"Go ahead, you guys go first. I'll be fine. I just need to finish this and I'll go home too. Don't worry about me," Raven assured me.Miguel had been waiting outside the office for a while now, and I couldn't leave because I was worried about Raven. I know she's a strong woman, and I know this isn't the first time she's been heartbroken."Are you sure? Miguel and I can take you wherever we're going," I insisted for the fifth time.He stood up, walked over, and leaned on my shoulder. "I don't want to be a third wheel. I know you're worried about me, but I really am okay. You don't need to worry. Besides, I already have a plan—I'm going to attend the wedding to get closure. For me to move on. Come with me!" He faced me, raising his eyebrows.I sniffed and pretended to think. "I'll talk to Miguel. If he agrees, that would be our first trip together as a couple."He let go of my arm and sat down again. "Don't accompany me. You'll just make me a third wheel." He frowned while saying those
"Ms. Aira, someone wants to talk to you," one of our employees knocked on our door.It was just me in the office with Raven. She didn't come in, but I messaged her to rest, and I'll handle things here for now."Ah, who is it?" I asked without looking up."It's me!" I was startled by the familiar voice, so I quickly looked up. It was the man behind everything. The man greedy and hungry for power. I felt nervous but immediately fought it off. I didn't want him to see that I was still afraid of him, after almost a year."Leave us, Mau. Please lock the door. Thank you." He left immediately and as I told him, he locked the door."What's the reason for this visit?" I asked without respect. Since the day he threatened me, I've lost all respect and regard for him, even though he's Miguel's father.Mr. Martin Santiago was now standing in front of me."I heard you and my son are back together. Aren't you ashamed? What if he impregnates you again and leaves?" I could see he was just trying to pr
"Have you taken your leave yet?" I asked Miguel."Not yet. I need approval from your sister, and it looks like it might be difficult because Ken filed his leave at the same time," he replied, taking my hand and looking at me. "If I'm not allowed, I'll bring Mama along. You know I need your sister's trust.""I'm just sad; I thought this would be our first trip together. Even though they're with us," I referred to Raven and Ken. "Well, this wouldn't be our first flight together, because—oh, never mind. I just imagined you sitting next to me on the plane. Sleeping on your shoulder and listening to music together with one headset. Simple, right? But sweet." I looked into the distance, lost in thought."Let's just hope your sister approves. How many days are we going for?""It depends on Raven. If she needs to come back soon, we need to accompany her. I hope you understand that. Raven is important to me. I'm ready to support her through whatever she's going through because she's my friend,
"Ah, is that so? I'll ask Mom and Dad for permission first. If they agree, I'll come, but if not, there's nothing I can do. Hopefully, you'll understand. Thank you very much for the invitation," I politely responded to my mother."Yes, of course. I understand. I just wanted to formally introduce my children to each other. I'm sorry if I'm asking this of you," she held my hand and looked into my eyes.I saw sincerity in her eyes, and I had no right to judge her. She just wanted her children to get to know each other well. "Thank you for coming here. It means a lot that you've forgiven me. I'm sorry for everything, my child. I know it's late, but let me make it up to you. Whatever you need, I'm here to help," I simply nodded in response.She returned from DUBAI. She told me how she applied as a domestic helper until she met a Filipino businessman who is now her husband and the father of her children. She also shared how scared she was when she left me; she never expected me to be this u
"Where's Daddy? Did he go to the doctor?" I asked Meriam, whom I found in the living room."I don't know!""You're always like this," I said irritably.I quickly went upstairs to check on him. Before passing by his office, I noticed Ate Shane and Kuya Jan's room. It was open, so I peeked inside."Nothing happened between us! Why don't you believe me? I'm your husband!" Kuya Jan explained to Ate Shane.Kuya was sitting at the end of the bed while Ate Shane was rummaging through the cabinet."I'm not stupid. I saw what I saw. Don't add lies," Ate threw the clothes she took from the open suitcase onto the floor.They were shouting at each other, so I looked for the child. The baby in the crib was crying. I couldn't help it; it looked like they had no intention of comforting the crying child.They didn't even notice I had already picked up the baby."I don't know what's going on. I don't want to interfere, but if you're going to fight, can you please give the baby to me or have one of the
"Are you sure you want me to come? I'm worried I might feel out of place," Miguel hesitantly asked me.We were already in the car on our way to the restaurant where Mom booked a table for us. Dad had agreed that I could meet them."I don't know anyone there. I might just end up feeling out of place if I go alone," I replied as we quickly arrived and I spotted Mom outside. I went in immediately and kissed her. "Hello. I know you all know each other, but let me formally introduce you. This is Miguel, my boyfriend, and this is my real mom." I smiled as I introduced them. They greeted each other with kisses."Where are your kids?" I asked as I sat down. Miguel pulled a chair next to me. "They're just in the restroom. Oh! Here they come," Mom and I both turned to look where Mom was pointing.I saw two very beautiful girls. "You took so long. I've been waiting for you. Aira's already here, your older sister. Aira, these are Lyka and Lily, my daughters who are next in line. And our youngest
Certainly! Here's the translated and refined version:It's puzzling why he didn't recognize me, considering we had talked at the mall before. Could he be pretending not to know me? Oh well, I don't want to dwell on it because I don't want to spoil my mood. I'm here to get to know Mama's children.They were happily playing with the baby. "I'll just go to Cr," Miguel whispered to me. I simply nodded at him. Shortly after, Abby also left. I wanted to follow her because I had a feeling she would meet Miguel. Instead, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, choosing not to think badly of Miguel. I'll trust in his love for me."That's deep. Is something bothering you?" Mama approached me with concern."I'm fine. Maybe I just ate too much seafood," I replied."Do you have an allergy to it? As far as I remember, you don't have any seafood allergies. What happened?" She asked, worried.I smiled. "Since I got pregnant and miscarried, I've developed some unexpected allergies. I haven't gone for
Silence dominated the space between Abby and me as we stood in the mansion's garden after I escorted her inside."Ma'am, do you need anything else? Just give me a call," she said, placing our snacks on the table."Could you bring us a small electric fan? It would help keep the baby comfortable," I requested. She nodded and promptly obeyed.Abby poured herself some juice before speaking. "I'm sorry for showing up here suddenly after we just met. I couldn't talk to you properly earlier in front of Mommy, and I didn't want them to find out. It would be embarrassing.""Why? What's going on?" I asked hesitantly."I don't know if it's right for you to hear this first from me, but I can't stop thinking about it. After giving birth, postpartum hit me hard," she began, taking a sip of juice. "It's embarrassing, but I want you to know that Miguel is the father of my child. I'm sorry; I don't want to ruin your relationship. I'm just not sure how to explain to my baby that her father is my half-s