One month after their wedding, James and his best man Treddy met at a bar on Junquera Street in Cebu. As they shared drinks, their conversation drifted from James' recent victories as overall champion in the CVIRAA for Cebu City and Gilas Pilipinas' win against Kazakhstan to qualify for the FIBA World Olympics, to a more personal topic: James' wife Fluoraine.
A Blunt Question About Marriage
Treddy, who had been James' best man at their church wedding in Katedral, hesitated before asking a question that had lingered since their courtship. "Bay James, don't get mad, but I have to ask something I couldn't bring up when you were just dating Fluoraine," Treddy said seriously. James encouraged him to proceed, and Treddy bluntly inquired why James married Fluoraine when many mutual acquaintances described her as "not pretty" and too thin.
James' Unwavering Defense
James responded calmly, acknowledging others' right to criticize but emphasizing his deep love for his wife. "I love my wife so much! She is affectionate, caring, and above all, she loves me back. She is a faithful spouse," he declared, taking a sip of his beer. He dismissed the negativity, focusing instead on Fluoraine's qualities that mattered most to him.
The Temptation of Other Options
Treddy pressed further, noting that in their Panaghiusa neighborhood, there were prettier neighbors who had shown interest in James, waiting for him to make a move. He specifically mentioned Juvelyn, a call center agent at IT Park and their neighbor, who had a crush on James and was considered sexy and beautiful by many.
James admitted being attracted to Juvelyn, asking Treddy if he felt the same. Treddy confessed that anyone would be drawn to Juvelyn, even their married manager Sir Victor, but he himself was committed to his girlfriend Beatrice, a CPA. James explained his reasoning: "That's exactly why I didn't pursue Juvelyn, despite her beauty and desirable figure. I noticed many men visiting her since we live across from each other. If I had courted her, I'd have many rivals. Isn't that troublesome and noisy?"
Choosing Simplicity and Assurance
James elaborated on his choice, highlighting Fluoraine's simple and non-capricious nature. He argued that she isn't as unattractive as people claim, pointing out how she looked beautiful with makeup at their wedding. While thin, he joked about fattening her up with his love. When Treddy asked again why he chose Fluoraine, James revealed the core reason: "I'll tell you the truth, Bay Treddy! I chose her because she is considered not pretty and thin by others. But I'm sure that at school, no man would approach her to tempt her. At home, I can leave her without worrying about other men trying to seduce her. I am assured she will be faithful to me!"
Treddy nodded thoughtfully, stroking his right cheek as the conversation ended, leaving a poignant reflection on love, loyalty, and societal beauty standards in modern relationships.
