Elven opened his eyes and then closed it again. The big waves that tipped off the lifeboat where Belle and their baby boarded flashed before his eyes. He abruptly opened them again and jumped off the bed. The surroundings spun and he almost fell on the ground. Luckily someone grabbed his arm. His head hurt so bad. He touches his head only to feel the bandages. The pain is excruciating. He staggered to stand firm." You need to lie down. Your injury isn't a joke, sir. "He recognizes the crew's voice. He's the one who saves him. He didn't want to lay on the bed again so he decided to just sit down. He still holds his head, pain written on his face." Where's my wife and my daughter? Did they find them? Are they okay? "The man in front of him doesn't answer but instead helps him in a sitting position. He obviously tries not to fall down even though he's sitting. Elven leans back and feels more comfortable. He looks at the other people in the room. They were the doctor and the nurses tha
Elven wakes up when he realises someone is staring at him. His eyes transfixed to someone who's sitting on the side of the bed. His mother, Leona Sanford." Are you feeling well, son? "She asks and she sounds more like a concerned parent than anything else. He blinks twice and takes a deep breath in and out." We quickly went here when we heard about what happened, dear. "She said and turned to look at his first older sister, Eliana who was standing on the other side of the bed. Elven doesn't realise she's there." You must be so devastated. "Elven heave a deep sigh. What he is feeling right now is unfathomable. He can't even distinguish which pain he's trying to endure more. If it's the seething pain of his head injury or it is the longing for his family. " Son, you need to go to a much bigger hos-""No."Leona was cut mid-sentence by a dead straight no from Elven." Stop being so stubborn! You being here wouldn't make a difference! They must be dead somewhere already! "Eliana sh
Nicolo Esquibel walks out of the mansion because of a heated argument with his grandfather." What the hell is he thinking? "He muttered to himself annoyingly." Sir Nick, wait. Please. "Cris Adams, Nicolo's right hand man follows him in a quicken pace cause his boss' strides were long and quick." Go back, Adams. I want to be alone. "" But, sir. Your grandpa will kill me if I go back without you! "" Huh! That's absurd. Stop poking my conscience, you fool. I don't have one. "Adams paused. He can't help but scratch his head. He knows it's just a bluff but Don Augustus Esquibel scares the wits out of him whenever he's angry. And Sir Nick always makes him mad as hell. ' Do I sin so much in my past life to suffer like this? 'Before he realizes it, Nicolo was out of his sight." Sir Nick! Where are you? Please go back with me, you know how scared I am of your grandpa! "Nicolo gets out of the forest and heads to the shore. He can still hear Adams pleading but he didn't bother. He nee
Attorney David Mendez arrived at the hospital after one hour. He is one of the cream of the crop lawyers from LE Firm. A well-known law firm based in the United States and branches out in different countries. Atty. Mendez is the current CEO of LE Firm that was based here in the Philippines." Don Augustus. Sir Nicolo. "Attorney Mendez says as he shakes hands with both gentlemen with a thrift and polite smile. " Thank you for coming on such short notice." Nicolo said." It's no trouble, Sir Nick. I understand that this is important. " Attorney Mendez said politely. " I need you to take care of some papers. And I need you to get us permission to fly in the US right now with an emergency patient and her daughter. "" I understand Don Augustus. "Atty. Mendez sits in the waiting area and flips open his laptop and starts typing documents and makes a lot of phone calls through his phone. The lawyer then went to the nurses station and walked back into the waiting area holding some copies
Esquibel's private plane arrives in the US in no time. They were met by an ambulance owned by the hospital Dr. Travis is working. And Dr. Travis goes out of his way and meets them himself. It’s been a while since anyone has seen him. He looks a bit different than when they last saw each other. His hair is shorter. More mature. He wears eyeglasses, but it’s hard for anyone to tell if he really is older or younger looking at his age, as he is an Esquibel." It's been a while, Don Augustus. "He greeted him politely." Ah, yeah. You're always so busy saving lives that you don't have time to meet your grandpa, Dr. Travis. "Dr. Travis flashed a thrift smile and gave his grandfather a warm hug." I miss you, Gramps. I'm sorry I can't visit you at all. "" I understand, son. I understand. "They break the hug and Cris Adams walks towards them." Excuse me, gentlemen. Dr. Travis, good to see you again. The patients are already in the ambulance, we're ready to go. " " Looking good, Adams. Se
Nicolo's face turned cold and he forced a fake smile." You should go, Dr. Travis."Travis was dazed but he also got serious when he came to his senses." The operation will take too long so I suggest you all take a rest. I'm going. "He then vanished behind the operating room's door. Nicolo looked at his grandpa with questioning eyes. Don Augustus sat down on the bench outside the operating room, looking exhausted and fed up. He seems that he's already had enough even before he started." I bet you still remember everything as if it happened yesterday, Nicolo. "" Of course. Who would forget when you were branded as a liar, crazy story-maker and delusional 10 year old boy? "Glint of pain stricken on his eyes as he muttered those words bringing up again the memory of his unpleasant childhood.Don Augustus exhaled full of regrets. Remembering the past makes him feel terribly miserable." That's why I don't blame you for hating me. You experienced those awful things because of me and m
After 5 hours of operation, Dr. Travis walks out of the operating room. Don Augustus immediately stood up from his seat while Nicolo adjusted his eyes from being closed for too long. And he's still a little bit dizzy from all the blood he gives out today. He feels totally lightweight at the moment."Alright, we have finished the procedures without any problem. " Dr. Travis said as he wiped off some stray sweat from his face with the back of his hand." So, how is she, son? "Dr. Travis smiles weakly as he's totally beat up." The operation is a success, Gramps. She's going to be okay. "" You're really good at what you do, huh? "Dr. Travis accepts the high five from Nicolo with a grin." Of course. She needs to get better because I'm going to treat her somewhere when she wakes up. " " Seriously? What for? "" To express my gratitude! Because she's the reason you call me after 25 freaking years! "Nicolo faced-palm. He literally walks away to save his face from Travis' teasing. Trav
Don Augustus staggered and almost fell on his knees. Dr. Travis and Adams were quick to aid the Don. Nicolo took a glance at the papers their grandfather was still holding, it was a DNA test result. And based on what the Don says, it was confirmed that she was the lost daughter of his eldest son, Alfonse. Adams offers the old man a chair and helps him sit down beside the hospital bed. The old man clasped Mirage's hand and planted a gentle kiss. Tears ran down his face." I finally found you my dear. I'm sorry, Grandpa took so long. Please forgive me. "The high and mighty Don Augustus Esquibel who was a notable and a renowned business tycoon known for his overwhelming wealth, possessed a domineering authority, showered by lots of respect, possessed limitless power and connection was crying now on his knees and begging for forgiveness to his still unconscious granddaughter. Adams gave Nicolo an apologetic look and motioned to him that he would leave them alone. The young man turned to
' I couldn't take this anymore. 'Nicolo made up his mind. He will face Mirage head on and make her say whatever it is that she's been going through. Not knowing that Mirage, herself, doesn't know what's happening with her.He opened the adjacent door without knocking just to find out that Mirage's room is empty. He checked her closet and bathroom but she's nowhere to be found.His eyes wandered around the room and it fell on the coffee table. He walked towards it and lifted the cover of the tray. The food were untouched.' And now what? 'Frustration, anxiety and worries were eating Nicolo away.He quickly go out of her room just to be nailed on where he stands. He was surprised when he heard a faint sound of a piano. He even close his eyes to confirm that his ears weren't playing tricks on him. He knows where exactly the sound was coming. It sounded melancholic and emotional at the same time. He took one last look at his surroundings before he turned and headed towards the sound.
As soon as his car driven by Cris Adams leaves the Esquibel mansion, Nicolo calls Agatha, a maid servant." Call me immediately when something happens. Thank you. "He breathed out exasperately after the call. Then he dialed again." What's up? "" Something's off with her. "" Mirage? Tell me. "" She's... not herself. She's acting strange. She's unusually quiet. I'm sure something is wrong but she's not willing to tell me what it is. She even asked me to go out with Euphy today. "And Nicolo glances at the rearview mirror to look at Adams who's also busy making calls using a hands free device so he could still drive with caution. He's cancelling all their scheduled meetings for today." I'll come right away to check up on her. I'll call you later. Take care. "" Alright, thanks. "Nicolo ended the call with Travis. He looked at Euphemia who was enjoying the view outside the car window. She looked so happy. Her eyes are sparkling with amazement. Unlike the sadness that reflects thro
It's been a month since Mirage decided to enter college. She's been busy preparing for her college admission exam and everyone is showing support that sometimes ticks her off." I am fine. "" My wound won't open if I read for an hour or so. "" Stop being overly dramatic! "Those were her lines. But she gets tired of telling them off that she just glared at them whenever they tried to ask her if she's okay, at least hundreds or thousands of times a day.' Why do they have to be so annoyingly caring? 'She thought smiling inside but still slightly annoyed.And even though she's busy with studying and all, she still makes it a point to spend time and look after her daughter, Euphemia. She's her everything, after all.Her grandpa is always there, giving her advice and Chloe comes by often, cheering her up. Nicolo is always making sure she eats properly and explaining some lessons she's having a hard time to figure out. And her personal doctor, Travis, takes care of her wounds that are a
Manila, PhilippinesChristmas and New Year passed in a blink of an eye. Elven didn't have time to celebrate as he was too occupied with lots of work as the General Manager of MAZE Hardware. The new name of the company he's working with. The one that Nicolo bought under Mirage's name.He was busy going around to check and supervised the stand-alone stores and the stores inside MZ Supermalls, the chain of mall where Esquibels were one of the major shareholders and they own 5 supermalls at the least throughout Manila and nearby provinces.All successfully transferred to Mirage's name.He's schedule was always so hectic that Nicolo asked Attorney Mendez to hire an assistant for Elven." Good morning, Mr. Sanford. " Attorney Mendez greeted casually.Elven quickly glances up behind the tons of reports he was reading. He stood up startled upon seeing the smiling attorney in front of him. The attorney decided to give him a personal visit in his office at MAZE Hardware's main office located ju
Leaving the incident at Solstice behind, Mirage decided to just go home." I thought you were starving? " Chloe said while linking arms with Mirage who doesn't mind her at all." We can eat at home. " Mirage said softly." Just tell the chef what you wanted to eat. " Nicolo added calmly." Hmmm... I crave... Italian food. Ah! pasta! " Chloe beamed happily. She's so childish at times. Mirage finds her adorable and sweet but then she remembers how she dragged her here and then leaves her alone, she quickly changes her mind.' She's definitely a troublemaker 'They went home through Chloe's car. And they found Euphemia still fast asleep." See? She doesn't even know that you're gone for JUST 3 HOURS! " Chloe said while rolling her eyes." Whatever. " Mirage answered.Chloe gets the pasta that she craved for. They're in the middle of indulging the food when Dr. Travis walks through the door." Hey! That looks good. " Travis greeted." Come on, son. Join us. " Don Augustus asked the helper
Nicolo sighs as he looks at Mirage waiting outside Solstice." Adams. "" Yes, Sir? "" You heard her. I'm leaving, you clean those trash. "" I understand, Sir Nick. "" You gonna let them all go, Nick? " Chloe said surprised." That's what she wanted. Let's go. She's starving. "" But she didn't buy anything at all! "Nicolo wiped his face by his hand out of frustration. He can't really understand this woman." You decide what to buy for her. "" Really? Alright! " Chloe said beaming." Just make it quick, she's already pissed. "" Just go. I can handle this. "Nicolo turned around and went to Mirage while he slowly shook his head." Okay. "Chloe clapped and called the attention of Solstice's staff." Please, listen. I want you to wrap those 4 racks of new arrivals. The dresses, blouses, skirts, shorts and pants. "Those racks at the center of the store that hold at least 30 pieces each and are worth at least a thousand dollars per item. The staff and the customers around were all
Nicolo walked out of the office in his tailored pinstripe gray suit, exuding authority, confidence, and prestige. Everyone was taken aback when they saw his stunning face, which appears to be sculpted to perfection, but no one dared to approach him. After they had recovered from their surprise, the Solstice staff greeted him. He exhaled and combed his dark brown hair with his free hand while the other was in his pocket as his dark brown eyes scanned the people around him and came to a halt when they met Mirage's.She was sitting there, looking bored."What are you doing here?" he asks in a soft voice that contrasts with the rest of his demeanor as he walks towards her and comes to a halt in front of her.Mirage shakes her head and yawns before saying, "Nothing. I was just waiting for her," as she points her head in the direction of Chloe.Nicole nods slightly and looks outside, where he sees Chloe waving to them while still talking on her phone. He smiles as he looks back at Mirage."
" What's going on here? "A man in a dark navy blue suit came out of the shop's office. He was Mr. Rob Fuller, the shop's manager.Before he even gets closer, Chloe's phone suddenly rings and she turns around and takes a few steps away from Mirage to answer it. But then she went outside of the shop to answer the call." Mr. Fuller! "Lydia's face suddenly lit up and she felt relief upon seeing the manager. And then she acted up." Mr. Fuller, I made a mistake. I thought she's a thief so I confronted her. But she has the VVIP card. But I don't know who she is. "Mirage stood there looking bored as the time passed by and didn't mind what the saleslady just said. Lydia knew how to behave in front of him. She was professional and respected him so far. And when he saw that Mirage was not going to give an explanation as to what happened, he decided to talk some sense into Lydia.He walked toward where Lydia was standing and put his hand on top of her shoulder and smiled at her warmly." It's
" Do we really have to go now? "Mirage said reluctantly." Yes. And that's final, my dear. "Chloe said authoritatively. Mirage sighed. She doesn't really like the idea of shopping with Chloe." Dr. Travis said I am not supposed to be tired, you know? "Mirage said, trying to wiggle out her way of the situation she got in." We're not going to shop all day, my dear. And don't you give my husband your reason not to go out with me, I'll divorce him right here, right now if I have to, just because of you."Mirage mouth gape open.' Seriously? She'd do that just because I don't want to go shopping with her? What a nutjob this woman is! She's far worse than Nico! 'And Nicolo sneezed in his office while reading some documents." Who the hell thinks bad about me? " he muttered after wiping his face with a hanky and continued to read some contracts before signing." So, shall we? "Chloe smiles triumphantly. Mirage shakes her head, defeated." I don't want to leave Euphy. "" Oh, don't give