Chapter 7

Rosetta's POV

After our argument that night, Nicholas and I only talked about Zylia and the debt my father had. He already paid it off. We don't talk about anything else.

"Mommy, I'm ready for school," Zylia said happily as she came down the stairs. She was wearing her backpack, and her nanny was carrying her other things.

"I'll take care of Zylia, Manang," I said to Zylia's nanny, Manang Crusita.

"Alright, Ma'am," she replied and handed me Zylia's other things.

Zylia came to my side and I held her hand. We walked out of the mansion together and went to the garage where the driver was waiting.

Nicholas had left early for an important meeting, which was fine by me, as I didn't want to ride with him anyway. We've been sleeping in the same room because he insisted. Since I didn't want to argue, I agreed. Nicholas also bought my small apartment, and I don't know why. I just let him, since it was his money.

When we arrived at Zylia's school, I walked her all the way to her classroom. Zylia attends an expensive school, and many sophisticated mothers are here.

"We're here, my dear," I said to Zylia.

"Are you still picking me up?" she asked softly.

I nodded and smiled. "Of course! Mommy will still pick you up later because your Daddy is busy."

"I understand Daddy, Mommy. He's doing it for me, for us," she replied with an innocent smile on her lips.

"Good girl." I cupped her face and stroked her cheek. I lowered myself and gave her a peck on her forehead. "Go to your seat now, my dear. Have fun and listen to your teacher."

"Okay, Mommy. You be careful too," she said. She kissed me on the cheek before turning away.

I watched her as she walked toward her seat. I smiled when she greeted her teacher and some of her classmates.

She faced me and smiled. She gave me a thumbs-up and a flying kiss.

She's such a sweet and adorable daughter. I wish she were really mine, right? But yes, she isn't. I'm just her mother on paper—nothing more, nothing less. When her real mother comes back, I'll be pushed out of their lives.

I shook my head as I walked away from Zylia's classroom. I left the school and immediately got into the car waiting for me outside.

"Where to, Ma'am?" Kuya Edgar asked.

"Casa Café. I'm just meeting someone; it won't take long," I replied with a smile to Kuya Edgar.

He nodded and started the car. He began to drive away from Zylia's school toward Casa Café.

I sat quietly in the backseat, holding my phone. I had been waiting for Cassandra's reply for a while.

Cassy is my father's daughter with his mistress. I might hate her mother, but I couldn't hate my half-sister, even though she can be mean to me.

When I arrived at the coffee shop, I immediately went inside and looked for my sister. I turned my head when someone called my name—it was Cassandra. She was smiling at me, but I couldn't. The smile on my lips faded when I saw who was with her.

It was her mother, my father's second wife, who ruined my life.

What is she doing here?

I walked toward their table without emotion. There was food on the table, and they seemed to be enjoying themselves.

"I'm glad you came," Tita Margarette said.

I don't know if she was happy to see me or just pretending.

"I thought it was just the two of us, Cass? What is she doing here?" I asked Cassandra. My eyes were still focused on her mother, who was now also looking at me.

"I heard you already paid off your father's debt. Where did you get the money to pay, Rosetta? Did you sell your body?" Tita Margarette asked mockingly.

"Mom!" Cassandra scolded her mother in an annoyed voice. "Stop that, okay? We came here because we need Ate Rosetta's help."

So, they only showed up because they need my help? How great. Just great!

I didn't say anything. I just turned my back on them and started to walk away. I couldn't stand to help them or even talk to that bitch who ruined my life.

"Ate, wait!" Cassandra grabbed my hand when she caught up to me. "You promised me that you would help me, ate."

I shook my head. "I can't, Cass. You know that I hate your mother. She's the one who ruined my life... She got herself into that mess, so she should get out of it by herself." I took a deep breath when I saw my sister's face sadden. "I hope you can understand. She's one of the reasons why Daddy's debt grew so large."

"Ate, I can't stand to lose my Mom too," Cassandra said.

I shook my head. "I'm sorry. I can't help you this time." I turned my back on her and started to walk away from her, from the person who ruined my life.

I don't know what I should feel. Mixed emotions were running through my body. Anger, annoyance, and I couldn't help but feel sad because I couldn't help my sister because of her mother.

Tita Margarette has a huge debt to a notorious businessman. I don't know what she did with our properties that she sold. She probably just used it for her vices and lavish lifestyle. And now that they have nothing, they are running to me.

I'm not a fucking bank. Besides, I don't have any money to lend them yet. I'm just relying on Nicholas.

I went back to the car and told Kuya Edgar that we were going home.

I was quiet the whole trip until I finally got to Nicholas's house. I immediately went to the room Nicholas and I shared. But I was surprised to see him in the room.

"What are you doing here, Nick? I thought you—"

"I forgot something," he cut me off.

"You forgot something? What did you forget?" I asked him with a raised eyebrow.

Nicholas Rivas forgot something? That's new to me. He is the most organized person. All his things are secure before he leaves the house.

"Tell me, Nick, what did you leave behind?" I asked him again.

"My wife... I forgot to bring my wife with me, which is why I'm here in front of you."