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
Aira's Point of View I woke up early, likely due to the new environment we're sleeping in. Now I'm at the condo, and after nearly a month of living on the farm, my body has adjusted. We've become accustomed to the natural cold from the surrounding mountains. I got up immediately and opened the windows. From here, I can see the buildings and cars on the road. Since we noticed suspicious men around the farm, we've been extra cautious. Sometimes Ken and Raven come down the mountain for our necessities and business needs. Ken also has to regularly report to the office since Dad assigned him a position there. Meanwhile, Raven manages our business and brings papers that need my signature. Dyson and I once spoke. The four of us remain vigilant, especially with Mom around. We're extra careful because we don't want to lose another loved one. My son's sacrifice is justifiable. Since Miguel left, no one has contacted him, not even his mother, whom he couldn't reach. I asked Dyson for upd
Aira's Point of View "Miguel!" I heard someone enter the VIP room while I was retrieving something from under the table. Startled, I accidentally knocked over a glass on the table. "Ma'am, he said he didn't request a VIP room. He also said he wouldn't come if he didn't know the person coming," explained the waiter I had ordered earlier. I rolled my eyes; Miguel used to allow anyone into the VIP room, even strangers. "Tell me the bar owner is calling him?!?" I snapped angrily at the waiter. He hurried away to check. From my spot, I could observe them. I watched Miguel converse with whoever it was. He seemed genuinely grateful to be in their company. Bored, I slumped back onto the sofa. After a while, the door opened again. I hoped it was Miguel, but it wasn't. "Ma'am, his girlfriend didn't want to let him in," the waiter informed me. "He's letting his girlfriend dictate whether he can be here? If they want to be together, she can join us. I just need to talk to Miguel!" I excl
**Aira's P.O.V.** "Mom, hurry up or we'll be late for our meeting," I urged Mama, uncertain about what to wear. We were heading to where Miguel was supposed to be. Miguel hadn't disclosed the purpose of this meeting to me yet. I didn't even know why he avoided seeing his own mother, but I no longer cared. Right now, Mama needed a reason to fight and stay strong for her upcoming surgery. "Let's go!" Mama pulled me out of the condo. We arrived at the meeting place early, but Miguel hadn't shown up yet, so we ordered food. Mama seemed confused, thinking we were meeting someone interested in buying her mountain farm. She wanted to sell it and put the money in the bank because she couldn't manage it anymore. This made me overthink that perhaps Mama was preparing for what she would leave behind for Miguel. It felt like she was giving up, and that thought was unbearable. Just the thought of it made me struggle, so I resolved to do everything for Mama. "Oh, he's here," I exclaimed cheerf
**Aira's P.O.V.** It's been three weeks since Mom's surgery, and Miguel took her. After Miguel's warning that I'd be responsible if anything happened to Mom, we haven't talked about anything else. Dyson and Ken didn't respond to Miguel's threat, knowing they might have said the same thing if they were in his shoes. "Your dad's sending you back, isn't he?" Raven asked from behind me. Dad and I have been avoiding each other since the incident at the hospital. Dad didn't explain why he was there, but Ken and Dyson found out. It wasn't hard for them to figure out. Besides Mom, I didn't expect Dad to be sick too. The doctor gave Dad five months to live, so I understood why he was sending me back to the mansion. "I'm embarrassed," I admitted while packing some clothes to take with me. "What's there to be embarrassed about?" Raven turned to face me. "They might think I'm imposing myself on them, besides my family," I replied, feeling self-conscious. "No one outside your family knew you
"Really? Are you sure it's him?!" Raven asked me in shock. Here in the mansion's garden, Daddy, Ken, Meriam, and Sister May left together for the office. Sister Shane and Brother Jan stayed in their room and didn't come out, while Mommy left after Daddy. So I was alone here in the mansion and called Raven over. "Yes. I tried chasing him, but couldn't catch him outside the gate. I even checked the CCTV footage, but couldn't spot him, not even a glimpse. I really feel it's him, no one else," I replied to Raven. "Look at the letter!" Raven said, handing me the letter. "Hi, how are you? I know you already know the truth. Thank you for understanding. Thank you for being strong enough to face this. I'm sorry if I didn't have the courage to face you. I love you! Take care always, and take care of yourself," Raven read aloud. "Actually, if I didn't know better, I'd think it came from my mom," he added. I felt like Mama sent me the letter. My real mother. I searched for him and chased him
**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