a deep breath, smoothing down the pleats of her ethereal gown as she stepped toward the aisle. The silk flowed with her every movement, the structured floral detail resting perfectly on her shoulder. She was elegance personified. She was in control.
Until the music started.
Her eyes snapped up, narrowing at the doors behind her, where Adrielle was still hidden. The first soft notes of You Are the Reason played, just as planned—
Then abruptly cut off.
Instead, the unmistakable intro of I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing by Aerosmith filled the room, the soft piano melody drawing chuckles from their guests.
Cassandra exhaled through her nose. Of course.
Heartfelt? Yes. But a facepalm moment? Absolutely.
She caught Liv biting her lip to keep from laughing, while Rafa outright chuckled, mouthing, “That’s so Adrielle.”
Cassandra sighed but couldn’t help the small smile creeping onto her lips. This was exactly who Adrielle was—dramatic, ridiculous, and completely, hopelessly in love with her.
And damn it, she loved her too.
With each step, her gaze locked onto the altar. Every teasing moment, every battle of wits, every challenge they had thrown at each other had led to this.
By the time she reached the altar, her heart was racing, but she refused to let any emotions spill over. Not yet.
Then the doors opened.
The soft melody of Weak by Will Gittens and Lorea played.
Cassandra inhaled sharply. Adrielle.
Adrielle stepped forward, radiant in her asymmetrical gown that fit her like a dream. The city lights framed her perfectly, but Cassandra only saw the playful glint in her eyes—the unspoken Got you.
Rafa and Liv exchanged looks.
Rafa whispered, “Look at Cassandra’s face. She’s about to crack.”
Liv smirked. “Patience, my friend. The vows will finish her.”
And they did.
Cassandra was the first to speak.
She took a breath, steadying herself. “Adrielle, you drive me crazy. You are chaos wrapped in the most infuriating, wonderful, brilliant person I have ever met. You challenge me in ways no one else dares to. You call me out when I need it, push me beyond my limits, and remind me that life isn’t just about winning—it’s about feeling. Loving. And no matter how much we bicker, no matter how much we fight, there is no one else who can match me the way you do.”
She hesitated. The words were heavy on her tongue, but Adrielle knew. She reached out, gently squeezing Cassandra’s hand.
Cassandra’s voice softened. “I love you, Adrielle Elise Hidalgo. And I will keep choosing you. Always.”
Adrielle swallowed hard, her teasing grin faltering just for a moment.
Then it was her turn.
“You’re my first, my last, and my only. You drive me absolutely insane, Cassandra. You challenge me, you push me, and somehow, you make me want to be better—just to keep up with you. But most of all, you love me. Through every ridiculous moment, through every argument, through every impossibly stubborn moment, you love me. And I love you. That’s all I ever need.”
Cassandra, blinking rapidly, lost the battle. She exhaled sharply, her eyes betraying every single emotion she had been trying to hold back. A single tear slipped down her cheek.
Liv turned to Rafa, smug. “A pleasure doing business with you.”
Rafa, grumbling, pulled out his phone and made a transfer.
Adrielle, fully aware, leaned in with a smirk and whispered to Cassandra, “Told you I’d win.”
Cassandra, furiously wiping her tears, scowled. “Shut up and kiss me.”
The reception was a mix of elegance and chaos—the perfect reflection of them.
Liv stood up to give her speech, clearing her throat. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today not just to celebrate love, but also to witness the rare occasion of Cassandra Min Sy voluntarily admitting she has feelings.”
Laughter erupted.
Cassandra groaned. “Liv, I swear—”
Liv grinned. “Now, I’ve seen these two bicker like an old married couple since business school. It was inevitable, really. But watching them today, watching the way Cassandra looks at Adrielle like she hung the stars, and Adrielle looking back like Cassandra is the stars, I can confidently say, they were always meant to be.”
Silence fell for a beat before the applause.
The night was filled with stolen kisses, whispered jokes, and loving glances. At one point, Adrielle pulled Cassandra to the dance floor, swaying gently as the city lights glimmered around them.
“You know,” Adrielle murmured, “for all our competition, I think we both won today.”
Cassandra smirked, pulling her closer. “I’ll let you have that, just this once.”
Laughter, love, and a future stretching endlessly before them.
Forever. And neither of them would have it any other way.
They didn’t fly home after the wedding. Instead, they had a cover story—a “business trip” to Europe. In reality? A disgustingly romantic honeymoon in Lake Como, Italy.
The villa Cassandra booked was nothing short of breathtaking. Nestled along the edge of the lake, it had panoramic views of the shimmering water, floor to ceiling windows that let in golden sunlight, and a private dock for boat rides at sunrise or sunset. The interiors were a perfect mix of old world charm and modern elegance, with exposed wooden beams, soft linen drapes, and a terrace that overlooked the lake.
And here, in this little slice of paradise, they let themselves be selfish. No work, no business calls, no emails. Just them.
Mornings in Lake Como were slow and peaceful, wrapped in silk robes with espresso in hand. The lake reflected the soft colors of dawn, the sky painted in pastels. The only sounds were birds chirping in the distance and the gentle lapping of water against the dock.
Adrielle stretched lazily, her robe slipping slightly, letting the morning light kiss her skin. She reached for her cup but paused when she caught Cassandra watching her over the rim of her own.
Adrielle smirked. “You’re staring.”
Cassandra, completely unbothered, set down her cup and leaned forward. “I’m admiring my wife. May reklamo ka?”
Adrielle rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “Hindi ka pa ba nagsasawa?”
Cassandra took her hand, pressing a soft kiss to her fingers. “Not even close.”
Adrielle raised a brow. “Hmm. Give it time.”
Cassandra smirked, tugging Adrielle’s hand gently, pulling her closer. “I’d rather spend that time proving you wrong.”
Adrielle laughed softly. “You never stop competing, do you?”
“You love it,” Cassandra murmured, brushing another kiss against her knuckles before letting go.
Adrielle took a sip of her coffee, eyes twinkling. “Debatable.”
Cassandra leaned back with an exaggerated sigh. “Fine. I’ll just have to make sure you change your mind before the honeymoon ends.”
Adrielle shook her head, amused. “You do know this is supposed to be a relaxing trip, right?”
Cassandra grinned. “Oh, I’m very relaxed.”
Adrielle gave her a knowing look. “And yet, you’re still scheming something.”
Cassandra just took another sip of coffee, eyes full of mischief. “Maybe.”
Adrielle sighed, shaking her head, but her smile lingered. Another slow, perfect morning together.
Their afternoons were an easy rhythm of exploration and stolen moments. They wandered through cobblestone streets, fingers laced together, moving at their own unhurried pace. Adrielle would stop at fruit stands, running her fingers over ripe peaches and plump tomatoes, her eyes lighting up as she took in the fresh produce. Cassandra, who had no real opinion on fruit but had every intention of indulging her wife, would quietly pay for whatever caught Adrielle’s interest.
They ducked into small, charming bookstores, the scent of aged paper and leatherbound covers filling the air. Adrielle would get lost between the shelves, flipping through well-loved novels, while Cassandra pretended to browse but mostly just watched her. If she spotted Adrielle hesitating over a book, Cassandra would casually take it to the counter without a word. Later, Adrielle would pretend to scold her for it, but she never truly minded.
By the lake, they dipped their feet into the cool water, letting the gentle ripples lap at their skin. Sometimes, Adrielle would splash Cassandra just to hear her exaggerated protests, only to end up in her arms, their laughter blending with the breeze. And in hidden alleyways, where the scent of fresh bread and citrus lingered in the air, Cassandra would steal kisses—quick pecks, slow teases, or playful bites—while amused locals whispered, "Amore."
Then there were the boat rides.
One particularly perfect afternoon, Cassandra rented a sleek wooden Riva boat and took Adrielle out onto the lake. The water stretched endlessly before them, the wind tousling their hair as the golden sunlight danced on the rippling surface.
Adrielle leaned back, stretching her arms out as she soaked in the warmth of the sun. “You do realize this is straight out of a romance novel, right?”
Cassandra, effortlessly steering the boat with one hand, smirked. “You’re my wife now, Adrielle. You better get used to being spoiled.”
Adrielle gave her a teasing look. “Sana pala dati pa kita pinakasalan.”
Cassandra chuckled, her grip on the wheel steady. “Tagal mo kasing umamin, eh.”
Adrielle shook her head, laughing softly. “Right. Ikaw na mabilis.”
Cassandra shot her a knowing look. “Mabilis akong magdecide kapag sigurado ako.”
Adrielle rolled her eyes but reached for Cassandra’s free hand, intertwining their fingers. The boat glided smoothly across the lake, their world quiet except for the hum of the engine and the soft lapping of water.
She sighed contentedly. “This honeymoon is going to ruin me.”
Cassandra lifted their joined hands, pressing a kiss to Adrielle’s knuckles. “That’s the plan.”
Cassandra, ever the meticulous planner, had arranged a surprise moonlit dinner on their private terrace, overlooking the lake. A crisp white tablecloth draped over the table, illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight. A string quartet played in the background, their music weaving seamlessly with the night breeze. The scent of fresh flowers mingled with the rich aroma of Italian cuisine, making the scene feel almost unreal.
Adrielle stood at the entrance, momentarily speechless as she took it all in. She turned to Cassandra, brows raised. “You do realize you’re making every other honeymoon in existence look boring, right?”
Cassandra, already uncorking a bottle of wine, smirked. “Good. That means I’m doing it right.”
She poured them each a glass before handing one to Adrielle, who took it with an amused shake of her head. “You’re setting a dangerous standard, Mrs. Sy.”
Cassandra raised her glass, tilting it slightly in a silent toast. “Then I guess I’ll have to keep it up, won’t I?”
Adrielle leaned in, clinking her glass against Cassandra’s. “Better be careful. I might start expecting grand gestures every week.”
Cassandra’s smirk deepened as she set her glass down and reached for Adrielle’s hand. Her thumb brushed lightly over Adrielle’s fingers before she whispered, “Good. Means you won’t forget.”
Adrielle held her gaze for a beat, then huffed a quiet laugh. “I don’t think I could even if I tried.”
Cassandra squeezed her hand once before gesturing to the table. “Then sit, Mrs. Hidalgo. Let me spoil you some more.”
Adrielle sighed dramatically but took her seat. “You really are ruining me.”
Cassandra simply smirked as she lifted the first dish’s cover, revealing Adrielle’s favorite meal. “That’s the goal.”
One morning, Cassandra woke up to an empty bed, the warmth lingering on the sheets beside her proof that Adrielle hadn’t been gone for long. Still groggy, she stretched, her robe hanging loosely off one shoulder as she caught the scent of something undeniably good drifting through the air.
Following the tempting aroma, she padded barefoot toward the kitchen. She stopped in the doorway, her sleep-heavy eyes blinking at the sight before her.
Adrielle stood at the stove, an oversized button down, Cassandra’s button down, hanging loosely over her frame, sleeves rolled up to her elbows. She moved with practiced ease, flipping something golden brown on the pan while another pot simmered on the side. The rhythmic sound of her chopping herbs, the sizzle of butter, and the rich, intoxicating smell of coffee and spices filled the space. Her hair was swept up in a loose bun, a few strands falling over her face, and she was completely, effortlessly in her element.
Cassandra leaned against the doorway, her lips quirking up. “Why do you look so good cooking?”
Adrielle barely glanced over her shoulder, raising an amused brow. “Kape ka muna bago ka mag-flirt.”
Cassandra smirked but made her way to the counter, watching as Adrielle plated their breakfast. “You’re seriously good at this.”
Adrielle shot her a knowing look. “You think I survived college by just ordering takeout?”
Cassandra grabbed a fork without waiting for an invitation, spearing a bite straight from Adrielle’s plate. The moment the flavors hit her tongue, she froze. “Okay, wow. I really should’ve married you sooner.”
Adrielle chuckled, setting the pan down. “Tagal mo kasing in denial eh.”
Cassandra scoffed before stepping closer, catching Adrielle by the waist and pulling her in. “Just say thanks since I confronted you.”
Adrielle rolled her eyes, but any protest was lost when Cassandra leaned in, her lips brushing against hers—slow, teasing, with a hint of coffee and something undeniably theirs.
And just like that, mornings in Lake Como became their favorite part of the day.
Cassandra barely had time to set down their bags before Adrielle was already making her way to the kitchen. She rolled up the sleeves of her silk blouse, eyes scanning the fridge with approval. "At least Liv didn’t just stock this with junk food."
"She did it reluctantly, though," Cassandra said, smirking as she leaned against the counter. "And Rafa made sure the place was spotless. We should send them dinner as a thank-you."
"I’ll cook," Adrielle announced, grabbing ingredients from the fridge. "You, sit."
Cassandra raised a brow. "I can help."
Adrielle turned, hands on her hips. "No. You sit there and look pretty. I got this."
With an amused chuckle, Cassandra took a seat at the dining table, watching as Adrielle moved around the kitchen with practiced ease. A few moments later, she asked, "So, what are you making?"
"Sinigang."
"Sinigang na—?"
"Sinigang na baka," Adrielle answered, focused as she prepped the meat.
Cassandra immediately sat up. "No, no, no. Sinigang is pork. If it’s beef, it’s just panis na nilagang baka."
Adrielle turned, a knowing smirk on her lips. "Oh? And who made you the sinigang police? May official rulebook ka?"
"It’s just how it is," Cassandra insisted, crossing her arms. "Beef is for nilaga, pork is for sinigang. There is order in the world."
Adrielle shook her head in mock disappointment. "Excuse me? Beef is a premium protein. Sinigang na baka is just the luxurious version of sinigang. Mas sosyal."
Cassandra scoffed. "It tastes wrong. Like nilaga that made bad life choices."
Adrielle laughed as she took out the pressure cooker. "Oh, and here I thought you'd argue about the souring agent first."
Cassandra narrowed her eyes. "Tamarind, right? Fresh?"
Adrielle winced. "Tamarind powder."
Cassandra gasped dramatically. "You’re ruining the dish. Natural tamarind is the way to go."
"I don’t have the time to boil and mash tamarind just for the broth," Adrielle countered, setting the beef into the pressure cooker. "At least I’m taking the time to soften the meat properly."
Cassandra watched her wife with fond exasperation. "So you have time to wait for beef to soften but not for tamarind? Priorities, my love."
Adrielle rolled her eyes. "Yes. My priority is efficiency. And not letting my wife starve because she overthinks broth choices."
"Fine. But you’re not making it spicy."
Adrielle groaned. "Ang boring mo! Sinigang is best when it's spicy."
Cassandra gave her an unimpressed look. "Not all of us enjoy crying while eating."
Adrielle sighed dramatically. "Fine, no sili for you. But I’m putting gabi. Non-negotiable."
That earned a nod of approval from Cassandra. "Finally, something we agree on."
As Adrielle focused on the simmering pot, Cassandra busied herself setting the table. She prepared a small saucer, pouring patis and squeezing calamansi over it, then delicately adding sliced sili. When Adrielle finally brought the pot to the table, Cassandra pushed the dip toward her with a smirk.
"Patis with sili, just for you. Your spice obsession is officially contained to that saucer."
Adrielle beamed, plucking a piece of sili and popping it into her mouth like candy. "This is why I married you."
Dinner was filled with more playful bickering—Cassandra wrinkling her nose every time Adrielle scooped up the beef, Adrielle dramatically savoring each bite to make her point. But in between the teasing, they reminisced about Lake Como, laughing about the tourist couple who mistook them for celebrities, and Cassandra’s failed attempt at rowing a boat.
"You almost tipped us over!" Adrielle teased.
Cassandra huffed. "In my defense, you kept distracting me."
"By existing?" Adrielle batted her lashes.
"Exactly. Unfair advantage."
By the time they finished, Cassandra stretched her arms with a satisfied sigh. "Okay, I’ll admit, it was good. But I still stand by my beliefs."
Adrielle smirked. "You ate three servings. Just accept defeat, Cass."
Cassandra rolled her eyes but said nothing as she helped clear the table.
Later, as they curled up in bed, the lamp casting a warm glow through their window, Cassandra absentmindedly traced circles on Adrielle’s arm.
"Tomorrow, we’re back to reality. CEO mode on," Cassandra reminded, her tone light but firm.
Adrielle groaned, burying her face against Cassandra’s shoulder. "I almost forgot."
Cassandra traced lazy circles on Adrielle’s back before murmuring, "We should keep it private at the office. No grand reveals."
Adrielle pulled back slightly, arching a brow. "Like... marked confidential?"
Cassandra smirked. "Exactly. Strictly need-to-know basis."
Adrielle smirked. "What, you don’t want to announce that you’re stuck with me forever?"
Cassandra chuckled. "Oh, I do. I just prefer to watch everyone’s faces when they eventually find out."
Adrielle grinned. "Evil. I love it. But if I slip up and call you 'wife' in a meeting, that's on you."
Cassandra chuckled, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Then I guess I'll just have to keep you too busy to forget."
A comfortable silence settled between them, the kind that only came from being perfectly at ease with each other. Cassandra pulled Adrielle closer. "Good night, Mrs. Sy."
Adrielle hummed, already half-asleep. "Good night, Mrs. Hidalgo."
And with that, they drifted off—completely, wonderfully at home.