Twelve years old...

I was busy playing soccer in my old school when I accidentally kicked it almost at someone's face. I rushed to her side and apologized.

I was expecting her to spew some anger at me but she was patient and understanding. It was me who wasn't able to sleep well that day.

I tried to find her, the day after, but I found out that she was just there to watch a ball game with her cousins.

Then came, high school.

I never thought that I will see her again.

She has become more beautiful than ever. Her face shines every time she smiles.

My friends even caught me staring at her but when I turned around only for a second, she was gone already. I had to run to see where she left off but I failed to even get to know her name.

Christmas break, third year high school...

I have to stop whatever I have to do because I have to go to the United States where my mother was. She has been receiving treatments ever since she was diagnosed with cancer of the brain.

Dad has been patient with her all throughout that he asked for my permission if he can go with her in the US for her to receive the best treatment she can get to possibly cure her pain. I was adamant at first but I eventually let him. I was supposed to stop studying but I remembered how Mom always encourages me to study hard and that it is the greatest gift they can give to me now that they are older.

Fourth year high school...

My world stopped when Mom surrendered to her deathbed. She died in her sleep.

We were already in the States and I never left her side. It was only until then when I had to go out.

Naligaw pa ako and had to ask someone for direction but my eyes surprised me when I saw her alone and lost too.

"Hey." I muttered under my breath. I just wanted to sit because I haven't been able to rest after almost an hour walking around.

She looked up to see who I was. She frowned as if I was invading her  privacy and attempting to sit beside her at the bench.

We were at the Golden Gate Bridge and from the looks of it. Something must have happened to her.

Her face was ashen and mad. Like she just found out something and made her react that way.

I wanted to comfort her but I am a mere stranger to her. I doubt she will open up to me.

When I move away from her, I didn't leave her side. I watched her from afar and how she went inside the coffee shop as she waited for her brother. That's the only time I decided to leave her.

College went by so fast.

I was amazed how fate was on my side. She became our classmate.

I was even contemplating where I will study for business months before school has started. But lady luck is good to me.

It was Joana who first became her friend and within the day, we became friends. Our friendship was as hard as a rock.

It scares me.

I actually have learned to like her.

As time passed by, I learned to love her.

And it pained me every time, her boyfriend took advantage of her innocence and she took it naturally. She is a strong woman but her vulnerability became a target of the people to take advantage of her kindness.

I saw how she braved her way to life even if both her ex and best friend betrayed her trust. I saw how she smiled at those who tried to bring her down.

Her business management skills showed as she took over their family business. She has established rapport among her colleagues and they loved her for that.

Us, her friends, were there every step of the way to assist her. Even her brother who was across the globe, never leave her side.

I waited for more than a decade to finally tell her how I really feel towards her. I almost had the chance.

But, at that moment, she was going through a lot.

She was being accused of causing arson to their rival company. She was also being sent threats from someone.

Together, with their Legal Team Son's Adviser, we solved the case. We found out that it was her supposed-to-be-bestfriend's doing.

A lot happened and we barely had time to relax and have fun as a group.

I was able to gather my thoughts when we had some time off due to a client meeting I had with her.

Like her, Dad had officially turned over our company to me. Our family happened to be the sister company of S Footgears, her shoe and bag retail company.

I was ecstatic to manage it since I am most likely to be with her at almost every occasion. I was right.

We were almost at every event. She was radiant and glowing.

She has indeed outwitted life's obstacles and everyone knows that.

I am indeed so proud of her and what she has become. Stronger and braver.

And now, as I looked at the woman beside me, I finally had the chance to say these words to her.

"Hey. Okay ka na? Is it over and done with?" I asked and she nodded.
"So, are you ready to move forward with life with me?"

"Yes, Tristan. Thank you for patiently waiting." Brittany said as she locked gazes with me. "I love you."

My eyes shot up in surprise and shock. I couldn't believe it.

"Luh. Wag ka namang magbiro oh!" I chuckled with happy tears as I enveloped her waist within my arms. "Alam mo namang marupok ako pagdating sayo."

"Sira! Who says I'm joking?" She smiled and slapped my arms playfully.

Then, I was mesmerized when she encircled both her arms over my neck and tiptoed to meet my lips. My jaw dropped and she took the chance to gave me the kiss I have been waiting for a lifetime.

"I love you and I am grateful to have you, 'Stan." She smiled after kissing me. "Nope, it's not out of debt nor pity. I see you, as a man, now. Not as a friend. Nor anything. —"

"— I get it, B." I smiled and pinched her nose as I hugged her tight. "I love you. For as long as I live."

End of Tristan's POV

I watched them get cozy.

She's now happy.

With him.

I have wasted my chance with her.

I had regretted it.

I really thought I was in love with her friend.

Her friend has tricked me.

The baby was not mine to begin with.

It was Robin's.

I was devastated. My world spun and I had no way of returning back time.

I remembered the time when I was a good friend of Benson, her older brother.

I recalled the days I had spent at their house while their parents are on a business trip.

How cool and laid-back she was.

Her bare-faced self and comfortable indoor clothes where she looked so carefree and just herself.

I remembered how her friends used to tease us together and how she managed to hide her kilig beneath her transparent aura.

Since she started college and began to socialize, I got jealous with her male friends, Alvin, and most especially, Tristan.

Even if I knew, back then, that Alvin was gay, I hated their guts to get close with her while I only get to see her at the end of the day after a hectic college day.

Tristan. I hated his aura.

His confidence he never knew existed.

The way girls would swoon over him while I remain behind him.

He's got the charms and the humor.

While I got the intimidating and strict looks, anyone wouldn't dare to be friends with.

I was lucky, she get to be mine.

Even for just a short period of time.

Then, I got to know her friend.

I forgot our relationship.

I forgot about her.

She made me feel like a man.

She gave me material things and assured me I was the one.

Every night spent with her was worth keeping.

Until I found myself betraying her.

Betraying the woman I first fell in love with.

Betraying my girlfriend.

And I couldn't get out of the mess I have made.

I stood and put up with it.

Because I knew, there was no way out.

Until the paparazzis got us even before I planned to break up with her.

I was lost.

I found out that I was adopted.

And then, I found my biological parents who happened to be the Hilberts.

It was during the business party when Dad finally introduced me to the world. To his business conglomerates.

Much to my surprise, she was there.

With her friend, Cotton.

It also was the night I do not want to recall.

That was the night that Dad announced to the world about our engagement.

The night I broke her heart all over again.

We had a talk. At the balcony.

I barely got the words out to apologize to her. Her friend stopped me from doing so.

And I don't know why I was so controlled by her. Why I allowed her to.

Now that I looked at her from afar and seeing how she's happy with him, who am I to object?

I just have to endure this pain.

My karma.

My downfall.

I will never win at love.

I have lost a gem while loving another.

And it was all my damn fault.

I smiled bitterly as I drank on the bottle of wine in my hands.

I don't deserve to be happy.

I don't deserve to be loved.

I only put that love to waste.

And yes, I am regretting it.

I do not have the right to ask for it.

I cannot keep it pure and true.

I am an asshole.

And, I know, I will never find a way to move forward from the pains of the past.

It will forever haunt me in my memory.

In whatever I do.

In whichever I go.

I will never be successful in it.

I threw the empty bottle of wine to the ground and I felt a sting on my legs.

The shards of broken glass has hit me. And the physical pain wasn't enough to cover my emotional pain.

I was betrayed by a fake love and had lost a true love.

Tell me, do I still have the chance to start over and start anew?

End of Damon's POV

I yelped in pain as I pushed with all my might.

"Sige lang! Iire mo pa!" One of the lady cops encouraged me and I did so.

With one last push, I screamed in pain, sweat dripping on my face.

And then, I heard my baby's cries.

"Napakagandang bata!" She exclaimed and placed my child on my bosom.

I smiled bitterly and realized that things will never be the same again.

I am now a mother.

And I gave birth inside the prison cell.

It might seem odd but I finally felt at peace.

I was wrong and I realized the things I did out of love and greed just recently.

"Ano ipapangalan mo sa kanya, hija?" She asked and I closed my eyes as I catch my breath.

"Blythe Beatrix." I said as I stared at the adorable child resting on top of me.

"Bakit iyon ang pangalan niya? Parang ang hirap ispell naman n'on!" Jessica, one of the inmates, laughed at her.

"Blythe means freedom and Beatrix means bringer of happiness." I said simply and they nodded.

Today, I promise to be better.

A better mom for Blythe

And a better person for myself.

End of Alyanna's POV