**Gabrielle's Point of View**I hurriedly ran to get my car parked at a coffee shop. Ever since I met Eumerriah, all my worries about Kristine vanished. Maybe it's because of what she did to me. I was angry, but all that was washed away when Yumi said she trusted me. I can't think of anything else but making it up to her and proving my feelings. I can't let Kristine's issues affect me; I know we're friends, but she should understand because of what she did.When I arrived, I quickly maneuvered my car to pick up Eumerriah at the park where we hung out after watching a movie.Before I could get close, I saw a man approach Eumerriah, cover her eyes, and pull her away from her seat. I immediately stopped the car and ran towards them. I kicked the man in his side, causing him to release Eumerriah. I grabbed his collar and yelled, "What do you want? Who are you?" Anger fueled my grip on his collar. If it weren't for Eumerriah shouting and the people watching, I might have killed him. "I wa
**Gabrielle's Point of View**"Who cooks when you crave this?" Yumi asked while whisking an egg in a bowl."I do, when I feel like it. Otherwise, I just let it be. Making fresh pasta and béchamel sauce is a lot of work," I replied as I put a pot with some water and a beef cube on her induction cooker. Although we have ground beef, it's different when there's a cube to enhance the broth and soften the noodles."Why does your favorite have to be so labor-intensive?" she asked. I didn't respond immediately, reminiscing about how my mom used to cook this for me because it was one of her favorites too. It's my favorite because it's what I miss most. I only liked it when Mom made it until I got the recipe just right. "Why is this your favorite?" I turned the question back to her."Actually, carbonara, spaghetti, and any food with a sauce are the ones I dislike the most," she laughed and looked at me. "I only said that so we could have something in common. Since we met, I noticed we contrast
**Gabrielle's Point of View**Eumerriah and I finished our meal happily while chatting. We talked about our antics during our school days. Even though we both went to private school, we could say it wasn't boring. We would spend our weekly budget playing arcade games in the malls. Sometimes, we even defied our teachers. It's amusing that the simple, beautiful, and classy Eumerriah Ferrer, famous in the country, also had her mischievous side.It was through her that I found out Kuya Jerome was her first love. She had a crush on Kuya Jerome since they were students. They were batchmates, while I was in a lower grade. Eumerriah is two years older than me, but I acted more mature than her. She still seemed like a child, with many things she hadn't experienced yet. Cooking, for instance, was almost a first-time experience for her."Aren't you done yet? Lola might be waiting! Hurry up!" she said while hastily putting on her shoes.Lola called earlier, mentioning that some people had come to
Eumerriah's Point of ViewI woke up feeling the warmth from the sun. It's already noon, and I'm here in the hut where Gabrielle and I first stayed. I looked around; no one was in sight. Everyone must be busy preparing for the event hall and front desk since Gabrielle's resort opening is later.It looks like everything is ready because all our belongings are gone, except for the mattress and kitchen essentials. Another family or couple will surely create memories in this place.I recalled the times Gabrielle brought me here, and how I used to throw tantrums. I laughed at myself, remembering how I acted like a child who didn’t get what she wanted. I remembered how Gabrielle looked at me without any emotion in his eyes.The strong wind brought back many memories. For others, four months might be a short time. It is indeed a short time if we don't make the most of it and open our minds to the beautiful memories that can be created.For me, those four months were the happiest of my life. D
Gabrielle's Point of ViewI woke up and got up to turn off the air conditioner as it was chilling my feet. Even though my eyes were a bit sore, I strained to glance at the small clock on the bedside table.I noticed that I was alone in bed; it was only four in the morning. Where could she have gone? Maybe she got hungry.Still groggy, I went downstairs and found Kate eating while Grandma was making coffee. "Good morning, Kuya. You're up early. What's the occasion?" Kate greeted me as she noticed me.I approached Grandma and kissed her on the cheek. I just nodded at Kate and went straight to the sink to brush my teeth because I find it hard to speak; I'm conscious of my saliva."Where's Eumerriah?" I asked, looking around."She hasn't come down yet. Is she awake?" Kate asked, heading to the fridge to get some bread."Ah, maybe she's in the bathroom. She wasn't in bed next to me, so I got up. I thought she woke up because the baby was hungry again. By the way, how was the program? Do yo
Gabrielle's Point of ViewWhen Kate finally stopped crying, she suddenly left me alone. I stood there, staring blankly at the small hut where Yumi and I used to live. I couldn't bring myself to open the letter Kate had given me. I felt like I already knew what it contained.I took my phone out of my pocket. Before running here, I had grabbed my car keys and my phone. I called Manager Kim. "Gabrielle? You're calling so early. How was the grand opening? I couldn't make it; I was too busy with—""Where's Eumerriah?" I cut her off abruptly."Why are you asking me?" She stopped talking because someone else approached her; I could hear it on the other end of the line. "Why are you asking me? Didn't I leave her with you at the coffee shop the other day? Didn't you take her back to Batangas?" Her voice revealed concern and confusion about Yumi's whereabouts. I ended the call and searched my phone for another contact who might know where Yumi was.I saw Ate Shaira's number in my contacts, so I
Gabrielle's Point of View"Kuyaaa! Kuya, open the door!" Kate had been knocking on my bedroom door for a while now."Please, kuya, let me in. I just want to see you." There was a sadness in her voice, so I walked over to the locked door. She entered and immediately hugged me. "I'm so worried about you, kuya. Lola and I are both worried. You haven't been eating, and we don't even know if you're sleeping properly. Kuya, please take care of yourself." She sobbed while holding onto me."Ate Eumerriah may have left you, but we're still here. Lola and I won't disappear. We won't leave you. We're always here for you." She continued. I comforted her, stroking her hair. I understood her feelings; I also wanted to be okay. I wanted to return to the days before I met her and when I wasn't worried about her well-being.Yumi didn't know how to cook, so who was preparing her food? Was it at least healthy? I worried if she was cold and who was putting a blanket over her since she tossed and turned i
**Gabrielle's Point of View**Grandma and Kate kicked me out of my room because they said they needed to clean it. They said the smell of alcohol, cigarettes, and whatever else was decaying was too strong. They mentioned that there were things rotting that I hadn't noticed.For the past two weeks, I only go out to buy alcohol, cigarettes, and anything that might lead me to my death. I just want to die from the pain of her leaving without saying goodbye. It's so hard to sleep at night, so hard to wake up in the morning feeling restless and anxious. I know it's not normal, and I don't want to be a burden to Grandma and Kate. Every time I try to cheer up, I suddenly remember Eumerriah’s joyful face, hear her laughter, and her childish voice scolding me. I stop, hoping she’ll come back and face me again, along with our child.I pretend to be okay and not sad in front of Grandma. I told them I was going to visit a resort while they were busy. I walked around, but no one recognized me. Is m
Eumerriah's Point of ViewFor so long, Gabrielle and I had been at odds. I couldn't understand why he needed to distance himself from us. All the truths had come out—their marriage to Kristine and how his life had unfolded with Paul. He regretted his choices, and even Paul seemed to notice his mistakes."You really don’t understand me," Gabrielle said, frustration lacing his voice."Then explain it to me!" I shot back, unable to hold back any longer."Okay, let me ask you this. Why did you choose to distance yourself and hide, huh? Fifteen years! Fifteen years I haven't seen or been with my child, and then I find out he's legally Shaira’s child! How do you explain that to me, huh?" he questioned, filled with anger and disappointment."Listen to me!" I said, barely able to contain the pain in my voice. "Shaira lost her child because of your marriage! What do you think I should do? Of course, I thought about our child's safety. If I hadn’t done that, we might not have a child anymore. S
Eumerriah's Point of View“Where is he?” I asked Kate, my curiosity evident.“If you want to know, follow me,” she replied, getting into her car. I nodded, but instead of driving my own car, I hurried into the passenger seat of hers.She furrowed her brow and gave me a questioning look. “Why are you too lazy to drive?” she asked, a hint of irritation in her voice.“I just want to ride in the car of the girl who used to really like me,” I said, trying to make a joke to lighten the tension.“Tsk! If it weren’t for Kuya Gabrielle, I wouldn’t like you,” she retorted, but a playful smile was on her lips.“What do you mean?” I asked, a bit confused, but I knew she was hiding something.“Secret,” she replied, laughing as she drove.I looked out the window, but I couldn’t help smiling. I never thought that the cheerful little girl who used to cling to me, who liked me so much, would turn into a woman who was now even more assertive in front of me.Behind her teasing and boldness, I was please
"Eumerriah!" Kate called out to me, her voice filled with concern.I turned to face her and saw the serious expression on her face."Do you still think about him?" she asked, her voice full of worry. "Do you ever wonder how he’s doing?"I stood silently, trying to block out the people around us. A heaviness settled over me. I thought of Gabrielle. Despite everything that happened, he still held a place in my heart, but I didn’t know how to face him now."What are you trying to say?" I asked, struggling to hide my emotions."I just wanted you to know," Kate began, her voice serious, "that even back then, he struggled with the thought of losing you like that. And now that you’ve suddenly come back, he feels like he failed you, like he didn’t even try to look for you."As I absorbed her words, it felt like a sharp pain erupted in my chest. I could feel Gabrielle’s anguish over the years I was gone, but I couldn’t ignore how he had avoided me and chosen someone else during those times.We
"Another movie you slay!" Shaira greeted, hugging me tightly."My mom is really amazing," Justine complimented. He was now dressed like a young man, his hair neatly styled, and his suit covering his whole body. He looked at me with great admiration, as if he had learned all these things from me."You always look pretty, Mommy," said Dustine, who, despite being young, had simple words that could warm my heart. He smiled at me, his eyes full of happiness and love."Beautiful and endlessly talented," Jayson praised, standing beside me, his eyes full of respect.We had just finished the premiere night of one of our most successful movies with Jerome. The story was filled with emotion, and I never imagined it would turn out like this. After weeks of hard work and exhaustion, this moment brought joy and success to us.We were in the middle of guests, media, and fans who were all celebrating our achievement. Cameras kept flashing, capturing our photos, but my eyes wandered to the loved ones
Eumerriah's Point of ViewFor six months, everything was in order. No fights, no drama, even though I worked closely with Jerome more often now."Is it still him?" Jerome asked."What’s it to you?" I replied, my tone sharp.It was as if he didn’t care about what happened in the past, like he wasn’t the man I once went crazy for."If you had just kept being crazy about me, maybe I could have learned to love you," I teased."Whatever you say," he responded, seemingly indifferent."You’ve become so tough now, like you weren’t once crazy over me," I pressed."It’s been 17 years, and still? Haven’t you moved on? You couldn’t even fight for my best friend, the first man you loved. So why would I expect you to fight for me, when you just used me?" His words stung."It wasn’t my fault my family couldn’t accept him.""It’s your fault you led him on and didn’t truly love him.""And what do you know about real love?""Well, what about you? What do you know? We’re not kids anymore. If you think y
Eumerriah's Point of ViewThree months have passed since Gabrielle’s sudden disappearance, and no one has heard any news from him. Everyone is worried—even Kristine and Kimberly are confused about what’s happening. I don’t know how to tell them that even I have no idea where he is or when he’ll return.Despite everything, Shaira and I have slowly resumed our daily lives. I continue to work for our family, while Shaira stays home to handle the household chores and take care of Justine. The days have flowed smoothly, but the weight of unanswered questions remains ever-present."Has there still been no word from Gabrielle?" Shaira asked as she arranged Dustine's toys on the floor.I shook my head, feeling the sadness settle in my chest. "Even Kristine has been asking me. She said things are chaotic at their company because of his sudden disappearance. Some employees have also asked me if I know anything, but I have nothing to tell them."Shaira paused and sat down beside me. "Anyone woul
Eumerriah's Point of ViewJustine has recovered from his illness, and despite everything that has happened, I am deeply grateful to Gabrielle. His support for us is something I will never forget. However, after our meeting and discovering that his close friend Paul is Kimberly’s real father, it was as if a heavy burden was lifted from him, but I still cannot fully explain what he's truly feeling.It's been two weeks since I learned the truth, but I haven't heard from Gabrielle since. He’s disappeared, and no matter what I do, I can’t find him. His absence feels like a new torment added to my trials.Amid all this, Jayson has been visiting our house more often. Justine refuses to be bathed by anyone else, so we chose not to hire a personal nurse. Sometimes, I see Jayson hiding his true emotions, trying to act like everything is normal, but I know it’s not easy for him.Because of what happened, I had to change my plans. I no longer accepted new jobs and instead started working from hom
Gabrielle's Point of ViewI don’t know how I managed to leave everything behind. Sometimes, it feels like all of this is just a dream—the life I left, the family I destroyed. But this is the reality I created for myself, and with each passing day, it becomes clearer how big a mistake I made.Kristine, the woman I spent so many years with, the mother of my daughter, Kimberly. We built a family together, a family I once dreamed would be happy and whole until the end. But now, that’s gone. And it's my fault.It all started when Eumerriah came back into my life. I never expected to see her again, never thought I’d feel the emotions I had long buried. I thought everything between us was over. I thought I could forget her and move on with my life with Kristine and Kimberly. But when I saw Eumerriah, all those feelings suddenly came rushing back—feelings I never thought would resurface.That’s when my confusion began. I no longer knew what was real or what should be. I started looking for wa
Serenity's Point of ViewI never expected Gabrielle to come back into my life. It’s been a long time since we last saw each other, and so much has happened between us. Yet now, it seems he’s slowly finding ways to reenter my life, even though we don’t share the same roof.It all started with small things. Sometimes, I’d suddenly receive a message from him. They were simple questions like, "How is Justine?" or "Don’t work too hard; you need rest, too." These messages were straightforward, but I couldn’t help but feel a strange warmth in my chest whenever I read them. I never expected to get such messages from Gabrielle, especially since we haven’t been together for a long time.Justine often asks about Gabrielle as well. I know the child struggles to understand our situation, so I just tell him, "He cares about you." But every time I say that, I feel a pang in my heart. Why does Gabrielle still care? What’s the reason?Whenever Gabrielle visits to see Justine, he always brings the chil