1

LEXI'S POV

(8 years later)

“Happy birthday, Lexi!”

I just smiled when I saw Linda holding a small cake. She’s the nanny who raised me. She’s been doing this every year since I moved to my father’s house. She has been like a mother to me—taking care of me and the only one who showed me that I was accepted in this house.

“Thank you, Linda,” I said happily.

Aside from the cake, there was also breakfast on the side table next to me. Today was my 26th birthday, and I knew that it would feel like any other ordinary day. Only Linda was making me feel like this day was special.

“What are your plans for today?” she asked.

I gave a small smile. “Linda, I was going to tell you something, but please don’t tell anyone, okay?”

“Of course! When have I ever broken your trust?” she said jokingly.

I quickly nodded. I could only confide in Linda. She’s the only one I can trust with my secrets, and none of them have ever reached Papa or Aunt Minda. That’s why I trust her so much.

“I’m planning to confess to James today,” I said quietly.

James Smith has been my friend since college, and he started courting me a year ago. At first, I only saw him as a friend, but eventually, I fell for him too. After my first heartbreak, it was only now that my heart learned how to love again.

“Well, that’s great. I thought you were just leading him on,” Linda said happily.

I laughed. She always told me I deserved to follow my heart.

“I feel like now is the right time to tell him how I truly feel.”

Our conversation was interrupted when my phone alarm went off. Linda quickly grabbed my towel and handed it to me.

“Okay, we’ll talk more later. You might be late for work. Go shower now. Wait, what about your breakfast?” she asked in a flustered tone.

“Linda, just like before, I’ll take it with me,” I said, smiling.

“Oh, right. Okay, I’ll prepare it, and you go shower. Go on, Hija.”

I stood up and walked over to Linda to give her a hug. She was momentarily stunned by my gesture.

“Thank you so much, Linda.”

After my hug, I quickly entered the bathroom. I didn’t want her to see the tears that had escaped my eyes. I just stared at myself in the mirror. This is always the scenario on my birthday. Linda wakes me up to give me the cake she bought herself, and after that, I immediately retreated to the bathroom to hide my tears.

Every year, I cry on my birthday. I have a family—the Castillon family—but I’ve never truly felt like I belong to them. This is what it feels like to be the product of a mistake. I’m Papa’s child with another woman, and my sister Shiela is almost the same age as me.

I was very young when my mother died, and since then, Papa took me in. He took me here to his house and introduced me to his wife, Aunt Minda, and their daughter Shiela. Shiela is older than I. She and her mother hated me because I was an illegitimate child, but Papa insisted on taking care of me because I had lost my mother. Aunt Minda had no choice but to accept Papa’s decision, but their treatment of me was never good.

Even though Papa took me in, I never felt his presence while I was growing up. He was always busy with his company, trying to grow it. So, it was only Aunt Minda and Shiela who I was often with in this house. Luckily, Linda was kind to me, so at least I managed to grow up here.

That’s why, every year on my birthday, I’m always alone. Papa might not even know it’s my birthday. And as for Aunt Minda and Shiela, they don’t care about me. I really wanted to leave this house, but I couldn’t leave Papa. Even though they’ve treated me this way, I’m still thankful to him for standing by me.

After crying for a few minutes, I decided to shower. Even though it was my birthday, I still chose to go to work. I prefer to spend my day at the office than sulking here at home.

I work for a well-known financial company. I chose to work elsewhere instead of Papa’s company. He’s been convincing me to work for him for a long time, but I’ve always refused. Life at home is complicated enough, and I don’t want my workplace to be the same. Shiela and Aunt Minda are also at Papa’s company, so it’s certain to be a nightmare if I worked there.

After finishing my shower and being satisfied with how I looked, I decided to head out of my room. From upstairs, I could already hear laughter downstairs. I was sure Aunt Minda was enjoying breakfast. My heart skipped a beat when I heard Papa’s voice. He was still there, so I quickly went downstairs and headed for the dining room. As soon as I entered, the three of them all looked at me at once.

“You’re here, Lexi. Come join us,” Papa said seriously.

I can’t miss the way Shiela scowled at me and how Aunt Minda rolled her eyes. I was already used to their treatment, but I wasn’t going to waste an opportunity to eat with Papa. So, without hesitation, I sat down to join them.

“By the way, Lexi, we have a family dinner tonight at Queen’s Resto,” Papa added.

“Ricky, maybe Lexi is busy with work,” Aunt Minda interjected.

As usual, whenever there’s a family gathering, it’s almost as if Aunt Minda is directly telling me not to join because I’m just an illegitimate child. Luckily, I actually had plans for tonight. I was going to confess to James and tomorrow, I’ll introduce him to Papa. Papa knows him as my friend, but tomorrow, I’ll introduce him as my boyfriend.

“If you worked at our company, there wouldn’t be any problem with your schedule,” Papa said.

As usual, Papa brought up his wish for me to join his company. I don’t know why he insists on it, even though it’s obvious that his wife doesn’t like me. I guess when someone is too busy with work, they become blind to other things. I have no ill feelings towards Papa. Despite everything, he still wants me to be part of the company he worked hard to build.

“What’s going on tonight?” I changed the subject.

“It’s just a simple gathering with the owner of TAC Group of Companies. Finally, they agreed to accept my invitation,” Papa said, smiling.

TAC Group of Companies is well-known because it’s one of the most successful family corporations in the country. Moreover, their family is so exclusive that very few people know them. I don't even know who’s behind that company.

“Aren’t they strict about these things, Papa?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“Yes, but for some unknown reason, they accepted my invitation. It’s a great opportunity for our company,” Papa said happily.

“And, Ricky, honey, I heard their son is coming too. Shiela’s so excited,” Aunt Minda added.

I looked at Shiela, whose smile was wide, almost as if she was swooning.

“You know him?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“Of course. I have connections, unlike you,” Shiela answered, smiling, before looking at Papa. “Papa, maybe you can help me with their son. You know, maybe he’s the one meant for me.”

Papa shook his head gently. “Love isn’t like that, Hija.”

“Hon, isn’t that a great opportunity? I mean, if they fall in love, it would be great for our company’s image,” Aunt Minda said.

Papa ignored his wife and daughter and instead looked at me.

“Will you be joining us, Lexi?”

I smiled uncertainly. “I have plans, Papa.”

Papa nodded and returned his attention to the food. I smiled bitterly and tried not to cry in front of them. Papa didn’t remember that it was my birthday today, or maybe he didn’t even know it was my special day.

“Excuse me. I’ll go ahead. I might be late,” was all I said.

“Aren’t you going to finish your meal?” Aunt Minda asked, sounding incredulous.

I smiled faintly. I knew she would rather I left, so I wouldn’t embarrass her in front of Papa.

“How rude,” Shiela muttered, making sure Papa heard.

“Lexi, we rarely get to eat together. Just let us finish before you leave,” Papa said authoritatively.

I had no choice but to stay. When Papa speaks, I can’t refuse. I endured their cheerful conversation while sitting with no appetite to eat.

It was always like this. I wonder how long it will continue?