This was my first time back at the mansion since leaving, aside from seeing Ken. "Good day, ma'am. Welcome back," greeted the guard and some of the staff as I entered. I approached Mom and Dad to greet them with a kiss, and did the same with my siblings Shane, Jan, and May, offering a smile from across the table. "Where have you been? You've been gone for quite a while," Shane inquired. Did they really not know what had happened, or were they pretending? "Where's your child? Weren't you pregnant, or was that just a ploy to trap Miguel? Too bad it didn't work out. In the end, he'll marry me anyway!" Meriam interjected from behind. I sighed inwardly. As before, I didn't want to engage, especially not with her. "You were pregnant when you disappeared? But it's impossible to give birth in just 7 or 8 months," Shane observed, clearly unaware of the truth. I sighed again. "Congratulations, Shane and Jan. I'll make sure to attend your gender reveal party," I offered, handing Shane a
"Have you sent it yet?" I asked Dyson over the phone. "Yes, boss. They might be scrambling now to find out who sent those documents!" he replied from the other end. "Good. He must be losing his mind right now, fearing someone knows what he's up to," I responded. I hung up and refocused on my work. "Ma'am, Mr. Santiago is requesting your availability for a meeting. What time would you prefer?" Pen, my assistant, inquired. I smiled knowingly. He was quick to figure out it was me behind everything. "Tell him 2 p.m. tomorrow," I instructed. "Dyson! I need you at 2 p.m. tomorrow," I texted Dyson, now ignoring other messages on my phone. Work matters with Pen were swiftly handled, but I avoided discussing personal issues unless absolutely necessary. After finishing at the office, I visited the store. Later that night, I planned to go to the bar—a rare chance to visit my first love after many months. Before the boutique, Raven and I had started the bar. It became popular among stude
I woke up to sunlight streaming through the window. The sun was already high; it must be noon. As I got up, I realized I wasn't in my own condo. Rolling my eyes, I remembered I was at Angela and Raven's house. He must have brought me home from the bar. Our supposed celebration had amounted to nothing. It felt like I was reliving my childhood, being cared for by Raven once again. "You're already awake. Let's eat!" Angela greeted me. I nodded, unable to speak because I still felt the lingering scent of alcohol on my breath from not brushing my teeth yet. On the small sofa in the room, I found a towel and a new toothbrush. They must have brought them in while I was asleep. Quickly attending to myself, I noticed new underwear and clothes in the cabinet, so I didn't hesitate to use them. Leaving the room, I found Angela setting the table. "Where's Raven?" I asked, scanning the room. "He's in your office; he said you have a meeting at 2 p.m., but there are papers needing your approval,
"If this isn't about business, Aira didn't expect this meeting. If you want to discuss personal matters about you or her, can I know your relationship with her?" Dyson replied smugly. I didn't interrupt because I didn't know how to intervene in their conversation. I didn't want to talk about me, especially not with him. He hasn't been a part of my life since he and his almost-mother stood us up. "I'm her ex-boyfriend," Miguel said with a furrowed brow. "Ex? So she's in the past?" Dyson asked. "I just want to know what happened." "What happened? When?" Dyson interrupted. "My child," Miguel's voice carried sadness, or maybe I expected him to be sad talking about our future child. "For what reason?" Dyson asked. Miguel didn't speak, and I was too nervous to speak. "I just want to ask where my son is. Maybe you don't need to hide from me what happened to my son. Is he or she premature, or did you abort him?" Miguel didn't finish his statement as Dyson kicked him. "You're truly wo
Since Aira left and Daddy announced the marriage between me and his sister, Meriam, I've become a drunkard and womanizer. Every night, I visit Aira's bar to drink and find a girl to sleep with when I'm too drunk. Maybe the alcohol warms me too. I behaved shamelessly there, hoping for mercy when he found out. But his shadow stopped appearing months ago, leaving me angrier, more annoyed, and resentful. He used to say he loved me, that we'd stay together no matter what. But after a simple fight, he left me. I shouted about the baby's safety. That night, I thought he was drinking. It was wrong to yell at him and humiliate him in his bar, and I regret my rashness. I never imagined it would be our last meeting. I thought he'd gradually return if he answered my calls, but my last call pushed him further away. I chased him at the airport but couldn't catch him. I searched his country but found nothing. I'm angry at myself and my situation. I didn't choose my parents or this fate, yet I'
Miguel's Perspective: Continuation of Chapter 53 Arriving in the province, I faced the challenge of finding Mom's farm in the vast rural landscape. The houses were scattered far apart, making it difficult to inquire. "Where can I find this farm?" I asked a local I encountered. "Why do you need to find it? Planning to buy vegetables from them? They had a big harvest today. They supply a health restaurant in Manila with fresh produce. It helps the community and supports his mom," the local replied cheerfully. "I just need to speak with him first," I replied politely. "He's up there. Let my grandson take you. It's a bit of a trek up the mountain and off the beaten path. Better to ride a motorcycle so you don't exhaust yourself," the elderly man suggested. I thanked him and hopped on his grandson's motorcycle. The rough terrain made the journey uncomfortable, my fatigue compounded by hunger and thirst—I hadn't eaten or drunk during the journey due to sleeping on the bus. "Uncle! A
Aira's Perspective: Dyson informed me that someone was secretly searching for Mom, which he suspects might involve Miguel's father. After finishing our tasks, Dyson and I hurried to where Mom was staying, concerned that her safety might be compromised if someone dangerous was looking for her. "Mom, we're here. Where are you?" I called out to Mommy Mitch. I'd been trying to reach her for a while, but there was no answer. "I'm at the farm, dear. It's quite busy with orders for vegetables and fruits. What brings you here all of a sudden?" she replied. "It's fine. We just wanted to stay here for two weeks or a month. It's too hot in Manila." "Alright then. Take care on your way up!" Mom instructed. We felt a bit relieved knowing she was safe. After a short while, we reached Mom's hut. The structure she built was beautiful, holding the best memories. "Mom! We're here!" I called out loudly. But Mom wasn't in the hut, so we assumed she must be in the garden. We noticed several tru
Miguel's Perspective: "You don't need to be upset. I understand your outburst was just a moment of emotion, but it wasn't right to exchange hurtful words with them." We're still here on the mountain, at my mother's farm. Inside, Mama and Aira were cooking and talking. I didn't mean everything I said. When I first saw them, I knew I just wanted to hug them both. Driven by hunger, fear, and lingering resentment, I let slip an inappropriate word. "When you lost your son, Aira couldn't handle it all. She almost gave up out of grief. If it wasn't for Mom by our side, she might have given up long ago. Mom gave her comfort and made her feel like a mother. They didn't forget you; they did what they thought would keep you safe. Both of them just wanted safety for the ones they love. "Perhaps fate has ordained that they reunite. Maybe this is the answer to all your prayers. Aira will find her peace, and she'll take care of your mother. Aira may not love you, but she loves your son. No, she'