Chapter 04

I don't know how many times I've sneezed while listening to my dad's sermon. The anger was obvious, but it was only his concern for me that I understood. Even I, in his situation, would be really uncomfortable if my daughter were to bump into a big person. But dad needs to understand that I'm just doing everything I can so that we don't lose. The company I own is the bridge to our other companies. This is our legacy; it can't sink. I will not let them down.

"Your safety is still more important to us, Mira. The last time you fought the Salvadorans, you were almost on the brink of death. Your mommy and I can't handle it if that happens again."

I reached for my dad's hand and brought it closer to my face. I even reached for Mommy's hand andgently squeezed it.

"I'll be careful this time, Dad and Mom." I looked at them both. "I will not abandon myself. Kuya Mateo trained me well, didn't he—"

"But you didn't use it when you and Pablo faced each other." Dad cut me off. I was left speechless. I can't blame him because what he said was true. I'm out of luck if I try to sneak in now. I know dad won't believe me because he knows me well when I don't tell him the truth.

"Mateo trained you for almost 2 years, but yet you forgot it. You forgot that you know how to deal with that scene. He trained you so that no one could hurt you, but look what happened?" 

I couldn't answer even more. For two years, Kuya Mateo's teaching me to protect myself was ignored. I didn't even use anything because my mind was blank while I was facing the tip of Pablo's gun. I must admit, I was afraid at first.

"Dad, one more chance, please. I'll prove to you that I can handle myself. Promise, I'll be careful." I am pleading.

Mommy shook her head and moved next to me. She hugged me and rubbed my back.

"We are so worried about you, Mira. The last time you said that, we almost lost hope that your life would be connected. We know that you are careful; your older brothers are taking care of you, but Amira, a greedy human being, is what you are bumping into now. That person is cunning; he will be able to track your moves just in case."

"Mommy, we failed before because we were trinayors of Giovanni's cunt friend," I pointed out to our former partner, Martin, in the huge projects he and Gio used to do.

It's been two years since that happened. It was traumatizing because I fully trusted him, aside from Vejars, Parisi, and Rossi. But then, jealousy can kill; no gender matters, and no relationship matters.

I was at the end of my life, but then maybe I was a really bad person, and that's why I'm still here, standing and still breathing, or maybe I'm just lucky enough than Martin to be still alive? I don't know.

"I won't take the risk, Amira. We won't gamble with you just so you can save our company from the greedy people scattered, especially on the board of directors. You don't know who your opponent is anymore." It's Dad.

"Kuya Mateo and Ate Fayra are behind me. They won't let me go. Their eyes are even more focused on me, Dad."

"They failed, Amira Angelyn." When Daddy mentioned my full name, I just closed my mouth. I can feel dad's emphasis on that line.

I looked down. I fiddled with my fingers and wondered how I could convince dad to let me continue what I had started.

"Many of them couldn't hell you up when you needed it; you still got hurt. Not that I blame them, Amira. But look, no matter how many and skilled they are, you still can't say that you will be safe."

"Dad," I called. My voice was pleading again.

I looked at Mommy; she just kept shaking. When I looked at my dad, I could see on his face that he didn't like what was happening.

"This is not your fashion, Amira. You graduated as an architect, not an entrepreneur." I swallowed hard. I seem to know where this conversation is going. "Why don't you chase that dream of yours, son? Start your life again—"

"Dad, this is my life. Even though I studied Architecture, I still have my eyes on being an entrepreneur. I'm in my title now, Dad. I'm on top of it, and they can stop me for beating them. This is all their fault; they're sabotaging my projects, they're stabbing me from my back while I'm nice to them, they're collecting the money that's supposed to be in our company, and they're trying to dig our legacy's grave. What would you expect me to do to that? Sit and relax while they make me feel that I'm not suitable for being an chief executive of our company."

"Amira, I don't like you being stubborn with my decision. I don't want you to get hurt, hija." Dad's facial expression softened.

I stood up from my seat and looked at my parents darkly.

"Dad. Mom. I promised I wouldn't let you down, and until now that's still the reason why I want the company you entrusted me with to be clean. I was being careful; it just looked really bad late." I sighed.

Mommy and Daddy looked at each other and did nothing but shake their heads.

"You've proven a lot to me, Hija. We wouldn't ask for anything more than your good life." It's Mom.

"I'm fine, Mommy. I'm fine as long as the people I look up to don't abandon me. You're my family; that's enough, Mommy. All I really want is for it to be fine. I can't leave my seat; I'm confused." I will explain to them. "One more thing, at least in this way I can make up for your goodness to me since Ate Fayra adopted me from the orphanage. I felt so much happiness because you became my family. So I will make up for it. It will be fixed. I have the wheel."

Mommy's eyes watered as she looked at me. Dad immediately came to me and hugged me. I immediately put my arm behind him.

"You're our daughter, Mira. Even if you didn't come from your mommy, you're our daughter. No matter where we go, you're ours. I hope we made you feel that you're not different from us."

I smiled. I never felt that they were not related to me. You see, I am their flesh and blood if they consider me their true daughter since my papers that say I am now a true and complete Fabian have been taken care of.

There is no equivalent to that satisfaction in my entire life. To have a family like theirs is a great blessing for someone like me. They were a light in my dark world.

"You didn't fail me, Daddy. In fact, you made me feel too much. You and Ate Fayra. That's why I want to repay you even in this way. Please, Daddy. Please allow me to continue. I'm talking; don't take me away."

"Give it up, Francis; I can't bear to see our daughter still needing to beg." It seemed difficult for mommy to say that, but there was nothing she could do.

"Meg," dad called his wife hesitantly.

Mommy smiled sweetly and came closer to me. Dad gave me distance so Mommy could get close to me. When she was in front of me, she caressed my face.

I closed my eyes because I wanted to taste my mother's touch.

"It's too late, Mira." I immediately nodded and met mommy's wide eyes. "I have confidence in you that you can do it. But when I find out that you are on the verge of danger again or any attempt on your life, you will step down yourself, understand?"

I couldn't answer. With my current opponent, it was impossible not to put me on the brink of danger again. Little by little, I'm ruining Pablo's name. His name was in the headlines. Within three days, we were able to spread his stench to the public. Whether legal or illegal.

"At that time, I will make Mateo's company and ours one. Then even your Ate, Fayra will no longer be able to manage the company you almost bet your own life on." Mommy continues.

I understand him. I understand him very well.

"I'll be careful, Mommy. I promise, I won't be put in that scenario again, but I'll just make it clear that my opponent is different now; just like you said, this one is cunning."

"We know, hija. So be alert as much as possible if you really want to continue. Because you only get one scar, talk is talk. I don't want to mourn my own child; it will be painful for us if we are the ones to deliver the last destination." Dad promised.

I just smiled and hugged Mommy.

"It's him, hija." Dad grabbed my attention again. He was sitting on the sofa while holding his phone.

 

"Why, Dad?"

 

"With our agreement, I want to let you know something. In order for me to allow you, I want someone to accompany you besides Mateo. They are already too busy, especially since those people also have families."

 

"Dad, I can," I emphasize.

 

"No, Amira. I will let you stay if he's with you."

 

My eyebrows immediately arched upon hearing this. "He's?" I want to ask. It means that dad is referring to a man.

 

"I talked to him before we even got back here. I've been talking to him since we saw the news about you. I'm staying intact with him since he's been eyeing you around.".

"Dad, just direct me to the point. I have no time for this. Who's the guy?"

 

Dad cleared his throat; he was about to say something when my eyes drew to the door, where a familiar man came in.

"G-Gio?" I whispered.

Our eyes met, and he didn't look surprised at all.

 

"What the hell are you doing here?" I ask without blinking.

 

He pointed at my dad, like he was saying that I should ask my father instead of him. I rolled my eyes. The fuck is happening?

 

"Didn't you tell her, Mr. Fabian? She looks puzzled." His tone was still making my blood boil. Damn this man, what on earth is he doing in our house? And what the heck is he saying anyway?

I looked at dad again; he sighed and directed the man to sit next to him. They were looking at me the same way, something that made me so happy.

 

"I told you already, hija, when you have a companion..."

 

I shook my head. I seem to know what Daddy is trying to point out.

"I called Mr. Rossi a while ago. I told him everything, and he agreed that you should have someone who can accompany you 24/7. This is for your safety, Mira. I hope you understand."

 

I was dumbfounded for a few seconds. I chuckled. "So he's going to accompany me? He's the one you want by my side, Dad?"

 

"Yes, Anak. I hope you understand me. I'm doing this for your safety, and he volunteers himself."

I just shook my head. There was nothing I could do but agree rather than disobey my parents. But why do we have so many people to be with? Why one more Giovanni Rossi?

 

After our conversation with Dad, I went straight outside his office. As soon as I came out, Ate Fayra immediately greeted me. I told her about the whole conversation we had with dad, and she was disappointed because they still allowed me to be dad despite what happened.

 

I was speechless while watching how Ate Fayra would convince me not to try anymore. She said she doesn't want me to lose him, maybe because I'm out of luck. It's negative, but maybe that's what will happen if I'm stupid.

 

"Are you pregnant?" suddenly became a question because her mood changed when she saw my red soles. She was very happy while pricking my foot.

 

My sister, Fayra, snorted while hitting me. I winced because of that. The toasted bread she ordered arrived just in time because she said she was hungry. In fact, we just had lunch, but here she is, hungry again.

I watched her as she separated her two breads; my stomach turned just like that when I saw the ice cream, ketchup, and mustard that she suddenly filled. I couldn't stomach what it tasted like, so I quickly went to the kitchen sink and vomited.

 

It was as if my sister didn't care about me because even before I could get away from her, she just looked at me before focusing on her food.

 

I shook my head while muttering. Is she really pregnant? Is she like that? Because she's weird.

 

When I finished, I leaned next to the sink and took my phone from my pocket. I quickly researched the symptoms of pregnancy, and one of them was vomiting or morning sickness, but that depends on the pregnant woman. There are pregnant women who do not experience this. Next are conception, rapid mood swings, and more.

 

"Are you pregnant?" I whispered a question to myself. I remembered what he was eating today. My stomach immediately turned upside down, and I felt nauseous. I wiped my mouth and nodded one after the other. "Pregnant indeed."

 

"You're pregnant?"

 

"O-Oh, the man without a balls!" Fast forward to four. I covered my mouth and quickly faced the owner of the voice.

"I have balls; what the hell!"

 

My eyes widened at him as he looked at me with a serious face.

 

He slowly came closer and pushed my legs back. His gaze suddenly turned to the sink. I swallowed in no time.

 

"Symptoms of pregnancy, huh." Sarcastically reading this in my cinesearch, it was not satisfied; it even took my phone and scrolled. "Vomiting, morning sickness, sudden mood swings—"

 

"That's mine. Please be quiet." Annoyed, I snatched my phone from him and was about to pass him when he stopped me by the arm.

 

"So you're pregnant? Who's the father? Does he know about that—"

 

"I'm fucked by dissatisfaction of life," I cut him off.

 

His brow furrowed quickly. Obviously annoyed, but what do I care about him. I should be the cleanest of the two of us, because apart from the fact that we will be together again, here he is and doesn't even want to let go of me!

 

"What?!"

 

"Let go of me, Gio! I'm going to hit you!"

 

"No."

 

"What?! Son of a demon, let me go!"

 

"I wouldn't let you go unless you tell me who's the father of your child."

I closed my eyes, when I opened my eyes again I pushed him suddenly causing him to lose his hold on me.

"What the hell is your problem, Gio? What if I'm pregnant? What's wrong with you now? Do you really need to know who's the father is?" He didn't answer me; instead, he just glared at me like I did something he didn't want. Like those old days. "Stay away from my business, Mr. Rossi. You're not part of it, so know your limit."

I quickly left the kitchen and just sighed. I went straight to the living room again and caught up with Ate Fayra who was still eating her food.

"You're really pregnant my dear sister. With Kuya Mateo being busy, he still managed to score." I laughed and promised myself before attending her 

"You want to try this? It's a perfect combo." She offered to me. I refused that and cautiously said that my stomach hurts. I really teased her because she might suddenly sulk with me. But I was very grateful and she just ignored me.

"Will Kuya Mateo pick you up here?" I will ask.

"Ah, yes. Let's meet at home. By the way, will Zari come with you?"

I quickly shook my head. "She doesn't want it. I've asked her several times but she really doesn't want it." She says she'll just visit me at my sister house, so she can visit her daughter Faith after.

I convinced Zari to come with me for a while, but she immediately rejected me. She told me that she had something important to take care of and one of those was her daughter's papers. I don't know what it was for, but I didn't care anymore. I also asked her if she wanted to be my under for the meantime as my secretary, but as I expected, she also refused. I understand that's why I didn't insist anymore.

"I'm going, Mom, Dad. I'll fix some of my things, then I'll go straight to Sister Fayra." I said goodbye to mommy and daddy when they left dad's office here at home.

 

"You take care of her, Giovanni. From now on, don't take your eyes off my daughter, if we don't get into trouble." There was a threat in Daddy's voice.

 

"I understand everything, Sir. I wouldn't let your daughter out of my sight as much as possible."

 

"Good. Now go ahead; you should be at your sister's house before nightfall." He turned to me.

 

I just nodded, and eventually Mom kissed them goodbye. I haven't been able to say goodbye to Ate Fayra since she suddenly fell asleep while we were talking.

 

"You don't really need to do what my father told you, Mr. Rossi. When we get out of this village, don't follow me anymore. I'm my body guards; they can handle everything."

 

Gio just looked up at him.

 

"Can you hear me?" There was annoyance in my voice.

 

"Loud and clear,"

 

"Good—"

 

"But I won't obey you. I don't follow orders, Amira. You know it." Taking it seriously.

 

I burst out laughing. "Then why are you following my father?"

 

He titled his head and smirked. "You don't need to know the reason why, Amira, unless you want to be involved with me again."