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
Aira's Point of View I've returned to Miguel's condo where I live, after our trip from Palawan with Raven, Angela, Thirdy, and Ken. Despite some hiccups, we bonded happily. Last night, we had a bonfire and played games. I laughed, cried, and felt overwhelmed. As I lay staring at the ceiling, my thoughts drifted back to what happened at yesterday's late lunch. **FLASHBACK** "You're pregnant!" Raven and Angela shouted simultaneously. "Huh? Am I going to be an aunt soon, sister?" Ken asked me. "Can you keep your voice down?" "So, really, are you pre—" "Shush, Ken. I told you to keep it down, you're embarrassing me. And no, I'm definitely not pregnant," I interrupted Ken, pulling him to sit down. "You don't just throw up from food, Aira," Raven remarked. "I don't know. Besides, vomiting isn't just morning sickness if you're pregnant. It's still early in the day, so it can't be morning sickness. Therefore, I'm not pregnant," I defended myself. "Alright, we believe you. But just
Because I threw up in front of Miguel, he rushed us to get a check-up. I immediately made an appointment with the most famous and trusted OB here. I didn't object anymore because I didn't want to dwell on the possibility of being sick. "We don't know if you're really pregnant yet. It's too early to detect," the OB told us. "You tested positive on the pregnancy test, but as you can see, nothing is visible on the ultrasound. You also have morning sickness and other pregnancy symptoms, but right now I cannot confirm that you are 100% pregnant. You can come back in 2 weeks or a month for a follow-up. Take care of yourself and fulfill all your cravings; if you are pregnant, it will be better for the child," the OB added. "If that's the case, thank you very much. This is what we talked about, right? For now, it's just between us," Miguel said. Why does it irritate me to hear that he wants to keep this private? What if it's his child? "Like I told you, this is confidential. Thank you ver
**Miguel’s Point of View**I don't know if I should be happy that Aira agreed to marry me, even though we won't be getting married this year. Her parents want a grand wedding since it’s also a celebration of the merging of two major companies, the Villanueva Group of Companies and Santiago Enterprises. What can I do if that’s what they want? They also don’t want any negative comments about our wedding because of Abby’s post about our supposed wedding. That would get more attention than our actual wedding.“Don’t be sad! We’ll still get married, not now but I’m sure I’ll marry you and no one else,” Aira cheered me up.I smiled at her. “Just promise me you'll marry me and no one else, okay?” I reassured her.She raised her hand with the ring. “This is not just a simple ring. This is a promise ring. This symbolizes our promised wedding.” She kissed me, probably to stop me from worrying.Aira and I are currently at a resort in Palawan. We have the island to ourselves, so we have plenty of
**Miguel's Point of View**Aira and I were lying on my bed. She was resting her head on my arm as I gently stroked her hair. I never imagined I would feel this way again. I never thought we would reach this point in our lives again, where we could be together without worrying about other problems.Some people might say our relationship is too typical. Coming from feuding families, both products of broken homes, and both children born out of wedlock, but none of that became a hindrance. Instead, it allowed us to understand each other better."How many children do you want?" Aira asked me while looking at me.I smiled at her and thought for a moment. "I want more than four, I think. I want them to have many siblings so they won't feel lonely and will have playmates. I want them to be each other's best friends," I answered happily.She frowned, making me raise an eyebrow. "I already told you that I don't want to have many children. Besides not being sure if my womb can handle it, I don't
**Miguel's Point of View**I was happy to go home after bringing Abby to a facility. I took her child to her mom. I didn't tell Aira what was happening because I wanted to surprise her.Auntie was shocked when I arrived with Abby's child. They thought I had taken the child without permission, so they immediately went to check on her. Auntie was very thankful because, finally, her daughter came to her senses. She chose to get better and free herself and others.Even though it was a bit difficult, I was always thankful that it was finally over. Now, all I need to focus on is my dad's company. I don't know what's going on within his family. The only thing Cheska told me was the frequent fighting between Daddy and his wife, and even she doesn't know the reason.Dad prepared everything before he surrendered to the police. He also arranged to transfer his shares to my name. Cheska was also left with some shares. Dad's buildings, farms, and small businesses were divided among us. Dad left ma
**Miguel Ice's Point of View**"Finish that later, eat first," Abby said as she entered my office at her house.I didn't want to, but for my mother's peace of mind, I did what she wanted. Mama has a soft heart, especially for children who beg."I'm not hungry." Since I started living here, I couldn't even look at her. She could touch me, but I wanted to push her away, yet I couldn't because of pity.She's fine at home, attentive, and caring for her child. I used to enjoy playing with her child, who she introduced to me as "Tito-Daddy." Playing with the child made me happy, but when I married her because of her threats, their affection for me disappeared. Let's just say the child shouldn't be involved, but he's a significant reason why Mama pleaded with me."How long will you be like this? I'm your wife, but you treat me like a mere pawn!" She started arguing again.She's often like this, but I ignored her. I let her say whatever she wanted."You won't talk to me again, and then what?
**Aira Jane’s Point of View**After what happened between Miguel and me, we haven't seen each other again. I left that night while he was asleep and didn't say goodbye to Mama."What if your half-sister finds out? It'll just cause more trouble, Aira!" Raven told me. I had a headache when I arrived at work; it's tough pretending everything is okay."How would she know if no one tells her? Miguel probably won't say anything either," I replied, resting my head on the table."Oh, come on! You never learn! If you're not going to fight for Miguel, then stop giving in to your feelings. Honestly, you're being unfair.""Why me? Why am I the one being unfair? Isn't it him?" I asked her, surprised."Tsk." Raven rolled her eyes, leaving me confused about what she meant."Imagine, you just accept their explanations without expressing how you feel inside! Do you think that's right? Do you think that's not unfair to Miguel? He's fighting and doing what he can to solve the problems. While you, you ju
**Aira Jane’s Point of View**I didn't go back to the mansion. They wouldn't look for me anyway. I'll sleep here at Mama's house. She doesn't have anyone with her, and besides, we were both tired from shopping and wandering around the mall. It was already 11 PM when we got home."Sigh, this is my third day in this room, the second time I'll sleep here," I whispered to myself as I flopped onto the soft bed."Aira, dear?" Mama knocked on the door of the room. I got up, but Mama had already entered the room. "I just want to know if you're going to eat. If you are, I'll cook something for you. What do you want? Miguel is coming home, and I cooked some soup since he called drunk." I quickly sat up."Ma, can I go home?" I asked Mama."Why? Are you avoiding Miguel?" Mama's question left me speechless. I didn't know, but I couldn't be with Miguel when someone else was watching. I felt like Miguel and I were using them to deceive Abby, which I didn't want. I didn't want to use others just to b
Aira Jane’s Point of View“What time is it?” I heard Miguel ask.“It’s afternoon, almost five. How did you sleep? Are you hungry?” I asked with concern.I dozed off while watching him, but the heat made it hard to sleep again. Miguel, on the other hand, was deeply asleep; he looked exhausted. “I’m sorry if I disturbed you,” he said, asking for my forgiveness.“It’s nothing, just make sure this doesn’t happen again.” I stood up from the tent, but he stopped me. “Sit down first; let’s talk.” I looked at him and started to sit back down.“Can you go home and stay with Mom?” He surprised me with that question.“Why? Did something happen to Mom?” I asked worriedly.“Nothing happened; I’m just worried she’s alone there. I’m always at work, and when I come home, it’s usually to Abby's house. You know her, right? She always exhausts herself.”“Sounds like you.” I whispered, raising an eyebrow at him. “Alright, I’ll try to bring her to the condo. I’ll do my best.” I replied simply.“Thank you
**Aira Jane’s Point of View**“It looks like you’re in a good mood today. Have you and Miguel reconciled?” Meriam asked me with enthusiasm.I continued walking towards the dining area, ignoring her because I didn’t want any commotion to disturb my beautiful morning. I woke up feeling light, as if all my worries had vanished. I wasn’t sure if it was because I realized Miguel truly loves me and I’m still his safe haven, or if it was because I had spent almost the entire night with him.“Did you know you’re trending again? Ever since you started dating Miguel, you’ve never left social media. You’re always the topic of conversation.” She followed me while saying all this. I turned to her and replied, “You know, Meriam, after all this time we’ve been living, aren’t you used to being talked about by others? Their opinions don’t matter to me, unlike yours.” I said it sharply without even looking at her.“Really? What if the topic now is your boyfriend marrying his fling? Doesn’t that matter
**Aira’s Point of View**Three weeks later,"What did you say?" I asked Ken again. He had shared some news that I could hardly believe."Yes. My brother-in-law left the company to help his sister Cheska run their own business because their father surrendered to the police. I don't know the other reasons, but one thing is certain: my brother-in-law has left us," Ken said sadly."I can't do anything about that. If he wants to go, then let him be. It might even be good for him; he knows a lot about our company that he could use for theirs or to undermine us.""That's not how my brother-in-law is, ate. You know that!" I shrugged and walked out of the mansion.He has no gratitude. After being fully accepted by Dad, he just leaves for the person who caused our problems before. I might be trying to forget what happened, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgiven him. They say you can’t truly forget until you learn to forgive."Here you are again," Raven commented when she saw me in the bar."As far