Everyone is busy for the medical mission. Doctors and nurses have arrived, attended to by other staff. No one took the day off. Many are unaware that she owns the company and has children. She keeps a low profile and isn't into luxury.The three feisty women are now in line, each taking their turn. Even Aurora's group pitched in. With the crowd, manpower is crucial."Good morning, Dr. Lovie," greeted Jerome. "How was the journey?""It was fine, sir. We're excited because we heard that this resort is beautiful. Maybe it's thriving due to the owner's long business experience.""Oh doc, it's only been almost five years. Also, Ms. Ricka is new to the business. She's almost your age.""Really? I should meet Ms. Ricka; maybe we'll become best friends," the doctor said with a smile."I'm sure you'll get along. She's a very down-to-earth and hardworking person.""Will she come here?" another doctor asked."I'll ask her. She's dealing with an emergency right now. But don't worry, you're all we
She attended to her children first before taking a bath. She fed Mico and helped Moneth and Macky with their assignments. Today, she and Dr. Lovie will have lunch together. She wonders if she knows her, but she can't recall where she heard that name. She decided to proceed with her bath. She wore a simple floral dress and beach sandals. The dress was long, backless, and tied around her neck. She applied her favorite cologne and lipstick, opting not to wear full makeup, feeling it wasn't suitable for the occasion."Mama, you look beautiful," complimented Macky."Very well, agree, Mama," added Moneth."I believe in you," she hugged her children. "Behave, okay? We'll visit Mico later.""Okay, Mama. Enjoy your day," the two waved before she bid Molly farewell and left.She encountered Jerome and Jasmine."You look beautiful today," Jerome praised."Only today?" she teased."So demanding," he scratched his head."Are you heading to the office?" she asked."Ma'am, it's Sir Jerome; he's maki
***flashback*****POV: Lovie**She invited Monte to join her at E.R Resorts. She wanted him to see with his own eyes the beautiful place and the affordable prices, especially the inexpensive food inside. She had been singing to him about it for a month now."Come on, baby," she pouted while looking at Monte, who was combing his hair and just finished showering."Lovie, I have meetings. Plus, I can't rely on Marie for everything. She's pregnant. Bernard might beat me up.""You rarely come with me. We've been together for years, but you never bring me to your house. What's the problem?""Lovie," Monte approached her, "you know the situation. I'm still married, right?""But everyone else thinks he's dead.""What if he comes back? What will I do if he sues us?""We don't have a child, right? We won't have children."Monte paused. His expression changed, hurt by what she said."Go to sleep. I'll visit Bernard first," he stood up to get dressed.She felt guilty."Sorry, baby," she hugged hi
POV: Ericka"What do you mean?" she asked Lovie.Lovie took a sip of water before speaking, "I never expected to see you here, Ericka."Surprised, she felt a shiver as Lovie mentioned her full name. "You know me?""Yes. Do you know Monica?" Lovie inquired. Memories suddenly flooded back."Monte used to have a mutual understanding with someone, Lovie de Luna. But she suddenly disappeared." Monica's voice echoed in her mind."Lovie de Luna? Monte's college sweetheart?" She was astonished."Your hotel and resort is known in Manila, Ericka. I invited Monte here several times, but he refused. When I saw this place, I was mesmerized by everything, especially the services. I didn't expect you to be the owner. Our meeting wasn't intentional. Perhaps Monte didn't want to come because the Lord made him think he wasn't ready to face... wasn't ready to see.""How... where is Almira?""Maybe civilization hasn't reached your area yet; Almira left seven years ago. She kidnapped Monica and Grandpa be
POV: LovieI said the right things to Ericka. I have nothing to regret. Besides, her husband is now mine. She can't do anything about it. I just picked up what she left behind. Sometimes in life, you need to fight. All is fair in Love and War. I didn't snatch him; I just caught him. I didn't ruin their relationship. I entered, and she was gone... right... I didn't do anything wrong...She repeated to herself before entering the room. Those inside were surprised."Who are you?" the little girl asked."I'm sorry..." she glanced at the door. 5B... which room was this? Is there an ABCD here?"Who are they?" another girl asked, seemingly coming from the bathroom."Auntie suddenly opened the door," the little girl said."I'm sorry; I think I got lost. Is there Room 5D here?" she asked."Ah, are you a guest doctor?" the girl asked again."Yes, I think I got lost. Where is it?""The elevator you took faces the sea. It should be facing the pool. But there's a way there. Just go straight and fo
She had been crying for days, unable to admit the reason to her children. She witnessed the joy in her children's eyes now that they were with Mico."Sis," Molly called, "what's happening to you?""The one who adopted me passed away when my parents died. It happened a long time ago, about six years.""Why didn't you know?""The internet here was weak then, and we didn't have TVs. I didn't find out.""Do you want to visit?" Molly asked."I don't know where.""Why don't you ask the doctor?""Which doctor?"Molly recounted what happened, including Macky's departure, and mentioned the doctor Lovie."Oh, yes," Molly said, "Moneth, isn't it impolite for a child to interrupt when adults are talking?""If I didn't interrupt, wouldn't you forget her name again? You're forgetful, Auntie," Moneth replied."Thank you," Molly pouted."You're welcome, Auntie," Moneth smiled.She was surprised. So, Lovie had already seen her children."There, that's Dr. Lovie, sis," Molly said. "Moneth said you look
"What happened there?" she asked upon seeing the expensive laptop, smoke still emanating from it."I was organizing your things, and Moneth accidentally spilled milk on it while it was charging," Jasmine said, visibly terrified."Is Moneth okay?" she worried."She's okay, madam," Jasmine, now in tears, said, "I'll pay for this, madam. I was careless. How much is this?""That's worth one hundred twenty-five thousand, Jasmine. I had it customized. Will you be able to pay for it?"Jasmine paused. She earns seven hundred a day. She doesn't take a day off. How would she be able to support her siblings' education and save money to buy the remaining units to graduate? She started crying."Madam, please don't let me go... please have mercy.""Why would I let you go? It's just a thing; it can be replaced. That's expensive, but I value those who work well. Not those who are just all talk and no action. Do you have backup files for everything on the laptop?""I have it on the tablet we use for m
POV: Ericka"Madam, you look stunning," Jasmine complimented her. "I haven't seen you dressed like this before.""When there are special events, you need to dress the part," she replied.She examined herself in the mirror. The backless royal blue gown that reached the floor suited her fair skin. It had a high slit up to her thigh. She wore minimal makeup and only accessories, paired with silver glittery stilettos. She looked like she was about to join a beauty pageant."Shall we, madam?" Jasmine invited her."You should change into something more appropriate," she instructed."Madam, this is what I'll be wearing," Jasmine replied."No, I don't want you to look pitiful there. Assistants need to look presentable for the boss to gain their trust.""Really, madam?""Yes. How can I say, 'I can take care of your shares,' if my own staff doesn't dress properly, right?""Well, I don't have clothes like that," Jasmine explained."How many did you hang in the closet?""Four.""Keep two of them.