CHAPTER 5

“You don’t need to work while studying, son. Your dad and I have already prepared for this. You can finish med school with the money we’ve saved for you.”

Her voice was warm, but there was a clear note of worry underlying her words. Marcus could see the concern etched in her features—she wanted to protect him, to ensure he didn’t burn himself out by taking on too much. But as much as he appreciated their support, he also knew that he wanted to take charge of his own future.

Marcus shrugged, his gaze dropping to the last bite of the sandwich on his plate. “Mom, I’ll be okay, I promise,” he said, his tone reassuring but resolute.

He could tell that she wasn’t entirely convinced, but he was determined to follow his own path. Finishing the sandwich, he wiped his hands on his napkin and looked back at his mother. Despite her concern, he could feel the pride and love in her eyes.

He knew they only wanted what was best for him, but Marcus had always been driven by the need to prove himself—not just to his parents, but to himself as well. He wanted to show them that he could manage, that he could achieve his dreams on his own terms.

Juliana simply gazed at Marcus for a moment, her eyes filled with the kind of love that only a mother could have for her child. It was the kind of gaze that spoke of years of sacrifice, care, and an unbreakable bond. Marcus could feel the weight of her love, but it was a warmth he’d grown used to over the years. He could see the pride in her eyes, mixed with that trace of concern that always seemed to follow him—especially when he pushed himself too hard. As he met her gaze, he thought about how beautiful she was.

Despite the years that had passed, his mother seemed to possess an ageless elegance. She had a graceful aura that made her stand out wherever she went, and Marcus had always admired her for it. It wasn’t just her appearance that made her so captivating, though. She had a quiet strength that shone through every word and every gesture, a quality that had shaped him into the person he was today.

It wasn’t just about physical beauty for Marcus. As much as he admired his mother’s appearance, it was her intelligence and kindness that had made the biggest impact on him. She was more than just the woman who had raised him; Juliana was someone who inspired respect and admiration in everyone she met.

 Her intellect was sharp, and her approach to life was grounded in a deep sense of empathy. Marcus could never recall a time when his mother hadn’t been a source of wisdom, not just for him, but for everyone around her. She had taught him that beauty wasn’t just skin deep—it was reflected in how one treated others, in how one approached challenges, and in the quiet strength of character.

It was no wonder that she and his father, Mario, made such a perfect match. They complemented each other so well, each bringing out the best in the other, and together they created a foundation of love and stability that Marcus had always taken for granted.

Some of Marcus’ classmates often commented on how his parents seemed like the perfect combination of qualities, a match made in heaven. They would often joke that Marcus had inherited the best of both his parents, though he couldn’t help but feel that they were right. They’d always said he looked more like his father—his broad shoulders, his tall frame, and even the strong jawline that defined his face.

But as he grew older, Marcus could see how much of his mother’s features had shaped him too. His fair, mestizo complexion, and his soft yet striking brown eyes were a reflection of her heritage. It was a unique combination, one that made him look like the blend of both his parents' beauty and strength.

However, it was his eyes that seemed to tell the deepest story—a reminder of the quiet strength and kindness he’d inherited from Juliana. They were the kind of eyes that could soften the hardest of hearts and show a depth of feeling that many would miss at first glance.

“You look so much like your dad, son,” Juliana said, her voice breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them.

Marcus smiled softly at her, feeling the familiar warmth of her gaze. It was something he’d heard countless times before, and though it was a simple observation, it always made him pause and reflect. He could see it—his father’s features were so prominent in his own appearance. The same strong jawline, the tall stature, the way he carried himself.

It was as if his father’s presence had been etched into him in ways he couldn’t escape, and in many ways, he was proud of that. Mario had always been a figure of stability and strength, someone Marcus had looked up to since childhood. Being compared to him was both an honor and a reminder of the high expectations he’d set for himself, to live up to the legacy his father had built.

“Yeah? But I got my eyes and skin tone from you,” Marcus replied with a soft laugh, feeling the easy camaraderie with his mother.

It was moments like these, simple and uncomplicated, that reminded him of how much he appreciated her. His mom, Juliana, had always been a striking woman in her own right—her features a delicate mix of beauty and strength that had only grown more refined with time. The fair skin that ran through their family was one of her most defining traits, something Marcus had inherited without question.

His brown eyes, a rich, deep hue, were the most obvious giveaway of his mother’s influence. While the rest of his features had clearly been passed down from his father, those eyes were undeniably hers. It was a small, personal connection that always made him feel closer to her, and in that moment, he couldn’t help but smile at the thought.

“Apart from that, you’ve taken everything else from him. So, I’m not surprised that so many girls are chasing after you,” Juliana added, her tone light and teasing as she tapped his hand affectionately.

Her smile was warm and proud, the same kind of smile she had when she spoke about his achievements, no matter how small. Marcus chuckled, feeling a slight flush on his cheeks. He knew his mother wasn’t just talking about his looks; it was more about how he carried himself, the confidence that was slowly growing in him over the years.

It wasn’t something he’d always been aware of, but as he matured, he began to see it reflected in the way people treated him, especially when it came to women. He wasn’t entirely sure how to handle the attention, but knowing his mom noticed it, and even teased him about it, was a reminder that she was always watching, always proud of the man he was becoming.

Marcus simply stared at his mother for a moment, his gaze lingering on her face. She was still as stunning as the day he was born, a timeless beauty who seemed untouched by the years. Her features, delicate and refined, had only become more graceful as time passed. Her brown, wavy hair cascaded just past her shoulders, the soft curls catching the dim light from the kitchen, giving her an almost ethereal glow.

 It was hard to believe she was fifty years old. Her youthful appearance belied her age, and to Marcus, she seemed to carry herself with the elegance of someone much younger. In every way, Juliana was the picture of poise and vitality, and it made Marcus feel incredibly lucky to have her as a mother. She was the kind of woman who drew admiration effortlessly, and yet, she had always been humble and unassuming.

Juliana’s slender figure and tall stature only added to the aura of grace she exuded. Even now, as she sat across from him at the table, there was a regal quality about her. Marcus couldn't help but feel a sense of pride swell in his chest whenever he thought about how strong and independent she was.

She was a woman who had accomplished so much in her career and personal life, and yet, there was never any arrogance in her demeanor.

To him, Juliana was the epitome of a woman who balanced success with humility, who could excel in the professional world without losing the kindness and gentleness that made her who she was. He had always admired that about her, and it had shaped the way he viewed the world and relationships.

Looking at her now, Marcus felt a sudden wave of emotion. He realized just how much he owed her and his father, Mario. The sacrifices they had made for him, the support they had always given, were things he would never be able to repay fully.

“But I don’t have time for that, Mom,” he said, his voice firm and sincere. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes meeting hers with conviction. “The truth is, you and Dad are my priority.”

 It wasn’t just about his future and career anymore—it was about making sure that, no matter what happened, he could always be there for them. They had given him everything, and it was his turn to be there for them, to provide for them, just as they had for him.

His words were simple, but they carried a depth of gratitude and responsibility he had always felt but had never fully expressed.