**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 View**“Why didn’t you tell me? You know I can’t work with him,” I asked Manager Kim.“To be honest, I didn’t know he would be your partner either. I just found out today. Apparently, he was personally picked by the brand owner. So there’s nothing I can do to change that. You’ve already signed the contract, so you can’t back out now.” Manager Kim’s answer frustrated me.I knew she wasn’t at fault, but I couldn’t find anyone else to blame. I came back to the country to return to being a talent or commercial model. The kids are growing up, so I need to work hard for them. I couldn’t rely on my parents for my obligations. This is the only job I’m good at and enjoy doing.In the U.S., we also tried to start a business, but the market there was tough. So, I planned to save up again and start a business with Shaira.Disappointed, I sat on a bench at the studio where a photoshoot was taking place. After my solo take, Jerome suddenly arrived. At first, I thought he was
**Eumerriah's Point of View**Last night, Dustine and Jayson arrived. Jayson went straight to them, so here we are now, bonding with Shaira and Justine. We went to the mall, watched a movie, and had a meal. I stayed outside the mall’s restroom while the kids and Shaira went in. I didn’t want to go inside because I might attract unwanted attention.Fortunately, no one recognized me in my disguise. I wore shades and a shawl over my face, styled like a hat. “Okay, sweetie, I’ll wait here. Take your time,” I heard someone say. It was a man in his mid-30s talking to a young woman. They must be father and daughter. I glanced at them, but they wouldn’t notice me looking because of my glasses.Since my spot wasn’t in the way of people coming in and out, the man moved next to me. He looked me up and down, and I felt uneasy under his gaze for an unknown reason. I sighed and crossed my arms, turning away from him.“Is that your favorite perfume?” I heard him ask. I didn’t speak, unsure if he was
Eumerriah's Point of View"How's work?" Jayson asked."It's fine. Just getting used to it," I replied."I've told you, just let me work for us, for the kids," Jayson said with a convincing smile."You've made me feel useless. I know how to earn money, so let me. Besides, who are you anyway?" I asked him sharply."That attitude of yours! Hahaha, you're always so feisty. I'm just concerned about you and the kids," he said, laughing."Yeah, yeah. I know, you don't have to keep repeating it," I teased.For almost six years, he’s been there for me and the kids. He’s been my partner in everything, even though I didn’t let him at first. It took him a long time to convince me. Honestly, I didn’t want any connection with Gabrielle’s family or those close to him. I didn’t want any trouble, especially since he's happy with his own family now."I’ve already told you, I’m not expecting anything in return. I just want to be with you, to see you. I’ve grown attached to the kids, so stop pushing me
Eumerriah’s Point of View“When is my next shoot?” I asked Manager Kim. He’s here at the house again, saying he’s done with office work. His other artists are currently at their tapings with their respective PAs, so he has no other tasks to do.“There’s an offer for you, but I’m not sure if you’d want to accept it,” he replied while on his phone.“Why? What’s the problem with it?” I asked him.“The PR team of the company owned by Gabrielle’s wife wants to hire you,” he said simply.“I need work, and it’s not like they personally chose me, right?” He nodded. “Then go ahead. I’m a professional, so there won’t be any problems.”“We’ll just sign the contract tomorrow.”“Mommy, Kuya Justine is teasing me,” Dustine said, running to me.“What? What?” I hugged Dustine as Justine followed closely behind.“Didn’t I tell you not to run? The tiles are too slippery; you might get hurt or bump your heads.”“Dustine won’t get hurt; he’ll just bounce,” Justine teased.I wasn’t sure whether to laugh o