Chapter 2: Years Apart

JIA'S POV

I stood up when the doctor who was assigned to operate on my father suddenly came out of the operating room.

Taking a deep breath to compose himself, the doctor walked towards the waiting area, where I anxiously awaited news.

The atmosphere was tense, with a mixture of hope and fear filling the air. I take a deep breath. My eyes fixed on the doctor as he approached.

Dr. Williams, a seasoned cardiologist with kind eyes and a reassuring smile, walked towards me. He could sense my anxiety and knew that his words held immense weight. Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he began speaking in a calm and measured tone.

"Good evening, Jia," he started. "The surgery went as planned, and I'm pleased to inform you that the operation was successful. We were able to address the blockages in John's coronary arteries and restore blood flow to his heart."

It was like a big thorn was pulled out of me when I heard what the doctor said.

Doc continued speaking; his tone was very soft, but there was a hint of sincerity. "However, it's important to remember that the road to recovery won't be easy. John's body will need time to heal, and we will closely monitor his progress during his stay in the intensive care unit.

I'm still worried, but it's a good thing the option went successfully. "Doc, when will dad get better? What are the chances of complications?"

The doctor maintained his reassuring smile and replied, "Jia, we expect John to make a full recovery. Of course, there is always a small risk of complications, but we have taken every precaution necessary. Our team will continue to monitor him closely and provide the best care possible."

My voice trembling, I asked, "When can I see him, Doc?"

He nodded, understanding my longing. "He's still in the recovery room, but we'll move him to the intensive care unit soon. Once he stabilizes, we will allow visitations, but please keep in mind that he needs rest and limited stimulation to recover effectively."

My eyes filled with a mix of relief and concern. "Thank you, Doc. I appreciate everything you and your team have done for my father."

He nodded, his empathy evident in his eyes. "You're welcome, Jia. It's been a privilege to care for your father. We have a dedicated team of nurses and specialists who will support his recovery every step of the way."

With those parting words, Dr. Williams concluded our conversation, promising to keep me abreast of my father's progress. Left alone, I kept my head bowed, a silent prayer for Papa's swift return home lingering in the air.

In the ensuing nights, after wrapping up my work, I remained a steadfast companion by my father's side. Time unfolded, and the treatment proved to be a resounding success. Witnessing Papa's gradual improvement over the months brought profound joy, and Luke's financial support relieved me of the burden of bills, allowing me to concentrate solely on his recovery. For this, my gratitude knew no bounds. Yet, I couldn't shake the memory of the night he set me free.

(Flashback)

"You can go home; I'm setting you free. But expect me to find you to charge," Luke declared, intelligence and kindness flickering in his eyes while maintaining a neutral expression. "Thank you!" I expressed my gratitude, and Luke simply nodded, handing me a briefcase brimming with cash. "Go—" He started to speak, but I cut him off with a spontaneous hug.

(End of Flashback)

"You're responding well, pa," I said, a smile gracing my lips as I addressed Papa across the room. "You'll be back to your old self in no time."

He beamed. "All thanks to you, Jia, for working so hard just for me."

I reciprocated the smile, though beneath the surface, the weight of responsibility still pressed on me. The treatment costs were covered, but we remained far from debt-free. I wasn't truly free; I had willingly tied myself to Luke Castillo, reporting to his estate, uncertain about the contours of my new life.

My double shifts at the factory continued, every penny saved, and the ₱10 million borrowed remained untouched in the bank. The looming repayment obligation persisted, a financial tether that bound me to the choices I had made.

LUKE'S POV

"I want you to investigate that girl, ASAP!" I pointed to the girl from the auction.

"Wow, are you curious now? Haha, the first time, huh, bud? Has she already captured your attention? Is she beautiful? Is she..."

"SHUT UP! Just do what I said!"

I knew he would likely make inappropriate comments, especially about women.

"Okay, chill, haha, you're too high-strung." He laughed. What's funny about that?

"When should I do that?" He added, and I shot him a sharp look.

"You said as soon as possible, haha, I'm just a bit spaced out, cuz." He laughed. I stood up and hit him before he left. I wouldn't want to be seen with my cousin, who knows nothing but shamelessness.

It's been a year already, but I'm curious as to why she decided to join the auction. Whether I want to admit it or not, there was something about that woman that caught my attention. She was the only girl who refused to have sex with me, which is remarkable considering that most of the women I met would have gone to great lengths to get my attention.

As I contemplated the enigma of this woman, my cousin continued to jest, oblivious to the intensity of my thoughts. The clash between my curiosity and his boisterous remarks created a charged atmosphere in the room, as if a storm was brewing beneath the surface of our conversation.

"Why the sudden interest, Coz?" he chuckled, wiping away the remnants of my sudden outburst. Little did he know that this woman had sparked a curiosity in me that transcended the ordinary.

The events of the auction night played like a reel in my mind, each frame revealing more about this intriguing woman. Despite her reluctance to succumb to my advances, she managed to ignite a flame of fascination that refused to be extinguished.

In that moment, as I pondered the mystery of her decisions, my cousin's laughter echoed like distant thunder. I decided to take matters into my own hands, instructing him to delve into her background with a seriousness that belied the casual atmosphere.

As he left, a tension lingered in the air, hinting at the unraveling secrets that awaited discovery. The allure of the unknown, combined with my newfound determination, promised an exciting journey into the depths of this woman's life, one that would challenge my assumptions and perhaps even change the course of my own narrative.

One fateful morning, the air was tense as I answered the phone, my secretary delivering unexpected news. "Sir, someone is looking for you downstairs, searching; it's your fiancée," she revealed on the other line. I calmly instructed her to let Amy in, knowing well that this would bring a storm of emotions.

In strides Amy, claiming to miss me profoundly. "Honey, I miss you so much!" she declared as soon as she entered my office. Despite her longing, I questioned her presence, fully aware of the tumultuous history we shared. "What are you doing here?" I asked directly, preparing for the familiar melodrama.

"My God, don't you miss me?" she sighed. "Until now, you still can't forgive me. It's been 6 years, Luke; that's a long time!" The past echoes of betrayal and heartbreak filled the room.

Amy desperately attempted to rekindle a love that had long since faded. "But I love you, Luke, and I will always love you; now that I'm here, can't we continue our love, right?" she pleaded in a gentle voice while holding my hand. I pulled it away, asserting my emotional distance.

"No, Amy! This is not a teleserye that can have a season 2 when it ends, and to tell you honestly, I don't love you anymore!" I confessed, sensing the weight of the truth hitting her.

"Why? Am I not enough? Is there someone else, Luke?" she nearly cried, unraveling before me.

"No one else, Amy, but not you anymore."

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted as my cousin, Keith, barged in with a curious revelation. "ANY UPDATES?" I demanded, intrigued by his unusual interest in a girl's life.

Amy didn't say anything and just walked out suddenly.

"Here, Coz. My god, still can't believe you're getting curious about a girl's life; you're unbelievable, Coz," he remarked, shaking his head. The document unfolded, unveiling details about an 18-year-old girl. "She's 18 years old haha. Imagine? You had a one-night stand with a minor, Coz."

"Would you please be serious? Just this time, Keith!" I urged, feeling an unexpected interest in this girl that went beyond my usual indifference to women.

KEITH DELVED INTO HER PAST—two years of factory work, a single child with no mother, and a hiatus from education. The pictures chronicled her diverse talents, and a revelation caught my attention. "Her father got sick last year."

Suddenly, my perspective shifted. Was joining the auction her desperate attempt to gather funds for her father's operation? My intrigue deepened, and, out of the many women I've encountered, she stood out for her ability to reject me. An unfamiliar sensation gripped me—a strange sense of empathy for Jia, who seemed too young to endure such circumstances. Her independence became increasingly admirable.

"If that's the case, she's smart?" I contemplated, considering a different angle to approach her.

"Yes, as far as I know, she was an honor student before. She often joined pageants, but her professor provided everything she needed. She has many talents that others don't, and her lowest grade was 92 when she was still studying. Why, Coz?" Keith inquired, sensing a shift in my usual indifference.

Perhaps you're the person I'm seeking to fill the role of secretary.

"Coz, are you planning to kidnap her? Why is your smile different? It seems like you have something sinister in mind?" Keith questioned, recognizing a subtle change in my demeanor.

"Your job is done; you can leave now," I dismissed him, unwilling to entertain a bothersome relative.

"I'll stay here, cousin, it's boring at home," he pleaded, pouting like a child seeking attention.

"I find it difficult to focus on my work when you're around; leave now." I insisted, calling the manager to usher him out.

"I want you to track down this girl and persuade her to join our company." The exciting twist of fate had set the stage for an unexpected chapter, and I was ready to see how it unfolded.