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.
**Meriam's Perspective** "Mommy, what should I do if Daddy wants to pass the company to Sister Jen?" I asked hesitantly. My sister Jen is capable of running the company. She's intelligent and strategic, and she hasn't relied on being a Villanueva to succeed in business. I don't resent my sister, but Mommy always scolds me when I'm kind to her, so I've grown distant. While I was abroad, Mommy insisted I return to the Philippines because Daddy was retiring, and I was supposed to take over. Sister May isn't interested in the business, and Mommy can't control her either. Mommy always tells Ken and me that one of us should step up to run the company. Even if I don't want to, I can't refuse because Mommy will just give in, which frustrates me. Also, there's a secret that only Ken and I know. Ken warned me not to reveal it to protect Ate Jen from being hurt. We love Sister Jen, which is why we've kept the secret until now. Mommy threatened us that if Sister Jen takes over from Daddy, sh
"Daddy, everyone knows you're pregnant now. Do you think Mom will be happy about this accident?" Daddy asked me as soon as Aira returned to their mansion. Despite my attempts to reach her, she didn't answer. I turned to Raven for help, but he advised me to give Aira space. This morning, while entering my office, Daddy and I overheard discussions in the cubicles about an article that had been released. It mentioned that one of the Villanueva brothers was expecting a child, causing a stir and negative comments among colleagues who didn't even know him. Daddy was so intrigued that he didn't let me go to my desk. Instead, he made me sit in his office and instructed his secretary to find out more. Although the article didn't reveal the man's identity, Daddy knew it referred to me because I was the only one involved with the Villanueva family. "I'm not 100% certain I'm pregnant," I said cautiously. "So you admit it?" Daddy pressed. "Whether I admit it or not, I'm unsure myself," I
Feeling anxious and unsettled, Miguel returned to the mansion, his mind racing with decisions he needed to make. He desperately wanted to create a complete family for Aira and their baby, especially after what he had recently discovered. "I'm from Villanueva's building. Do you have a moment?" his father's voice interrupted as he entered through the main door. "I'll talk to you once I've sorted things out," Miguel replied, trying to gather his thoughts. His immediate priority was reaching Aira to discuss their future and the baby, but his calls went unanswered. Turning to Raven for information, he found even Raven hadn't been in touch with Aira. Seeking advice, he dialed his mother, hoping for her calming influence, but she too didn't pick up. Confusion overwhelmed him, unsure of what steps to take next. His mother's support had always been a constant in tough times like these. "Sir, you're needed," a voice interrupted, knocking on his door. Straightening himself, Miguel followed h