Seven Years Past

BMOM ➭ 005

ꕤ

ꕤ

ꕤ

ARYM ZCHRYNNE “MaiMai” –

SEVEN YEARS LATER ✤

“We have a major project in the Philippines, and you’re coming with me.”

I was stunned by what my boss just said. I’ve been working here in Singapore for six years as the secretary of Sven Dione Tan, CEO of World Construct Enterprises.

“I—I’m really coming with you?” I asked hesitantly.

“Of course. You’re my only secretary. Don’t tell me you’re hiding from someone in the Philippines?”

Sven grinned teasingly. He was at it again! He knows my life story. In fact, he’s the one who helped me get to Singapore and gave me this job. Sven has been my partner through everything—especially when I was still adjusting to life here. From my pregnancy to raising my child, he was always there.

I never imagined that my skinny childhood friend from elementary school would become a powerful CEO in just a few years.

Sven is nothing like he used to be. He’s incredibly handsome now, with a well-built body. I’ve seen his eight-pack abs more than once. He has almond-shaped eyes, thanks to his Singaporean father. His family lived in the Philippines because of his dad’s business, but they migrated after high school, and we lost contact.

“It’s not that… Will we be staying long in the Philippines?” I asked, even though I already knew the answer.

“I think we’ll be there longer than our other overseas projects. We’re building an international airport. This isn’t some small-time company hiring us—we’re talking billions here. It’s a great opportunity for WCE to gain more recognition in the industry.”

I nodded at Sven’s explanation. No wonder he was so determined to take on the project.

“What else can I do? I’m just your secretary. Where in the Philippines are we going?”

“To our hometown—Romblon.”

I was thrilled by what Sven said. My family is from Romblon. It’s a relief to know we’ll be in my hometown, so I can leave my child with my parents while I work.

I’m sure my family, especially my parents, will be happy. They’ve been asking us to come home so they can spend time with their grandchild.

I immediately arranged our flight for next week. The client would be covering our accommodation. Since we’d be staying in the Philippines for a while, I also handled my daughter’s school transfer requirements. It wasn’t difficult—Sven is friends with the school owner.

“Thank you for this, Papa Sven! I love it!”

My daughter was delighted with the doll Sven gave her. She even kissed her godfather on the cheek.

“You’re most welcome, baby girl.”

Sven patted her head.

They’re really close. Sometimes people even mistake them for father and daughter. I smiled bitterly, remembering Zanyca’s real father. I wonder how he’s doing. He probably has a wife and kids by now.

Zanyca Francesca Pascual is my daughter’s full name, and she looks exactly like her father. I didn’t use my ex-husband’s surname for her—I have no plans to introduce them.

***

A week later, we arrived in the Philippines. We didn’t go straight to our assigned accommodation. We had two days before our official work schedule began. Sven and I came early so we could visit my family.

“What a beautiful child our grandchild is—takes after her grandfather!”

“Oh, stop it, Arman. Don’t scare our granddaughter.”

Sven and I just laughed at my parents.

My parents have known Sven for a long time. He’s staying with us—there’s a spare room for him. I’ve managed to renovate our house a bit. I’ll be leaving Zanyca here with them since the site is quite far, and she’ll be better cared for here. I’ll come home on my days off.

“You seem deep in thought.”

Sven handed me a cup of hot chocolate. We were on the terrace. It was ten in the evening, and everyone else in the house was asleep.

“Thanks. I was just remembering my childhood here. I didn’t realize how much I missed living in such a peaceful place.”

I saw Sven glance at me from the corner of my eye, but I didn’t look back.

“Are you thinking about him?”

“Who?” Though I knew exactly who he meant.

“Your ex-husband.”

“Sort of. I can’t help it—every day I’m with someone who looks just like him.”

I chuckled softly. My wish came true—my baby inherited her father’s looks.

“What if your paths crossed again?”

“We’re strangers now, Sven. I don’t need to acknowledge him or say hello. He’d probably do the same.”

We both fell silent, lost in thought.

For the past seven years, all I’ve done is work hard for my child. I never gave myself the chance to fall in love again, even though some tried to court me. I have no plans to marry again. I’ll devote my life to my family—especially my daughter. She is my life.

Honestly, one reason I worked so hard was to forget. I was so heartbroken that I nearly lost my baby. I never want that to happen again, so I pulled myself together. Thanks to Sven’s help, he truly became my knight in shining armor. I owe him so much.

All I wish now is that my heart has truly moved on. I hope I can face him without my heart racing. I hope I can be genuinely happy for him and his new family.