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
LYZA"Sander, come back here. " I watched as Mom chased Sander in the living room. It's been two years since Grandpa Phil died. And we all slowly get back on track. Dad returned to the office after three months. Grandpa Phil died, but he let Gian handle some of the branches. Gian became popular since the day he graduated from Stanford University. He became the news headlines for a few weeks, and many companies offered him a job in and out of the country. He also became popular with women. Every time he attended business parties, women surrounded him. He is always on the cover of the magazine. He is more popular than celebrities now. I sigh sadly. I felt so insecure about standing beside him. He's gorgeous and successful, while I am seventeen and a senior, but he always assured me that I'm the most beautiful woman in his eyes. My graduation is in two weeks, and I'm happy that I'm the valedictorian of our class. Dad hugged me tightly when I told him and peppered my face with kisses
LYZA I stood in the middle of my room with clothes scattered around me. I don't know what clothes I should wear later for our first date. Gian told me he would pick me up around four so that we would have lots of time to spend together before the time limit Dad gave us. He said to dress casually, but I didn't know what clothes to wear. I wanted to be beautiful in his eyes, even just for tonight, but it seemed my clothes weren't good enough. I sighed and sat on the edge of my bed. Maybe Mom can help with my dilemma. I went out of my room and searched for my mother, and I found her in the living room with Nana and Sander. "Mom, I need your help. I don't know what to wear later. Can you help me choose clothes to wear for my first date with Gian later? ""Suddenly feel conscious. " Mom teased, and I pouted. "I want to look beautiful in Gian eyes tonight. It's our first date, and I want it to be memorable. "I watch Sander Mara. You help this Young lady. " Nana grinned. I pursed my l
LYZA"Open up for me, love. " He murmured on my lips. I closed my eyes and parted my lips for him. But gasped and pulled away from the kiss when his tongue touched mine. I opened my eyes, and he looked at me, maybe waiting for what I would do. I blushed, bit my lips, and pressed it back to him, and he chuckled but deepened the kiss. God, I love the feeling, especially the person I love so much was the one kissing me. The feeling is exhilarating. It feels like currents are running in my veins. And the butterflies they were saying are there rioting in my stomach. He pulled away when he felt we needed air to breathe, and I gasped, filling my lungs with much-needed air while Gian just chuckled, watching me. "Stop chuckling. You suck all the air inside me." He burst into laughter this time and pulled me into his lap. "You just need more practice to get used to it.."I folded my arms in my chest and glared at him. "What with that look? " He kissed my forehead and leaned his chin on my h
LYZA"I watched Gian nervously take out whatever food was inside the oven. Foil covered the baking pan, and I'm excited to see what it is"He removed the foil, and it smelled amazing. He placed the baking pan before me, and my mouth waters to see baked macaroni. He took the other baking pan and put it in front of me, and it was a baked chicken. "You made this? " I was surprised. The baked macaroni looks delicious, as well as the chicken. "Yes, but with the help of Aunty Cassy. " He placed a macaroni on my plate and chicken wing. The macaroni looked delicious with a lot of cheese, and the chicken looked crispy outside but tender inside. He also filled his plate and poured juice into our glasses before he sat beside me. "These baked macs look mouthwatering, Gian." I scooped a baked mac, and it's so creamy. I brought it to my mouth, and I moaned. It's delicious, and the cheese melted in my mouth. "How was it? " "So delicious. I cook baked mac before, but it doesn't taste as good as t
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