The night I have been waiting for already came. This is the time that I will talk and meet him again after the years since I became a Senior High. And now I'm here already in the hospital with Gilbert.

" Are you sure that you can do this?" He asked me sincerely. He closed the umbrella because it was raining so hard outside.

I gave him a silent nod.

This is the night that I promised myself that I will let go of all the pain, hatred, and anger towards my dad. My dad who forced me into everything. My dad who threw my childhood dream because of his selfish sake and also my dad who took my happiness and joy in me.

I sighed heavily when I looked at the door, and behind it was my dad who I really loved so much.

I glazed my sight on Gilbert who was on my side. " Can... you go with me?" I asked and I felt my chest getting heavy.

He caressed my hair and brushes it with his fingers. " Let's do this,"

I nod at him and I opened the door slowly while my hands were starting to shake. I touched my chest when I saw my dad who was lying on the bed. I saw the machine and some wires attached to his hand and body. I toured my sight inside of it and I saw Kuya Jaze and 4 unfamiliar bodyguards. 

I looked at Kuya Jaze and he called the bodyguards to go outside.

I bit my lip and sat on the chair beside my dad's hospital bed.

He suddenly opened his eyes, maybe he thought and felt that I came to visit.

" Natasha... my baby," he difficulty mentioned.

I pursed my lips, trying hard not to cry.

" You... looks like a strong woman now. " He reached for my hand, but I immediately moved it.

" My dream... my dream just flew away. It's because of you." I wiped the tears that just fell from my eyes with both of my hands.

" I thought that you always wanted me to be happy. Instead, you took all my source of it!"

" Remember when I was a young innocent kid, huh?! The one who wanted to study in a private school because of her own like. But you said that you wanted me to enjoy myself and to have fun. To explore the things that you didn't experience. And also... you... you just wanted me to be h-happy,"

He pursed his lips and looked at his side instead. He looked sorry and guilty.

" I-I really wanted all for you. Not just... happiness, my baby,"

" What?! You want me also to be miserable?! To be fear?! To be angry with you?!"

He shook his head. " I wanted you to... experienced that we didn't,"

He placed my hand to mine. I felt soft that I didn't have the urge to remove it.

" We, your mum and I really started from nothing, my baby. All the success we have it's because of our hardships. My dad..." He looked up to the ceiling, stopping to be in tears. " My dad really planned everything for me. Everything I will eat, everything I will dress, Everything I will date. Just... everything."

He looked at me that made me shiver. " Do you think that I am happy with that?" I wiped my tears but they kept falling.

" I'm really... sorry if I felt you that I'm taking the freedom you have. I'm sorry if I felt you forced in everything," He looked me in the eyes. " I am sorry, my baby."

I bit my lip, sobbing. " Who... is that?" He glazed at the boy who was beside the door. Who was just so innocent of what was happening.

" He's Gilbert, dad. My e--,"

" So that's Gilbert?" He heavily called. " Can you call him for me, baby?"

I nod and wiped my tears from falling and falling.

Gilbert suddenly went beside me.

" So you are my baby's girlfriend?"

Gilbert looked at me, curious and don't know what to answer.

I coughed. " Dad... how are you?"

" They said that they will run more tests on me," He moved his fingers who were resting in mine, calming me. " Don't worry. I will be fine,"

I sighed heavily and gave him a nod.

" Hijo," He called him again.

I looked to Gilbert who was glazing at my dad genuinely. 

" I know that we wanted the best for our baby. Please... please be the man that I have never been for her." I put both of my hands on my face because my tears were starting to fall again.

" Please be the man who will make her feel happy and wanted. Please be the man... the man that is always there for her. My baby is fragile, but on the inside, she is fierce, strong, and independent."

My dad met my eyes who were in a pool of tears. " I don't know if you're mum said this to you but I really wanted you to inherit the company. I want you to be the next 'Chief Executive Officer'," he said emphatically.

" I love you, my baby. I love you so much," He sob. " And before I passed away... If I just. I wanted to tell you that every single day, Natasha Shane, my baby. No seconds came that I never regretted it. The seconds I'd waste because I'm such a selfish dad figure.  I regret everything. Every single thing."

My heart softened. " I... I just want you to know that after you have done to me. I forgive you." I wiped my tears again. " I forgive you not because you apologized many times, nor because you felt guilty of the pain, madness, and hatred that you have caused to me. I forgive you because I want to breathe and just break the chains that cause why my chest was getting heavier every day." Despite it all, I can say that my heart is still a forgiving thing.

" I think I can rest in peace now after you said that, my baby." He sighed " All I wish... every second will pass that my daughter will forgive me and that is enough for me,"

" Can I wish something?" I smiled in pain.

He silently nods.

" Can you be strong for me? Please survive this," I bit my lip. " I still want to have a daddy figure," I closed my eyes and cried. " Please,"

He moved his hands and intertwined them to mine. " I will, my baby,"

I removed my hand with the grip because I can't stay any longer. Some of the questions were answered and I can breathe more than now.

" This is not a goodbye because I will see you soon, dad," I gave him a small smile and looked at Gilbert who was just staring at me, I can see the worried emotion in his eyes.

We almost opened the door until I heard my dad again. " Hijo!"

" Please give the best for my baby," My dad told to him.

" I will, Sir!" Gilbert replied with so much respect before we finally left the room.

After we left the room my knees were trembling and shaking. Gilbert held my shoulders and he faced me to him.

" You are a really strong woman," He caressed my hair and I just cried on his shoulders.

He was moving his hand on my back, calming me, and whispering comforting words. " I'm very proud of you and you certainly did your best,"

" R-really?"

" Of course! You did a great job."

I raised my head to wipe my tears. "  Thank you."

" Always," He replied to me with a calm voice.

" I mean... T-Thank you for everything, Gilbert." I smiled at him. " Thank you for not leaving by my side even though I always tried to push you away. Thank you for being here with me... just thank you."

He was now wiping my tears with his hands. " I am always... always here for you, Natasha Shane, no matter what. Because at the end of the day, you are still the love of my life. And if I have the chance to know more again about the Paradise...I will grab the chance instantly because--"

I stopped him from saying things in front of me and I immediately cupped his jaw to kiss him softly. I stopped kissing him and I just gave him a small smile. All I can see was that he was still shocked by what was just happened.

" Let's go?" Yaya ko sa kaniya. He licked his lips and furrowed his brows cutely.

" L-Let's.. go."

We were now back in the mansion and we were now in front of the gate. I was still standing there because I was too scared to go inside.

" You can do this." Gilbert gave me a smile while his hands were inside of his pockets.

" I think I can't--"

" Stop doubting yourself. I know you can, I know," He stopped me to say comforting words.

I sighed heavily. I really want to ask my mum about all things. I really want to be free from the chains.

" H-Hey," I called his attention and pressed the doorbell.

" Yes?" He asked me while looking at my eyes.

" The kiss earlier it was uhm.. it was real," I bit my lip because I'm so shy to admit it.

I saw how he froze again. I can't read what was going in his mind right now but I can say that he was shocked.

" I-I will go now. Thank you for the night." I waved to him when the gate opened.

" N-Natasha!" He called me, stuttering.

I raised my brows.

" Good night!" He gave me a smile and I continue entering.

Ate Kitty took the bag that I gave to her. Ate Lita was always working on Morning and Ate Kitty was on Evening.

I sighed heavily when I stepped inside of our house. The atmosphere was kinda heavy because it wasn't the same anymore.

I went to my room to have a shower and do my night routine. After I did it I was now thinking hard and looked out my window. There I saw the stars that were twinkling and the moon that was shining brightly. I smiled and now I was in front of my parents' room.

I knocked it before entering there. I saw my mum who was handling a frame. It was the family's picture. Her, my daddy, me, and also my brother.

" Mum?" I calmly called her attention who was resting her back on the frame of the bed. I immediately took the comforter to sit beside her.

My mum is a brave woman that I know, but when I saw her like that my heart was breaking into pieces. " Natasha... my sweetie," My mum wiped her tears that made my chest heavy. I don't want to see her like that.

" I went to dad earlier and he looks fine." I smiled to ease the tension.

I saw how my mum bright her face. It was like she got good news. " T-That was great," she wiped her face again and made sure that no tears were visible.

" May I ask something?" I tranquility questioned.

" S-Sure. Everything, sweetie," She grabbed my hands and held them and I gave her a smile.

" Remember, mum that I saw you fighting with dad when I was young? And you caught me... and you said to me that it's an adult conversation, right?" I gulped before I continue. " You promised to me that if I grow up already you tell me about it."

My mum heavily sighed, thinking of what will be her response.

" I want to know all now, mum. I want."

My mum squeezed my hand softly. " The company..." she breathes hardly. " The company was bankrupt when you're a high school, Natasha. And also... that's the reason why we transferred you to a public school because we don't... we don't have enough money to support for the expenses, enrollment fees and such of. That's why we pushed you to Public." She heavily mentioned to me and a tear suddenly fell from my eyes. 

" We really worked hard until the company was slowly recovering. Your dad pushed you to study in UST because we already recovered the money, and we thought that if you studied in private you will be happy like a young innocent child who was angry because she was enrolled in a public school."

The tears were kept falling and I wish I can control this.

" We want you to be the CEO of the company because we can see your potential than your brother who was now peacefully working and living in the States," She gripped her hand more that made me stared at my mum. " You are the face of our company. You can be the next successor, that's why we are pushing you to take the course. I know that it was not your childhood dream, sweetie, but we know... we know that you can do it, unlike us,"

" Natasha Shane," my mum called my presence because I was just staring at her. Realizing moments because of the sacrifices they have done for me. " I'm sorry on behalf of your dad. If you can't forgive him for now because of everything we have done, It's okay. I can feel the anger inside of you and we can't stop that, because in the end, you are still our considerate, gorgeous, and beautiful princess,"

I bit my lower lip and I had the urge to cry all that I have on her shoulders. I can feel that she was calming me by moving her hands on my back. " Mum, I am sorry. It's not your fault, it was mine. I am so sorry. I am really sorry!"

My mum made a 'shh' " Don't blame yourself, sweetie,"

" I'm sorry,"

" If you really don't like what was on your way we understand it. If you can't be the CEO, we accept it. We want you to be free," She held my shoulders so she can face me now. She wiped my tears with her hands. " You can't push yourself if you don't really love your profession, sweetie. I will talk to the dean to transfer you in. What course you wanted again?" She questioned me.

" Business... Business Administration, mum," I gave her a smile that sealed a promise that I will get a degree and graduate from it. " And that's the course I want, mum."

Finals season already came in UST. I was so busy when presentations were right there, right here like every single where! And of course, the final exam.

It was hard for me to cope up but I really promise myself when the first sem came, I will graduate here. And I am slowly accepting the fact that this is where I belong. I know that sometimes we are not leading to want we want because that's life. And we just need to accept it.

I'm having a wide smile while going downstairs from the building because the final exam was officially done for today. It was done!

I messaged Gilbert again. I know that I told him about this, but I just wanted to give him heads-up. Maybe he forgot it! And this is kinda special day for me.

To: gilbertxanche

6 P.M. at the mansion. Don't be fucking late! Btw I will say this again. It must be formal.

I also messaged my High School best friends about this. I missed them so much!

We and Kuya Jaze were now spanning going to the mall. It was intentionally and purposely that he was my driver for today.

We were already inside. He was wearing black shades and in a bodyguard uniform, and that was weird!

" Kuya Jaze!" I whispered to him while looking for some branded clothes. He bent down because he was that tall!

" Yes, Ma'am Shane?" He asked, his voice was deep, nothing's new with that.

" What's a little girl love... I mean favorite?"

" I don't know what a 'little girl' wants, Ma'am," He replied to me in a monotone voice. Maybe he wasn't that interesting about it.

" Do you have a child?" I asked him again and I looked to a mirror while a dress was hanging.

" I don't have, Ma'am," Tipid niyang sagot.

" What was nicer to me?" I showed him two dresses. The dress on my left that I was holding on was a red short halter Burgundy part dress; while on my right side was a white half sleeve ball gown. I chose that because this was not a simple party for me.

I saw Kuya Jaze formed a thinking position. He pursed his lips and he chose the right. " Perfect!" I jumped a little bit as I gave the white ones to the lady beside me. " Thank you!"

We went to the cashier to pay for it.

We were already inside the car and just bought everything that was important to me.

Hours passed and I was now standing in front of the mansion. I can see the lights while I am walking in the garden.

" Natasha!" My mum greeted me and kissed both sides of my cheek.

" Sorry for being late, mum!" I chuckled.

" Lita and Roland were fixing Savannah now so you better change," She commanded to me. As I was walking, I saw some men who were wearing waiter uniforms. I shook my head because I know who did this. And it was my mum!

As I finished everything and wore the dress, I also wore silver sandals partnered with designer earrings. I captured a picture of my outfit and posted it on my Instagram.

I took the present in the shopping bag that I was holding earlier with me, so I'll not forget about it. I roam around to my room because it was been a long time resting here for so so so long!

I opened a box... actually a memorable box for me. And there I saw the calligraphy of what Gilbert made for me when we had our First Anniversary. While I was getting all the things there, I saw a mini journal. I suddenly smiled, remembering the good old days. I opened it and one by one, flipping the pages.

" So I really have an introduction, huh? Well, I'm not now a thirteen-year-old girl who made a trashy journal! I'm a grown-up now!" I flipped the page again and there I saw a Mr. Unknown thing.

1. nice attitude

2. perfectly shaped jawline

3. aromatic lavander scent

4. he needs to be funny

5. he's focusing on his studies

6. I need to be comfortable when he's around

7. I don't want a tragic love story with him

" What just the fuck are these?" I sarcastically shouted while reading the 7 fucking bullshit words. I rolled my eyes, just closed it, and brought it back to the box.

As I was walking downstairs, I realized one thing.

" If only my dad was here," I whispered to myself and hoping that he will recover soonest because I already missed his presence.

I went to the garden because there was the party venue. The color palette of the party was white and gold because I chose this. I saw my best friends who were now sitting at their designated chairs!

" Natasha!" Ashley shouted to me while running in kitten heels. She was wearing a plaid pantsuit.

I kissed both sides of her cheeks. " Thanks for coming," I placed my hand on the top of hers. " I appreciated it."

" Of course! Anything for my sissy!" She chuckled. She wrapped her arms in mine and we walked going to their place.

" Hi!" I greeted them and one-by-one kissed them on the cheeks.

" Shet! Kabog!" Leigh replied to my wear. She was just wearing a yellow cocktail dress and silver sandals. And I just remembered something about the color of her dress.

" No offend, but you look like a minion in your dress, Leigh!" I chuckled. Such a good day.

I saw she sarcastically rolled her eyes and drank on the cocktail made by the bartenders.

" You're a certified model now, huh? You look sexy!" Zophiya mentioned to me.

" You still look better than me! Any form and in any shape," I laughed at her. She is beautiful and everything. I mean she is Zophiya Addison after all!

As she stood up from the seat. I found that she wore a blazer dress partnered with OTK boots.

" Where's Emma, by the way?" Zophiya suddenly asked them when she further noticed that Emma wasn't still there.

" Good eve!" I heard a voice entering from the gate. I didn't notice that the sun was setting already. And I saw that Emma was talking to the catering man, and suddenly she found us. While walking, she was wearing a black turtle neck, suede skirt, and black ankle boots. The style of her hair was in a ponytail and a white ribbon wrapped on it.

She kissed both sides of my cheek. " Sorry for keep you waiting,"

" At least you came!" I pointed out their seat, " There's your place,"

When we went to their place, Zophiya suddenly greeted her. " What took you so long? I texted and called you for how many times and you didn't answer any of it, dumbass!"

" Traffic kaya ano?" Emma replied to her and sat on the party chair.

" Sino ba may birthday, beh?" Leigh asked me while I'm sitting temporarily too. She was just drinking and maybe later she will gonna passed out.

" My helper's daughter." I pointed out to the designed wall and named in a glitter, " She's Savannah, I actually picked the name of her,"

" Sanay ka na talaga sa mga preparation sa buhay 'no!" She laughed.

" Sis!" Ashley called me, " Saan yung CR niyo?"

I stood and arranged the chair so I can assist her.

We went inside and she looks like a first-timer when she entered our house.

" There! I will wait for you here,"

I drank water while waiting for her. Ate Lita suddenly appeared in my sight.

" Ma'am Tash!" She said to me while walking slowly.

" Where's Savannah, Ate Lita?" I asked her while drinking water.

" Nakay Rolando po, Ma'am!" She chuckled.

I nodded and silence came. " Ma'am Tash," She breathes heavily before she opens her mouth. She even placed her hand into mine. " Thank... Thank you po! Thank you po, Ma'am Tash!"

My heart suddenly softened when she said to me. I mean it was only a small thing for me because of all the things they've done to me! To the family! I was just so happy when I heard a simple thank you coming from the most trusted house helper ever in my entire life!

I placed the other hand of mine on the top of hers. " No, Ate Lita!" I sighed. " I should be the one thanking you. Thank you for all the sacrifices you made, thank you for all the patience with me, and also thank you... thank you for speaking English when you will talk to me!" I chuckled.

She gave me a laugh and wiped her face. " Mauuna na po ako, ma'am! Salamat po ulit, ha!" She gave me a small but unforgettable and warm smile.

And when I came back, I saw Ashley standing there, fixing her dress.

While going back outside, we talked about our freshie experience. On how we cope up in our studies and all stuff since College life is a different real thing.

I saw Zophiya was fixing Leigh's hair into bun ones. Until Leigh mentioned, " Laro tayo, Truth or Dare!" She said like a kid.

My brows furrowed because what was with that? She suddenly stood and took something from the walking waiters.

" She's getting wild," I whispered to them while looking at her drank the whole red wine in a wine glass and placed it on the table.

She spun the wine glass and the tail suddenly pointed to Emma.

I sighed heavily because I know the girls were too mad and aggressive if we are playing this game.

" Truth or dare?" Leigh asked Emma.

" Dare!" Emma replied with a monotone voice. Like she was not affected by what we will gonna do to her. I mean they always win the game.

" Nakikita mo 'yung lalaking na may puting ribbon?" Leigh suddenly asked her while looking to the waiter guy who was busy greeting Ate Lita's family at the other side of the table.

Emma nods like who cares about it. " Ano na? G na G na ako!"

" Kunin mo 'yung hawak-hawak niya," And that was full of red wine in a wine glass. Probably 8 wine glasses.

" That's all?" Emma wondered. " Akala ko ayun na, e'!"

" Ay! Choosy ka be? Dalian mo na!" Leigh chuckled while Emma was walking to the waiter. She was whispering to him something that made the waiter gave the whole silver circular tray.

Leigh stands while drinking all the red wine in the glass. " Pucha! Akala ko ba dare ko 'to?!"

" Tinatamad lang ako tumayo, beh!" Leigh laughed.

" Next!" Emma spun the wine glass and suddenly it pointed out to me.

Shit!

" Truth or dar--" She suddenly stopped when I walked towards the gate. I wasn't shook about the wine glass pointed at me, but because...

" Kumusta, anak?" Gilbert's mum greeted me and gave me a cheek kiss and the nervousness filled my body. UGH!

I bit my lip as her mum saying those greeting words to me. And the next one who appeared was his father! Mr. Villaflor was here! He was wearing a white dress shirt tucked in his grey slacks. His dad was in a formal too!

" How are you, mi hija?" He asked me while fixing Giselle... or let's say Alora's dress. She looked even more gorgeous!

" I'm... fine, Mr. Villaflor! Let's have a seat, please!" I said to them, stuttering.

I talked to the waiter so they can assist them.

" Where is he?" I whispered to myself while looking at the gate hoping that he will enter.

A familiar guy suddenly went inside and the scene was like slow-motion to me. He wore a dark grey three unbuttoned dress shirt tucked in his light grey chinos with a brown rotating buckle belt partnered with black leather shoes. He fixed his dress shirt and I can see his designer watch. He looks so handsome tonight!

He was walking while Ezekiel, his youngest brother, was holding his left hand. He touched his cheek to me, " Hey!" He greeted me. His hair was in a pushback.

I was just frozen the whole time, " W-what did you... say?"

He chuckled and slightly bent his knees so he can talk to Ezekiel. " Go to Mama and Dada. I will talk to Ate Natasha, okay?" Ezekiel gave a nod while walking slowly to his parents' place.

He fixed my hair that was blinding me a little bit and now I can see his fully now. " S-So...?" I asked him.

" Late na ba kami? Or we just arrived on time?" He questionly replied to me. Since he was too close to me, I can smell his scent...

Aromatic lavander scent...

I immediately shook my head because I was having flashbacks and just saying to my head that it was only a young, innocent, high school student Natasha who wrote that in his mini journal!

I leaned slightly to him so I can smell him again.

He really smells lavender! UGH!

I raised my brow. " Yeah! You're late," I rolled my eyes and went outside to have fresh air while some people were having fun inside.

I was just sitting there until I felt someone who was sitting beside me.

" What now?" I rolled my eyes again even though he didn't saw me. I even shouted it because of the loud music inside.

" Mad?" He calmly asked me.

" I don't have the fucking rights to be mad!" I shouted again.

" I can see," He replied to me.

And silence came...

" Sorry for being late,"

I stuck my tongue inside of my cheeks and faced him, " Don't be sorry,"

" And also why you're still here? You can enjoy yourself there!" I added.

" I prefer it here."

I gave him a chuckle.

" Thanks for the invitation," He broke the silence.

" Yeah! For Ate Lita and Kuya Roland. Since you're close with them and with Savannah,"

A call suddenly came and answered it.

" Mum? What happened?"

[ Where are you? The party was starting already, sweetie,]

" Oh! Fuc-- Freak! Wait! I am going there!"

[ Come to the kitchen first, help me here, thank you!]

" Is there something... bad?" Gilbert immediately asked me after my mum ended the call.

I was now standing still and now walking away from him.

" Hey!" He was now in front of me. " Stop with that treatment. I hate it,"

My brow raised. What the fuck?

" Where are you going? What happened? Why did you just leave me--?"

I tiptoe to reach him and held his face. I gave him a kiss, a soft kiss with the purpose of shutting him the fuck up because I was so getting irritated.

I bit my lower lip. " Nothing happened. I will go to my mum so you better fucking calm," I rolled my eyes and leave him standing still there, frozen.

What the fuck? This is not the first time! UGH!

I went inside and there I saw my mum talking to Mrs. Villaflor. They were both wearing an apron. I just shook my head because they were still close.

" Mum!" I called her attention because she was busy baking cupcakes as far as I can see the ingredients.

My mum brows each other and touched my face. " What happened to you, sweetie? Why are you so red? Look at your ears!"

" M-Mum, nothing happened," I was getting nervous hoping that my mum didn't figure out what happened earlier.

My mum passed about it and she said that I will help them with the guest gift.

And my mum suddenly got a call coming from her phone so she excused.

" Anak!" Mrs. Villaflor caught my attention while adding the batter into the cupcake liners.

" Yes, ma'am! I mean... tita!"

She chuckled and went back from doing it while having conversations with me. " How's my son doing with you? Masyado ba siyang pasaway sa'yo?" She asked me and I just don't know what will I answer.

" He is nice actually, tita! No need to be worry," I gave him a calming smile.

" So when are we gonna have a grandchild?" She sarcastically mentioned.

It's good thing that my mum suddenly came back. " It's the secretary from the Corpo. I moved the schedule of the company's team building," 

" Why did you move it, mum?" I asked her. I mean it was supposed last summer, but since I'm a college student now, their summer was different from mine.

" I want you to join us there. It's more luxury, unlike the past few years, sweetie." She replied and pinched my nose with flour. " You can invite Gilbert."

I gave her a laugh. I thought that I am safe with Gilbert's topic but still my mum was opening it!

Minutes passed from baking cupcakes and preparing the box for it. I said to my mum that I will just gonna give this box of cupcakes that I made for my best friends.

As I was walking outside, I saw men entering the gate. He was in a wheelchair and a familiar guy was helping him to push it. I glazed carefully and It was my brother who was pushing it!

I went to the man who was sitting in the wheelchair slowly.

The box fell from my grip as I was shaking, " Daddy," I whispered slowly and suddenly my eyes were in tears. "You're back."

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