"CITY OF PINES"

Only two weeks had passed, and the swift construction of Scott's Café's new branch in Baguio had already begun. Since Andrew entrusted me with the management, I was the first to go there.

"Are you sure you don't need someone to accompany you?" Manang Sela asked me that morning as I prepared to leave.

As expected, when Andrew and Lana returned from their honeymoon, their lives returned to normal, much like mine did. The house that Lana used to own, which my brother bought from our aunt, was now the residence of the couple along with Andrea. Meanwhile, Mama Cecille stayed at the townhouse in Mercedes Estate.

"I'll be fine, Manang. I'm used to cooking anyway. Besides, I'm independent, so you don't have to worry about me," I replied as I closed my suitcase containing all the personal belongings I would need.

"You should have Sonia get groceries for you," she added.

Manang Sela was referring to the caretaker I had hired to clean the house once in a while.

"What about Marius? When is h