CHAPTER 4

AFTER having lunch, we left for the hospital. My mother joined us because I planned to stop by the supermarket later before going home.

I found my father asleep, his breathing deep and even. My heart ached as I looked at him.

I sat quietly on the chair beside his bed. Gently, I took his hand and stroked it repeatedly.

I didn't realize that tears were already streaming down my face. I bowed my head and cried silently beside him.

"Olivia…"

I quickly wiped away my tears and looked up at my father, who was smiling at me.

"Father, it's good that you're awake. How are you feeling?" I asked in a broken voice.

"I'm fine. You shouldn't have come home. What about your work in Manila?"

“Father, you are more important than my work. Besides, I'm on leave from work. To take care of you here,” I smiled. I stroked his hand again so he wouldn't think anymore.

“I'm strong now and can go out.”

I nodded. “So you should follow your doctor's advice and take your medicine so you can get stronger and recover quickly.”

“I'll follow your advice. You are my nurse!”

I couldn't help but smile at him.

After visiting my father, Marco took over my watch. Only one guardian could stay with the patient, and tomorrow, it would be my mother's turn to watch over my father. I wanted to stay, but my mother wouldn't allow it.

She wanted me to rest for a few days, take care of things I needed to do before moving to the hospital.

As I said, I took them to the supermarket to buy groceries and other things needed for the house.

“Isn't this too much that we've bought?” My mother's face showed concern about the possible cost.

“It's okay, Mom. Please get what you need, including things for the house and for Dad at the hospital.”

“You said so, can I get some makeup?” Sofia asked, holding some lipstick and blush on in her hand.

“What are you talking about, Sofia? Stop it, that's not important!” My mother reprimanded her.

Our youngest just pouted and was about to put the items back in the container when I stopped her.

“Put all of that in the basket, and then we'll go to the fruits,” I told her.

She smiled at me. “Thank you, Ate!”

The truth is, the money I saved was for them and for emergencies. I allocated all my savings and any extra money I had for this kind of thing, because it's hard to struggle when you have nothing. Especially since there's no one else who can help us.

Besides, I still have a savings bank that I haven't touched yet, which is for me and my future travels. I was thinking of traveling alone and going to the countries I want to visit.

But because I encouraged Kyla to save, we are now planning to travel together.

“Olivia, is that you? You've changed so much. You're so beautiful now and so fair!” Sonya, one of our neighbors, greeted me.

“Where else would she inherit that from but me,” mom chimed in.

“You're so lucky with your children, Caridad. How is Baldo? When will he be discharged from the hospital?”

“He's still there, and his sugar levels are being monitored. Hopefully, it will go down so we can be with him here,” my mother said.

“I’ll bring Baldo some good luck for a quick recovery. I have to go now, I’m going to work in the field.”Sonya said goodbye.

“Thank you, and be careful,” my mother replied, watching her leave.

That night, I couldn't sleep. I couldn't fall asleep. Sofia slept in my mother and father's room, so I couldn't fall asleep even more.

First, I thought about the work I left behind in Manila. I was determined to move here, but I hadn't given my official resignation yet. Besides, I haven't told Kyla yet.

I was also thinking about Luke, who kept calling and texting me. So I decided to block him on all social media apps where he could contact me. I also sternly told Kyla not to give him my address.

Another thing that bothered me was the man I met at the resto-bar. I only remember the name he gave me.

But his hot kisses and touches lingered in my mind. I suddenly felt my cheeks burning.

I couldn't stop the heat that flowed between my thighs. His soft touch made my heart beat fast and my body ignite. Especially when I remembered that hot encounter.

I bit my lip and turned to lie down.

I will never forget that night, where I surrendered my most treasured dignity to him.

“Damn!” I softly hit my pillow.

Why did I do that? What got into your head and made you agree to what he wanted?

Until sleep took me, that strange man was still on my mind.

I woke up and sat up straight from the continuous ringing of my phone.

Kyla was calling. When I looked at the time, it was past seven in the morning.

“Hello?”

“Guess who, someone was looking for you last night here.”

I went back from lying down and closed my eyes again. I knew she was coming home from her night duty, so she was being annoying early.

“If it's Luke, I don't care. Didn't I tell you, don't tell him where I am?”

“It wasn't Luke who was looking for you,” she said on the other line.

I furrowed my brow. Who else could be looking for me besides Luke?

“I don't have time, Kyla. I want to sleep more.”

“Aren't you going to find out who it is?” she said, still lively.

“Who is it?”

“Anton is his name...”

My chest suddenly tightened, and I went deaf at her words.

I couldn't hear the details she said anymore because of my heart beating so loudly.

"I don't know any Anton," I lied.

"I think he's looking for you. He saw us at the restaurant the other day. You know, when you were crying because of your dad?"

My brow furrowed even more.

"Oh, so?"

"I don't know, he just said he saw us somewhere. He recognized us because we were wearing our uniforms, so he knew we worked here."

"Impossible, maybe he's just your stalker or a suitor?"

"I wish it was that simple. He's gay, handsome, and hot! He even got my number!"

I rolled my eyes.

"Wait, did he mention my name?"

"Yes, he said he was looking for a girl named Olivia."

My heart pounded in my chest.

Shit! I don't remember telling him my name?

I bit my lip hard before speaking again.

"Listen, if he comes back and asks for me, tell him you don't know me and that there's no Olivia working here."

"Huh? Anton seems like a good boy, if I were you I'd choose him over that liar Luke!"

"Just don't tell him where I am. Is that clear?"

"Hmm, okay. But if he asks me out, I'm going to say yes. No regrets, okay?"

My eyes rolled again, and I sighed.

"Okay, fine! He's all yours!”