Chapter 1

Chapter 1- The Reunion

It was almost dawn and the sun had already set in the western horizon. It was almost romantic background as the sea silhouette anchored ships in the harbor and the sky turned yellowish red. From a far, Moon Gate Hotel which was situated in the sea side is like a towering image that emits grandeur. Almost all forty floors were lighted as testimony that the hotel were fully booked.The grand entrance of the hotel was manned by uniform personnel and their outfit was tailored for the night’s gala events. The sixtieth birthday of Don Arnald Lopez. The infamous billionaire that touches almost all lives from all walks of life. He is the epitome of a man who rose from nothing to everything. From penniless to being a billionaire.

The hotel valet is beginning to get busy as luxury cars begun to arrive. The arrival of cars is already the testimony that the events was not an ordinary one. This is already the expressions of wealth and the who is who in the high society.

As guest pour in, from movie personalities, politicians, businessmen and of course the family of Don Arnald Lopez the place became more lively. His title as Don was self-proclaimed but his reputation as gigolo during his time supersedes his personality. He has four children from four different mothers.

At sixty Don Arnald Lopez in his black Armani suits, was never paralleled to his age's look. His gray and white hair which never betrayed his actual age was comb well and it almost shine as the chandeliers above reflected on it. Seated at the presidential table and was currently talking to Senator Valderama, he glanced from time to time at the functions hall’s entrance.

“For a while compadre. I have to attend to the arriving guest.” He rose as he cordially smiled to the senator.

“Okay compadre. Please take your time." the senator nodded and turned his attention to the fellow seating besides him.

As he walked through the center of the room some guest greeted him and wished him with kind words. He cordially thanked all his well-wishers as he moved from one guest to another. Men were wearing barong and suits while their wives paraded with their gowns from known couturier matched with diamond earrings and jewelries that shines with the reflections of lights.

The event was festive as the music vibrates and echoed through the huge function room. Uniformed waiters were beginning to serve cocktails and drinks. The night was young and dinner will be serve later.

The first to arrive among his children was Maricris De Asis. Her mother was Marieta De Asis the only heir of the De Asis clan from the sugar magnate of Visaya.

“Happy birthday Daddy.” Maricris greeted her father with a slight kiss to the cheek.

“Where is your Mom?”Arnald looked behind her daughter as if expecting his ex-wife Marieta. "Is she coming?"

“No." Maricris pouted her lips and said." You knew well that Mom hates you Dad. So don't expect."

“Really? Or she can't make it because your step father does not approved?"

“Both.”

The second to arrive was Jason Buenavista his son with Rose Alcantara. With him was his mother. Rose at fifthy was still a stunning beauty. With slight wrinkles on her face her smiles always made his heart beat faster. Rose never re-married after she was widowed by the well-known casino tycoon Emil Buenavista.

“Happy birthday dad. “Jason greeted him with slight embrace and patted his father at the back.

“Thanks Son.” He shortly acknowledged him and turn to Rose. Rose slightly kissed him on the cheeks.

“Thanks for coming.” He smiled and kiss her.

“You knew well that i can't say no to you.” Rose answered with warm smile and then turned to Maricris.

“Are you with your Mom?” Rose asked.

“No Auntie.” Maricris said. "You knew well that Mom and Dad were not in good terms. Mom still hates Dad."

“Don't worry. One of this day i will visit your Mom and perhaps talk to her." Rose said. "It's time that we had to cast away hatred in our heart. We are old enough to forgive and forget. Its time to let go of the past and move on."

“Good luck to you Auntie. I wished she will listen.”

There are four tables reserved for his four children. Don Arnald escorted Rose to the table and waited for a while until the three seated. Since Maricris was alone, Jason invited her sister to seat with them.

Almost all two hundred invited guest had already arrived. They were already seated as they chat among themselves, talking about the latest gossips among their circles. Wives were updated about the latest scandals among their friends. New business of their friend’s husband. New acquired properties locally and abroad. They boost about their newly bought jewelries and latest travels. Rich and famous are no different from lowly gossipers. The only difference is the topic and who are the gossips victims.

Next to arrive was Carlo Dimagiba with his mother Antonette Madrigal and his half-sister Ellaine Madrigal. Antonette was Don Arnald’s childhood girlfriend. A daughter of a fruit vendor from his hometown. They broke up because Antonette’s mother was against their relationship. During those time, he Arnald Lopez was just a penniless boy, trying to meet both ends met by doing errands in exchange of a little amount in the wet market owned by the rich Madrigal family in their hometown. Marianito Madrigal, the only son and sole heir of the Madrigal family was head over heels madly in love with Antonette and he married her despite their economic differences. Antonette was pregrant when she married Marianto. Arnald was the father. But Arnald never know it because there was never a chance that he and Antonette talk again. Hopeless and broken hearted, he left their hometown and begun his life’s adventure in the city.

It was only because of chance and fate that they were re-united as father and son. It was a scandalous event that almost destroyed the Madrigal empire. As to Carlo’s surname, he was christened as Dimagiba from her surrogate mother surname who had save his life and raised him up to seven years old.

Carlo Dimagiba has all the physical features of his biological father. He is the younger version of Don Arnald. He was now the CEO of Madrigal Holdings. The empire owned chain of hotels nation-wide and some branches abroad.

“Hello Dad, happy birthday.” Carlo seriously greeted his father without any hint of emotion.

“Hi Uncle, happy birthday. “Ellaine Madrigal greeted and slightly kiss Arnald on the cheek.

Antonette smirk and never say a word. Still pretty at sixty, she was a picture of a woman who rose from rug to riches. She flaunted her jewelries and her gown was a signature black partnered with signature shoes. She intentionally wore those to tell the world that she belonged now to the elite social circles.

“Thanks for coming.” Arnald said ang tried to kiss Antonette to the cheek but the woman slightly moved her head away to avoid the kiss.

“You have to thank your son for his persistence. If not for him i will prefer to sleep rather than attend this party." Antonette’s sarcastic answer was intentional.

Arnald stayed calm. He was in no mood to make a quarrel with Antonette as they usually ended in whatever conversations they had. He completely understood Antonette predicaments and where the anger came from. Sweet love when turned to pain, became bitter.

“Carlo, go ahead and escort your Mama to your table.” Arnald turned to his son.

Carlo and Ellaine silently walk toward their table. Maricis stood and embrace his brother.

“Hello Big Brother. It’s nice to see you again.” Maricris said and smiled.

Carlo embrace his sister back. Among his other siblings, he is practically fond with Maricris. Jason shake Carlo’s hand and greeted Antonette and Ellaine.

“Thanks you are here. Nice to see you again. ” Jason said with a smile to Ellaine. then he added. "You looks great today." Ellaine answer with a timid smile.

“Hello Antonette.” Rose greeted with a smile.

As usual, Antonette is adamant to answer back. Instead she silently ignored the greeting and seated in the far side of the table. She never like Rose from the beginning. The woman is the constant reminder of her many failures, especially when it comes to love.

The uniformed valet sprang to his seat when the red Ferrari stopped. The driver was a handsome man wearing black suit. Along with him was a stunned beauty in red dress. Her body is liked a sculptured figure. Her face was solemn yet oozing with aura that drive all stares from men in the hotel entrance.

Her almost bare back is like emerald white. Her prominent neck was decorated with diamond necklace. She was like Cleopatra as she stepped out of the sport car and was immediately escorted by the man who was equally head turner. Even the uniformed ladies who served as usherettes had hold their breath as they stared at the young man. All eyes were hypnotized as the couple entered.

She was Samantha Lopez, the rebellious daughter of Don Arnald Lopez. A socialite and seasoned international model.

“Happy birthday Daddy.” Samantha kissed her father and introduced her escort. “Dad please met Angelo.”

“ Its Angelo Lopez. Nice meeting you sir.” The man smiled and cordially introduced himself and offer his handshake. “Happy birthday Sir.”

Arnald shake the man’s hand in return.

“Lopez? Are we related by chance?”

“I don’t think so, Sir. You know Lopez is a common surname in the Philippines." Angelo offered an explanation. "Like Cruz, San Juan and many others."

“Well you are right.” Arnald answer with a hint of reservation.” I hope you don't mind me asking if you are dating my daughter?”

“Daddy, Angelo is my boyfriend.” Samantha quickly answered.

“Okay.” Don Arnald said with a joke.” Just make sure you are not relatives. Blood relation is not good for your future siblings."

"Don't worry Daddy.Angelo was born in Spain so it is not possible that we are relatives by any chance." Samantha answered back.

Samantha’s statement was very far from truth. It was what Angelo wanted her to believe from their first meeting until now.

“Samantha was right, sir. My mom was Filipina and my Dad was Spanish.” Angelo attested Samantha with another fabricated lies. He secretly smiled. Everything was going well as he planned.

Samantha introduced Angelo to her brothers and sisters and to her friends. Angelo was wearing a smile plastered to his face as he shook hands with Don Arnald’s siblings one by one.

It’s payback time, Angelo thought. I will cast my vengeance like fire to all of you my hypocrite brothers and sisters. I will let you know the true meaning of pain. You will be the last Don Arnald Lopez, my useless Father.

As the night went thru the festive mood, dinner was served followed by dancing and singing. Don Arnald thank all the guest and contently smile to himself.

Today is his sixtieth birthday. And life was good.