Chapter 3

Years passed, and as my children grew, they began to resemble their father even more. At six years old, they helped me plant and water the garden. They even helped me sell our produce when they came home from school. That’s right—they’re in Grade 1 now. And they’re bright, too. Despite their young age, they think and speak like adults. Everyone was right—they truly are my blessings through it all. Without them, I don’t know if I’d be as happy as I am now. Maybe everything that happened was meant to be—to add color to my dark and sorrowful past. Somehow, that tragedy brought something good into my life. I’m happy now—with them, with Lory, and with the people in our town.

“Nanay! I want milk po. Do we still have milk?” asked my one and only princess, Zebediah Ursula.

I laughed before turning to her. She stood by the door, pouting, holding a glass. I glanced at my three little princes—busy with their own tasks: watering, digging, and cutting flowers with small scissors. I stood up, brushed off the dirt from my skirt, and walked toward her. I bent slightly and combed through her long, curly hair, which she got from me. Her innocent blue eyes looked up at mine. I smiled and kissed her forehead.

“Of course. Come on,” I said softly, holding her small, delicate hand. Then I turned back to the boys, who were still focused on their chores.

“Boys, that’s enough for now. Come inside,” I called out, laughing.

Zephyr Hades glanced at us, frowning. Zeus Thanatos stood up and stared at me silently. And then there was Zuhair Eros, smiling brightly—he was the only one who wasn’t grumpy. I could only shake my head at the three of them.

In six years of raising them, life had been difficult but full of joy. Thankfully, Lory, Aling Fe, and our kind neighbors were always there to help. The four had grown close to them, even if two of my princes occasionally showed their father’s temper.

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I was cleaning the house while my children were at school and Lory was at the market. Our home wasn’t big or small—just right for the five of us.

“Cassandra! Cassandra!”

I straightened up at the sound of Lory’s shrill voice outside. My brows furrowed when I saw her rushing toward the door, carrying a newspaper.

“Oh? You’re home early,” I asked, puzzled. I scratched my head as she leaned against the doorway, fanning herself with the newspaper.

“Wait… hhooo…”

I watched her, continuing to clean as she caught her breath.

“Goodness, Cassandra!” she suddenly shouted, making me jump.

“There’s chaos at the market! There were men in black—like bodyguards or something. What do you call them? Ah! Right! Men in Black! They seemed to be looking for someone. My God, I barely escaped!” she exclaimed, dropping to the floor. I pulled out a chair and sat down.

“Men?” I asked cautiously.

“Yes, Cassandra. And I don’t know if this is good news or bad news for you. Here, read this.” She handed me the newspaper. I sighed and shook my head at her.

I didn’t know why my chest tightened as I took it. It had been years since I last touched a newspaper. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. When I opened them, the front page greeted me—and the headline made my stomach drop.

“Oh my God, Cassandra,” Lory continued. “Mr. Smith is looking for all the women who were once part of his life! His fiancée—oh, I mean, ex-fiancée—went psycho! Can you believe it? She had Mr. Smith beaten up after finding out about his past lovers. And that idiot, he let it happen! He’s a Mafia Lord, for crying out loud! Love really does make fools out of men. I thought they got married after we left Manila, but apparently not.”

My mind went blank as I read the headline.

“Aestheria was in a mental institution when we left—and now she’s dead. They said she hanged herself. I thought she was kind, but turns out she was psycho…”

Lory’s voice softened. “He’s looking for you, Cassandra. He believes you might have his child. He became sterile after that incident, Cassandra. If he doesn’t find his child, he’ll lose everything—his title as Mafia Lord, his empire, everything.”

“This is his last year to find that child, Cassandra. What will you do?”