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
"You want me to take your place?" I asked incredulously. "I want what's best for the company, Aira. You have the capability, and I've seen your potential. If you marry Mr. Martin's daughter, it would secure our company's future," Daddy explained calmly. "But I have no interest in running the company, Daddy. I never have," I replied honestly. "I understand, but sometimes our responsibilities find us whether we seek them or not. Think about it carefully," Daddy said, his expression serious. I nodded, feeling overwhelmed by everything that had unfolded. Despite my reluctance, I knew Daddy was right about the weight of responsibility. "Thank you, Daddy," I said quietly, acknowledging his support. As I left his office, I felt a mix of emotions. The confrontation with Miguel at the bar, the accusations from my family, and now this unexpected conversation with Daddy—it was all too much to process at once. Back in the living room, Ken and Meriam were still there, but Mommy had left. The
"I'm not going to waver anymore," Mr. James declared. "I want you to marry my youngest son," he added. Youngest? I asked myself. "Marry Meriam, as I wish," he said firmly. I was taken aback by his request. Meriam isn't the one I got pregnant with, and she's definitely not the one I want to be with. "I'm sorry, sir, but that's not possible," I replied respectfully. "Exactly. As reparation for what you've done to my son, you will obey my wishes," he insisted. "I will take responsibility for Aira. We will form a family. I will marry her and no one else," I asserted firmly to my boyfriend's father. "No sane life awaits Aira if she marries you. Who are you? An illegitimate child who will never inherit. If you marry Meriam, you'll manage the company I've built and secure it together. Let Aira continue on her current path. I know my son can find happiness elsewhere even with a child," Mr. James countered. "Sir, are you asking me to hurt your son and betray my feelings?" I clarified.