Ericka noticed that Monte seemed anxious. For days, he appeared to have something to say but couldn't express it. She observed him from her seat. The man was lost in thought. She decided to engage him."The meeting with Mr. Diaz, the presentation is ready," she tried to grab his attention. He still stared at the table, unresponsive. What could be happening? "Monte?" he still showed no reaction. "Sir San Miguel? Sir?" With no apparent response, she approached him. "Monte, are you okay?"The man seemed startled by her presence. "Ah... yes? Do you have something to say?""Since a while ago," she spoke with a hint of concern in her voice, "what are you feeling? Is there something bothering you? I've noticed for a few days that you've been absent-minded."He took a deep breath before standing up and walking to the side of the office where everything could be seen. "I don't know how to tell you.""What is it?" She suddenly felt nervous. Is he going to propose? Will he confess that he loves

"The first address she went to was closed. Locked from the outside. It meant no one was there. She followed the condo in Pasay.After parking her car, she hurriedly got down and headed to the condo lobby. Those who lived there seemed wealthy. There were beautiful chandeliers and uniformed staff. It felt like a hotel.She saw the reception area. The lovely woman there greeted her."Good morning," she greeted."Yes, ma'am, good morning. What can I do for you?" the receptionist asked warmly."Is Miss Almira Madrigal here?" she inquired.""For a moment, ma'am," she checked on the computer. "Yes, ma'am, who are you?""A friend.""May I know your name, ma'am?""Ericka Reyes."The receptionist furrowed her brow, "Ericka San Miguel?""Ye---yes," she wasn't sure why the receptionist recognized her. Perhaps from watching the news and seeing her on TV."Room 10-B5, ma'am.""Can I go up now?""Yes, ma'am.""Thank you," she smiled at the woman."Welcome po, ma'am," the receptionist replied with a

Monte walked down the hallway of their house, unsure whether to tell his grandfather about what happened or not. On his fourth turn, Ericka emerged from their room."What are you doing?" she asked, standing at the door and watching him nervously.He nervously bit his thumbnail. "How do I start with grandpa? What if... what if he gets angry?""It's not your fault since you didn't know," Ericka reassured, approaching and placing her hands on his shoulders."But...""I've been hearing whispers for a while now. What's going on here?" The grandfather stepped out of the room, looking concerned."Grandpa!" They both exclaimed in surprise.They approached as if they had seen a ghost... what is it?" he inquired."Uh... well... grandpa... we have something to tell you," he stuttered."What's going on? Is it important?" he grinned, "Do I have great-grandchildren now?""Let's discuss it in the study room," suggested Ericka."Alright, it seems like it's something important," he walked ahead.They

A week passed...POV: ErickaShe was in the garden, watering plants when someone called at the gate."Ma'am, letter for you," said the courier standing in front of the gate."Thank you," she received it, 'confidential? Addressed to grandpa.'She took it to the study room where the elderly couple was reading reports that day."Grandpa, there's a letter," she handed the sealed envelope to the old man.He examined it, "This is the result of a DNA test."Her heart pounded as if it were drumming. Her hands and feet grew cold. Despite the cool aircon, she was sweating profusely."Are you okay?" Monte whispered, helping her to sit."Yes," she replied, though she wasn't ready for what she was about to hear.The old man furrowed his brow, looking at them."Take a look," he motioned as he sat up.They approached. Tears streamed down her face. 99.9999999 percent. The child was Monte's. Even Monte felt a chill. 'What have I done?'"Both of you, sit down," the elder said. They complied."Give me s

POV: MonteHe was surprised by the strength his grandfather displayed. Children indeed bring immense joy. He was happy as Almira brought their child for his grandfather to see."Thank you for your understanding, Almira," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder."It's nothing," she replied, holding his hand, "for grandpa.""Just a moment, I'll just call Ericka," he said, retrieving his cellphone from his pocket and dialing his wife's number.The number you have dialed is incorrect."Huh? How is it incorrect? We were texting just a while ago," he wondered silently.He tried again.The number you have dialed is incorrect.'How could it be incorrect? We were texting just a while ago. Is my phone malfunctioning? I'll check later. The important thing is that grandpa is awake.'He returned to his grandfather, who had tears in his eyes. Shortly after, the doctors arrived and checked on his grandfather."It's a miracle, Mr. San Miguel," the doctor said to him. "Just the other day, he had almos