**Gabrielle's Point of View**I wasn’t sure when they announced our engagement party, Kristine and I. Mommy just sent me to the hotel to attend it. I went to avoid any further conflict.I didn’t listen to the program, nor did I talk to people. I didn’t even smile. I only greeted Kristine’s parents with a cheek kiss. I went up to the mini stage they set up and left right after. I couldn’t stay at the event; I couldn’t pretend to be happy with them. Everyone congratulated Kristine, and she happily accepted it.I went up to the room Mommy had arranged for our family. It wasn’t just a room; it was a penthouse. I found my brother Jerome sitting on his bed."How’s the groom-to-be?" he teased. I ignored him and rummaged through the bag they brought for me to change into."You should have stayed longer. The celebration will go on until later," he added."If I were you, I’d keep an eye on Shaira. You never know; I might be the one who got her pregnant," I teased back.I knew he loved Shaira de
**Gabrielle's Point of View**Before long, Kristine and I were married. We also moved into the house my parents gave us. I didn’t understand why they insisted on having Kristine live here with me. I just agreed; I didn’t have the energy to argue."Breakfast is ready! Have some before you leave," she said, eyeing the clothes I was wearing. "Where are you going? Don’t you have a job?""I know, but I can’t just stay home with you. I need to find a job, since neither my parents nor yours are offering me one. I have to find one on my own," I said, without bothering to look at her.I couldn’t understand why they seemed afraid to give me a position in their company. Even my father didn’t trust me. "I’m not staying here. I’ll be at the resort for about a week. It’s a hassle going back and forth from the province to Manila," I said while packing my bag.I hadn’t planned on informing her because she wasn’t really my wife. I just saved her parents from embarrassment. We didn’t even sleep in the
**Gabrielle's Point of View**Now we’re here at the resort with Paul and Jayson. I don’t know why they followed me."Who’s with Kristine there?" I asked while sorting through papers on my desk. There’s an office here, and I have employees taking care of some office tasks. "Didn't I tell you to keep an eye on her while I'm gone?""Why? Are we her spouse?" Jayson raised his eyebrow."They always push us away. She's so grumpy with us, only wants to be with you. She even threw things at us earlier while we were entering the house. Kristine’s being a dragon now; if she was already grumpy before she got pregnant, she’s tripled it now. It’s incredible that you tolerate her behavior. Ouch! What’s that?" Jayson was hit on the head because, despite his constant talking, he couldn’t think before speaking."That's why she's here; she can't stand Kristine's attitude. How small is your brain that you can't figure that out? Ugh! I don’t know what’s wrong with you!" Jayson glared at Paul. "Let’s chan
**Gabrielle's Point of View**"I can’t go in there, Mom. I’m scared. I might end up arguing with the nurses inside. Mom, you go." I pushed Mommy away.Kristine was in labor, and we had brought her to the hospital. Now she couldn’t push, so they said her spouse was needed. Last night, I was so frustrated because they couldn’t find a way to alleviate Kristine’s stomach pain that I ended up arguing with the nurses. So I’m afraid to enter the emergency room; I might end up throwing a punch.I started to become a father to our future child. Even though Kristine and I don’t talk much, maybe it's enough that I support her while she’s pregnant.It’s also better for her to be quiet. I haven’t heard any complaints from Kristine."Oh, you’re so cowardly." Mommy said as she went straight into the emergency room.My dad, brother Jerome, and her parents were silently waiting here. Auntie and Uncle couldn’t go in either because they were also nervous.Everyone was happy when Kristine and our baby gi
**Gabrielle’s Point of View**Days, months, and years have passed. I don’t know if I’ve accepted my fate or if I simply have no other choice.When my parents and Kristine’s parents saw how I was being a good family man, they gave me a position in the company. Gaining their trust wasn’t easy. I didn’t expect that every time I did what I thought was best for the child, they saw me as responsible.Since Kimberly was born, I’ve been Kristine’s helper in everything. I’m hands-on with cleaning her bottles at night. I’m the one who washes her soiled blankets, cloths, and clothes. Lola had me do these things so I could become close to my child. It’s good for the child to grow up close to her dad, so I’m doing everything I can. When Kristine is asleep at night, I’m the one who gets up to soothe her if she wakes up. I also prepare the milk and change the diapers to ensure she gets a good sleep.I’ve been present at all of Kimberly’s occasions—her christening, her 1st birthday celebration, and o
**Eumerriah's Point of View**"Where are you? I can't see you! I've been going around the airport for a while now," Manager Kim yelled on the phone. I had to hold it away from my ear because her shouting was so loud."We just got off the plane, I just need to use the restroom," I said while walking towards the comfort room. "What do you mean? You're not with him?" she asked. "He is with his father. They said they'll follow once they get Dustine's release papers. You know those two are inseparable!"I came back to the Philippines ahead of them because today was my scheduled flight. They were supposed to come with me, but their flight was delayed due to the release of Dustine's papers. We’re moving to the Philippines for good, and Dustine is old enough to understand why we need to return.After touching up, I went out. At the airport exit, I saw Manager Kim holding a banner like one of my fans. As I approached her, she was alone, but soon people started gathering around us, asking for
**Eumerriah's Point of View**"Don't get out yet," Manager Kim stopped me. "Why? What's going on?" I peeked out the car window and saw luxurious cars outside a big house."Stay here, I'll go see Shaira." Manager Kim held my hand before leaving. She hurried inside the house while I stayed by the car window.I couldn't stay still, worrying about Justine and Shaira. I opened the car window and heard raised voices. I quickly opened the car door and rushed inside the house.I found Jerome about to slap Shaira, so I grabbed his hand and twisted it. They were all shocked, including Jerome; he didn’t immediately react to the pain in his hand."Yumi!!""Mommy!!""Eumerriah!""Eumerriah?" Jerome asked, frowning. I pushed his hand away, causing him to fall from the pain. "You really hit a woman? You’re stooping to that level, Jerome? In front of a child?" Justine suddenly ran up to me and hugged my waist."Did you all know where this woman was hiding? Why didn’t you tell me, Shai?" Jerome asked
**Eumerriah’s Point of View**“How are you now?” I asked Shaira.“I’m fine, you don’t need to worry. Sorry that I didn’t pick you up. We just finished Justine’s program at school,” Shaira apologized.“It’s okay. The kids should be our priority. How did Jerome find out you were here?”“Actually, I don’t know either.” She glanced at Justine, who was busy unpacking my things. He knew they were all for him. Even though Justine was already big, he was still a baby in our eyes. “The teacher said a man was looking for my name.” I frowned.“He’s really persistent, isn’t he? Don’t be afraid; as we discussed before, they can’t hurt their own blood. Justine is their only heir.” I held Shaira’s hand.I don’t know, but the Shaira in front of me is so different now. She’s been through so much at Jerome’s hands. She exhausted herself for a love where she was the only one fighting. “Justine is the only heir? Isn’t Dustine also an heir?” Shaira and I exchanged glances. I gave a bitter smile.“You’ve a
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