Chapter 3 ~ Keeping Promises

"Finally, I can go home and be free from that man," Sirena sighed, settling herself onto the sofa. She reached for her phone in her bag and tried to turn it on.

"It's dead," she muttered, rising from her seat and moving to charge her phone.

As her phone powered on, she noticed several messages from her cousin, who had been helping care for her mother in the hospital. She quickly opened the messages.

"Ren, where are you? Why haven't we heard from you? Are you alright? Please come to the hospital soon—your mother is awake."

The message was from her older cousin, Ramon.

"I just got back to the apartment. I'll be at the hospital soon." Sirena quickly responded and stood up, heading to her room to change and rush to the hospital.

***

Sirena arrived at the hospital and went straight to her mother's room.

"Mom?" she whispered, gently holding her mother's hand.

"Sirena? My daughter…"

"I'm here, Mom. How are you feeling?" Sirena asked, her eyes filled with worry. "After Dad passed away and you lost consciousness, I was so scared."

Tears welled in Sirena's eyes. "I'm sorry for being selfish all this time, choosing to live on my own without thinking about you and Dad."

"Don't cry, Sirena," her mother, Brianna, said weakly, her face pale. "None of this is your fault. I'm sorry your Dad and I left so many problems for you."

"Please, Mom, focus on getting better. I promise to do everything I can to solve the problems our family is facing," Sirena said, wiping her tears away.

"How, sweetheart? Don’t push yourself. Just let go of the company and all our assets. Focus on your own life," Brianna pleaded. "I have a little savings. The jewelry should help you live comfortably for at least a year. Use it, and let’s get me out of this hospital."

"Don't worry about that, Mom. I already have a solution," Sirena said, squeezing her mother's hand.

"What solution? Don’t do anything beyond your limits, Sirena. Don't put yourself in danger, my child." Brianna looked at Sirena with concern.

"I promise, Mom, everything is fine. I won't do anything dangerous," Sirena said, smiling to reassure her mother. "You just focus on getting better. I can’t bear to lose you after losing Dad."

"Sirena?" Brianna could only cry, feeling the crushing weight of guilt.

Everything had started when someone deceived her husband, turning their business upside down and leaving the company in financial ruin. Unable to find a way out, her husband had taken a tragic path, ending his own life. Brianna felt broken, seeing her daughter now bearing the burden of their family’s misfortune. It felt as if her whole world had collapsed, and she could only wish she could turn back time and make things different.

"Trust me, Mom," Sirena reassured her mother, trying to ease her mind.

After a light conversation with Brianna, Sirena stepped out of the room.

"Sirena!" a voice called out, and she turned to see the source.

"Ramon?" Her cousin Ramon walked toward her and stood in front of her.

"Where have you been? I tried calling you yesterday, but you didn't pick up. Where did you stay last night?" Ramon asked, looking at Sirena with suspicion.

"I was taking care of some issues," Sirena replied. "And last night, I stayed at the apartment because I was exhausted."

"Are you serious?" Ramon asked, and Sirena nodded.

He sighed. "I was really worried about you, Sirena," he admitted. "I was afraid you might do something reckless."

Sirena gave a small smile. "Don't worry; everything is under control," she said, though she knew things weren't entirely fine.

"Has the doctor been by yet?" Sirena asked.

"Not yet. He should be here soon to check on Aunt Brianna," Ramon answered. "And about the hospital bills, I'll try talking to my dad. Maybe he can help."

Sirena knew that neither side of her family, her father’s nor her mother’s, wanted to help. It was heartbreaking to see her closest relatives turn away instead of offering support in this difficult time. Even Ramon's parents, who could have shown compassion, remained indifferent.

In all the despair and uncertainty, Sirena found solace in Ramon’s presence. She was grateful that, despite the coldness of the rest of her family, Ramon never left her side. He was always there to help care for Brianna in the hospital. His presence was like a light in the darkness she was facing, and Sirena deeply appreciated his genuine and understanding support.

Together, they were facing this challenge, and though many other things felt hollow and empty, Ramon's support gave Sirena strength and hope to keep going.

"That won't be necessary. I’ve already managed the hospital expenses," Sirena replied calmly.

"What? How? I thought you didn’t have any money," Ramon asked, frowning.

"I got help from someone. So, don’t worry about it," Sirena said.

"Who? Who helped you, Sirena?" Ramon asked insistently.

"A friend," Sirena replied with a small smile.

Just then, Sirena's phone rang, and the familiar notification sound of a new email caught her attention. She quickly opened the email and was surprised to see that her proposal to James' company had been accepted. The anxiety that had been weighing on her suddenly lifted, replaced by newfound hope.

In the email, James requested that she prepare a contract, which gave her some relief. But the surprises didn’t stop there. Soon after, her phone buzzed again with a notification from the bank. When she checked her account balance, her eyes widened at the amount that had been transferred. This was more than she had expected. The message from the bank confirmed the successful transaction, letting her know the money was now in her account.

Then came a message from a new number.

"Use this for your mother's medical bills. I'll send more if needed. ~ J!"

It was clear who the message was from, even with just the initial "J."

"He really kept his promise," Sirena thought as she looked at her phone screen.

***