Chapter 4: Grew Up Too Well

The soft hum of conversation and laughter greeted me the moment I stepped into the backyard.

Warm fairy string lights were strung from the trees, casting a soft golden glow over everything. Hanging lanterns swayed gently in the early evening breeze, and round tables draped with pastel cloth and small flower arrangements were neatly scattered around the lawn, some already occupied by guests chatting over their drinks. At the far end stood a small makeshift stage, where Luna and her band were set to perform later tonight.

My heels crunched softly on the grass as I walked around, trying to find a familiar face. My friends texted they were on their way, and I couldn’t wait to see them. But for now, I decided to look around and mingle.

My eyes caught sight of Mama talking to someone near the refreshment table. Curious, I made my way toward them, weaving through the crowd.

“Ma,” I greeted as I approached.

She turned to me with a warm smile. “Oh, Lou. Good thing you finally came down. Have your friends arrived yet?” she asked.

“They said they’re on the way,” I replied, my eyes shifting to the woman she was with and froze for a second when I recognized her.

“Tita Ynna?”

Her face lit up with delight. “The one and only, hija! I thought you wouldn’t recognize me anymore!” she laughed.

“Oh my God, Tita! I missed you!” I gushed and quickly leaned in for a hug.

“I missed you too, Lou,” she said, embracing me like a long-lost daughter. “And congratulations, sweetheart! I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you, Tita. That really means a lot to me.” I said as we pulled away from the hug.

She smiled fondly, brushing a strand of hair away from my face like a second mom would. “You’re still as beautiful as ever. Ugh! I still can't believe that boy I call my son had the nerve to break up with you! What a waste, honestly!”

I couldn’t help but laugh. Tita Ynna hadn’t changed a bit—still as outspoken and sweet as ever. For the record, she’s Izek’s mom. She had always adored me, practically treated me like her daughter. And I guess when you’re legal on both sides of the family, a breakup leaves more than one person disappointed.

“It’s alright, Tita. It’s all in the past now,” I said, trying to keep it light.

She pouted like a child denied her favorite dessert. “Still! I really liked you for my son, you know?”

Mom laughed beside her, patting her on the shoulder. “Well, there’s nothing we can do about that now, Ynna. They’re adults. If they ever want to get back together, that’s up to them.”

“Right!” Tita Ynna said wistfully. “I still hope you get a second chance, hija.”

I smiled politely, trying not to grimace. Another chance? Yeah… not happening. That ship has not only sailed—it sank and washed up somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle. I can’t even imagine being with Izek again. And I’m pretty sure the feeling was mutual.

“Well… we never really know what the future holds, right?” I replied carefully, just to be nice.

She sighed dramatically. “Anyway! Have you seen Ivan yet? He’s going to perform with your sister tonight.”

That made me blink. “Ivan? He’s performing with Luna?”

“Yes! Didn’t she tell you? They’re in the same band. He’s the guitarist.”

I shook my head slowly. “I didn’t know that. Luna didn’t mention anything.”

Tita Ynna smiled widely. “Well, now you have something to look forward to. They’re really good. My Ivan especially looks so cool up there strumming his guitar!” she gushed like a proud stage mom.

I chuckled. “I’m sure he does, Tita.”

Now I’m genuinely curious. Ivan is Izek’s younger brother. The last time I saw him was what—five years ago? He was that adorably grumpy little kid who used to follow his older brother around like a loyal shadow. I used to tease him relentlessly because he always had this permanent long face and would glare at me whenever I ruffled his hair.

I couldn’t help but wonder how much he’d changed.

Hopefully not like his older brother—who, as established, is a heartbreaker.

“Oh, there they are!” Tita Ynna suddenly beamed, waving her hand excitedly. “Ivan! Come here, sweetheart!”

I turned, and saw four people walking toward us. Luna was among them, waving excitedly.

“Ma! Ate!” Luna called brightly, clinging to Mama’s arm like she always did.

“Hi, Ate Lou! Congrats on graduating!” Mica greeted me with a sweet smile. She is Luna’s childhood best friend and she was the only one I recognized among the bunch.

“Thanks, Mica,” I said warmly, before glancing at the two unfamiliar guys behind them.

One of them immediately caught my eye.

He was tall—really tall—with broad shoulders and defined features. His jawline could probably cut glass, and his skin had that sun-kissed glow that made him look like he belonged in a surfboard commercial. He was just there, standing confidently, his eyes locked straight on me.

And he wasn’t even trying to be subtle about it.

Something about his face stirred a faint memory, but I couldn’t quite place it.

“Ivan, darling,” Tita Ynna called out as she looped her arm around the guy. “Do you remember Louela? She used to date your brother.”

My eyes widened.

Wait. WHAT?

I stared at him, speechless.

No freaking way.

This guy—this tall, striking man—was Ivan? That same sulky, little boy, Ivan?

“I do, Mom,” he answered calmly, his eyes never leaving mine. Then he smiled—and just like that, I forgot how to breathe.

Oh. My. God.

That smile should come with a warning label.

“Congratulations, Ate Louela,” he said, his voice smooth and deeper than I expected. “We prepared something special for you tonight. I hope you’ll like it.”

Then he flashed another killer smile.

Damn.

This is not the change I was expecting.

Ivan grew up…

And holy hell, he turned out dangerously handsome.