Eighteen

"Don't forget, Lance, that the lady you're with is my cousin, and if you say anything that would humiliate her, I'll cut your head off," I said. He had his eyes wide open.
 
"Damn you, Marcus, we've been friends for almost four years and you still don't know who I am?"
 
"I'm just joking, Lance," I explained.
 
He sneered, "Bastard."
 
"Then where is the wedding venue?" I asked him.
 
"Laila's father has engaged a priest for a ceremony at their home. You know what, Marcus, my ex-wife returned and sought forgiveness, then she said we could start over," he explained.

“Did you say anything to her? I asked him.
"I told her that we couldn't go back on what we'd already done, and I told her that I was getting married to the person I love the most."
 
"So you're going to let Laila use you for your purposes?" I asked.
 
"We used one another to overcome our troubles in life."
 
"Ah, I see."
 
I woke up early since I was afraid of being embarrassed if I treated myself as a visitor in Winter's house. So I got out of bed and went into the bathroom to bathe. I decided to prepare breakfast for us. A few minutes had gone by. I'm already in the kitchen preparing adobo chicken and fried rice.
 
When Winter enters the kitchen, I'll begin making food.
 
"Good morning, Gianna."
 
"Good morning, Winter, Where is Pia?" I asked her.
 
"She went to the market early in the morning and bought some fresh buko and fruits."
 
"Ah, Okay."
 
"Should we wait for her or should we eat first? "I asked.
 
"It's up to you, Gianna, I'm on a diet, so I didn't eat breakfast in the morning. Tea and a single piece of the egg will suffice. I was astounded to learn that you enjoy breakfast but aren't overweight," Winter replied, smiling.
 
"You're sexy," Winter complimented me, and I thanked her.
 
Pia then entered the kitchen, carrying three plastic cellophane bags. Her brows were wrinkled, which I noted.
 
"Pia, what happened to you? What's up with your brows?"
 
"Nothing," she said as she piled her items on the kitchen table.
 
"Why don't you wake me up and I'll come with you to the market."
 
"You're sleeping sweetly, Gianna, so I didn't dare to wake you up."

"Why are you in such a nasty attitude so early in the morning? Look in the mirror; even a brilliant painter wouldn't draw that, " Winter stated flatly.
 
"How dare you, Winter! I'm so gorgeous."
 
"Then what exactly is your problem? You ran out of money; that's why you acted like that?" I asked her.
 
Pia takes a seat at the table on a stool. And I inhaled deeply.
 
"I ran into Rohit and his new wife on the market early in the morning."
 
"How come you split up Rohit when you couldn't stand seeing him with another woman?" Winter says,

 "How could you bring back my mistakes, Harley? Yeah, you're right, I can't take seeing him with another woman, but what can I do? " She asked, her voice mournful.
 
"I told you so," Harley remarked, "you get to the point where you regret what you've done."
 
I'm looking at Pia. She felt distressed and depressed.
 
"You had an attitude of rushing things without really planning."
 
"I know it's my fault, but I'm so envious and enraged at the time that I'll simply break up with him."
 
"You always say you're lovely, but you're insecure." Winter response.
Pia inhaled deeply and stood up to get a drink of water.
 
"I guess I can't move on because I keep seeing them together; I need to take a break from my work and go somewhere to freshen up. Since summer is approaching, why don't you give us a vacation, Winter?"
 

 
"You, Pia, are the one who needs a holiday, not me, so pay your travel fees," Winter replies, chuckling.
 
After that, I burst out laughing.
 
"You're gorgeous, when your laughing, Gianna," Pia says.
I'd stop laughing and become more serious in my seat.
 
"Don't tell me, you want me to pay for your travel expenses? I asked Pia.
"Did I say that?"
And her brows were raised. When Pia is upset with Rohit, her severe demeanor comes out.
"Nope, but you stared at me earlier as if you wanted to say something."
"You mistook it. All I want to say is that it will help me persuade Winter."
Harley sighed and rolled her eyes. After an hour,

"Whatever."
We left the house and rode in Winter's car.
Since we're so late, I'm hoping Miss Maureen won't show up. I want to smear Pia's hair because we arrived late at work because of her eternal love for Rohit.

Pia grabbed my hand just as I was about to enter the building.
 
"What is it, Pia?" I asked, turning to face her.
"Relax, will you? Miss Nirvana isn't here; she texted me a while ago because she didn't get your number." I took a deep breath and gave Pia a dagger look.
 
"Why didn't you tell me sooner? My God! Pia, I'm ready to pass out from fear of being late! " I shout, pulling her hair in frustration.
 
Pia exclaimed, "Ouch, It hurts Gianna,"
 
"You have a harsh attitude," she stated.
 
“So, now that Miss Maureen isn't here, how about the love of your life?" I asked, referring to Miss Maureen's right hand, Rohit Khan.
 
"He doesn't mind, Gianna; he's too enamored with us to notice us."

"Your bitterness was leaking, Pia, try not to whine about your ex's pleasure."
"Shut up, Gianna, we're here outside the company, not in our house, so please lower your voice."
 
"All right, let's go inside."
Then we take a group walk to the second floor. Instead of taking the elevator, we took the stairs.
 
When we arrive at Pia's workplace, we have one hour remaining. When we're going to enter Pia's office when Rohit khan calls me.
 
"Miss Gianna, This is for our salary files for this month; since Miss Maureen isn't here, you're in charge of keeping this; just set this on your table, "he added as he handed me the document.
I took the papers, and I responded with a nod.
On my side, Pia was deafeningly quiet. I also heard her muttering something.
 
"By the way, Aurora, your monthly compensation was 60 thousand dollars, pesos. "he remarked as he walked away from where I was.
I was pleased with what I heard, and I consider myself fortunate to work here because I get paid well.
"Gianna, let's go inside." as soon as we enter Priya's office. I'll take a seat.
 
"You're so surprised about your salary, Gianna, Miss Nirvana is wealthy, so she gave us a large salary that we truly deserve."
 
I responded with a nod.
 
Meanwhile, I was sitting alone in my office. Gianna is something I miss terribly. I heard a knock on the door.
 
The only reason is I saw Winter approaching.
 
"Hello, Dad," she murmured, kissing my cheeks.
 
"Hello, Darling. It's been months since I saw you, and I thought you were done with me for good."
Her brows drew together.
"Of course, I'm still upset with you, but I miss you, and that's why I'm here."

I'm trying to crack a joke for her, but viewing her expression right now, she looks like she's in a serious mood, so I'll refrain.
 
"I heard about what happened to Laila. Is she okay right now?"
 
"Yeah, your Uncle Lance's wedding to Laila was tomorrow at Uncle Damien's place," I said. She gives me a nod.
 
"And one more thing, Harley, don't go tomorrow; I don't want you to get closure with them because they're such traitors."
My children are fully aware of my hatred for my family. They will understand why I say no.

"Dad, what's the truth about the wedding? I'm sure you know since Uncle Lance was your friend for four years until now."
 
"Laila isn't pregnant; she lied to her father because she learned that he wanted her to marry a Chinese businessman with nine wives." Winter's eyes enlarge.
 
"What the hell is going on? Is Uncle Damien going insane? " Winter wondered.
 
"I'm not sure, but Laila told me that her father owed the old Chinese a significant sum of money." My response.
“As far as I remember that Uncle Lance had a girlfriend why is he okay about the wedding? How did Laila end up with Uncle Lance? Given the age gap but all people she knows she ends up with an old architect.” Winter laugh.
“What's wrong with being old? The important thing is we love truthfully.” I said. Winter smiled.
“Dad? I’m so amazed.”
“Don’t ask many questions, maybe they’re destined to be with each other.” My answer.
“You're so gay, Dad, you’re too old but you still believe in destiny.” She said and shook her head.
“Why not? That’s why you were born because you were destined to be my daughter. And your mother will be my wife.” I said. It frowned at me.
“Why are you including someone who is no longer in our lives.” It says. Since Natasha left, we had no news about her life in London. The one who planted more anger was Winter.
“How’s your life?” I asked her to change the topic.
“It’s fine, Dad, I’m so happy I’ve got a new friend. And she will be my new model for my next creation.” Winter said and her eyes twinkle. I think she was happy with her newfound friend.
“Good for you, Thank you, Dad, one of these days
"Thank you, Dad, One of these days, when I go to the house, I'll take her with me."
 
"All right, Winter, I'd want to meet her," I said.
 
"All right, Dad, I'll go ahead," Harley said as he walked out the door of the office.
 
I was seated at the table. I'm checking the papers and some documents. When my phone rang over the table,
 
I accepted it and heard my aunt's voice on the other line.
 
I'd prefer to ignore her call, but we should discuss the house.
 
"Hello, Gianna, where are you?" she asked as if she had no idea what had occurred.
 
"I'm in the office working."

"I'm sorry, I want to tell you the truth, but I'm ashamed."
 
"What happened? Did I never meet your family because you lied to me?" I was leaning back in my chair.
 
"It's fine, so where are you staying right now?"
 
"We should talk, Gianna, and I'll tell you everything. Just take care of yourself, honey. I love you so much," she added.
Even if she lies to me, I still miss my aunt. It will never change my feelings for her. She is the only family I have. Then I'll put the phone down.
I took a big breath and exhaled slowly. I have no idea what's going on. But if we meet, my aunt has promised to tell me everything.
 
For my first salary, I'm going to treat her to a classy restaurant. I'll never be angry with my aunt again, even though she lied to me because she looked after me when I was a child.