POV: Ericka"Could the kids be sensing a familial connection with Monte, explaining their behavior?" Monica followed her while Monte was getting his food."That crossed my mind," she replied, "especially because Macky doesn't act this way with others.""Maybe they feel he's their father.""Please don't tell him yet. I'll be the one to explain.""Of course, it has to be you. Hmm, let him struggle a bit. I was so annoyed when he was still with Lovie.""Where is she now?""She's dead.""Seriously?""Yes, she was crazy, fooled a lot of people. Made a mistake by deceiving the son of a prison warden. Ended up committing suicide.""Oh, that's sad.""Don't pity her; did you know Monte thought they were destined to meet? Turns out, he had a tracker on his car. When he was at a conference in Quezon, she was asking Bernard about him. Worried she might be following him again.""She said Monte was hurting him?""She's lying. Don't believe anything she says. Come on... Monte might be waiting for yo
POV: ErickaOne month passed quickly. Everything returned to normal. She allowed the children to communicate with Monica. They visited twice more, but Monte was no longer with them.No one asked about Monte's sudden departure that day. Ericka learned from Molly that Monte played with the kids before leaving, carrying Macky and Moneth.Even Monica didn't inquire. Their conversations shifted, and the night's discussion with Monica weighed heavily on Ericka's mind.**Flashback:**She sat on the bench near the sea, feeling someone beside her—Monica."I know how you feel; I've been there too. But if you think he doesn't love you, a lot happened in his life when you were gone.Almira kidnapped us, including Grandpa. Because, according to Lovie, your husband was supposedly sterile. He was devastated. Grandpa passed away without him seeing you. That added to his frustrations. And he believed he couldn't give you a child. That's another thing on his mind. Thankfully, he recovered, and we owe i
POV: MonteHe received a call from the hospital. There's a child in need of blood. Despite having things to attend to, he prioritized heading to the hospital. Ever since he found out he couldn't have children, he vowed to help children in need of blood. Finding his blood type was challenging.He took a quick shower and put on trousers and a T-shirt. Marie was surprised when he stepped out of his office. Her belly had grown, but her body remained the same."Are you leaving, sir?""I just need to go somewhere. Tell my secretary to arrange the files in the drawer by name.""Yes, sir," Marie replied. It's weird. Initially, he wanted them arranged by date, and now by name. It's challenging getting old. Marie just sighed.He entered the ER, greeted by the staff."Take a rest first, sir, so we can get you ready," a male nurse suggested."I'm good," he replied. "I didn't drive; I'm staying at the hotel across the street.""Okay, sir, lie down then.""How old is the recipient this time?""The
"I thought you might ghost me up," Monte said, holding her hand tightly, as if afraid she might slip away. He took the food she brought. "You seem cold.""I'm nervous... you might rape me," she replied.He looked at her, the smile disappearing from his face. But he still didn't let go of her hand. When the elevator opened, Monte led her out."You know, earlier, I was nervous that you might not show up. I was really anxious. That's why I decided to come and pick you up...""I told you, I keep my word," she replied.Monte opened the hotel room. The light from the lampshade was dim, making their faces barely visible. He slightly brightened the room. He placed the food on the table, took her bag, and kissed her neck.Monte moved her hair to the side, kissing the back of her neck. He held her waist, and soon, she felt the wetness on her neck. Not the wetness of saliva but tears. Monte's shoulder trembled. The quiet weeping turned into loud sobs. A torrent of tears that seemed like it would
POV: Monte"I'll adopt your kids. We're married, right?" he suggested to Ericka. "By the way, why does Mico have the last name Reyes? Is Felipe's last name Reyes?""No...""Then why?""Because Felipe isn't their father.""Have you been with someone else?" he furrowed his brow.Ericka slapped him hard."You're so stupid. Are you that promiscuous?" she scolded him, visibly annoyed."Who's the father?" he sat up."Obviously, it's you!" Ericka snapped back, pointing at him angrily."I'm? How can that be? Am I sterile?""You're really dumb. Are you sure you're sterile? Look at you, with your strong swimmers, you've managed to father three already!""But...""Who told you that you're sterile?""Lovie did.""See, you're really an idiot. Probably not. Get yourself checked again. What if you get me pregnant now? You might blame it on some other guy."His expression slowly changed. He suddenly stood up and shouted."Yeeeheeey... I'm a dad now. That damn Lovie, I was about to claim the kids, but
"Honey, how are you feeling today?" Monte asked her as she sat on the bench near the pool."A bit tired, but I'm okay. The baby's been kicking a lot." she answered."That's a good sign, isn't it? Our little one is strong." he smiles and sat beside her."Yes, it is. But it's also a reminder that our family is about to get even bigger.""I know. It's a bit overwhelming, isn't it? With the triplets and now the new baby...""It is. But we've managed so far, haven't we?""We have. And we'll manage this time too. We're a team, remember?""Yes, we are. And I wouldn't want to be on this journey with anyone else.""Honey, I was thinking about redecorating the living room. What do you think?" Monte suggested."Oh, you want to redecorate? Well, you know I'm the boss around here, right?""Oh really? The boss, huh? Well, I guess I'll have to run all my ideas by you then.""That's right! No decision gets made without my approval. I have the final say.""Alright, boss. I'll make sure to consult you o
"Honey, can you massage my feet? They're hurting. I feel so heavy in my stomach," she pleaded with Monte."Love, haven't you had your ultrasound yet?" Monte positioned himself at her feet, placing them on a pillow and gently massaging."Aah... it's so relaxing," she lay down. "I haven't gone back there since I got sick.""It must be so much fun if it's three again!" Monte joyfully remarked.Her eyes widened suddenly... 'what if that's true?' she wondered."It's not impossible," she replied with a smile."Wow... two kids, then suddenly six," Monte happily exclaimed."Do you really want to take care of children?" she asked her husband."Yes, of course. I haven't experienced this with our own children, so I'll make sure to be a good parent and caregiver to them. I'm already happy with our three kids, but I'll be even happier if they increase. In a small family like ours, having many children brings joy.""You know, I'm delighted," she told Monte."Why is that?""I made the right decision
She noticed that her son Mico was quiet, just sitting on the swing alone, deep in thought.Approaching him, she called his name; "Mico."There were forming tears in Mico's eyes, and he still didn't acknowledge her presence. Climbing onto the swing in front of him, she looked to see what had captured Mico's attention - a large tree behind the house. Unable to resist, he asked him."Son, is there a problem?" Mico just shook his head. "Why does it seem like you're lost in thought?""Grandpa visited me in my dream. He said my life is complete now that we're whole as a family..." Mico looked at him, tears streaming down. "Why did grandpa say goodbye, Mama? Does he not want me anymore?"She placed a hand on Mico's shoulder, "Grandpa won't leave you. Sometimes, dreams have different meanings. Maybe he just wanted to convey that he's happy we're a complete family. It doesn't mean he's leaving you. Grandpa loves you very much."The mother and son embraced, slowly soothing the emotions of young