Coming Back

Two years later… 

After landing in La Carlotta, Sierra directly rushed to the hospital. Two years ago, when she left the country for the first time, she never thought there would be a day when she would come back here, like this. This city, this country, gave her so many memories, yet they also snatched everything from her. She never thought of coming back and facing all those people after everything that happened, but here she was. 

“Excuse me, do you know where Mr. Joaquin Rodrigo is currently admitted?” Sierra calmly asked the receptionist of the hospital while clutching the strap of her handbag. Three days ago, she received a call from her father’s personal secretary, informing her about her father’s sudden heart attack and asking her to return home. At first she was shocked and thought it was a prank. Because there was no way they would have found her, let alone contacted her. The day she had left the Rodrigo mansion, she left everything about her past behind. She left the country and started a new life away from the people who never accepted her. 

“Um, are you related?” The receptionist asked politely while typing something on her laptop. Her question snapped Sierra out of her thoughts, making her unconsciously nod. 

“Yes.” She spoke after taking a deep breath. 

“May I know your relationship with him?” The receptionist asked, pausing her fingers on the keyboard. Sierra pressed her lips together, thinking how to answer the question. What was her relationship with Joaquín Rodrigo? He was her father, but he never considered her as his daughter. 

“Just an acquaintance.” Sierra replied absentmindedly, hoping the receptionist would just let it go and give her the information she needed. 

“I’m sorry, Ms. This is a VIP patient, and we are strictly ordered to maintain the patient's security. We need to confirm your identity and relationship with the patient before we can let you know more information.” The receptionist responded, looking at Sierra apologetically. Sierra sighed. She never wanted to come here in the first place if not for her dying father’s request. 

“I see. I'm just here to see him  and—" Sierra tried to explain when a familiar voice calling her name cut her off. 

“Sierra?” The surprised voice called Sierra from behind, making her turn around. 

“Aiden!” Sierra’s eyes slightly widened after seeing the familiar person standing in front of her after almost two years. Aiden looked like he just got a bolt from the blue. 

“God! Where have you been? What are you doing here? Do you have any idea how long we have been looking for you?” He exclaimed while staring at Sierra in astonishment. 

“Aiden! Calm down. I will explain everything to you later, but right now I need to go and see Papa first.” Sierra explained, heaving a sigh. This was not the reunion she was expecting. 

“Fine. Come with me; I will take you there.” Aiden paused before nodding his head. He glanced at the receptionist before passing a nod. 

“Thank you!” Sierra smiled at him gratefully, making him smile back and then nod. He then directly guided her to the VIP elevator before they both got in. The elevator was filled with awkward silence as Aiden kept stealing a few glances at Sierra, who pretended like she didn't notice. 

“Uh, how have you been?” Aiden asked, clearing his throat to get rid of the awkward tension in the air. 

“Good. How are you?” Sierra responded with a barely visible smile while tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. 

“Fine, I guess.” Aiden replied with a small chuckle. 

“You look different… a lot different.” He added, after staring at Sierra for a moment. Everything about her was different. From her appearance to her aura. She looked like a completely different person. 

“Do I?” Sierra chuckled, shaking her head slightly. Her question made Aiden nod seriously. 

“How is Papa?” Sierra asked as the elevator reached the top floor where Joaquin was being admitted. Aiden made way for Sierra to go out first before following her. 

“He is still in ICU, but his condition has stabilized.” He replied while catching up his steps with her. As they both walked towards Joaquin’s cabin, a female voice called Aiden, making Sierra instantly recognize the voice. They both slowly turned around, coming face to face with none other than Ophelia and Rosalia.

“Sierra?!” Ophelia gasped at the sight of her while Rosalia’s surprise instantly turned into a glare as she marched towards her. 

“What the hell are you doing here?”