Aira's Point of View "Meriam! You live here? I thought you were staying at home or at your resthouse," I asked the woman in the neighboring unit. "Is that a question or an accusation?" he retorted. "I don't understand why you complain about the noise instead of soundproofing your unit," I replied. I didn't want a fight. I didn't want trouble, especially in the condo where I was staying. I didn't want to create a scene over something that had a straightforward solution. "Because I don't want to," he replied simply. Seeing that the conversation was going nowhere, I turned and went back to my unit. "Take your time with the work. Finish by 5 p.m. No late-night disturbances. Thank you," I instructed the foreman and left. "Is the room in your unit available?" I asked on the phone. While getting into my car, I called Raven. Right now, all I could think about was moving in with him while my condo was being fixed. I couldn't stay at home with Mommy, Meriam, and Daddy. Aside from the d
Aira's Point of View "Wouldn't your parents be angrier if they found out?" Miguel asked. I had told him my plan—to stay in his condo first—and explained Raven's actions. Reflecting on it, I realized how self-absorbed I'd been, oblivious to Raven's own struggles. I'm not angry with Raven anymore; instead, I'm disappointed in myself for being so problematic and toxic. "Raven just let me go. It's the same for both of us; we don't push each other to be better when annoyed or irritated," I replied simply. "They don't care about me," I added. "Also, can I stay here with you?" I asked him again. "If we move in together, does that mean you'll marry me?" he asked. "Tsk. Marriage isn't on my mind. We have other priorities right now, not each other," I told him firmly. "Actually," he began. He turned away. "Are you sure about living here? You know how the world is," he said with concern in his voice. "No one will know I'm here. I'll still work from home until the renovation's done, so
Miguel's Point of View I turned and saw my father standing there. It was midnight, and all the mansion lights were off except for those outside and at the guard house. "There's a lot happening in the office that you don't know about. What are you up to?" he asked before I could respond. He walked towards the light switch. Perhaps all the mansion staff were already asleep, so he was the only one to open the door. The remote must have been on the table, as he walked closer to it. Approaching me, he spoke again, "Maybe you're forgetting you're an employee in my company, not my son to act like this. You're not performing well. One more mistake, and you'll see the consequences of your negligence," he threatened, heading upstairs first. I never got a chance to reply. I went straight to my room without turning off the light he had switched on. I grabbed my laptop to check emails, proposals, and pending papers. "What? How did this happen?" I exclaimed, seeing a rejected proposal. It had
Miguel's Point of View I chased after Lily to ask for another chance to discuss our business partnership. "Ms. Montenegro, please, let me help convince your father to reconsider. I know my mistake caused the rejection yesterday. Please, I apologize," I said as I caught up with her. "What if Daddy excluded me because his heir has arrived?" she tormented me. "Huh? Aren't you the only child?" I asked. According to my research, Lily is the only child of the Montenegro family. Could there be someone else? Who could that be? "My cousin from America has arrived. He is Tito's only child and has become Daddy's chosen heir because he no longer trusts me, and it's your fault," she said bluntly. I apologized again, but she walked away. I didn't follow her, but I called my assistant, despite it being his day off. "Who is Mr. Montenegro's nephew from America, and what role does he play in the company?" I asked as soon as he answered. "As far as I know, Philip has been abroad for a long tim
Miguel's Point of View "What happened?" I asked Cheska when I found her sitting by the sea. "It's hot here; you haven't put on sunscreen yet," I told her. She didn't respond, so I tried again. "You can confide in me about your anger, even though you're older than me. If not as a brother, then as someone you barely know," I urged her. "The tough part about being Dad's son is he expects the impossible. If I can't deliver, he'll replace me. I was young, and I could tell Dad didn't like me. There was no love, no matter what I did. It's not my fault I was born sick. No matter what medicine I take, the pain remains," she said bitterly. "I've shown Dad my school achievements, but that's not what he wants. I struggle to speak in front of people due to mild autism I've had since age one. I've undergone therapies my entire life. Progress has been slow. Mom always told me not to pressure myself, but how can I improve and make Dad proud?" she continued, tears welling up. "Everything I do to
Miguel's Point of View "Just last night, the four of us planned to go out, but we didn't invite you because Aira said no," Raven explained to me. They had seen me when I was chasing after Lily. **FLASHBACK** "Miguel?" a voice called from behind me. I looked back, still holding onto Lily. I released her when I realized it was Raven calling. Surprised, I assured him it was just work and why I was chasing Lily, promising to explain later. I rushed off to find them at the resort. "I'm with Aira and—" I missed what he said as I continued chasing Lily. **END OF FLASHBACK** "What will you do now? You're too emotional. You didn't even ask him for an explanation," Raven lectured me. "Let's just go to him. I'll explain," I said to him. "I'm not sure about you. You've met his family, but you haven't met his brother Ken, whom Aira adores, if only you knew," he continued lecturing me. "They turned away; Aira was the only one who glanced at me. I don't want anyone touching her other tha
Aira's Point of View It's early Sunday morning, and I've just finished moving my things out of the mansion. I needed to get away from Meriam and Mommy's scrutiny. I didn't want them doubting my intentions regarding the company just because Miguel is my boyfriend. Raven texted me asking where I'll be tomorrow. I replied that I'll be here at the condo. We don't have work tomorrow, so maybe he's concerned about what I'll be doing while alone. "I'm just staying here. Why?" I replied to him. "Come with us to the resort in Palawan. We'll be back Monday morning," he promptly replied. Before I could respond, another text came in. "Sis, the guard at the mansion said you left. Why did you leave at this hour? It's dangerous now. Who are you with? Who drove you? Can I pick you up tomorrow? We're going out." I read his messages one after another. "I'll see you tomorrow at Raven's condo lobby," I told him. I didn't tell him to bring clothes because we can buy them tomorrow. Ken and I are ve
Aira's Point of View "Why did you leave the mansion? Meriam hardly ever comes home. It's just you and me living there," Ken said to me. "Huh? Meriam doesn't come home anymore?" I asked, confused. "Yeah. She just stays there. It's just that whenever you leave your room, she's around," Ken replied. "You know my situation there. They don't want me anymore. Why should I stay? Besides, I have my own business. I can take care of myself, so don't worry," I explained to him patiently. "Because we're family. Why do we have to be separated?" Ken asked, sounding annoyed. "You know my situation. Let's just let it go. At least we can still bond even if they don't approve. I also know you've been avoiding me since high school. I've let it go because I know you won't answer me," I said, picking up a fallen cotton ball. "I understand why you're independent now, and I'm proud of all your accomplishments. Just try not to compete with our family business," Ken advised me. "Hahaha, how co