42

The following morning, I awoke alone in bed, unsure whether Heather had spent the night here. The neatly arranged side of my bed hinted that she might have chosen her daddy's villa instead.

This is currently a concern for me. She has grown accustomed to constantly being with her father. What if Ivan needs to return to Manila for his job? My child would undoubtedly be saddened. Despite Ivan assuring that he'll stay here, I believe there will be a day when he must return for their company.

"Good morning, how are you?" Lucinda inquired, having noticed my tears the previous night as she prepared breakfast.

I responded with a subdued smile. "Ivan set up a tent last night. He and Heather slept in it," she informed me. That explains why my daughter didn't come up last night.

I approached them at the back, the laughter of my husband and daughter filling the air as Ivan playfully tickled our child.

Upon noticing my presence, they promptly got up, and Heather exclaimed, "Mommy!"

"Hello, b