GIANI was the center of her attention before Dustin came, but as soon as he sat beside her, I was forgotten. Her back facing me, and she was animatedly talking to him. I focused my eyes on my plate, stuffing my mouth with food even though it tasted bland suddenly. I missed her so much, but she doesn't feel the same. I hurriedly finished my food, left my seat, and joined Grand Phill and Grandp Carlos. She didn't even notice I wasn't beside her anymore. She kept talking with Dustin, laughing. "Are you finished eating? " Grandpa Phil asked when I took his food from Nurse Irene. "You can eat now, Nurse Irene. I feed Grandpa Phil. ""Okay, thank you, Gian.""You are welcome.""I already finished, Grandpa," I answered his question and fed him. "He's jealous. " Grandpa Carlos said and poked my nose, smiling. I sighed and didn't deny it. "I think leaving is a bad idea. I think her feelings for me already diverted to Dustin. " I murmured as I kept feeding Grandpa Phil."Lyza is still you
GIAN"Gian, wake up. You said you'll send me to school." I groaned and rolled on my bed, but she poked my side. "Five minutes more. " I murmured. "No more five minutes. I will be late if you won't wake up now.""Little bit more. " I murmured. "Fine! I just asked Uncle Bobby to send me to school. She huffed and left my bed. "Okay, Okay, I'm awake. Give me fifteen minutes. " I jumped off my bed, rushed inside my bathroom, and quickly bathed. It's been three days since I came home, and Lyza was stuck on my side whenever she was free from her homework and finished her session with Dustin. She will make snacks for us and then tell me what happened while I'm away. We usually stayed in Grandpa Phil's room, or we walked in the garden with Grandpa. Grandpa Phil is getting weak as the days go by, but I'm hoping we still have more time to be him. "Gian, hurry up. " Lyza impatiently called outside the bathroom. "Okay, I'm done." I rushed to dry my body and wrapped the towel around my waist
GIANWe left the school after bidding goodbye to Dustin. And I'm chuckling while we are walking to my car. "What's so funny.""You! I laughed. "I don't know you got a talent for dancing. My God, my stomach hurt because of laughter. I didn't regret coming here. ""I can sing too. If you still don't know." She proudly said. "I'm a multi multi-talented person. You can't find anyone like me. I can cook, I can clean, I can wash clothes, and now, dancing and singing. And I'm not dumb, Lyza, now. My teacher said I improved a lot. I am now top three in my class, and I promise you I will be a valedictorian at the end of my secondary school. I'll make my parents proud of me as well as Grandpa and you. "Okay, do that." I wrapped my arms around her shoulder and guided her to my car. "Let's eat outside. I asked permission from Uncle Jayson and Aunty Mara earlier, and they agreed, but we should be home at ten.""Really? ""Yes, where do you want to eat? You can choose the restaurant you want." She
GIANAfter dropping Lyza from school, I went straight to the Fernandez Building. "Good morning, Miss. Mr. Fernandez is expecting me. Tell him, Gian Ramirez." I told the receptionist and roamed my eyes around. The Lobby is beautiful. The floor is grey granite with a receiving area in the middle. Black couches surrounded a glass center table, and expensive paintings adorn the wall. "Good morning, sir. Mr. Fernandez already informed me about your arrival. I'll accompany you to Mr. Fernandez's private elevator, Sir." I followed her, and she led me to the elevator with a FOR CEO USED ONLY written on the door. She scans her fingerprints to the scanner, and the door opens. "This elevator will send you straight to his floor, and his secretary will guide you when you reach there. ""Okay, Thank you, Miss Kathy. ""You are welcome, Sir. " She smiled and returned to the reception area. I stepped inside the elevator, and there was no other button except for the 44th floor. I pressed it and wait
I'm going back abroad tonight because my class will start in two days. I wanted to return a day before my class started, but Aunty Mara disagreed. She worried that there was a flight delay. And so that I could rest before I go back to school. I sighed sadly. We ate lunch earlier with Alice, Ana, and their parents in a sad atmosphere. Even Grandpa Phil has tears in his eyes. I don't want to return, but I don't want to disappoint Uncle Jayson. We are in the living room now, waiting for when I need to leave. Grandpa Phil is beside me, holding my hand, and on my other side is Lyza. "Call me always, okay? " "Okay, Grandpa, I call you every time I'm free. ""I'm scared this is the last time I will see you. " He murmured. "Don't talk about that Grandpa. I want you to attend my graduation. I want you to be one to accompany me to my graduation. So you rest well, drink your medicine to get better.""I want that? " He grinned and placed my palm on his cheek. My eyes brimmed with tears when
LYZA"I missed Gian. he came back for one week for his school holidays, and Grandpa was so happy, but it was four months ago.He called whenever he was free, but it was still different when he was beside me. I sigh sadly, watching Grandpa not far away sitting in his wheelchair. We are In the garden for his morning sun vitamins. That's what he called it. The house feels lonely without Gian. Today is Saturday, and I'm bored. Dustin is at school because he has a practice game and will return in the afternoon. Oh, I forgot to mention I got my monthly period two months ago. It scared the hell out of me, seeing blood between my legs, and I screamed, running to my mother, only for her to laugh at me. I'm happy because it only means I will grow fast now. Mom will pop my baby brother or sister soon, and I'm so excited. The only sad thing is Grandpa Phil is getting weaker as the day goes by. I moved beside him and wrapped my arms around his shoulder, kissing his cheek. "Grandpa, it's hot no
LYZAToday is Gian graduation. Dad and Grandpa Carlos flew to the US two days ago to attend his graduation. Mom wanted to go, but she couldn't leave Sander for long. I want to go too, but I have a final exam today. I sigh sadly. But Dad promised to record Gian graduation to show it to us. I'm so proud of Gian. He got the highest recognition in his class. My parents were so happy. Dad even jumped in joy when Gian told us. Grandpa Carlos and Grandpa Phil, we're pleased too. It's a big achievement for Gian, and I'm so happy for him. "Now I study hard so that my parents will be proud of me too, as well as Gian. I am in my second year of secondary school, and now at the top of my class. My family was happy about my achievement, and I want it to stay like that. "Dustin is in college now taking up accountancy. He said he loves numbers and enjoy solving a math problem. He didn't tutor me anymore. But if I have something I don't understand in my lesson, I ask him to help me. I felt terribl
LYZAThe following day, we all gathered in the living room to watch the video from Gian's Graduation. Today is Sunday, and we are all free. "Jay Jay, can I sit beside you? " Grandpa Phil asked when Nurse I rene came pushing his wheelchair. "Of course, Grandpa. " Dad picked him up from his wheelchair and sat him beside him. , and Mom sat on my father's other side with Sander on her lap. I sat on the two sitters' couch with Gian beside me. Tommy and Amelia are sitting on the floor. Nana Aunty Cassy, Aunty Amy, Uncle Bobby, and Uncle Alias brought extra seats, while Uncle Vince, Aunty Rina, Ana, and Alice joined Tommy and Amia on the floor. Last night, they wanted to go home, but Grandpa Phil asked them to stay for one more day. Grandpa Carlos is sitting in the armchair beside my mother. Dustin is in front of the television, setting the video Dad recorded from Gian's Graduation. "Dustin Sat beside Amelia when the video started playing, pulling Amelia onto his lap, who quickly leaned
EPILOGUE GIAN I smiled as everyone enjoyed Gia's seventh birthday with my pregnant, beautiful wife beside me. Mom, Dad, and Grandpa entertain our guests while Sander, Christian, and Gia entertain the children. I cannot leave Lyza because she is already nine months pregnant and needs help every time she moves from one place to another. We will have our baby boy soon, and Gia was so excited to meet her brother. I chuckled as I watched Dustin chasing their three-year-old daughter around. Dina is a hyper child. You won't see her staying in one place. She's always running or jumping. Christine and Dustin got married when Christian turned two years old and a year after Christine got pregnant. The twins Alice and Ana are also present with their husbands and children. Ana has two children, a boy and a girl. Annalise is five years old, and her brother Adan is two years old. Annalise is Gia's best friend, together with Christian and Alex. Alex is Alice's five-year-old son, a timid boy,
GIAN"Sissy, Yan! Yan! I groaned and covered my ears with a pillow. It's only six in the morning, but Sander is already knocking at the door. "Mommy and Daddy are still sleeping. Everyone is still sleeping. Let's go to the park ourselves and Lily. Come on, uncle. " I heard our six-year-old daughter whine. "I told you to stop calling me uncle. I'm only five years older than you. " Sander said, and I could hear the annoyance in his voice. "But you're my mommy brother, so you are my uncle.""I feel old every time you call me uncle. Just call me by my name. It's fine with me. ""But mommy and daddy will get mad at me. They will think I don't respect you if I only call you by your name.""Just tell your parents I asked you to call me by name. So please stop calling me uncle, okay? ""In one condition." I chuckled. Sander was always fooled by Gia when it come to not calling him Uncle. "What condition? ""Let's go to the park, please. ""It's still early, and your parents will get mad at
GIANAfter a week of my return, Dad called a press conference. We hid my return from the public, and this would be my first appearance. We held the press con at the Fernandez Corporation main building, and all media outlets sent their representatives. The function hall is packed with reporters anticipating what Mr. Jason Fernandez wants to announce. There is some speculation that he might announce that I'm already dead after almost a year of searching, and some speculate that it is about the company. I watched in the waiting room with Lyza and our little Princess as Dad and Grandpa talked to the media and answered their question about the company, waiting for my turn. When the press started to ask questions about me, Dad signaled to Inspector Ronald, who was standing on the sideline guarding the people around him together with his men.Inspector Ronald nodded, and he came inside the waiting room. "It's time, Mr. Ramirez. " "Okay, Love, wait for Inspector Ronald to escort you to joi
LYZAThe following day, we returned home. Christine and her mother returned to their home together with Dustin. He doesn't want to separate from Christine and his daughter anymore. He was scared that something might happen to them if he wasn't beside them. Aunty Amy supported his decision, and after Christine and her mother coop up with what happened to them, they will talk about their marriage. I'm happy for them, and I hope Christine and her mother recover from the trauma that Maximi caused them. I smiled as I watched Gian's sleep. We are currently in our room because we didn't sleep properly last night. Gian was sleeping while I was afraid to close my eyes. I'm worried that once I open my eyes, Gian won't be here anymore, and everything will turn out just a dream. I caressed his face and pressed my lips on his cheek. He lost so much weight and was pale. He looks like a fragile thing right now, which I need to handle with care—gone my hero and my pillar, Gian. The eyes that were
GIAN I listened as my mother narrated what happened in the past and how she and my father suffered all these years in Maximo's hands. I hated her so much without knowing the suffering she went through. I believe what people told me, why my mother left me, and Dean didn't correct the lies the people said and let me feel them. I hate to know that the man who I love and saw as my father is the reason why I was separated from my family. I wanted to hate Dean, but I couldn't because he loved me as his son, and he provided me the things I needed, and he loved me unconditionally. He didn't lack as a father. "I'm so sorry, Gian." My mother said, snapping me out of my thoughts. Her eyes were brimming with tears as she looked at me. "Your father and I didn't mean to leave you in Mr. Fernandez's care, but we thought you would have a better life than being with us. When Dean died in prison, that's when we found where you are, and we found out that Mr. Fernandez took you in. During that time
GIANAround four in the afternoon, we left for the Cabin. My mother and Christine ride in Dustin's car while I go with Daddy Jason and Grandpa Carlos. I know my mother wants to talk to me, but it can wait later after I meet my wife and my daughter. I'm dying to meet them. I feel saddened that I wasn't there beside Lyza during her pregnancy and when she gave birth. I missed a lot of time being with her and my daughter. When the car entered the gate of the Cabin, my heart pounded in excitement. I could already see Sander, Amelia, Tommy, and another kid I don't know chasing each other. When they noticed the car approaching, they stopped running and waited for us. When the car stopped beside them, Sander went to the driver's side, waiting for Dad to step out of the vehicle. He looked a lot bigger the last time I saw him."Dada! Grandpa," Sander grinned and hugged Dad's legs. "Hello, little Prince. Where's your Sissy?" "She is inside the cabin with Moma, taking care of Gia and the baby
DUSTINMaximo was screaming as he struggled from the tight grip of Inspector Ronald's men, who were dragging him and his men out of the mansion. "Inspector Ronald, thank you for helping us. " Sir Jason said. Gian stuck beside Sir Carlos as if afraid to be separated from them again. "Asking us for help is the right decision, and it helps us a lot as well. Finally, we can put Maximo behind bars after all these years. Ma'am, can you come with us, as well as you, Doctor Alfred, to the police station? You are our witness, so we can imprison Maximo until he rots inside. " "Okay, and I will tell you all his illegal dealings and where he keeps his goods. "Christine's mother said while Doctor Alfred nodded. "Doctor Alfred, thank you so much for saving me. I know what you went through, and if you need my help, don't hesitate to tell me. I owe you my life. " Gian held Doctor Alfred's hand, face full of gratitude. "It's my work, and I did it willingly, but Maximo just in prison me without giv
GIANEarly in the morning, we left Tinay Island. I glanced at Christine, who was stuck beside me like glue as if I were her salvation, and my mother, sitting on my other side, looked so tense. Maximo is sitting in front of us, a smile not leaving his lips. Doctor Alfred is seated behind us with two of Maximo's men. We are in a boat heading to the City. I knew everything that was happening around me. I was in a coma, but I heard all their voices. Christine and my mother is my constant visitor during that time, and they are always crying, begging me to wake up. "Now, I know what happened back then. Dean is not my real father but my kidnapper. My mom told me everything while I was in a coma, but I couldn't bring myself to hate Papa Dean, who raised and loved me as if I were his real son. My parents didn't hate Dean as well because if he hadn't kidnapped me, I would live like Christine, my sister, or Maximo already killed me. I don't have an amnesia. Christine was right. It's better t
DUSTINWe went to the cabin Friday afternoon. Everyone is excited except Sir Carlos, Sir Jason, and I. We set up four tents outside the cabin for the adults while the children, Maam Mara, and Lyza will stay in the Cabin tonight. Everyone is laughing, helping each other prepare our food for dinner. While we are busy here, Inspector Ronald is also busy in the mansion preparing his men for Maximo's arrival tomorrow morning. They will wear a civilian uniform and post as guards, but some will stay hidden. We found out that Maximo had a record of selling illegal drugs before, but he billed out. The authorities have been on his tail these past years, but they couldn't find evidence that could put him behind bars. A few years ago, the authorities intercepted a massive shipment of illegal drugs. Someone tipped them about the shipment, and the informant told the authorities that it belonged to Maximo, but someone took the blame, and Maximo got out of it unscathed. And the authorities are ea