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
"He confessed to you?" Raven greeted me as she entered my room. Here in the mansion, it feels like nothing else has happened. It's as if we're all back to where we were before. Dad hasn't announced his situation yet. I'm not even sure if Mommy knows about it. "Yes," I replied simply. "What's wrong with you, girl? Why do you seem so indifferent? Don't you love him anymore?" he asked again. "I don't know. I just don't know," I responded quietly. "True. With everything that's happened, sometimes you may have given your all and now feel drained, unable to feel the sincerity of what he's saying. By the way, how's Aunt? She really works hard taking care of Mom. I thought she would have told you she underwent an operation, even though she knew." Raven spoke at length. "Mom said she's fine. Sometimes she looks for me, but she's too shy to come near. I'm planning to visit her sometime. Tell Dyson, let's go together," I told Raven. "Sure thing, dear," he replied. The two of us collapsed