Gabrielle's Point of ViewIt's such a relief not to have anything to worry about. I'm not sure if Mommy and Daddy will like Eumerriah, but I'm still hopeful. I know they're not happy about the issue I had with my brother's girlfriend, but what can I do, right? I found happiness with this woman that I haven't experienced with anyone else in my life.Yumi is currently lying on my lap. She must be tired from what we did earlier. Of course, we went swimming. We couldn't really enjoy swimming when my friends were here because they were so hyper, but I'm happy that Yumi got along well with them.I quickly answered the call because my phone suddenly rang. Yumi was sleeping so soundly, and I didn't want her to wake up and turn into a dragon. Hahaha. Just kidding. I gently moved her head from my lap to a pillow."What's the news?" I asked Dad's secretary."Your dad is calling for you. He wasn't angry when he said it," she replied simply."Okay. I'll be there tonight." I ended the call. I'll ca
Gabrielle's Point of View"It doesn't matter what happens to her in your brother's hands. Your Daddy wants Jerome to marry her as soon as possible." Mommy's shawl fell as she explained this to me. I saw a bruise on her arm. She tried to cover it so I wouldn't notice. "Where did that come from?""What bruise? Just follow what I said. Apologize to her parents. When they see Yumi, they'll want her toโ" Mom couldn't finish her sentence as I grabbed her hand and pulled her closer to me. She tried to leave the room while she was speaking."Dad is still hurting you? I thought he had stopped? I thought he had changed?" I was furious, but Mommy just avoided my gaze."You're not going to tell me? Do I have to confront Dad just to get you to tell me the truth? I thought you were okay here?!" She slapped me across the face. When I looked at her, tears were streaming down her cheeks.I rubbed my face, seeing her sit down because of her crying. I couldn't believe my own mother was going through thi
Gabrielle's Point of View"Why did you agree to this arranged marriage? Why didnโt you stop Dad?" I yelled at my brother after our parents left."Why didnโt you? Why donโt you admit that Eumerriah is pregnant and youโre the father? Or do you want me to tell them and claim that I am the father?" he asked with a smirk.I knew he was just provoking me to start a fight and make me look bad in our parentsโ eyes once again."Don't involve my child!" I warned him."Why not? What can you do? Do you really think you know Eumerriah? Do you think sheโs just a woman who will agree to live in a shack? You donโt know her!" he said, walking out of the dining area.There was no point in arguing with my worthless brother. All he cares about is his image and Ate Shaira. He doesnโt listen to Mom and Dad, yet he still holds a position in the company, unlike me, whom they have deprived. Rumors are strong that Kuya Jerome will take over Dadโs position if it ever happens. Besides the business, he is the bos
### Eumerriah's Point of ViewIt was already afternoon, but Gabrielle still hadn't come home. I wanted to call him, but my shyness held me back. He had said goodbye so well last night that I didn't expect him to be gone for an entire day.Lola and Kate took care of me. They didn't leave me unattended, though I wanted to help them with what they were doing, but they refused. Lola was making doormats, as she had since Gabrielle's mother was a child. She used to sell them at the market, and sometimes people would buy them in bulk. Even though they had money now and Gabrielle had his own business, she hadn't forgotten how to make doormats because many customers still liked her work."Are you getting bored?" Kate asked me."A little," I replied simply."Maybe you just miss Kuya. We felt the same way at first. Kuya grew up here. I remember he was very stern with me; he hardly spoke to me because he said I wasn't his sister. Then his mom took him to Manila to study. I was three years old the
Eumerriah's Point of ViewAfternoon came, but Gabrielle still hadn't returned. I wanted to call him, but my shyness held me back. He had left properly last night, but I didn't expect him to be gone for an entire day.Lola and Kate took care of me. They didn't neglect me, though I wanted to help with what they were doing, they refused. Lola was making doormats. Since Gabrielle's mother was young, this has been her livelihood. She would sell them at the market, and sometimes they would be bought in bulk. Even though they had money and Gabrielle had other businesses, she never forgot to make doormats because many customers loved her work."Are you getting bored?" Kate asked me."A bit," I answered simply."Maybe you just miss Kuya. We felt the same at first. Kuya grew up here; I remember he used to be so grumpy with me. He almost didnโt want to talk to me because he said I wasnโt his sibling. Until his mother took him and sent him to school in Manila. I was three years old then; he was p
Gabrielle's Point of ViewMy head hurt as I got up. I could see through the window that the sun was already high. I looked around and realized I was in Eumerriah's room. Suddenly, I remembered Yumi. I threw off the blanket wrapped around me and hurried outside."Yumiii!" I called out frantically as I stepped out. I saw her setting the table with food. She smiled when she saw me."Good morning. How was your sleep? Come, let's have breakfast. Do you want milk or coffee?" There was something different about her smile. I felt like something had happened."Good morning! Sorry, you ended up preparing breakfast. I slept well. Where did you sleep? Why was I in your bed?" I asked, scratching my head."Beside you," she replied with a smile. I was surprised. I knew something had happened between us. We were already in a relationship, but I didn't expect to sleep beside her. I didn't want her to be stressed while sleeping, especially since she was pregnant. I knew someone like that."Sorry if I s
### Eumerriah's Point of ViewIt's been about 30 minutes since Gabrielle left. He hurriedly left, and I thought his stomach might have felt bad. He suddenly stopped while I was talking.During the two days he was asleep, I learned to move around on my own. My pregnancy hasnโt hindered my ability to do simple household chores yet. Itโs a bit difficult, but Iโm determined to learn everything.After a while, I saw that Gabrielle had company. They seemed to be having a serious conversation, so I just watched them from the window. Gabrielle looks more handsome to me as time goes by.Heโs tall, has tan skin, abs, and a perfectly shaped face. He has kissable lips and white teeth.They looked at me and waved. I didnโt know what they were talking about, but I waved back. A few moments later, the people Gabrielle was talking to walked away, and he came straight up to me in the living room.โHow are you?โ he asked and kissed my forehead.โIโm fine. How about you? Did your stomach hurt because of
### Eumerriah's Point of ViewGabrielle built such a huge house. Itโs perfect for a big family. Iโm happy, but I canโt help feeling a bit sad because of the thoughts running through my mind.Part of me still struggles to sleep these past few days because I keep thinking about Jerome. It might be called cheating, but what can I do if he still crosses my mind?I love Gabrielle; I know that for sure. Iโm happy when Iโm with him, and I laugh genuinely with him. He made me realize many things. With him, I experienced things Jerome never did for me.With Gabrielle, I never worried about what might happen tomorrow. With him, I wasnโt afraid to show my real self without makeup. With him, I didnโt find it hard to be honest. But with Jerome, I always had to smile, always had to look beautiful in his eyes, and above all, I always had to be a good person.I know the difference, yet I canโt help but think of him. Jerome and I shared five years, on and off camera. I admit, I was happy with Jerome,
15 Years AgoEumerriah's Point of ViewโMarry Jerome!โ Daddy yelled, his gaze piercing through me.I took a deep breath before answering. โBut Dad, you know I canโt go back to him anymore.โโWhy? Because of his brother? Do you realize youโre putting Gabrielle in danger?โ His voice carried weight, and each word felt like a blow.I stared at him, utterly confused. โWhat do you mean?โMommy hesitated, grabbing Daddyโs arm suddenly. โDear, please donโt tell Yumi about this,โ she pleaded, her voice tinged with worry.But Daddy stood firm, unmoved. โNo, she needs to know so she can wake up to reality. She had the nerve to get pregnant by that man.โI swallowed hard, the anxiety in my chest growing heavier. โWhat exactly are you talking about?โDaddy stepped closer, his expression cold. โTheyโre capable of killing Gabrielle just to make sure you two donโt end up together.โThe words hit me like a thunderclap. โWhat? They wouldnโt do that to their own son!โHe shook his head, his eyes filled
Eumerriah's Point of ViewFor so long, Gabrielle and I had been at odds. I couldn't understand why he needed to distance himself from us. All the truths had come outโtheir marriage to Kristine and how his life had unfolded with Paul. He regretted his choices, and even Paul seemed to notice his mistakes."You really donโt understand me," Gabrielle said, frustration lacing his voice."Then explain it to me!" I shot back, unable to hold back any longer."Okay, let me ask you this. Why did you choose to distance yourself and hide, huh? Fifteen years! Fifteen years I haven't seen or been with my child, and then I find out he's legally Shairaโs child! How do you explain that to me, huh?" he questioned, filled with anger and disappointment."Listen to me!" I said, barely able to contain the pain in my voice. "Shaira lost her child because of your marriage! What do you think I should do? Of course, I thought about our child's safety. If I hadnโt done that, we might not have a child anymore. S
Eumerriah's Point of ViewโWhere is he?โ I asked Kate, my curiosity evident.โIf you want to know, follow me,โ she replied, getting into her car. I nodded, but instead of driving my own car, I hurried into the passenger seat of hers.She furrowed her brow and gave me a questioning look. โWhy are you too lazy to drive?โ she asked, a hint of irritation in her voice.โI just want to ride in the car of the girl who used to really like me,โ I said, trying to make a joke to lighten the tension.โTsk! If it werenโt for Kuya Gabrielle, I wouldnโt like you,โ she retorted, but a playful smile was on her lips.โWhat do you mean?โ I asked, a bit confused, but I knew she was hiding something.โSecret,โ she replied, laughing as she drove.I looked out the window, but I couldnโt help smiling. I never thought that the cheerful little girl who used to cling to me, who liked me so much, would turn into a woman who was now even more assertive in front of me.Behind her teasing and boldness, I was please
"Eumerriah!" Kate called out to me, her voice filled with concern.I turned to face her and saw the serious expression on her face."Do you still think about him?" she asked, her voice full of worry. "Do you ever wonder how heโs doing?"I stood silently, trying to block out the people around us. A heaviness settled over me. I thought of Gabrielle. Despite everything that happened, he still held a place in my heart, but I didnโt know how to face him now."What are you trying to say?" I asked, struggling to hide my emotions."I just wanted you to know," Kate began, her voice serious, "that even back then, he struggled with the thought of losing you like that. And now that youโve suddenly come back, he feels like he failed you, like he didnโt even try to look for you."As I absorbed her words, it felt like a sharp pain erupted in my chest. I could feel Gabrielleโs anguish over the years I was gone, but I couldnโt ignore how he had avoided me and chosen someone else during those times.We
"Another movie you slay!" Shaira greeted, hugging me tightly."My mom is really amazing," Justine complimented. He was now dressed like a young man, his hair neatly styled, and his suit covering his whole body. He looked at me with great admiration, as if he had learned all these things from me."You always look pretty, Mommy," said Dustine, who, despite being young, had simple words that could warm my heart. He smiled at me, his eyes full of happiness and love."Beautiful and endlessly talented," Jayson praised, standing beside me, his eyes full of respect.We had just finished the premiere night of one of our most successful movies with Jerome. The story was filled with emotion, and I never imagined it would turn out like this. After weeks of hard work and exhaustion, this moment brought joy and success to us.We were in the middle of guests, media, and fans who were all celebrating our achievement. Cameras kept flashing, capturing our photos, but my eyes wandered to the loved ones
Eumerriah's Point of ViewFor six months, everything was in order. No fights, no drama, even though I worked closely with Jerome more often now."Is it still him?" Jerome asked."Whatโs it to you?" I replied, my tone sharp.It was as if he didnโt care about what happened in the past, like he wasnโt the man I once went crazy for."If you had just kept being crazy about me, maybe I could have learned to love you," I teased."Whatever you say," he responded, seemingly indifferent."Youโve become so tough now, like you werenโt once crazy over me," I pressed."Itโs been 17 years, and still? Havenโt you moved on? You couldnโt even fight for my best friend, the first man you loved. So why would I expect you to fight for me, when you just used me?" His words stung."It wasnโt my fault my family couldnโt accept him.""Itโs your fault you led him on and didnโt truly love him.""And what do you know about real love?""Well, what about you? What do you know? Weโre not kids anymore. If you think y
Eumerriah's Point of ViewThree months have passed since Gabrielleโs sudden disappearance, and no one has heard any news from him. Everyone is worriedโeven Kristine and Kimberly are confused about whatโs happening. I donโt know how to tell them that even I have no idea where he is or when heโll return.Despite everything, Shaira and I have slowly resumed our daily lives. I continue to work for our family, while Shaira stays home to handle the household chores and take care of Justine. The days have flowed smoothly, but the weight of unanswered questions remains ever-present."Has there still been no word from Gabrielle?" Shaira asked as she arranged Dustine's toys on the floor.I shook my head, feeling the sadness settle in my chest. "Even Kristine has been asking me. She said things are chaotic at their company because of his sudden disappearance. Some employees have also asked me if I know anything, but I have nothing to tell them."Shaira paused and sat down beside me. "Anyone woul
Eumerriah's Point of ViewJustine has recovered from his illness, and despite everything that has happened, I am deeply grateful to Gabrielle. His support for us is something I will never forget. However, after our meeting and discovering that his close friend Paul is Kimberlyโs real father, it was as if a heavy burden was lifted from him, but I still cannot fully explain what he's truly feeling.It's been two weeks since I learned the truth, but I haven't heard from Gabrielle since. Heโs disappeared, and no matter what I do, I canโt find him. His absence feels like a new torment added to my trials.Amid all this, Jayson has been visiting our house more often. Justine refuses to be bathed by anyone else, so we chose not to hire a personal nurse. Sometimes, I see Jayson hiding his true emotions, trying to act like everything is normal, but I know itโs not easy for him.Because of what happened, I had to change my plans. I no longer accepted new jobs and instead started working from hom
Gabrielle's Point of ViewI donโt know how I managed to leave everything behind. Sometimes, it feels like all of this is just a dreamโthe life I left, the family I destroyed. But this is the reality I created for myself, and with each passing day, it becomes clearer how big a mistake I made.Kristine, the woman I spent so many years with, the mother of my daughter, Kimberly. We built a family together, a family I once dreamed would be happy and whole until the end. But now, thatโs gone. And it's my fault.It all started when Eumerriah came back into my life. I never expected to see her again, never thought Iโd feel the emotions I had long buried. I thought everything between us was over. I thought I could forget her and move on with my life with Kristine and Kimberly. But when I saw Eumerriah, all those feelings suddenly came rushing backโfeelings I never thought would resurface.Thatโs when my confusion began. I no longer knew what was real or what should be. I started looking for wa