"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'
Aira's Perspective: Miguel and I were in the same place, but we kept our distance from each other. Earlier, while Mom and I were preparing food, we discussed Miguel. Even though he's here, Mom is determined to send Miguel back to where he truly belongs. I also asked if Miguel knew about Mom's illness. The shock on Mom's face confirmed that he did, though she didn't deny it. I didn't feel sorry for him, but I empathized because he had to suppress his emotions in our current situation. "Can we talk?" Miguel asked as he approached me. I nodded, and he motioned for us to find a quiet spot. I noticed Dyson's watchful gaze and signaled for him to stay back. I smiled reassuringly, and he remained where he was. "I'm sorry," he began. "About what?" I asked, puzzled. Miguel scratched his head nervously. "Can I hug you?" he asked abruptly. "Huh?" I stuttered, caught off guard by his request. "I said, can I hug you?" he repeated loudly. Before I could respond, he embraced me. I hesitated
Miguel's Point of View "I'm resigning," I declared as I entered Daddy's office. As soon as I arrived in Manila, I headed straight to my father's office. Despite my anger, I knew I had to show him respect—he's still my father. I'm educated, and disrespecting him would not sit well with Mama. When I saw his face, memories of everything he'd done flooded back. My ears burned with rage, but I restrained myself. I couldn't afford to lose control. "Where have you been?" he asked, oblivious to my intentions. I didn't respond, simply turned my back. Whether he accepts my resignation letter doesn't matter now. I've made my decision to leave and not look back. He hurled insults as I approached the door I was about to open. I remained silent. "Where's your mother?" he demanded. I shot him a questioning look. "I know you already know where she is. There's no need for explanations; you already know the truth," he asserted. He rose from his seat and advanced towards me, grabbing my collar
"What's up?" I asked the person I had tasked with looking after Mom. Truthfully, Mom doesn't want to leave. I want her to enjoy her life without any burdens from me or anyone else. The fact is, they themselves don't want to leave the farm; it's where they want to live. "They've all left the farm," the person informed me. I wondered where they were planning to go. "Just follow them," I instructed before hanging up. Now I'm back at the house I built. It's simple, meant for Mom and me, without my name on it, knowing Dad might come after it. If he's smart, I'm smarter. "Cedric, where have you been?" I texted. Cedric Aquino was my only college friend. Cedric is kind and unconcerned with social status. If he wants to be friends, he just is. Unlike others who shunned me for lack of wealth. We hadn't talked much since graduation because his mom didn't approve of me. Cedric never said it, but I found out at graduation. I still remember what his mom said. "Why befriend them? They have