SPECIAL CHAPTER: LIFE WITH THE OLD GOSSIPERS

SPECIAL CHAPTER: LIFE WITH THE OLD GOSSIPERS

"LITTLE crazy lady, breakfast is served!" Ruthgar shouted from the dining room
while Eva was sword training in the open training ground next to the kitchen. "Stop
training for a bit and eat. And go get your brother, will you?"

"I will!" sagot ni Eva mula sa training ground bago ibinalik sa kuluban ang espada
na hawak saka pumasok sa kabahayan at dumeretso sa kuwarto ng nakababatang kapatid.

Kumatok si Eva sa pintuan ng kuwarto ng kapatid. "Eth? Are you awake? Breakfast is
served. Come on. Let's eat."

Kumatok ulit si Eva nang walang marinig na ingay mula sa loob. "Eth?"

Nothing.

"Eth? Come on. Wake up!"

Wala pa ring reaksiyon mula sa loob kaya pinihit na ni Eva ang doorknob pabukas.

Kaagad niyang nakita ang kapatid na nakaupo sa gilid ng kama. Akmang pagsasabihan
niya ito nang makita ang hawak nito.

Hawak-hawak ni Ethan ang kuwintas na binigay ng mga magulang nila rito. He was
staring at it blankly, as if he was reminiscing about the time when their parents
gave it to him.

It was the sun necklace. An heirloom in their family.

"Eth?"

There was still no response from Ethan. She sighed and walked over to her little
brother before shaking him a bit. "Eth, snap out of it."

Doon lang nagkaroon ng emosyon ang mukha ni Ethan saka nag-angat ito ng tingin sa
kaniya. "Ate?"

"Mag-agahan na tayo. May check-up ka pa mamayang hapon. Gumalaw-galaw ka na."

Ethan blinked at Eva then he suddenly asked, "Ate, don't you miss them? It's only
been a year."

Eva just messed up her brother's hair before smiling. "Come on. Let's eat."

Hindi sa ayaw niyang pag-usapan ang tungkol sa mga magulang nila. It's just that
every time she remembered what happened to them, her grief and hatred always choked
her until she couldn't breathe anymore. At sa estado niya ngayon na wala pa siyang
lakas para ipaghiganti ang mga magulang niya, kailangan niyang kontrolin ang sarili
emosyon bago pa siya makagawa ng bagay na pagsisisihan niya.

Her focus now should be on her little brother and how to give him a good life.
Kapag naayos na niya ang buhay ng kapatid niya, saka niya itutuon ang lahat ng
atensiyon niya sa paghigiganti sa nangyari sa mga magulang niya.
But she had to let out this intense anger before it consumed her. She had to find
something that could curve this resentment and anger.

Hinabol ni Ethan ang nakakatandang kapatid. "Ate—"

"Eth, I know you're still grieving, I am, too. But we have to move forward. Not
because we want to forget them, but because we have to honor the life they
sacrificed for us to survive."

Natahimik si Ethan.

"If you want our parents to be happy wherever they are, survive and live a good
life. Remember why you have that sun necklace."

Eva knew she was talking bullshit to her brother since she, herself, had no plans
to heed her own advice. Yes. She will survive, but have a good life? She would only
have a good life after she killed everyone responsible for their parents' death.

Tahimik na nakatingin lang si Ethan sa likod ng kapatid habang nakasunod dito

patungong hapag-kainan. Alam niya na walang balak na magkaroon ng tahimik na buhay
ang ate niya. Alam niyang kaya nitong ibuwis ang buhay nito makapaghiganti lang.

What about me? What would happen to me if I lost you, too, Ate? He didn't want to
be selfish or put a rein on his sister's plans, but he didn't want to be left
alone. He couldn't lose his big sister, too.

But do I even have the right when I'm not even her biological brother? What if she
found out and thought of me as a burden? I don't want that. I don't want to be my
sister's burden. She's the only family I have.

Hinabol ni Ethan ang kapatid saka naglakad sa tabi nito. "Ate, how's your sleep
these days?"

"It's okay," Eva lied smoothly.

"Liar."

Napatingin si Eva sa kapatid. "What did you say?"

"I know you're not sleeping well since that day."

"Alam mo naman pala, huwag ka nang magtanong." Pabirong piningot ni Eva ang tainga
ng kapatid. "Come on. Let's eat."

Napaubaya naman si Ethan hanggang sa makarating sila sa hapag-kainan.

"Morning, Pops!" bati ni Eva kay Rithgar na siyang nanatili sa bansa para samahan
sila. Sa isang taon na kasama nila ito, naging malapit na ang loob ni Eva rito na
tinuturing niya itong pangalawang ama.

Of course, no one could replace her father, but Pops had a different place in her
heart.

"Let's eat," aya ni Ruthgar sa dalawa. "By the way, those old bastards will come
visit next week."

By old bastards, Ruthgar meant his team—the second Arkhon's team which Eva refers
to as old gossipers because they really like to gossip. And they're old.
"Magtatagal ba sila rito?" tanong ni Eva nang makaupo sa lamesa.

"The usual. One week."

"Oh."

"Do you want them to stay longer?" Ruthgar asked. He knew that Eva was still
grieving.

"Nah. It's okay." Alam ni Eva na busy rin ang mga ito. "I can manage my own
training."

"Alright." Kapagkuwan ay bumaling si Ruthgar kay Ethan na tahimik lang na kumakain.

"Did you like the pancake I made?"

"Hmm. It tastes nice."

Gulat na napatingin naman si Eva kay Ruthgar. "You made this? Marunong ka palang
magluto, Pops?" May cook kasi silang kasama pero naka-day off ito ngayon.

Ruthgar shrugged nonchalantly. "Just pancakes."

"Then can I try making one?" nagniningning ang mga matang tanong ni Eva.

Bahagyang natigilan si Ruthgar nang maalala ang nangyari sa kusina no'ng huling
nagluto si Eva. "Um..." Tumikhim siya. "It's best to have an intact kitchen, don't
you think?"

Kaagad na sumama ang mukha ni Eva. "Pops! My cooking is not that bad!"

"Really?" He looked at Eva in disbelief. "That's what you said when you nearly
burned down the kitchen."

Mahaba ang ngusong nag-iwas ng tingin si Eva. "Hindi naman nasunog lahat, ah."

"That's because I was there to save the kitchen."

Mas lalong humaba ang nguso ni Eva. "I didn't mean it!"

"The more that you shout, get away from the kitchen as far as possible," mas may
diing sabi ni Ruthgar. "We don't want our cook to resign, yes?"

Bagsak ang balikat na tumango si Eva kahit hindi niya gusto ang sinabi ng pops
niya. Since they were hiding, they only needed a cook since no one knew how to cook
in this house. Maliban sa cook na si old man Dom pa ang naghanap, wala na silang
ibang kasama sa bahay.

The house chores were done mostly by Eva since she didn't want Ethan to move around
since he hadn't fully recovered yet. Noong una, wala siyang pag-asa sa paglilinis
ng bahay. Pero ilang buwan lang ang lumipas, magaling na siya sa kahit na anong
gawaing-bahay.

She was born with helpers around her, but she had a different life now. She had to
adapt to her new life and environment in order to survive.

"Ako na ang maghuhugas," boluntaryo ni Ethan nang matapos silang mag-agahan.

"No. Go back to your room, rest, and get ready for your check-up later," kaagad na
pigil ni Eva sa gusto nitong gawin. "You haven't fully recovered yet. Ako na ang
maghuhugas."

"Pero Ate—"

"Ako," may diing sabi ni Eva. "Just rest. Please."

Hearing his sister plead, Ethan couldn't say no to her. "Okay."

Eva smiled and patted Ethan's head. "Kapag okay ka na talaga, ikaw na ang
pagtatrabahuin ko sa lahat kaya humanda ka."

Napangiti si Ruthgar sa dawala. When they took these two in, they thought they
would have a hard time. But aside from Eva being crazy sometimes, she was a
sensible girl for her age.

"Little lady, when are you going to see a psychiatrist?" tanong ni Ruthgar sa
dalaga no'ng silang dalawa na lang sa kusina at naghuhugas ito. "We both know the
detrimental effect of lack of sleep to your body."

"Next month," mabilis na sagot ni Eva pero hindi naniwala si Ruthgar.

"How many times have I heard that from you? If you don't see a psychiatrist next
month, I will really drag you there. What do you think will happen to your brother
if something bad happens to you?" Ruthgar knew it was an underhanded tactic to use
Ethan knowing how much Eva cared for her brother, but Eva only responds when it
concerns her little brother. "It's for your own good, little lady. Please?"

Hearing her pops plead, Eva was defeated. "Okay. Next week."

Ruthgar smiled. "Alright. Thank you, little lady."

"Hmm." Eva just hummed and continued washing the dishes.

A WEEK flew by fast, and the old gossipers arrived at the house with so many
souvenirs for Eva and Ethan. Ang unang ginawa ni Dominick nang makita si Eva ay
sugurin ito ng mahigpit na yakap at ginulo ang buhok nito.

"Happy birthday, little lady!" Dominick greeted Eva with a grin.

Napakurap-kurap naman si Eva kay old man Dom. Bakas ang kaguluhan sa mukha nito.
"Birthday ko? Ngayon?"

Dominick stared at Eva flatly. "Anong petsa na ba ngayon?"

Napatingin si Eva sa pambisig na relo na may petsa kapagkuwan ay umawang ang labi
niya. "Huh? Birthday ko nga. Akala ko bukas pa."

Von Per patted Eva's head. "Happy birthday, little lady."

"Happy Bday, little lady," bati naman ni Vent kay Eva pero ang buhok ni Ethan ang
ginugulo nito. "Good to see you, Eth."

Tumango si Ethan.

Klaus greeted Eva as well. "Happy birthday, little miss."

Kapagkuwan ay lumabas si Ruthgar mula sa kusina na may dala-dalang cake. "Happy

birthday, little lady! We bought a cake for you!"
Seeing the happy faces of her saviors celebrating her birthday, Eva was touched.
Katatapos lang ng birthday niya no'ng nawala ang mga magulang niya kaya wala siyang
interes na mag-birthday. Pero sa pagkakataong 'yon, hindi niya magawang mawalan ng
interes sa birthday niya. Not with these people celebrating her birthday so happily
as if they were celebrating their daughter's birthday.

Ngumiti siya. "Thank you, everyone!" Then she faced her pops to blow the candle.

"Hey! Wish first. Wish," pigil ni Ruthgar sa balak gawin ni Eva sabay layo nito ng
cake kay Eva.

Eva rolled her eyes. "Okay." Then she closed her eyes to make a wish. Please let me
avenge my parents' death. When she opened her eyes, the cake was already in front
of her.

She blew out the candle, and with a fast reflex, she dodged and escaped those old
gossipers who tried to smack the cake on her face.

"Not going to happen, old men!" tumatawang sigaw ni Eva saka mabilis na tumakbo
para makatakas.

Hinabol naman kaagad ang dalaga ng mga old gossiper. Hindi ang mga ito sumuko pero
mas mabilis tumakbo si Eva at magaling magtago. Thirty minutes later, they were
smearing the cake's icing on Ethan's face in leu of Eva.

Panay tawa naman ni Eva habang masama ang mukha ni Ethan.

"Ate!" Ethan glared at Eva.

Eva grinned. "It's called taking one for the team!"

Mas lalong sumama ang mukha ni Ethan pero wala itong nagawa dahil hindi talaga
lumapit si Eva sa mga ito hanggang hindi naipapasok sa ref ang natirang cake at
malinis na ang kamay ng mga ito.

Dominick clicked his tongue at Eva. "What a sly birthday girl we have."

Namaywang si Eva. "Ako pa ba? I was raised right by my father..." Biglang parang
kandila na naupos ang boses ni Eva. Pagkalipas ng ilang segundo, bumalik ang ngiti
ni Eva na nawala. "Anyway, thanks for the cake. I wasn't expecting that."

Seeing Eva trying her best to be okay made the old gossipers feel distressed, but
they kept quiet and pretended that they didn't see it. If this was Eva's way of
coping, they could only let her be. Pero kakausapin pa rin nila si Ruthgar mamaya
para pag-usapan kung may magagawa sila.

"Hindi lang cake ang inihanda namin, 'no," nagmamalaking sabi ni Dominick saka
pinisil ang pisngi ni Eva. "Let's go and eat?"

Bahagyang nanlaki ang mga mata ni Eva. "May handa?"

"Of course." Von Per smiled.

"Hindi kasi rami naghanda noong birthday ni Ethan pero sapat na para mabusog ka,"
dagdag ni Dominick.

"Yey!" Eva was so happy to see so much food on the table. And everything was her
favorite. "Thank you so much! I really appreciate you, oldies!"
Napailing na lang ang "oldies" dahil mukhang patay-gutom na naman si Eva habang
kumakain.

"Slow down," paalala ni Vent kay Eva na mabilis na kumakain na para bang may kaagaw
ito. "It's all yours, birthday girl."

But Eva was Eva. When it comes to food, she didn't know what slow down meant. She
will eat what she likes, regardless of if it's her birthday or not.

It was a fun day. Kahit pansamantala lang, nakalimutan ni Eva galit at pighati
niya. She ate with the old gossipers, trained with them, learned a new fighting
style from old man Vent, and then they ended the night with a fireworks display
bought by old man Klaus.

Watching the fireworks lighting the sky, Eva rested her head on her brother's
shoulder and mumbled, "Don't worry, Eth. Ate will make sure to give you a good
life."

Narinig 'yon ni Ethan at hindi nito mapigilang mapabulong sa sarili. What about
you, Ate? His sister had been so focused on him since they were discharged from the
hospital that he was starting to get worried. But he couldn't voice out his
concern, afraid to burden his sister more.

The night ended with Ethan bottling up his emotions and thoughts so as not to
burden his sister.

THE WEEK spent with the old gossipers flew by quickly. Puro training lang ang
ginawa nila pero dahil maingay ang buong bahay, naaaliw si Eva. Pero kailangan na
ng mga itong umuwi dahil may kaniya-kaniyang pamilya rin ang mga ito.

The house became silent again, and all one could hear was Eva training her sword
and dagger skills on the training ground everyday.

And as promised, she visited a psychiatrist with Pops and Ethan.

She was diagnosed with PTSD. She was then prescribed with medication and was
scheduled for trauma-focused psychotherapy once a week.

Nang mapansin ni Eva ang mukha ng dalawa niyang kasama nang matapos ang check-up
niya, napailing na ngumiti siya.

"I'm fine. I swear."

But the more Eva says she's fine, the more Ethan and Ruthgar worry. Even her
smiling face was worrisome to them.

"I'm really okay," Eva continued convincing the two. "How about you buy me food,
hmm? Ilibre niyo ako, please?"

But Ethan was not buying it. "Ate—"

"I'm fine, Eth," may diing sabi ni Eva. "I'll be fine. That's for sure."

Seeing Eva's determined face, Ruthgar patted Ethan's shoulder. "Let's trust her."

Reluctantly, Ethan nodded. "By the way, Ate, the doctor suggested that you do
something fun and positive to get your mind off things."

"Oh, yeah. Don't worry about it." Eva nonchalantly waved her hand as if it was
nothing. "I already have something in mind. It's positive and very fun."

Eva seemed like she knew what she was saying, so the two did not ask any more
questions so as not to burden her with their worries.

However, a month later, Ethan and Ruthgar had the same thought when they read Eva's
scribble on a folded piece of paper pinned to the refrigerator's door.

'I am taking my doctor's advice to do something fun seriously, so I'm off to

Harakiri—Mayrhofen, Austria, to ski. Bye!

P. S. Ethan, don't miss your check-up. And Pops, I'll be back. And no, I'm not
doing this because you didn't let me skydive last week. I am not sulking at all!
Bye!

From yours truly, Eva.'

Hawak-hawak ni Ruthgar ang ulo nito habang binabasa ang iniwang sulat ni Eva.
Nararamdaman niya ang pagtaas ng presyon niya kasama ng pag-aalala niya. Si Ethan
naman ay walang komento habang may awang nakamasid lang kay Ruthgar.

This scenario—Ethan was used to it because of his mother who just disappears to
have some fun or eat in a different country. At nakuha ng kapatid niya ang ugaling
'yon ng ina nila.

That's why Ethan just watched their pops run to get his phone to call the other old
gossipers.

"Dominick!" Ruthgar shouted when Dominick answered his call.

"Hey! No shouting! Do you know what time it is—"

"Do you know where Eva is now?!"

Sensing anxiousness in Ruthgar's voice, Dominick became serious. "What happened?

Where is she? Is she safe?"

"Where? In Mayrhofen, Austria. Is she safe? Fuck no! She's skiing in Harakiri!"

"Huh—what?! Isn't that one of the most dangerous ski slopes in the world? Fuck!
When did our little lady become crazy?"

"I don't know! It's just happened!" Ruthgar felt like his head was about to
explode. "Go get her and bring her back, Dominick. That ski slope will kill her!"

"Mas malapit si Vent sa Austria kaysa sa 'kin. I'll call him."

"Thanks. Call me for any updates. I'm worried."

"Alright." Dominick hung up the phone and called Vent. He told Vent what Ruthgar
told him.

"The hell?" Hindi maipinta ang mukha ni Vent. "Has she gone crazy?"

"No. I don't think so. But, just in case, go get her and bring her home."

"Sure. I'm leaving now."

Three days later.

Instead of going to the ski resort, Vent went to the hospital where Eva was at.
Nang makita ni Vent ang kalagayan ng dalaga pagkatapos niyang asikasuhin lahat ng
bayarin sa ospital, napailing na lang siya at hindi ito nagawang pagalitan.

Eva's right leg had a cast.

"I tripped," kaagad na paliwanag ni Eva nang makita kung paano tumingin sa kaniya
si old man Vent.

Vent sighed and asked, "What happened?"

"I was having fun and then I tripped. That's it."

Vent narrowed his eyes at Eva. "Do you know how worried everyone is?"

Eva pouted. "But I left a letter."

"Not enough. Ruthgar's blood pressure was high these past few days."

Napalabi si Eva.

"And Dominick is losing sleep. While Von Per is now on his way here." Namaywang si
Vent sa dalaga. "Anything to say for yourself?"

"I was just trying to have fun..."

Seeing Eva's state, Vent really couldn't scold her. "So? Did you have fun?"

Nagniningning ang mga matang nag-angat ng tingin si Eva kay Vent at malapad ang
ngiting tumango. "It was so much fun that I forgot everything! It was really worth
it! I like it so much!"

"That's good." Vent patted Eva's hair. "Time to go home now, little lady."

"But my leg—"

"I'll carry you. This old man is still strong."

Mas lumapad ang ngiti ni Eva no'ng nasa mga bisig na siya ni old man Vent. He
looked like a father doting on his daughter.

"Be ready for a scolding, little lady," wika ni Vent habang buhat-buhat si Eva
patungo sa nakaparadang sasakyan. "Everyone was really worried."

"But it was just skiing."

"Yes. In one of the steepest slopes in the world."

Nag-iwas ng tingin si Eva. "But it was fun and not dangerous at all."

"Says the girl who tripped and broke her leg."

That silenced Eva.

Vent smiled at that because he felt like he finally won a battle against this petty
little lady.

"Alright. Off we go," ani Vent nang maisakay si Eva sa sasakyan. "Let's drop by in
your hotel to get your things, then we're going home."

Tumango lang si Eva at nakinig kay old man Vent. Nang makarating sa hotel, si Vent
ang umakyat sa hotel at kumuha sa mga gamit ni Eva habang magka-video chat ang
dalawa.

Soon after that, they were on their way home via plane.

Although she sprained her foot, skiing was an exhilarating experience for Eva. It's
an experience that made her forget all her grief, pain, and hatred.

She finally found a way to release these overwhelming emotions inside her.

People may call it dangerous sports, but to Eva, it was her saving grace and she
planned to have more fun in the future.

But first, she had to find a way not to get scolded severely when they got home.
However, even until they landed and arrived home, Eva couldn't think of any reason.

Thus, when the old gossipers surrounded her in the living room and asked her why
she did what she did, Eva had only one answer.

"Because it's fun."

The old gossipers gaped at Eva and words escaped Ruthgar's lips that became Eva's
new pet name for years to come.

"What a crazy little lady."

CECELIB | C.C.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: THE AGROTERÊ'S

SPECIAL CHAPTER: THE AGROTERÊ'S

THE ten-year-old Eva woke up from being tapped on the cheek. When she opened her
eyes, she immediately saw her little brother quickly pulling his hand away and
trying to hide it behind him while acting innocent.

Eva yawned. "Why are you here in my room, Eth?"

Ethan rested his chin on the edge of Eva's bed. "Let's have breakfast together."

"Hmm? Why?" Ethan didn't usually ask her to eat breakfast together. Something must
have happened.

"Well, Mamá is missing, and Baba is looking for her."

"Oh." Eva calmly got up and jumped off the bed. Any child would be worried that
their mother was missing, but not Eva.
Because this was not the first time it happened. It was normal for their mother to
go missing.

"She's probably just swimming with the sharks or skydiving somewhere," Eva added
and patted Ethan's head. "Wait here. I'll just take a bath, then we'll have
breakfast."

As a ten-year-old, Eva could already do things by herself and that included taking
a bath. They may have a lot of helpers in their house, but her parents told her not
to bother their house helpers with things she could already do.

After taking a bath and changing, Ethan was still obediently waiting for Eva.

"Come on." Eva offered her hand to her brother. "Let's go eat."

Ethan immediately accepted his big sister's hand and they walked to the dining room
while holding hands. And since they had a huge house, it took them a while to reach
their destination.

Along the way, Eva and Ethan greeted the house staff they passed by. The staff
couldn't help smiling at the two kids walking while holding hands. Their little
goddess and little sun were just adorable and nice kids. That's why they find it
easy to work here on the island. They served a polite and respectful family, albeit
their madam was eccentric.

"What's for breakfast?" Eva asked the staff, Elfie, who opened the dining room for
them.

Elfie smiled. "All of your favorites, My Lady."

"Just my favorites?"

"Also, My Lord's favorites."

Eva immediately smiled. "Okay. Thanks, Elfie!" Then she dragged her brother to the
table and then helped him get into his char.

The kitchen staff couldn't help smiling at the two. Although their little goddess
was rowdy, she was a good sister to her little brother.

"Jani, where is Baba?" Eva asked the kitchen staff, Jani, while she and Ethan were
eating breakfast.

Jani smiled and refilled the food on the table because Eva was eating it all.
"Well, the madam just disappeared this morning, so Lord Ariti is now looking for
her."

Eva grimaced. "Mamá should be doing some fun stuff now. I don't know why Baba is
still not used to it. Mamá disappears all the time."

Ethan nodded. "I agree. Even I'm already used to it and I'm still a baby."

Jani could only inwardly chuckle, seeing Ethan puffing his chest as if he was proud
that he was already used to his mother just disappearing.

"Does Dad need consoling?" Eva asked Jani again while still eating.

Jani recalled what Lord Ariti looked like earlier. I don't think he needs
consoling. What he needs is a sane and strong mind. But she just smiled at the kids
who shouldn't hear such things.

"You're smiling, that means no."

Jani flinched and smiled wryly. Sometimes, she forgets that this little goddess
they're serving was being raised to be the next Artemis.

"Should we ready the playground after breakfast?" Jani tried to change the topic
and it worked.

"Hmm." Eva nodded. "But ready the outside playground. I want to play under the sun
today." Then she glanced at Ethan. "How about you, Eth? Will you play with me?"

Ethan immediately shook his head. "No. Dad said I'll die if I play with you in the
outside playground."

Jani inwardly nodded. Indeed. They may call it a playground, but it's more like an
adventure course for adults. It's dangerous for inexperienced kids like Ethan, who
prefer reading to moving and jumping around.

Eva didn't force Ethan. "Then what are you going to do?"

Ethan cutely shrugged. "I don't know... read?"

Eva made a face. "Huh? Won't you play with our pets?"

Ethan shook his head. "Dad said I'll die if I play with our pets."

Jani inwardly nodded as well. Those were not pets, after all, but rescued animals.
And they were dangerous.

Eva tilted her head to the side, confused. "But I'm still alive."

"Dad said not to make you a standard or I'll die."

Eva frowned. "But our pets are really adorable."

Jani finally spoke. "Little goddess, those are not pets, but endangered and
dangerous animals Lord Ariti rescued."

Eva blinked at Jani, genuinely curious. "Huh? Dangerous? But they're nice. We
played a lot yesterday."

Jani explained, "It's because it's you, little goddess, that they're nice. But if
someone tried, they'll bite."

"Oh." Eva nodded her head in realization. "Maybe that's why I'm still not friends
with Mr. Tiger."

Jani held back a sigh. "Yes." I should inform Lord Ariti about this. "Anyway, we
will prepare the playground for you, little goddess, and we'll provide you with a
new book, little lord."

Ethan smiled. "Okay. Thank you, Jani."

Jani's expression softened. "Aww. You're such a nice boy, little lord."

Ethan puffed his chest. "That's because I listen to Mamá and Baba. They said that I
should always say thank you because we wouldn't be able to survive here on the
island without everyone's help."

Eva agreed, so she nodded.

Jani's expression softened even more. "Alright. Finish your breakfast."

Eva and Ethan nodded before returning their attention to their breakfast. A little
later, Eva went to the adventure course outside to play while Ethan went to the
library to read. When Eva got bored playing, she sneaked into the forest to play
with their pets.

"Little goddess, where do you think you're going?"

Eva flinched when she heard her father's voice from behind. I got caught. "Um..."
She turned around and then smiled innocently. "Just... strolling."

Ariti narrowed his eyes at his daughter. "Who taught you how to lie?"

Their children may not have seen the world or experienced it like how kids should
because they had been cooped up here on the island for their own protection, but
that did not mean they didn't teach them manners. So, hearing his daughter lie to
his face without blinking an eye bothered him greatly.

At the age of ten, Eva could already understand that her father was not happy. So,
she came clean. "No one. I just picked it up when Mama taught me how to stay calm
in stressful situations involving lying."

Ariti couldn't rebuke that. His anger instantly dissipated, and he didn't know how
to respond to her daughter. He took a deep breath. "So, I am stressing you out?"

"Yes, Baba."

"Is that only the reason?"

Eva shook her head while maintaining eye contact with her father. "No. But Mama
said lying is easier. Oh, also sneaking out."

Ariti felt like he had been punched twice. He sighed. "Eva, I know that being the
next Artemis, you have to learn how to lie flawlessly, but promise me not to lie to
the people you care about."

Eva blinked. "Like my family?"

Ariti nodded, took a knee to level his face and his daughter then he put his hands
on her shoulder as he stared into his daughter's eyes. "Eva, you can lie to the
whole world, but never ever lie to the people who love and care about you. Do not
hurt them like that."

"Okay." Eva was always easy to talk to when she was obedient, just like now. "I
promise."

Ariti smiled, relieved. "Alright. Daddy will hold on to your promise."

Eva nodded. "Of course. I'm a good girl."

"Yes, my little goddess is a good girl." Ariti picked up his daughter and carried
her in his arms. "So, Daddy will ask again. Why are you here in the forest?"
Eva shrugged. "I sneaked out to see our pets."

Ariti was speechless for a few seconds. "Baby, how many times would Daddy tell you
that those animals are not our pets, but rescued animals? And it's dangerous to
just approach them."

"But Tigery is not dangerous. Tigery is nice."

"Huh? Who?"

"Mr. Tiger."

Ariti became speechless again. "Please do not approach Mr. Tigery again, little
goddess. Mr. Tigery has been hurt by poachers and now recovering. What if Mr.
Tigery becomes moody and bites you?"

"Then we won't be friends anymore."

Ariti suppressed a sigh. He really didn't know how to explain further to make his
daughter understand the danger of those adorable animals. "How about this, little
goddess? If you want to see them, you come to me, and I'll accompany you to see
them."

Eva's eyes twinkled as they widened. "Really?! Then can we give Tigery a lot of
steaks?"

"Of course, we can. But keep in mind that Mr. Tigery is not here to stay. It's here
to recover. And once Mr. Tigery is all better, Daddy must send him back to the wild
where it lives."

A sad expression fell on Eva's face. "Tigery has to leave?"

"Yes. We can't keep Tigery here because this is not his home."

"Oh." Eva's shoulder fell. "Okay. I understand."

Ariti smiled and kissed her daughter's temple. "Does my baby want pets? Daddy just
rescued a dog. Do you want it?"

Eva's expression was filled with happiness again. "Is it as big as Tigery?"

Ariti smile became wry. "No. But it's already big for a dog's size."

"How big?"

"Big as you."

Eva pouted. "That's small!"

"It'll get bigger if you really take care of it."

"Really?!"

"Yes. Really."

A grin appeared on Eva's lips. "Okay. I want it!"

"Alright. I will bring it to the house later."

"Okay!"

Ariti walked out of the forest with Eva in his arms and they rode a gold cart to go
home. When they arrived at their house, the people tried to retrieve Eva, whom they
saw from the security and surveillance room, enter a forest and were relieved to
see the little goddess safe in her father's arms.

"Little goddess, please don't sneak up on us again," Farik begged the little lady
with his hands clasped over his chest.

Eva looked away. She didn't want to promise because she still had plans to sneak
out.

"Little goddess, please..."

Eva shook her head and honestly answered when she remembered her promise to her
daddy earlier—to not lie to those who love and care about her. "I'm sorry, big
brother Farik, I still have plans to sneak out."

Farik's shoulder fell.

Ariti frowned. "Farik, for a ten-year-old to pull something like that under your
nose, you are in need of training."

Farik flinched. "My Lord, please have mercy."

"No mercy. Six months of training starting tomorrow."

Eva smiled innocently at Farik and showed her adorable fist. "Good luck, big
brother Farik. I will cheer you on."

Farik walked away lifelessly. Eva giggled and then wrapped her short arms around
her father's neck.

"Baba, did you find Mamá?" Eva asked as her father walked to the library after
asking a staff where Ethan was.

"Yes. She went swimming with sharks."

"Oh." Eva's eyes sparkled. "Can't we go see Mamá and swim with sharks as well?"

"No."

"But I want to. It seems fun."

Ariti looked at his daughter for a few seconds before inwardly sighing. When Eva
first showed interest in dangerous things, he knew it was just a matter of time
before his little goddess became like her mother, who always makes his head spin
and hurt.

My little goddess used to be so innocent.

"Baby, you're still not allowed to swim with the sharks. You're still a baby."

"What about if I come of age? Would it be okay then?"

What can I say other than, "Of course. As long as you'll be safe."

"Then when I get big, I want to swim with sharks, jump from a plane, dive freely in
the ocean, and then do a lot of fun stuff!"

"Yes, yes. A lot of fun." He knew in his heart there was no stopping his daughter
from doing some crazy stuff in the future. He just prayed that if his daughter
found a partner in the future, it'd be someone who could understand this side of
her. "Now, why don't we join Ethan in the library and read?"

Eva shook her head. "No. I'm going to the swamp with Cania. She's going to feed the
crocodiles. I want to help! Their mouths are so big it's so cute!"

Ariti could only inwardly sigh. Why does my baby have to adore animals and take
after me as well? Now, he thought that he and Emory were a dangerous combination.
He felt like every time his daughter opened her mouth, his life was decreased by a
few years.

"Bye, Baba!"

Ariti could only wave his hand and message the guards looking after Eva today to be
extra attentive.

IN THE swamp, Eva was helping feed the crocodiles so much that the guards assigned
to her that day felt so exhausted from bringing on guard so much. They felt like
they had lost a few years of their lives following around the little goddess who
went to the snake's sanctuary next.

They kept asking themselves why they had so many animals on the island and wanted
to blame the person who brought home these animals when they remembered that it was
Lord Ariti, so they could only sigh and guard the little goddess, who was not
playing with a yellow snake.

"I think one of us is going to die early if we continue guarding the little
goddess," one guard said.

Another guard nodded. "Yes. I can feel it in my bones. I'm losing a lot of hair as
we speak!"

"Good luck to us."

Fortunately, they're little goddess went home after playing with the snakes to have
lunch. Afterwards, she went to the kitchen and pursued the chef to teach her how to
cook again.

The result: the scariest soup they had ever seen that even the chef got scared of
was made.

"Oops." Eva smiled innocently at their chef. "I think I added too much water."

"I don't think that's the only problem, little goddess." The chef glanced at the
soap—no, it looked more like a witch concoction than food, to be honest. It's not
suitable for anyone! "Little goddess, maybe cooking is not for you."

"Why not? Look at my soup, it's so vibrant."

What vibrant? It looks like a pot of poison with its weird color. "Um... let's try
making a sandwich later, okay?"
Eva's eyes twinkled. "Okay! I'll visit you tomorrow again. Same time."

The chef smiled and didn't show his hopeless expression. When Eva left, the chef
informed the kitchen staff. "The little goddess will be back tomorrow. Please
prepare appropriately. I have a feeling something will happen to our beloved
kitchen if we let her be."

"Yes, Chef!"

Meanwhile, Eva went looking for her brother happily and when she found Ethan with
her dad in the library, she told them all the things she did.

Ariti did all his best not to grimace, imagining the soup her daughter made. "That,
um... nice."

"Right?" The innocent ten-year-old was happy. "Tomorrow, Chef will teach me how to
make a sandwich."

"G-good luck, little goddess."

"Thanks, Baba!"

However, Ethan was not like Ariti who was tactful in front of his daughter.

"But you're not so good at cooking, big sister," Ethan said with so much innocence
that no one could dislike him. "What if you burned the kitchen? Where will the chef
cook our favorite food?"

Eva narrowed her eyes at Ethan. "What are you talking about? The chef asked me to
come back. That means I have potential."

No, baby. They just don't want to hurt you. Ariti inwardly thought before sighing.
"How about we just eat some snacks and then let's go see your Mamá."

"Okay!"

"I like that!"

With the two children smiling happily again, Ariti let out a sigh. Really, raising
children is not a joke. It's so hard.

While Ariti was remunerating, the two children ate their snacks happily. Afterward,
they left the island, rode a yacht, and went to look for Emory.

Before the sun had set, Ariti and the two children finally arrived where Emory was.

"Oh! It's my babies!" Emory waved at her husband and two children in the yacht from
the ocean. "My babies! Mamá is here!"

Eva tugged her father's hand. "Baba, can I swim with Mamá?"

Ariti knew that Emory had finished swimming with sharks, so he nodded at Eva. "Go
to Jani and let her accompany you to the swimming platform down below—" Before he
could finish his sentence, Eva already jumped into the water. "Evaaaaa!"

But Eva was already in the water and swimming happily to her mother.

Ariti felt like he lost a few years of his life again because of how scared he was.
Meanwhile, Emory was laughing as she hugged her baby.

"Little devil, look at your daddy's face. He looked so scared."

Eva snickered and wrapped her arms around her mother's neck. "Mamá, let's swim
away. Let's scare Daddy even more."

"Alright. Here we go!" Then Emory started swimming away fast.

"Emory! Eva!" Ariti felt like his blood pressure had risen significantly because of
those two. "Jani! Follow those two!"

Meanwhile, Eva and Emory were both laughing as they swam away.

Ethan, who was watching his mother and sister swan away and saw his father's
concerned face, just sighed and went to the corner of the yacht where it's safe so
he could read the book he brought with him.

At the young age of seven, Ethan knew and understood that the women in his family
were not normal. Only Dad and I are normal. With that thought, he calmly opened the
book in his hands and started reading.

In the background, there was Ariti's worried bellowing and Eva and Emory's
laughter. As noisy and rowdy they were, it was a perfect sunset for the Agroterê's
family.

CECELIB | C.C.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: HALF-BROTHER

SPECIAL CHAPTER: HALF-BROTHER

"ARE you sure you're going with me?" tanong ni Ethan sa ate niya habang nakatingin
sa tiyan nito na hindi pa gano'n kalaki. His sister was already three months
pregnant with her first child. And that pregnant woman wanted to accompany him to
see his half-brother, Kaius. His sister was so overprotective that she even set the
meet-up place and it's in the middle of the ocean. "Pinayagan ka na ni Kuya?"

Eva looked away before hurriedly saying, "It's not that dangerous. I don't need to
ask for permission."

Ethan narrowed his eyes at his sister. "So, you're just going to sneak out of the
island?"

"Yes—I mean, no! Of course not!"

"Really?"

"Yes. Really!"
Ethan sighed. "Alam kong nag-aalala ka sa 'kin pero hindi kita hahayaang sumama
hangga't hindi ka nagpapaalam kay Kuya." May awa siya sa mga taong palaging nag-
aalala sa mama at ate niya kapag bigla-bigla na lang nawawala ang mga ito.

Humaba ang nguso ni Eva. "Fine! Magpapaalam na ako. Wait for me!"

Then Eva took out her phone from her dress and called Terron, who was busy training
at the moment in the Agoroterê island. But still, he answered her call.

"Yes, amorina?"

"Puwede naman akong sumama kay Ethan, 'di ba? I can't just let him meet Kaius by
himself and our parents are on vacation. Hindi ako mapapakali na hindi ko siya
sasamahan."

Terron knew that he couldn't stop his wife from doing what she set her mind to.
"Sure. But I'm also coming with you."

"Huh? Paano ang training mo?"

"It's okay. I'll train twice as hard tomorrow."

"Okay." Eva was happy that Terron was accompanying them. "Punta ka na rito sa
Feggari Island. Hintayin ka namin sa port. We're taking the yacht."

"Okay. Wait for me. I love you."

"Hmm. We will. I love you, too."

Eva ended the call with a smile and looked at Ethan. "Terron said yes and he's
coming with us."

Kuya probably knew he couldn't stop Ate, so he just joined her, sa isip ni Ethan
habang nakangiti sa kapatid na siguradong hindi naisip ang naisip niya. And it
seemed that he was right because when Terron arrived at the port, he shot him a
grateful smile.

"Where's the meeting place?" Terron asked once they settled in on the yacht. "I'm
pretty sure it's not in Rhodes since we're taking the yacht."

Malalim na napabuntonghininga si Ethan saka bumaling sa kapatid na nakaupo sa

recliner at sumisimsim ng strawberry shake. "In the middle of the ocean."

"What? Where?"

"In the middle of the ocean," ulit ni Ethan saka napabuntonghininga ulit. "Si Ate
ang nagdesisyon n'on."

"Oh. Kaya naman pala." Naintindihan kaagad ni Terron kung anong takbo ng isip ng
asawa. "I'm sure she's just worried."

"I know." Ethan looked at the horizon with a conflicted look. "I honestly don't
know what to say to my half-brother. I mean, what would we even talk about?"

Seeing the conflicted expression on Ethan's face, Terron patted his shoulder. "Just
say whatever is in your mind. Remember, this is not a one-sided meeting. He wants
to meet you, too. I'm sure he's just as conflicted and nervous as you are."

"But he's a Triad." Nalukot ang mukha ni Ethan.

"That he is, but do you think your sister would let you meet him if he's a bad
guy?" Terron believed that Eva already thought this through. This was her beloved
little brother after all.

"No. She wouldn't."

"Precisely." Terron patted Ethan's head before walking over to where his wife was
sitting, enjoying a fresh strawberry shake.

Nang tumigil si Terron sa harapan ng reclining chair ni Eva, kaagad na itinabi ni

Eva ang hawak na strawberry shake saka tumayo para yakapin sa baywang ang asawa.

"My husband smells so good..." Eva's nose was rubbing against Terron's neck.
"Hmm..."

Kaagad naramdaman ni Terron ang pag-iinit ng katawan niya pero wala siyang ginawa
kundi ang yakapin pabalik ang asawa. He needed to control himself. Ever since Eva
got pregnant, she had become so clingy to him that she would always hug and smell
him whenever they're together.

But he was not complaining. It was a good thing for him even though it always
turned him on. He loved it when Eva was being clingy and soft because he knew how
independent and strong she was.

"How are you feeling today?" Terron asked his wife as he caressed her back. "I was
training so I can't be with you all day. Panay pa rin ba ang suka mo?"

Umiling si Eva saka hinigpitan nito ang yakap sa baywang ni Terron. "I'm fine.
Minsan na lang kapag may naaamoy akong hindi ko gusto."

"That's good." He kissed her forehead and then caressed his wife's bulging stomach.
"Our baby is getting bigger."

"Yep." She kissed Terron's neck then dragged him to the reclining seat she was
seating on earlier. Pero sa halip na umupo siya sa tabi ng asawa, umupo siya sa mga
hita nito saka sumandal sa dibdib nito. "Tesoro?"

Terron hugged Eva from behind. "Hmm?"

"Your thighs feel hard."

Because of Terron's training, his muscles had developed these past few months. His
body was changing. "Does it bother you?"

Bumaba ang kamay ni Eva sa mga hita ng asawa saka pinisil ang muscle nito roon.
"Nope. I like it."

Napangiti si Terron saka hinalikan at bahagyang kinagat ang batok ng asawa.

"Really?"

"Hmm. You've gotten stronger as well."

"I'm glad to hear that." He kissed his wife's shoulder. "I want to be strong enough
to protect you and our family."

"Of course. You're my last line of defense, after all," nakangiting sabi ni Eva.

Terron smiled at that and continued to hug his wife while having a casual
conversation with her about her pregnancy, their still-under-construction house,
and their plan to stay in Italy with his parents this coming autumn.

And then Ethan walked over to them. "Ate, I think he's here," he said while looking
at a yacht in the distance.

Doon lang umalis si Eva sa pagkakaupo sa mga hita ng asawa saka tumingin sa yate
kung saan nakatingin ang kapatid.

It was big and black. A super-yacht.

And as the yacht moved closer to them, the name of the yacht became visible to
everyone.

Leviathan.

Nang mabasa 'yon ni Eva, sinenyasan niya ang Sentries na kasama nila na nasa deck.
"Prepare to anchor. They're here."

Of course, it's not just the anchor the Sentries were preparing but also the
defensive and offensive system of the yacht.

The Leviathan slowed down meters away from their yacht and then a speedboat was
brought down with Kaius on board. At nang makalapit ang speedboat sa yate nina Eva,
tumingala si Kaius kay Eva kapagkuwan ay napatingin sa portholes ng yate.
Nasisiguro niyang hindi iyon basta simpleng portholes.

Those were heavily armed portholes.

He sighed and looked up at Eva again as he raised his two hands in surrender. "I'm
unarmed."

Inosenteng ngumiti si Eva. "Oops."

Kaius could only sigh again. Then he heard Eva ordering someone to "take him
onboard". Of course, he followed the instructions to the letter and after a few
warnings, he was finally face-to-face with his half-brother, Ethan.

Kaius felt like looking into Ethan's eyes was a novel experience. He didn't see the
usual hatred and resentment his other half-siblings have towards him. Ethan was
just looking at him as a stranger he was meeting for the first time. Nothing more
and nothing less.

Kaius was happy about it.

Controlling his emotions, he turned to Eva and then to her husband, the new head of
the Council of Justice who was sweeping the Orgánosi's mess and cleaning it all up
together with the newly appointed second Idrytís.

"He's my husband, Terron Dashwood," Eva introduced Terron to Kaius. "Tesoro, this
is Kaius Vitalis."

Terron offered his hand for a handshake that made Kaius still for a second before
accepting it. "This is new. Orgánosi people usually don't know how to chill."

Terron smiled. "Well, my wife introduced you to me. That means I can chill just
fine."

Kaius nodded with a smile. "Fair enough."

"Nice to meet you," Terron said.

"Likewise."

Nang maghiwalay ang kamay ng dalawa, pinalibot ni Eva ang braso sa braso ng asawa
habang ang isang kamay niya ay pinisil ang pisngi ni Ethan. "I don't think I need
to introduce you two. Kaius, be nice to my brother. And Eth, take care of your big
brother."

Ethan awkwardly nodded while Kaius' eyes widened in surprise at Eva's welcoming
words.

"Thanks," ani Kaius kay Eva.

Eva just shrugged, excused themselves, and dragged Terron back to the recliner they
were sitting on earlier to give her brother and Kaius their privacy as they talked.

"Um, you can call me Ethan or Eth. Whichever you prefer," ani Ethan nang makaalis
ang ate at brother-in-law niya.

"You can call me Kaius."

Ethan nodded before awkwardly glancing at the table for two filled with different
kinds of food near the yacht's railing. "Um... want to sit?"

"Sure."

Ethan guided Kaius to the table and after the two sat and settled down, no one
spoke to break the silence for quite a while.

Kaius couldn't take the silence anymore, so he finally got himself to talk first.
"Am I making you uncomfortable?"

Gustong umiling ni Ethan pero totoo naman na hindi siya komportable dahil sa
kaharap. It's the kind of uncomfortableness that did not stem from a bad
experience, just from the awkwardness of the first meeting.

Ethan chose to be honest. "A little bit, but it's not a bad thing."

Kaius' lips stretched into an unguarded smile. "That's a relief."

That smile made Ethan somehow feel a little at ease, but silence fell once again.
Until Kaius broke it the second time.

"Are you really not mad at me?"

That question confused Ethan, and it made him frown at Kaius. "What do you mean?"

"Well, usually, my half-siblings from my father hate me."

"Why?"

Kaius could see that it was a genuine question from Ethan. There was no malice in
it. He was genuinely curious. "Because I'm my father's son from his legal wife, who
consented to my birth, unlike their mothers who were violated."

"Oh." Kaagad na naintindihan ni Ethan kung saan nanggagaling ang galit ng mga ito,
pero hindi ibig sabihin ay sang-ayon siya ro'n. "I get why they're angry, but they
shouldn't project their anger at you. I mean, you didn't do anything wrong, did
you?"

Kaius smiled. It was the kind of smile that didn't show if he was happy or sad. "I
don't think I'm innocent in all this, so their anger is justified."

Ethan frowned. "Why do you think so? I mean, you were only four or five years old
when your father violated my mother. What could you do at that age?"

Gulat na napatitig si Kaius sa kaharap. Kaius knew his faults. He grew up being
blamed for being born as his father's son, and he did not tell those people off,
not even once, because he believed that their anger was justified. They hated him
for being the legitimate son and it was okay. And it's not like he did something to
stop his father when he came of age. It's not that hard to distance himself from
people who disliked him. That was why when he found out about Ethan, he did not
have a high hope. He was ready to distance himself from this half-brother of his if
that's what Ethan wanted, so to see his little brother look at him without
resentment and disgust that he was used to seeing from his other half-siblings,
Kaius didn't realize how relieved he was until that very moment.

So, this is what it feels like not to be hated by your sibling. It was a good, warm
feeling. He liked it.

"I will sound very inconsiderate by saying this, but maybe I feel this way because
I never lacked love," Ethan added after a long pause. "I'm loved by my two adoptive
parents and my big sister, as you know, is very protective of me. Maybe because I
didn't suffer as much as they have, and I never met my biological mother. I can
only imagine their pain, but I will never fully understand it because I was
privileged to grow up with a good life. I am grateful to my mother for giving birth
to me under such circumstances, and I'm angry for what happened to her, but to
project that anger on you, I do not feel that way."

Kaius' lips were parted in surprise, and he couldn't hold back the smile that
stretched on his lips. "Are you certain?"

Tumango si Ethan. "I mean, I don't hate you or anything."

Kaius' smile widened. "I'm glad to hear that."

"Hmm."

Kaius watched Ethan, who looked awkward and embarrassed after saying those warm
words, and he couldn't help teasing him a bit. "Now I understand why Eva protected
you so much. You're such an adorable little brother."

Ethan scowled at Kaius. "I'm twenty-seven now. Don't call me that."

"But you're an adorable little brother. I think your sister will agree with me."

"I don't want an annoying brother!"

Nangalumbaba si Kaius habang may nanunudyong ngiti sa mga labi at nakatingin sa

kapatid. "So, a crazy sister is okay with you?"

Natigilan si Ethan saka hindi nagawang pabulaanan ang sinabi ni Kaius dahil hindi
talaga normal ang kapatid niyang babae. "Well... Ate is an exception."

Kaius burst out laughing. "You didn't even deny that she's crazy."
Napakamot sa batok si Ethan. "Well... she is."

Kaius laughed again and it took a while for him to sober up. "Ah. I can't remember
the last time I laughed that hard."

Napatitig si Ethan sa kapatid. Hindi sinabi sa kaniya lahat ng ate niya ang tungkol
kay Kaius kaya naman hindi niya ito masyadong kilala. But seeing Kaius now and the
relief on his face earlier when he told him he didn't hate him, Ethan couldn't help
growing an interest in his big brother.

"So, how many half-siblings do I have exactly?" Ethan asked.

"Hmm." Kaius started counting in his head. "So far, I only know three."

"And they all hate you?"

"Yes."

"My sister said you also have two brothers?"

"Yes. A deranged one and an annoying one."

"Who... took after your father's barbaric nature between the two?"

"The deranged one."

"Oh."

"Yeah. So don't bother getting to know him. He'll kill you. He hates all of our
half-siblings."

"Why?"

"Because he thinks only us, the legitimate child, deserve to carry the Vitalis
bloodline."

Ethan grimaced. "Who gives a rat's ass about that filthy bloodline?"

Kaius smirked. "And I like you more for that, little brother."

Ethan scowled again.

"Anyway..." Bumalik sa pagseseryoso si Kaius. "The youngest, he's um... a little

unhinged, but he's a good kid."

"How... unhinged?" Ethan had his doubts.

"Well... he's a painter, and he likes to paint using blood."

Ethan's jaw fell. "That's not a little! He's unhinged!"

"Yeah. I thought so, too."

Hindi makapaniwalang napatitig si Ethan sa kapatid niya. Wala bang normal na sa mga
kapatid ko? Kahit itong nasa harapan niya, para maluwang din ang turnilyo sa utak.

Ang pagkailang na naramdaman ni Ethan kanina kay Kaius ay nawala na nang tuluyan.
He can now easily talk to Kaius. Maybe because Kaius showed an unguarded expression
while facing him. As if Kaius really wanted to introduce himself and be known by
him.

"Do you get along with your brothers?" Ethan was curious since Kaius called them
deranged and unhinged.

"Kross, the youngest, and I are okay," pagkuwento ni Kaius. "Aside from his few
questionable hobbies, he's a good kid. But I don't get along with Kaize, the
deranged one. He's so much like father that I want to kill him every time I see
him."

Hindi napigilan ni Ethan ang mapabuntonghininga sa narinig. "Wow. What a family."

Kaius let out a chuckle. "Indeed. I think you're the only normal person in my
family, but you're an Agroterê so that's debatable."

Ethan narrowed his eyes at Kaius. "What does that even mean? I'm normal."

"By whose standard?"

"By the society."

Kaius did not rebuke Ethan, but it was shown on his face that he did not believe
him.

"By the way, you live and have a work in Italy, right? Are you here for vacation?"

Ethan picked up his wine glass and swirled it. "Why are you asking when you already
know the answer? Ate told me that she's certain that you already had me
investigated."

Kaius smiled as if he had done nothing wrong. "Yes. I did. I'm just making
conversation."

Ethan sighed and sipped his wine. "I'm not here for vacation. I'm here to pick up
my sister and brother-in-law."

"Oh. They're going back to Italy."

"That's what I heard."

"Triads are swarming in Italy as of late. Kindly warn your sister for me."

Tumango si Ethan kapagkuwan ay nagtanong nang biglang may pumasok na lang na

katanungan sa isip niya. "How did you and my sister meet, anyway?"

Natahimik si Kaius pero halatang may hindi ito magandang karanasan kay Eva.

"I don't want to talk about it."

But Ethan became insistent. "What happened? Can't you tell me?"

Seeing his normal and adorable brother looking at him expectantly, Kaius cleared
his throat and looked down at the cheese he had been pairing with wine since
earlier. "Well... um..." His first meeting with Eva was something he couldn't
accept. Gusto niyang burahin 'yon sa memorya niya pero heto, naalala na naman niya.
"She, um, stole my most expensive painting."

Napatanga si Ethan. "Oh." A long pause. Then Ethan asked. "How expensive?"
"Two-fifty million Dollars."

Ethan was speechless. Ate! Gaano na karami ang ninakawan mo?! "H-how did you know
it's my sister?"

Kaius stabbed the cheese with the fork he was holding. "She gave it back to me—
well, 'sold' is the right term since I paid for it with information."

Napangiwi si Ethan. May naramdaman siyang awa para sa kapatid niya. His sister
could be really too much sometimes. "And then you helped her since then?"

Hindi maipinta ang mukha ni Kaius. He seldom showed this expression to other
people, but he really couldn't help it. His ego had taken a beating because of Eva,
and he still couldn't accept it.

However, Eva was someone who was better as an ally than a foe. So, he buried that
certain memory. But now, it was being dug up by his little brother who was also a
little brother to that thief.

Tumikhim si Kaius saka inayos ang ekspresyon ng mukha. "All I can say is that it's
a win-win situation. I gained a lot from her as well."

"That's good," was all Ethan could say because he could feel from Kaius' previous
expression that he did not like working with his big sister, Eva. Then he decided
to change their topic. "Will you be staying for dinner?"

"Am I invited?" Kaius asked back.

"Of course."

"Then yes, I'm staying," Kaius said with a casual smile, not showing if he was
happy or not. But Ethan did not mind at all. Sanay na siya sa ate niya na ganito
rin minsan, lalo na noong akala nila nawala ang mga magulang nila.

It seemed his big brother also had a tough life.

"I'm glad you are not uncomfortable with me now," Kaius said as he observed Ethan's
expression.

Sinalubong ni Ethan ang tingin ng kapatid. "You reminded me of my sister."

Kaius couldn't hold back his grimace. "Please. Anything but that."

Ethan shrugged and Kaius sighed.

"By the way, Ethan, do you mind if I introduce you to someone as my brother? I
think he'll be visiting Italy soon."

Ethan blinked at Kaius. "Someone?"

"A friend of mine. Jacques Sotelo."

The name sounded familiar, but Ethan couldn't pinpoint where he heard it. So, he
just let it go. "Sure. I'm cool with it."

A small smile appeared on Kaius' lips. "That's good to hear. Jacques is a good
friend of mine. I hope you two get along."

"I'll try."
Soon after, their conversation steered to Ethan's work, his life with his two
adoptive parents, and his experiences in life. Habang sinasagot ni Ethan ang mga
tanong ni Kaius, napangalumbaba naman si Kaius at naka-focus ang atensiyon nito sa
nakababatang kapatid.

Kaius liked hearing how normal Ethan's life was. He was happy to know that Ethan
had a good life, well, except for nearly being beaten to death by the Triad. But
seeing his expression soften when talking about his family, Kaius knew that his
little brother was well loved, unlike his other half-siblings who had lost their
family and been abused.

"I'm glad you're happy."

Napatigil sa pagkukuwento si Ethan saka napatingin sa kapatid. Kapagkuwan ay

ngumiti siya. "Yes. I am happy."

Kaius smiled back, his hair was being blown by the wind, messing it up. And it made
him look unguarded, softening Ethan's defenses.

"Kuya..." Nang lumabas ang salitang 'to sa bibig ni Ethan, natigilan siya pero
hindi siya nakaramdam ng hiya dahil sa isip niya, hindi maiintindihan ni Kaius ang
lengguwaheng ginamit niya.

Pero nang makita ni Ethan ang reaksiyon sa mukha ni Kaius, napagtanto niya kaagad
na naintindihan siya ng kapatid niya. Nanigas si Ethan saka mabilis na nag-iwas ng
tingin.

The air had become awkward again. And there was embarrassment as well.

"It's an honor to be called 'kuya' by you, little brother." It was Kaius' earnest
words. Not a hint of teasing could be heard.

Hearing that, Ethan returned his gaze to Kaius and uttered the word that made him
feel embarrassed earlier. "Kuya."

Kaius smiled. "Hmm?"

Ethan casually looked down at his wine glass. "Nothing."

Kaius' smile widened. He was happy. He came here without high expectations and
thought that he would get along with Ethan. Gusto lang niya itong makita at
makilala. Inaasahan na nga niya na magagalit ito sa kaniya at hindi siya
tatanggapin tulad ng iba niyang kapatid.

But he was proven wrong. Ethan accepted him. And even though they were awkward at
first, it slowly became comfortable.

Was this because they shared the same blood?

No. I don't believe in blood is thicker than water. Isa si Kaius sa mga taong hindi
naniniwala sa kasabihang 'to. He, of all people, knew how bullshit this was.

Hindi sigurado si Kaius kung bakit napakadaling naging palagay ang loob niya kay
Ethan. Maybe because he knew from the very beginning that Ethan was a good person
and meeting him now proved that. Or maybe because he was the only half-brother that
did not shun him. But whatever the reason was, it was a good feeling.

"Can I visit you sometime in Italy to grab something to eat?"

"Hmm. It's cool," Ethan answered with a nod.

"What's your favorite food?"

Ethan looked at his brother flatly. "Really?"

Kaius smiled. "I'm curious." And he just wanted to talk to Ethan a little longer.
May dalawang nakababatang kapatid naman siya pero 'yong isa gusto siyang patayin
habang 'yong isa naman hindi matinong kausap. Si Ethan lang sa mga kapatid niya ang
maayos na kausap.

Ethan sighed. "Fine. But don't laugh."

"Alright. I promise."

"It's pasta." Seeing how Kaius was holding back his laughter, Ethan glared at him.
"It's already my favorite food even before I moved to Italy!"

"Yes, yes. I believe you." Kaius was holding back his laughter.

"You're annoying!"

"Yes, yes. I am." Kaius had never dotted on his siblings before because they were
not really on good terms, so this was his first time. "How about your favorite
color?"

Ethan clicked his tongue. "White and gray."

"Favorite person?"

"My sister," Ethan answered without a hint of hesitation.

"Are you dating someone?" Kaius continued his questions.

"No."

"Really?" The report Kaius received stated differently. I thought there's something
between you and your brother-in-law's sister—"

"Of course not! She's my student!"

Kaius shrugged. "So?"

"She's still young!"

Hindi giniit ni Kaius ang nabasa niya sa report na natanggap dahil halatang ayaw ni
Ethan pag-usapan ang love life nito.

"How about you, Kuya? Are you dating someone?"

That question made Kaius still before he showed a soft smile. "I have someone
special, but we're not dating."

"Huh? Why?"

"Well... we're not exactly on the same team."

"So, she's an enemy?"

"Not exactly."

"But you seemed to be a good guy. I mean, sigurado akong hindi ako hahayaan ni Ate
na makilala ka kung sa tingin niya masama ka."

Kaius shrugged. "I'm not an upstanding citizen, you see. Maybe I'm not as bad as
the Triad's standard, but I'm not exactly a good person either."

Just like Ate, Ethan thought before saying, "We all have different circumstances."

Kaius let out a deep chuckle. "I guess."

Silence fell on them but it's not as awkward as before. Soon after, Kaius and Ethan
were talking again.

It was just a simple conversation between brothers that lasted until dinner time.

At dinner, Kaius and Ethan shared a table with Eva and Terron, and the four spent a
few hours at the dining table eating and just talking.

Sitting at that table, conversing with everyone, Kaius had never felt so normal in
his life until that moment. And a passing thought came to his mind.

This is what a family should feel like. Ito ang hindi niya mararanasan kahit
kailan.

With a mother blinded by love, a monstrous father, and siblings who couldn't care
less about one another, family was a word Kaius did not understand.

However, maybe, if he had a family, this warm feeling was what they call a
'family'.

"I'll call you sometime," ani Kaius ng naglalakad na siya pabalik sa speedboat niya
at hinahatid siya ng nakababatang kapatid doon. "If you need anything, don't be a
stranger and call me, okay?"

Tumango si Ethan. "Hmm. I will."

Kaius smiled one last time to Ethan before boarding his speedboat. And as it turned
away, back to his own yacht, Kaius waved his hand at Ethan. Ethan waved back.

"So, how was it?" Eva asked her little brother when he returned from walking Kaius
to his speedboat.

Namulsa si Ethan. "He seems nice. I want to see him again."

Eva smiled and messed up Ethan's hair. "No need to tell me. Do whatever you want to
do. I'm just here."

Ethan smiled at that. He felt blessed. He not only had an overprotective big
sister, but he now had a brother. It felt nice.

Speaking of the brother, when Kaius arrived at his own yacht, Sin, one of his
people, asked him how it went.

A smile appeared on Kaius' lips as he answered, "I gained an adorable little

brother."
And that smile remained on his lips until he received a message from Eva.

'I will send you a gift next month.'

Kaius knew what the 'gift' Eva was talking about. He replied, 'Looking forward to
it.'

After he pressed send, his gaze turned to the dark horizon, and he muttered under
his breath, "The time has come to destroy your legacy, Father."

CECELIB | C.C.

SPECIAL CHAPTER: PREGNANCY

SPECIAL CHAPTER: PREGNANCY

FIRST CHILD

EVA was so thankful when she stopped vomiting at the mere thought of iced coffee,
but that gratefulness immediately vanished when she learned that she shouldn't be
drinking coffee when pregnant. It was so hard that Eva cries at breakfast every so
often. Hindi alam ni Terron ang gagawin para sa asawa. Puwede naman itong uminom ng
kape, limitado nga lang at hindi ina-advise ng doctor 'yon kaya kahit puwede, ayaw
pa rin ni Eva uminom ng kape kahit pa nga gusto nito.

Mula no'ng magbuntis ito, naging maingat na si Eva sa katawan nito. Terron found it
endearing because he knew how much Eva liked to do dangerous things. Pero dahil sa
baby nila na nasa sinapupunan nito, natuto itong maging maingat na pinagpasalamat
niya.

However, it also distressed him. He knew how much Eva loved doing those dangerous
things, but because of her pregnancy, it restricted her movement.

One night, when Terron couldn't help it anymore, while lying on the bed together
and caressing Eva's stomach, he asked her, "So, will we still continue with our
plan to have five children?"

Eva blinked at Terron, confused. "Huh? Bakit hindi?"

Terron looked at his wife helplessly. "Hindi mo nagagawa ang gusto mo dahil buntis
ka. It's distressing to see you look at the sea longingly. I always worry when
you're doing dangerous stuff, but now that you're not doing it anymore, I'm just as
worried. Am I making any sense?"

Hindi mapigilan ni Eva ang matawa sa sinabi ng asawa. "I'm fine, tesoro. I swear."

"But—"

"I admit, I want to do a lot of stuff that is not allowed because I'm pregnant, but
I still want five children. If being unable to do a lot of fun things is the price
I have to pay to give birth to our babies, I can manage." She smiled. "I grew up
with only one sibling, and it gets lonely sometimes because Ethan is very different
from me. Kaya gusto ko ng maraming anak. I'm hoping that by having many siblings,
they won't feel like they're alone."

Terron's expression softened, and he cupped his wife's face. "Alright. Five
children it is."

Lumapad ang ngiti ni Eva. "Have you been worrying about me all this time?"

"Yeah."

Eva scooted closer to Terron while minding her stomach. "Hug me."

Kaagad namang yumakap si Terron sa asawa at hinalikan ito sa noo. "Still not
sleepy?"

Umiling si Eva. "Our baby has been moving a lot these days. Panay sipa niya sa
loob." Mahigit walong buwan na ang tiyan niya. "Medyo masakit ang tiyan ko."

Kaagad na bumukas ang pag-aalala sa mukha ni Terron saka bumangon ito. "Should I
call the doctor?"

They're in Agroterê Island, but they have a doctor on call and a small hospital in
case of emergency.

Umiling ulit si Eva at hinila pabalik sa pagkakahiga si Terron saka isiniksik niya
ang katawan sa dibdib ng asawa. "Ayos lang ako. Hindi naman nagtatagal 'yong sakit.
Nawawala kaagad. I just need to rest."

"Close your eyes and rest then." Nag-aalala pa rin si Terron pero may tiwala siya
sa asawa niya pagdating sa kaligtasan nito at ng anak nila. "And if the pain
becomes unbearable, tell me immediately. Kung tulog ako, gisingin mo ako kaagad. I
won't mind."

Tumango lang si Eva saka umunan sa braso ng asawa. There was indeed pain, but it's
not something to fuss about. Mataas ang pain tolerance niya saka nawawala naman
kaagad ang sakit.

"Sabi ni Doc malaki ang posibilidad na manganak ako sa susunod na lingo,"

pagkuwento ni Eva sa asawa. "Should we inform the family? They've been so excited
about our first baby. Nararamdaman ko na na magtatampo sila kapag nangangak ako na
wala sila rito."

Terron combed Eva's hair, and it was so soothing that Eva's eyes started closing.
"Hmm. I'll call them tomorrow. Leave it to me."

"Okay..." Eva yawned. "Wala ka bang training bukas?"

"Mayroon. But you're always my first priority. So, if you need anything, come to
me, okay?"

That made Eva happy. She smiled. "Okay." She yawned again. "I'm feeling sleepy now.
Good night, tesoro."

"Good night, amorina."

Eva slept in Terron's arms. After a while, when she was finally in deep sleep,
Terron carefully moved her to a more comfortable position and put a long pillow
behind her to support her back.

Nang masigurong komportable na ang asawa, inabot niya ang cellphone saka nag-chat
sa The Hottest Daddies Group chat.

Lalaking Pinagpapa sa lahat: What to do when your wife is about to give birth?

Calyx Vargaz: Manganganak na si Eva?

Lalaking Pinagpapa sa lahat: Nope. Just getting ready.

Train Wolkzbin: I'll ask my wife. Wait.

Ymar Stroam: I'll ask banana. Wait.

Iuhence Vergara: I'll ask myself. 😏 aherm. Based on my experience, there's nothing
you can do, bud.

Lalaking Pinagpapa sa lahat: Wow. What a profound advice @Iuhence.

Iuhence Vergara: Yes. That's me. Very profound.

Knight Velasquez: Spell profound, @Iuhence.

Iuhence Vergara: I feel offended, Knight! It's pro and then found.

Knight Velasquez: 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 So proud of you, Iuhence.

Valerian Volkzki:

Mandu 🔪: Why are we like this in this group chat? The older we get, the dumber we
become.

Lander Storm: Hey! Don't use the word we. That's a Knight-problem.

Lalaking Pinagpapa sa lahat: Bakit pala gising pa kayo? It's 10PM here. That means
it's 4 in the morning there, right?

Khairro Sanford: I'm on duty.

Knight Velasquez: Gano'n daw talaga kapag tumatanda na, nagigising nang maaga.

Mandu🔪: Nag-aya mag-basketball si Knight kaya gising kami.

Lalaking Pinagpapa sa lahat: At 4AM?

Knight Velasquez: What can I say? I'm a man of action 😏

Valerian Volkzki: Sinto-sinto kamo. I don't even fucking know why I'm in the
basketball court right now!

Train Wolkzbin: Knight dragged you here, remember?

Napailing na lang si Terron dahil wala siyang matinong payo na natanggap mula sa
mga baliw niyang kaibigan.

Until Dark chimed in.

Dark Montero: Every pregnant woman is different. But if she tried to hit you
because of the pain, endure it. Pero lalaking pinagpala ka sa lahat. Maybe your
wife will be like SM.

Knight Velasquez: Yes. Yes. My mi reina is the best.

Terron turned his phone off, and he glanced at his wife. Hit me? He knew that Eva
would never do something like that. They'd been together for nearly two years now
to know that his wife spoils him a lot.

But if hitting me could make my amorina feel better, why the hell not?

But those thoughts did not happen.

Two weeks later, Eva went into labor. And the said pregnant woman who was supposed
to be in pain was strolling around the small hospital and video-chatting with the
amazonas.

Terron was in awe that he took a photo of his wife for remembrance.

"Yes, that's it! Keep walking, girl!" Si Czarina ang nangunguna sa video chat.
"Walk and walk."

"That must be painful," nakangiwing komento ni Anniza.

"Nah. I'm fine." Eva looked as if she was strolling in the park, enjoying nature.
"It's painful, but not that much."

The amazona who knew what Eva does for a living just smiled.

"And your husband? Where is he?" tanong ni Eli.

"He's, um..." Nilingon ni Eva ang asawa na nakasunod lang sa kaniya na para bang
handa itong makipaglaban. "He's with me."

"Panicking, I bet," ani Ruth.

"Yeah," sang-ayon ni Gladz. "Huwag ka nang magulat kapag nahimatay 'yan. Style 'yan
ng mga baliw na magkakaibigan."

"Mahimatay?" Nilingon ulit ni Eva ang asawa at nang makita ang namumutla nitong
mukha, lihim na napadasal si Eva. Lord. Give my husband strength, please.

After that quick prayer, Eva resumed talking to the amazonas while walking. The
whole conversation centered on how to take care of babies, and Eva listened to
every advice.

Then suddenly, Eva calmly said, "I have to hang up now, ladies. I think my water
broke."

Bago pa makasagot ang mga amazona, nagpaalam na si Eva saka tinapos ang video chat
at inabot ang cellphone sa asawa na na-estatwa sa likod niya nang marinig na
pumutok na ang panubigan niya.

Eva could only smile at her husband. "Tesoro, kapag 'di ka gumalaw, siguradong dito
ako sa hallway manganganak."

Parang may sumapak kay Terron nang marinig ang sinabi ng asawa saka kaagad na
maingat itong binuhat at dinala ang asawa sa delivery room. Sa sobrang pagpa-panic
niya, nakalimutan niyang tawagan ang mga magulang nila ni Eva na nasa mansiyon at
naghihintay lang ng balita mula sa kaniya.

Terron had forgotten everything, and his focus was solely on his wife.

And since it was on the island, Terron could stay and accompany Eva inside.

Terron looked so pale that the doctor and nurses in the delivery room looked at him
with pity.

"My Lord, are you okay?" one nurse asked after handing Terron a medical gown.

Wala sa sariling napatango si Terron habang namumutlang sinuot ang medical gown.
Akmang lalapit siya sa asawa kapagkuwan nang napatigil siya sa paglalakad dahil
nakita niya ang mukha ni Eva nang umire ito.

Terron was frozen in place, and Eva couldn't help laughing when she met Terron's
eyes and saw how terrified and worried he was.

"I'm okay." She gave her husband a smile. "See? This will be over in a minute."

Terron blankly nodded. Ni hindi niya alam paano siya nakarating sa tabi ni Eva at
nahawakan ang kamay nito.

Terron honestly did not know what had transpired inside the delivery room. He was
so lost and couldn't think properly that he didn't realize that their baby was
finally out until he heard the first cry.

That cry pulled his stupefied mind together, and his eyes landed on the doctor's
arm.

There lies a small, chubby baby boy. Squirming and crying as if wanting to announce
his presence to the world.

Eva smiled and felt a tear fall from her eyes when she saw her baby.

"It's a boy," the doctor announced with a smile.

"It's Evrron Marco." Naluluha na tumingin si Eva kay Terron na hawak pa rin ang
kamay niya. "It's Evrron Marco, tesoro."

Eva waited for Terron's reply. She knew he was happy. But instead of a reply, she
felt the hand holding hers went limp, and her husband fainted.

Yes. He fainted.

Nawalan ng imik ang buong delivery room, kapagkuwan ay napuno iyon ng malakas na
tawa ni Eva kahit kapapanganak pa lang nito. And then Eva's laughter was joined by
their baby's cries.

It was the uncanniest delivery the whole island had ever seen, and Terron's
fainting spread through the two islands so fast that before the sun rose the next
day, everyone knew about it.

And, unfortunately for Terron, what happened became part of the most epic history
of the Agroterê island.
SECOND CHILD

Eight months into Eva's second pregnancy, the family of three, Eva, Terron and
their little good boy, Evrron, settled in Italy. Plano ng mag-asawang Eva at Terron
na manatili sa Italya hanggang sa manganak si Eva kaya naman kahit pasko, nasa
Italya pa rin sila.

And not to mention that their house in the Philippines was still not finished.

A fine afternoon in the Dashwood's mansion, Eva felt like something was amiss with
her stomach. Iba ang sakit na nararamdaman niya. Hindi 'yon katulad ng mga nagdaang
sakit sa tiyan na kaagad nawawala kapag gumalaw siya.

But because her pain tolerance was high, she did not take the pain seriously and
continued accompanying her adorable son in the Dashwood's private library.

Napabuntonghininga si Eva habang pinagmamasdan ang anak at hinahaplos ang sariling

riyan. "Maeve, tell me something."

Maeve was with them in the library, reporting to Eva about the Agroterê's
businesses and projects.

"Yes, Milady?"

"You think my adorable son over there has the potential to be the next Artemis?"
Eva asked. "Give it to me straight."

Maeve glanced at the little lord, who had now learned to sit properly and was
looking through his favorite and very colorful children's book.

Honestly, Maeve didn't want to say anything because she liked the little lord.
Personally, she thinks their little lord was adorable. But their Artemis wanted her
to answer based on the Sentries' perspective.

"I cannot be certain of this because the little lord is still very young, but if he
continued being a soft and amiable child, he might choose the sun, Milady."

Hindi nagkomento si Eva dahil 'yon din ang nakikinita niya sa panganay na anak. But
still, they couldn't be too sure. "Maeve, alam mo ba kung anong klaseng bata ako
noon? Based on that, you think my little Evrron will change as he grows up?"

"I heard that at the age of one, Milady already liked jumping from the sofa to the
floor and that you always have bruises. Based on that, seeing the little lord now
who likes reading colorful children's books and spending time in the garden to play
with flowers, I think he's going to be a sun."

Her little Evrron was indeed like that. Mas gusto pa nitong maglaro sa hardin
kasama ng mga bulaklak. Ah, whatever! What is meant to happen will happen. Masyado
pang bata ang panganay nila para sa mga seryosong bagay.

Naputol ang pag-iisip ni Eva nang maramdamang sumakit na naman ang tiyan niya.
Parang may kumukurot sa kalamnan niya sa loob ng tiyan na nagpaigtad sa kaniya at
napaigik siya.

"Milady?" Mabilis na natayo si Maeve sa kinauupuan at dinaluhan si Eva.

Eva stopped Maeve from assisting her. "I'm fine. Just a little pain."
Seeing that her lady was fine, Maeve went back to her seat.

Akala ni Eva mawawala na ang sakit dahil 'yon naman palagi ang nangyari pero
pasakit nang pasakit ang tiyan niya na mahigpit na napahawak na siya sa armrest ng
kinauupuang sofa.

Walang problema sa pagbubuntis niya dahil halos buwan-buwan ang check-up niya. Kaya
alam niyang hindi normal na sakit 'to.

Huminga nang malalim si Eva habang sapo ang tiyan saka bumaling kay Maeve. "Maeve,
take care of Evrron for me, and please go call Terron. I think something is wrong."

Walang tanong-tanong na kaagad na tumalima si Maeve. She picked up the little lord
and ran to Terron's office—she had been here a lot of times that she already knew
where it was—and then she hurriedly knocked on the door.

Benedict opened it. "Oh. Hello, Lady Maeve. How may I help—"

"Milord." Halos sagasaan ni Maeve si Benedict para makapasok sa loob ng opisina.

"It's Milady. She's calling for you. I think it's an emergency. She's in the
library."

When Terron heard that, he dropped everything that he was doing and ran to his
wife.

Nang makapasok siya sa library, nablangko ang utak niya nang makitang nabalot na ng
dugo ang kinauupuan ng asawa.

"Amorina!" He was pale, his hands were cold, he was panicking, and every part of
him was trembling and scared, but his wife smiled at him like nothing worth
panicking was happening.

"Bakit namumutla ka?" Eva casually stood up and looked at the blood on the sofa.
"That's a lot. I think we should go to the hospital now."

Eva was so calm, very opposite to Terron who was frozen in place, scared shit out
of his life!

Ibinalik ni Eva ang tingin sa asawa. "Tesoro?"

Doon lang natauhan si Terron saka mabilis pero maingat na pinangko ang asawa at
malalaki ang hakbang na tinungo ang garahe.

Terron was in a daze that Benedict ran after his lord and lady, and immediately
took control of the car's steering wheel. Baka mapaano pa ang dalawa sa saan.

And while Benedict was driving as fast and safely as he could, Terron was holding
Eva's hand and squeezing it from time to time, trying to calm himself. Meanwhile,
Eva was just leaning on her seat and calmly observing her panicked husband.

Hindi na nagulat pa si Eva sa pagpa-panic ni Terron. Her husband loved her so

dearly that he worries a lot about every little thing. Nasisiguro niyang blangko
ang utak nito ngayon. Pasalamat na lang siya hindi ito nawalan ng malay.

"Tesoro?" No response. Eva had to shake him in order to make him look at her.

"H-huh?"

Iniangat ni Eva ang kamay para pisilin ang pisngi ng asawa. "Relax. I'm okay."
"How could you be so calm?" He let out a loud breath. "Well, I can't calm down, and
I'm not okay. I'm worried and scared and—fuck." He buried his face in Eva's neck.
"I'm sorry. Let me calm down a bit. My head is spinning."

Eva smiled and patted the back of her husband's head. "There, there. It's okay. I'm
sure I'll be fine."

"I'm still worried." Terron's voice was muffled. "And scared. When I saw the blood
on the sofa, my legs nearly gave out. Amorina, no amount of training could make me
not worry about you."

"I know." Eva's expression softened. "And I love you for that."

"I love you, too." Finally, albeit slowly, Terron calmed down a little before
arriving at a private hospital that was owned by a Sentries member.

Eva was immediately wheeled into the emergency room and was quickly transferred to
the delivery room.

And because Terron was with Eva, accompanying her last the first time she gave
birth, Benedict took it upon himself to call his lord and lady's parents to inform
them of what had happened.

After that, Benedict did not need to leave the hospital to get the baby and the
mother's clothing. Sue, a Sentries member, brought it to the hospital.

"How's Milady?" Sue asked Benedict.

Iminuwestra ni Benedict ang kamay sa delivery room. "Still inside. I already

informed the whole family."

Sue nodded and then quickly posted on the Sentries correspondence to inform
everyone that their Artemis was already in the delivery room and that she was
waiting outside for news.

Sue did not wait for long. Terron came out of the delivery room looking pale and
informed them that it was a premature baby, and thankfully, Eva was able to give
birth safely.

Then, a few hours later, in the Sentries correspondence, Terron posted a photo of a
little baby's feet with the caption 'Safely delivered. It's a little goddess.'

The comment section on Terron's post was flooded with countless questions. It only
stopped after Terron commented on his own post.

'Her name is Terra Evaleigh.'

After posting that comment, Terron gave all his attention to his wife who was
surrounded by the whole family. At dahil alam niyang magiging hanging na naman
siya, lumapit siya sa asawa at pinagsiklop niya ang kamay nilang dalawa.

Kaagad namang bumaling si Eva kay Terron saka ngumiti. Terron smiled back and
kissed the back of his wife's hand and stayed quiet beside her. He didn't mind
being an air because he was happy that he did not faint this time. He managed to
hold on and survive the delivery of their second baby.

With a breath of relief, Terron whispered I love you's to his wife.

THIRD CHILD

EVRRON was four years old, and Terra was nearing three years old when Eva's baby
bump reached eight months. The whole family was in France at the time because
Terron had some work as the head of the Council of Justice in the Orgánosi.

Both Terron and Eva didn't want to be apart, so Terron took his whole family to
France with him together with a few Sentries to protect them.

Early morning, Eva was in the garden next to a small man-made lake, sitting on a
reclining chair, enjoying the warmth of the sun. Her eldest son, Evrron, was just
quietly picking flowers and arranging them while her second child, her daughter
Terra, was running around and trying to climb a tree.

Thanks to Ember, who was with them, Terra was taken away from the tree and brought
back to Eva's side.

Pero hindi nagtagal, bigla na lang nawala ang tatlong taong gulang na si Terra at
muntik nang baliktarin ni Ember ang buong mansiyon para mahanap ito na nagtatago
lang pala sa ilalim ng lamesa at kumakain ng cookies.

Namana ni Terra ang pagiging patay-gutom ng ina nito kaya naman sobrang lusog nito.
Sa sobrang kalusugan nito, nag-advise na ang doctor nito na bawasan ang kinakain
nito dahil obese na ito para sa edad nitong tatlong taong gulang.

That's why when Ember caught her eating cookies, Terra hurried stuffed all her
cookies inside her mouth and she smiled innocently at Ember.

Ember sighed. "I'm going to tell your mom."

Mabilis na nginuya ni Terra ang cookies saka lumunok pagkatapos ay tumakbo ito
patungo sa hardin at yumakap sa paa ng mommy niya bago umakyat paupo sa mga hita
nito.

When it comes to her mother, Terra learned from a very young age not to lie and
just own up to her mistakes. "Mommy, I stole a few cookies and ate them. I'm
sorry."

Eva playfully flicked Terra's nose. "Nahuli ka ni Aunt Ember mo 'no kaya ka umamin
sa 'kin?"

Terra pouted and looked away.

Ember entered the garden and heard her lady's words. "Yes. I did."

"It's just a few cookies."

"How many is a few?" Eva asked.

"Ten." Terra smiled proudly at her mother. "See? It's few, Mommy."

Eva smiled back, as innocent as Terra's smile. "How about Mommy takes and eats your
dessert for ten days since ten is a few number?"

Terra gasped loudly; her chubby hands were clutching her head. "Oh no! Oh no! No.
No. No."

Mas lalo pang naging inosente ang ngiti ni Eva. "Baby, you have to work hard para
maisahan mo si mommy."

Mas naging mahaba ang nguso ni Terra. "Paano kung magsumbong ako kay Daddy?"

Eva shrugged. "Daddy will surely side with Mommy."

"Why is that?"

Eva grinned. "Because I'm Daddy's baby."

Terra looked so aggrieved as she looked at her mother, but her aggrieved expression
immediately changed when she saw her mother flinch while holding her stomach.
"Mommy?"

From behind, a hand held Terra's arm.

"Terra, get off from Mommy's lap. I think she's hurt." Evrron's calm and gentle
voice reached Terra's ear, and Terra immediately left Eva's lap, and she looked at
her Aunt Ember.

Ember smiled. "Don't worry, kids. Your mommy is fine." Kilala ni Ember ang Artemis
nila. Kung seryoso ang sakit na nararamdaman nito, magpapadala kaagad ito sa
hospital. "Your baby sibling is probably just kicking and having fun inside."

Evrron and Terra both looked at their mother expectantly. A few moments later, Eva
leaned back in her seat and smiled at her babies. "I'm okay. It's just that your
baby brother is moving around too much."

The calm and sensible eldest son just nodded while Terra said "okay" and went back
to trying to climb the tree. Ang hindi alam ni Eva, pasimpleng pumasok si Evrron sa
kabahayan para kunin ang cellphone na iniwan sa kaniya ng daddy niya in case may
emergency.

Evrron immediately called his daddy.

Terron was busy reading the files sent to him by the legal department stationed
here in France when his phone rang. He glanced at it, and when he saw that it was
his son calling, he quickly picked up his phone and answered. "Yes, kiddo?"

"Daddy, Mommy's tummy is aching," Evrron reported to his father in a calm voice, as
if he was not afraid. "You told me to call immediately if Mommy's tummy started
hurting. So, I called. Mommy looks hurt, but she said she's okay."

Terron smiled because he found his son adorable reporting to him as he asked.
"Thanks, buddy. Daddy will go home immediately."

"Okay. See you, Daddy."

"See you. Take care of Mommy, okay?"

"Hmm. I will."

The call ended and Terron couldn't help smiling widely. Their eldest was serious,
gentle, and calm. Palagi nitong sineseryoso ang mga bilin niya at palagi itong
nakikinig sa kaniya. Kabaliktaran naman nito ang ikalawa nilang anak na babae.
Sumasakit palagi ang ulo niya.
Tulad na lang ngayon, nakatanggap siya ng report galing kay Ember na umaakyat na
naman ng puno si Terra. Bakit sa kaniya nagre-report si Ember at hindi kay Eva?
Dahil para kay Eva, normal lang na umakyat ng puno ang anak nila. She was even
happy that Terra was showing love for doing dangerous things.

Pakiramdam ni Terron araw-araw nababawasan ng ilang taon ang buhay niya dahil sa
mag-ina niya.

'Please stop Terra.' He replied to Ember before packing his things to leave the
office early.

Ember replied to Terron with a video of Terra and her bruised knees, but she's
still trying to climb the tree happily.

Terron sighed heavily and ran his fingers through his hair. 'What is my amorina
doing?'

Ember replied with a video of Eva cheering Terra on.

He facepalmed. 'I'm going home. Make sure Terra doesn't climb that freaking tree.'

Nang mabasa ni Ember ang reply ni Terron, nakaramdam siya ng awa para dito. Having
a wife like their Artemis and now having a daughter like Artemis was not something
anyone could take. It's a good thing their Artemis' moon was a strong man.

"Aunt Ember! Aunt Ember! Take a video of me climbing and send it to Grandma! She'll
praise me for sure!" sigaw ni Terra habang sinusubukan pa rin nitong umakyat.

Other than Eva, there was one person who indulged Terra's love for dangerous
things. It's her grandmother, Emory.

Nagdarasal si Ember na sana kasimbait ni Evrron ang ikatlong anak ni Eva.

Thankfully, Terron arrived fast, and Terra was immediately taken away from the
tree.

Terra pouted at her father. "Daddy, didn't you see I'm having fun?"

"It's dangerous. Don't do it again. Promise me."

Terra blinked at her father and then immediately ran to hide behind her mother.

Napabuntonghininga na lang si Terron saka lumapit sa asawa at umuklo para halikan

ito sa noo. "How's your day, amorina?"

Eva smiled and purred like a cat as she stretched her body. "I'm okay. Why are you
home early? Tapos na ang trabaho mo?"

Nilingon ni Terron ang panganay na anak na naglalakad palapit sa kanila. "Evrron

called. Sumakit daw ang tiyan mo. I was worried so I came home."

Kaagad na lumambot ang ekspresyon ng mukha ni Eva. "Aww. My tesoro is so sweet."

When Eva became so soft like this, Terron couldn't help dipping his head and
kissing his wife senselessly. Unfortunately, he had to stop because he felt his
wife flinch.

Terron immediately pulled away to see his wife grimacing in pain. "What happened?
Are you okay? Do you want me to take you to the hospital?"

Umiling si Eva. "Okay lang ako."

"No, you're not. You're in pain. Kabuwanan mo na ngayon. Let's go to the hospital.
Please?"

Seeing her husband's begging face, Eva couldn't say no and nodded. "Okay. Let's
go."

"Can we go, too?" tanong ni Terra na lumabas na mula sa pagtatago sa likod ng mommy
nito.

Terron took a knee to level his face with his daughter. "Babies are not allowed
there. Be a good girl and stay here with Aunt Ember, okay?"

Terra blinked at Terron. "I've always been a good girl, Daddy."

Terron blinked, his expression flat.

Evrron smiled and held Terra's hand. "I'll take care of her, Daddy."

Terron actually felt relieved when he heard that until Terra spoke to her brother.

"Take care of who? Do you want me to cut your flowers?"

Evrron calmly shook his head and patted Terra's hand gently. "It's okay. You can
cut all the flowers. Whatever makes you happy, Terra."

Hindi na nagulat pa si Eva at Terron sa narinig. Evrron had always been a passive
boy, always giving in to Terra and not fighting at all. He was such a responsible
soft boy that the parents couldn't help worrying about him.

"Baby..." Eva ruffled her son's hair. "It's okay to say no and fight when you feel
aggrieved."

Evrron blinked at his mother, confused. "But I'm not aggrieved, Mommy. If Terra cut
the flowers, I'll just arrange them and give them to you."

Hindi alam ni Eva ang isasagot sa sinabing 'yon ng anak kaya tumango na lang siya
at nagpaubaya nang buhatin siya ng asawa.

As Ember took care of the kids, Terron brought Eva to the hospital.

Eva sighed at the passenger seat. "Nag-aalala ka sa ugali ni Terra habang nag-
aalala naman ako na masyadong mabait ang panganay natin. What do we do?"

Terron was always worried, but he shrugged at his wife. "Honestly? I don't know,
amorina. Naisip ko na lang na hayaan kung anong mangyayari. What's meant to happen
will happen. Ang importante, nasa tabi nila tayo para gabayan sila sa abot ng
makakaya natin. I grew up being told what to do and I really don't want to do that
to our babies."

"Yeah. I don't want to tell them what to do either." Eva grew up being free to do
whatever she wanted, and that made her value freedom. "But we can't slack off when
it comes to attitude and manners, tesoro. I don't want to raise an entitled and
ungrateful child. We must teach them properly. We have to make them understand that
we will not be where we are today without the people around us."
Terron had the same thought as Eva. "Of course."

Thankfully, their children were not entitled or ungrateful. It's just that the one
was too nice that it was worrying most of the time, while the other one was
resembling her crazy mother more and more each day.

Three days after they arrived at the hospital, Terron and Eva's parents arrived at
the hospital where Eva was at.

"Oh my..." Emory wanted to pinch the baby's cheeks in Eva's arms. "What a cute baby
boy!"

"Oh! Our grand baby looks so adorable!" segunda ni Tara saka pinisil-pisil ang paa
ng bata. "He's so cute! I want to take him home!"

Bumaling si Ariti kay Terron na nakaupo sa tabi ni Eva. "When are you going back to
Italy?"

"I still have some things to do here," sagot ni Terron habang hawak-hawak ang kamay
ng anak. "Maybe in four to five months."

"The baby is still young for travel, so stay here for a bit," ani Ferreo. "By the
way, adorable little Terra wanted to go back with us to Italy? Can we take her?"

Natigilan si Terron. "Terra said that?"

"Yes." Ferreo smiled, feeling delighted. "My granddaughter is really adorable. She
said she missed me and wanted to come play in Italy."

"Um..." Terron was worried. "I'm afraid you'll grow old early, Father."

"Huh?" Ferreo frowned at Terron. "What do you mean?"

As for Ariti, when he heard it, he sighed and tapped Ferreo's shoulder. "Good luck.
You'll need it, Ferreo."

Ferreo did not understand why his son and Ariti were looking at him as if he'd need
help soon and frowned.

Meanwhile, Tara and Emory were so enamored by their third grandchild was playing
with the baby's hands and feet.

"What's his name?" Emory asked.

Eva answered. "Vesper Marco."

"Such a nice name," Tara commented and softly rubbed Vesper's chubby cheek. "Do you
and Terron still have plans to conceive again after Vesper?"

Mabilis na tumango si Eva. "We want five kids."

Sinuklay ni Tara ang buhok ni Eva. "As long as you're safe."

Eva smiled and looked down at her son, who was sleeping peacefully in her arms. She
was really determined to have five kids. Gusto niya ng maraming anak para maingay
palagi ang bahay nila.

Kahit marami siyang gustong gawin na alam niyang magagawa lang niya kapag hindi
siya buntis, pinagpaliban niya 'yon. She was focused on growing her family with
Terron.

As her heart softened, she leaned down and kissed her son's forehead. "I pray that
you become a free-spirited boy, my little Vesper."

FOURTH CHILD

"MOMMY. Here. It's for you." The six and a half years old Evrron gave Eva a wreath
and even put it on her head like a crown before smiling gently at his mother.
"Mommy, you look so pretty today as well."

Eva smiled at her eldest. "And you're still such a good boy, baby. And your wreaths
had become more beautiful."

Evrron was pleased to be praised by his mother. "Thank you, Mommy." Then he hugged
her, careful not to touch her sibling inside his mother's stomach. "I love you."

Eva gently tapped her son's back as she responded, "And mommy loves you, too,
baby."

Evrron grinned and tightened his hug on his mommy more.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the garden was the opposite of the quiet and
harmonious scene between the mother and son. Terron, who had Vesper in his arms,
was so stressed about his second child.

"Terra, get off that trampoline now!" Pakiramdam ni Terron ay nauubusan siya ng
lakas dahil sa pangalawa niyang anak. "Terra, listen to Daddy. Get off of that
dangerous thing now!"

Mahaba ang nguso na sumunod naman si Terra pero parang mas lalong na-stress si
Terron nang makita kung saan ito papunta. "No, Terra. Stay away from the monkey
bars. Remember the last time you fell and sprained your wrist?"

Mas lalong humaba ang nguso ni Terra saka naglakad patungo sa ibang bahagi ng
hardin.

Terron only took off his eyes at his daughter for a few seconds, and when he looked
at her again, she was now climbing a tree.

"Terraaa!"

Narinig ni Eva ang pagsigaw ni Terron sa pangalan ng ikalawa nilang anak pero hindi
na siya nagulat pa. It's a common occurrence in their house.

"Let her be, tesoro," ani Eva ng lumapit sa kaniya ang asawa at pinaupo ang ikatlo
bilang anak sa recliner sa tabi niya. "She'll be fine."

"But—"

"Let's just watch her," suhestiyon ni Eva. "Look at her smiling so happily."

Terron could see it. His daughter was happily climbing that tree that he had deemed
dangerous for a five-year-old. But seeing his daughter's glowing face and wide
smile, he could only sigh while massaging his temple. "It's dangerous."
Eva couldn't relate. Kasi noong ka-edad siya ni Terra, halos pareho lang ang gusto
nilang gawing dalawa.

Terron sighed before bending his waist to kiss his wife's forehead and then
stomach. An overly nice eldest son, a crazy little devil daughter, and finally a
normal third child. Lord, please, make our fourth baby a good child. Malalagas ang
buhok ko kung may isa pang Terra na daragdag sa pamilyang 'to. A crazy grandmother,
mother, and child are enough.

But Terron's prayer wasn't heard.

Nang ipinanganak ni Eva ang ika-apat nilang anak na babae sa Athens, buwan lang ang
binilang bago napagtanto ni Terron na dalawa na ang anak niyang lalagas sa buhok
niya at parehong babae pa ang mga ito.

Aster liked crawling, rolling around, and climbing the chairs. And when she reached
one year old, she tried to climb her crib! And her big sister Terra was cheering
her on!

"Terra Evaleigh! Aster Evaleigh! What do you think you're doing?" nakapamaywang na
tanong ni Terron sa ika-apat na anak.

Aster immediately stopped climbing her crib and looked at her father so innocently
and even blew and bubbled saliva at him. Meanwhile, Terra stopped clapping her
hands and smiled innocently at their father.

Pinaningkitan ni Terron si Terra. "At ano'ng ginagawa mo sa kapatid mo?"

Terra pouted. She was taught not to lie to the people she cared about, so she
immediately came clean. "I'm cheering my sister on, Daddy. I want a climbing
buddy."

Pigil ni Terron ang masapo ang sariling mukha. "Terra, your little sister is only
one year old. She's forbidden to climb. Promise me not to do this again."

Kaagad na nag-iwas ng tingin si Terra.

"Terra, promise me."

Hindi sumagot si Terra.

"Terra."

Mahina ang boses na sumagot si Terra. "Pero gagawin ko pa ulit kaya ayokong mag-
promise."

Pakiramdam ni Terron, tumaas ang presyon niya.

Mariin niyang ipinikit ang mga mata. "Terra, baby, it's dangerous to climb. Baka
mapaano ang kapatid mo."

Nag-angat ng tingin si Terra sa daddy niya, naguguluhan ang bukas ng mukha nito.
"But I'm a good climber, Daddy. And okay naman ako."

Pigil ni Terron ang mapigtas ang pagtitimpi niya. "Terra, don't make yourself a
standard. Aster is still a baby and something bad could happen."

"Like what?"
"Like accident or death."

Terra glanced at Aster then she played with her own fingers. "Okay. I won't make
Aster climb until she's three years old."

Terron let out a loud breath. "Terra, that's not the point!"

"But Aster likes to climb like me," Terra argued.

Aster giggled at her father as if she understood Terra and clapped her hands.

Terron just want to wither away and give up, but he had to educate his daughter.
Pero kahit anong paulit-ulit niyang pangaral kay Terra, masyadong matigas ang ulo
nito na nagpatulong na siya sa asawa.

But Eva just chuckled and kissed him. "Tesoro, relax. Maha-high blood ka sa
ginagawa mo. Trust me, if they're like me when I was a child, they're just
starting."

Terron's expression became helpless. "Is there nothing we can do?"

Eva shrugged and suggested. "Let's plant more trees for them to climb?"

Hindi makapaniwalang napatitig si Terron sa asawa. Ano pa ba ang aasahan niya?

Their two daughters clearly took after their mother.

"I'm praying that our last planned baby will be more like Vesper. Mild manner and
very understanding."

Unfortunately, Terron's prayer wasn't heard. Again.

FIFTH CHILD

THE SPECIAL room near the delivery room that only opens under special circumstances
was now open and filled with lunatics accompanying Terron. Sa Pilipinas pinanganak
ang panlimang anak nila ni Eva kaya naman isa-isang nagsidatingan ang mga kaibigan
niya.

Wala nang nakakagulat doon. Naging tradisyon na nilang magkakaibigan na samahan ang
sino mang kaibigan na nanganganak ang asawa sa delivery room. At para hindi maka-
istorbo, pumasok sila sa kuwarto na pinagawa ng asawa ni Train para lang sa kanila.

However, unlike in the past when they didn't have any experience, almost everyone
in the room had become a father. And with their experience with their own wives,
they were not as worried as they used to be.

"Ito ang unang beses na manganganak dito si Eva, 'no?" tanong ni Cali.

Tumango si Terron.

"Chips, gusto niyo?" Khairro offered, uncaring if Terron was worried as hell.

Only Knight accepted the chips, and while eating it, he asked, "Bakit walang
barbecue?"
Lahat ay napatingin kay Terron na ikinakunot ng noo ni Terron. "Really? I was
panicking because of the blood dripping on the floor, and you all want me to
provide you barbecue?"

"Gusto mo kami na lang ang kumuha para sa 'yo?" tanong ni Calyx na puno ng
konsiderasyon ang boses.

"Damihan natin. Mas sumarap ang barbecue nila simula no'ng nagka-aircon," ani
Iuhence.

Napailing si Tyron kay Iuhence. "Nakalimutan mo ba na may bagong lista ka roon sa

barbecue-han nila? Siningil ka ni Eva noong isang araw."

Nalukot ang mukha ni Train sa narinig pero hindi ito nagkomento. Napagod na ito sa
kakasingil kay Iuhence na halatang walang balak na magbayad.

"Hindi yata makakapunta si Morgan," wika ni Andrius pagkatapos manghingi ng

sitsirya kay Knight. "Nasa ospital pa yata ang panganay niya."

At the mention of Titus' kid, everyone looked at Terron.

"Galing lang sa ospital 'yong pang-apat mo, 'di ba?" tanong ni Shun.

Terron just grunted.

"Bud, you look like you've lost half of your life," obserba ni Lander.

"I swear, si Dashwood ang pinakamaagang tatanda satin." Napailing si Thorn saka
ikinuwento ang nangyari noong isang linggo. "Kumakain ako ng barbecue sa karinderya
nila nang bigla na lang pumasok yong pang-apat niyang anak at may dalang water toy
gun. Kalaban niya 'yong Ate Terra niya. Akala ko normal lang na water toy gun, pero
no'ng tinamaan ako, naiubo ko 'yong kinakain ko sa sakit. When I asked Terra, she
said it's a modified version of a water toy gun. I got worried so I asked who
modified it. Guess who did it?"

Sabay-sabay na sumagot ang lahat. "Eva."

Thorn nodded. "Yep. Her."

Everyone looked at Terron with pity, while Terron just sighed and smiled. "Trust
me. That's harmless."

When it came to his daughters, Terra and Aster, what he considered dangerous was
harmless to those two. That's why he was trying to relax his mind when it came to
those two. Dahil kung hindi, maaga talaga siyang mamamatay dahil sa konsumisyon.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Husband of Eva Dashwood?"

Kaagad na tumayo si Terron saka mabilis na binuksan ang pintuan. "That's me. How's
my wife?"

Ngumiti ang nurse na miyembro ng Sentries. She was tasked to make sure that the
mother and baby will be safe from external harm. "Safe hong nai-deliver ni misis
ang anak niyo. Ihahatid na namin si misis mamaya sa private room niya. Puwede mo
siyang hintayin doon."
Terron let out a relieved sigh and said with a faint smile. "Thank you."

The nurse smiled back. "You're welcome. It's a boy, by the way."

Eva and Terron did not check their baby's gender, so it came as a surprise to
Terron. He was happy that it was a boy. Not because he wanted one but because all
his sons were gentle, caring, and understanding. It's their daughters that made his
head hurt.

Well, that's what he believed. Until their fifth child, Arese Marco, proved him
wrong.

At the age of two, he started climbing sofas, tables, and trees. Yes. Tree. Just
like his two big sisters.

Terron didn't know what to do and just watched his eldest and third son sitting
obediently on the sofa, reading, while the other three—Terra, Aster, and Arese—
were climbing onto the sofa's back and jumping down as if the height was not double
to theirs.

And when he asked, "Kids, where's Mommy?"

Evrron Marco, Terra Evaleigh, Vesper Marco, Aster Evaleigh, and Arese Marco all
simultaneously shrugged at him as if it was not a big deal that their mommy was
missing and went back to whatever they were doing.

Right at that moment, Terron received a message from his missing wife since
morning.

Wife: Tesoro, I forgot again! I'm going free diving with Ember. See you in two
days! Love you! I'll miss you! I'll ride you when I get back 😘

Terron's stressed expression changed into a helpless, doting smile, and with a
silent chuckle, he replied to his wife: Be careful, and you better ride me good
when you come back, amorina.

Pagkatapos niyang mag-reply at maibulsa ang cellphone, tinanong niya ang mga anak.
"Who wants to go to Tito Knight's house?"

The five children perked up, and one by one, they ran to him and surrounded him
while looking all innocent.

Napailing na lang si Terron saka dinala ang limang anak sa bahay ni Knight at alam
niyang tama ang naging desisyon niya nang makitang nandoon din ang anak ni Volkzki
saka ni Shun.

His kids immediately shouted in glee when they saw Cloud and Jacques playing with
the other kids in the living room.

"Tito Cloud!"

"Tito Jacques!"

Terron also entered the house and joined the Knight, Valerian, Shun, and Kamden on
the sofa.

And seeing their rowdy kids playing with Jacques and Cloud so happily with no care
in the world, they all simultaneously let out a relieved sigh.
At the same time, the thought 'being a father is fucking hard' was running on their
minds.

But even if it was hard, if Terron was given a chance to redo his life, they would
choose to be a father again in a heartbeat.

His kids may be a pain in the ass, but he loved them to death, nonetheless—

"Oh, fuck! Arese!" It was Jacques. His voice was filled with panic.

When Terron looked at what his daughter, Terra, was doing. Instead of feeling
stressed, he smiled.

"Nothing to worry about," ani Terron kay Jacques. "It's just climbing the window.
Nothing serious."

Knight, Shun, Valerian, and Kamden all look at Terron with pity in their eyes.

Terron's smile widened. Yes. I'm fucking experienced.

At that moment, Terron realized how far he had come from stressing over Terra's
climbing habit to now being chill even after seeing his son climb a window.

As a father, I feel like I evolved.

Well, having five kids would do that to anyone. It was no wonder Ream was always
busy. Now, Terron understood. Being a father of five, he understood one thing—five
children was more than enough. Six would be an overkill.

CECELIB | C.C.