**Gabrielle's Point of View**I couldn't help but smile as I watched Eumerriah from the other end of the table. Despite everything that had happened between us, here we were, together again on a project. I wasn't sure what she thought about it, but me—I was happy. I was happy to work with her again, even though I knew the situation was complicated.Why was I happy? Maybe because I knew that with every moment we spent together, there was a chance I could get closer to her—and to the truth. I don’t believe what she said about our child being dead. For a long time, I convinced myself it was true, but now, I don't. My instinct tells me that Eumerriah is hiding something, and despite everything, I know I'm close to discovering it.This project will be my way in. Even though I don't like how we ended up working together again, I know this is my chance. If Justine isn’t our child, then who is he? What is Eumerriah hiding? I know that with every conversation we have, with every meeting, a par
**Eumerriah's Point of View**I’m so frustrated with Gabrielle. In every meeting, with every idea that comes out of his mouth, I feel my temper rising. I can’t deny it—he knows what people want. He knows how to showcase, how to capture the attention of clients. But why him? Why did fate have to push me to work with this man?As he explained his latest pitch, I forced myself to focus on what he was saying. It was hard to concentrate, especially when he stood in front of the presentation board and everyone’s eyes, including mine, were glued to him. “Eumerriah, what do you think?” he asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I cleared my throat and tried to compose an answer as if he wasn’t the reason for my distraction.“It’s good. I think it will attract clients,” I replied, because, in truth, he’s brilliant. I’m annoyed with myself because, no matter how much I dislike him, I can’t deny that I need to listen to him. I have to follow him, for the sake of my father’s company.But even thou
**Eumerriah's Point of View**My day began like any other—a quiet morning at home with the kids and Shaira. As I descended the stairs, I found them already seated at the dining table. Justine was cheerfully eating cereal, while Dustine calmly sipped milk from his cup. Shaira sat beside them, watching them eat while holding her coffee."Good morning, Mommy," Justine greeted me with a smile. I couldn't help but feel lighter every morning like this—simple, quiet, yet full of love."Good morning, my child," I replied, smiling at Dustine before sitting down in front of them. Shaira sat next to me and started handing me fried eggs and pandesal."Are you ready for today?" Shaira asked, knowing I had a lot to do at work, especially since we're nearing the completion of the project with Gabrielle. I couldn't help but sigh at the weight of the expectations on us."Yes, the minimart is almost finished. We just need to ensure that operations run smoothly after the construction," I said while putt
**Eumerriah's Point of View**The day of the grand opening of the minimart was fast approaching, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and a little fear. Gabrielle and I had worked hard on this project, and now, we were about to see the fruits of our labor. But amidst all this, I knew there were deeper feelings stirring within me whenever I was around him.While the entire team was busy finalizing the details, I was in the back of the store, arranging the final layout of the shelves. Suddenly, Gabrielle appeared beside me, as if he wanted to ask something but was hesitant.“Are you okay?” he asked, glancing at the products that the staff were carefully placing on the shelves. I knew his question stemmed from his concern about the amount of work that still needed to be done.“Of course,” I replied as I continued organizing the product displays. “I should be the one asking you that. You look tired. Did you get everything ready for the grand opening?”He
**Eumerriah's Point of View**This day was supposed to be one of the most important milestones in our project with Gabrielle. We were finishing a turnkey operation for a minimart—a project that was fully operational and earning profits even before it was handed over to the new owner. We were both excited because everything was nearly perfect, and all we were waiting for was the new owner to formally transfer the business. We hadn't held the grand opening yet because we wanted to leave that to the permanent owner. However, in an unexpected turn of events, the new owner did not show up.As I stood by the door, holding a clipboard, I glanced at Gabrielle, whose disappointment was clearly evident. "Didn't he say he would be here today?" I asked, trying to keep my composure."He said he’d be here," Gabrielle replied, his voice cold, shaking his head. "This is unacceptable. How could anyone not consider such an important meeting like this?"I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. "Maybe there
Eumerriah's Point of ViewFive months. Five months of relentless work, sleepless nights, and meticulous planning to ensure everything is perfect—from the operation of the minimart, revenue, down to the smallest details of this project. Today, we’ve finally reached the point where we’ll see the fruits of our labor. The couple who will be buying this branch is finally arriving.I’m standing beside Gabrielle, both of us feeling nervous. I can hardly stay still, looking around, hoping everything looks as perfect as we planned it to be. Gabrielle is quiet, but I can see the same tension and anxiety in his eyes that I’m feeling. This isn’t just any project—it’s the culmination of all our efforts.“Are you okay?” Gabrielle asks, adjusting his shirt as if he can’t help but try to calm himself.“I’m fine. Just… anxious, I guess,” I reply, no longer hiding my nervousness. We both waited in silence, watching the entrance, anticipating the arrival of the couple who would be purchasing the branch.
**Gabrielle's Point of View**I still can't shake the shock I felt when I saw Kate and her stepbrother. From the moment they stepped into the minimart until the time we spoke, I couldn’t believe it. Seven years. Seven years since Kate left, and during that time, we had no communication. Now, here she is, suddenly back on the scene with a stepbrother I don’t even know.As Eumerriah and I walked to the back of the minimart, my mind kept replaying how I should react. Why here? And why didn’t I know? I don’t know if this was just a coincidence or intentional, but there was no warning or even a hint that she was the buyer of the minimart.When we reached the back, I paused and took a deep breath. I knew I couldn’t let this go. I needed to know why Kate suddenly came back—and why only now.“You stay here for now, Eumerriah. I need to take care of something,” I said to her. She nodded immediately, seemingly understanding that I needed to face Kate.I approached Kate, who was talking with her
Eumerriah's Point of ViewI felt a wave of nervousness as we walked toward the main event area. This is it—the culmination of all our sacrifices and hard work on the project. I stood next to Gabrielle, but even though he was right beside me, I felt as though I was alone. I couldn't tell if it was because of the large crowd or the presence of Kate and her brother Thomson, but the uncertainty in my heart was palpable."Good afternoon, everyone," Kate began, wearing her formal smile as she spoke in front of the staff and guests. "This has been an incredible journey, and I am truly grateful to be part of this project. I want to thank Gabrielle for his guidance and dedication to making this possible. Without his expertise, none of this would have been achieved."I heard the applause of the people and saw Gabrielle smiling beside me, but I couldn't bring myself to smile fully. It felt like I had done so much work for this project, yet in front of everyone, I seemed like just a shadow.Kate'