**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
"Moooom!" "Aunt!" We shouted at the same time as we entered Miguel's house. I knew he wasn't here because he was working with Daddy. Daddy was gracious enough to accept Miguel, despite his father being his business rival. "Children!" Mom greeted us cheerfully. She hugged each of us warmly, and we reciprocated. My heart swelled with happiness seeing him lighter now, unlike before when even his smiles carried traces of his lingering pain for his estranged son. "Come on in! I prepared a lot for your visit," Mom welcomed us to a dining table brimming with food. "Wow! Did Aunt prepare all this just for us?" Dyson asked enthusiastically. "Watch your manners!" Raven scolded Ken, who was about to grab something to eat. We all laughed at Ken's reaction, as if he was a kid being deprived of a treat. "Mom, aren't you tired? You've cooked so much, and it's just us eating. We could have ordered in," I suggested to Mom. "I missed cooking for you. Miguel helped me, so I'm not too tired," Mo
"Are you crazy?!" I shouted and pushed him as hard as I could. "I won't just chase after you and fall in love with you again? Your nerve!" I said, lightly kicking his knee as I stormed out and slammed the door to his room. "Oh! What's with that face?" Raven asked as I flopped onto the sofa. "Mom! Isn't there another CR here? I didn't get to use the bathroom," I shouted from the living room. "It's because the bathroom in the kitchen is dirty, so you used the one in the spare room. But why didn't you use it properly?" Mom shouted back. "Auntie, you might slip there. We'll clean it up after we're done," Dyson offered to Mom. "Wow! Super abnormal aunt is going all out. Give her some slack before she loses her mind," Raven teased Dyson. "I don't know about you. You act like a princess who avoids chores, but you're more like a king when you do," Dyson fired back at Raven. "Go on, keep it coming! You're really asking for it!" Raven retorted. Mom sat down next to Raven and me. I laid
"What? Miguel has been following me around for a while," I told Dad. His eyebrows arched as he looked at me. I gave him a hard stare and continued walking towards Dad. "Dad, here are the papers you asked for: the operating license and many more. What should I do next after this?" I asked. "Love me!" Miguel popped up behind me. I groaned internally. "Hahaha, okay sweetheart, call me later again. Muah!" I heard Miguel say to the person he was talking to. I heard Dad chuckle at my reaction. "What?!" Miguel asked in surprise when he saw me frowning at him. "Don't tell me you're jealous!" I teased, and both he and my father laughed. I gave a 'What now?!' look at Dad, who ignored it and handed me an envelope full of papers. "He's been following me from my department to Dad's office for these papers. Why didn't he just take them from me earlier? He even made me climb so many floors for this. Nothing goes right," I muttered. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? You've been following me
Miguel Ice Javier's P.O.V: Since I left Dad's company, what kind of investments have I been involved in? Actually, even when I was still at the company, I was slowly preparing myself to leave. I know that there will come a time when I won't want to work under Daddy and just be Daddy's shadow. Ever since I threatened to file a case against him, he kept quiet and didn't bother me. As for the woman supposedly pregnant, I proved it wasn't true. She was the only woman who chased after me and caused a scandal in Meriam's and my household. She's also the girl I asked to accompany me to the department store to shop for baby needs. Little did I know, she was preparing to file a case against me once I didn't stand up for her. The girl's father is also one of Dad's business partners, so I was able to use his influence against him. I settled the issue with her within a few months. After resolving the issues with Dad and the girls chasing me, I know Meriam was right—ever since her brother disapp
**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