"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
### Aira Jane's Point of ViewIt had only been a few minutes since Abby left. I stayed in the garden, pondering whether her revelation was a threat or a plea for understanding."What was that woman doing with you?" Meriam suddenly appeared. I just looked at her and didn't respond. "I know her. She's the woman who was Ice's mistress when you weren't around. What is she doing here now?" she repeated. I sighed and turned to face her."I heard she got pregnant, but it's not Miguel's child. She made Miguel take responsibility. Did you know that?" I stood up and started to walk away."You're so dramatic! I'm just trying to comfort you, and this is how you act!" she shouted after me as I walked further away. "She's my half-sister!"I kept walking towards my room. I didn’t want to think about what had happened or what might happen. I wasn't obligated to worry about my sister's feelings. If she wanted a complete family, she should find the real father of her child. Call me selfish, but I won't
**Aira Jane's Point of View**"Where are we going?" I asked Miguel.He called me while I was resting and told me to get ready because he was coming to pick me up. I suggested we bring Mama, but he refused, saying it was a time just for the two of us."You’ll find out when we get there," he answered simply while driving.Mama dressed me in a simple white dress. There were women’s clothes in the room where I rested at their house, all of which Miguel had collected for me. Everything fit perfectly, even the heels."Do you have a guilty conscience or something? You’re making quite a fuss," I joked. I looked at him and saw his expression change, but he quickly composed himself when he noticed me watching."No, I just wanted us to have a romantic date like other couples before anything else. I know it’s corny, so don’t laugh at me," he said as I smiled.I wasn’t laughing at him; I just couldn’t help but feel giddy. Any girl would feel that way if their boyfriend surprised them with a date.
**Aira Jane's Point of View**After my dinner date with Miguel, I asked to go home. I didn't know why, but every little movement made me tired, and my head hurt.Miguel told me everything, how he met Abby, and how he became the father to Abby's child."When I saw the child, my heart was so happy because I thought of you and our future child. I missed you both so much at that time. I felt sorry for the child growing up without a father, so I offered to be his father, but that didn't mean we would be a family. When I found out we were having a child, I was overjoyed. I was excited about everything he would do once he came into this world. I want to be the one to teach him everything he wants to learn. So, please, don't think about anything else. Listen to me because I did it for the child, seeing our own in him." These words echoed in my ears, giving me a sense of security in our relationship. I felt his love and his desire to be with me forever."I'll go with you tomorrow; let's get yo
**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