The familiar heat of the weather touched my skin when I came out of the airport. I was wearing a black crop top shirt underneath my denim jacket that was hanging loosely on my back shoulders, paired it with my ripped fitted jeans—which made me look sophisticated. I roamed my eyes around and a small smile plastered on my lips when I saw my father. He was standing by the side of his car, waiting for my arrival. He didn't notice me yet because he was focused on typing on his phone so I started walking. My heels made a noise every time I stepped on the cement as well as the wheels of the suitcase I'm carrying, so when I was only two meters away from Daddy, he looked up at me. He quickly straightened up and greeted me with a smile. "Welcome back," he murmured as he gave me a hug. I let go of my suitcase and hugged him back. "Thanks, Dad." Daddy slowly let go after a few minutes and then stared at me blankly. He caressed my cheek for a moment before smiling again. I couldn't help but ch

It felt like deja vu. How I now ogle the structure as I stand in front of our workplace. The heartbeat I had experienced in the past was still present. The amazement as well as anxiety. I breathed in and out. I took one look at myself before deciding to walk. I can't deny that my nervousness doubled when I entered the company. When I was at home, I had already prepared for the employees' scrutinizing looks, that's why I was surprised when all I saw in their reactions was pure shock. Some of the employees are still familiar to me. There are some that I don't know, maybe they came in when I was gone. I tried to plaster a small smile on my lips. "Good morning," I greeted formally. The employees quickly returned to their respective ways and greeted back. Some of the staff who is wondering about my presence also did the same, maybe they felt that I was one of the higher ups. After that, a woman came right up to me and introduced herself as Daddy's secretary. "I will take you to your

"K-Khrystal." I looked up at Mama who I didn't notice was already by my side. "Yes?" She didn't answer immediately. Instead, she just diverted her eyes from me to what I was doing. I'm currently preparing eggplant for the torta (fried eggplant with egg) I'm going to make. That's the twins' favorite. "Dear, are you planning to grind that eggplant?" she wondered, hesitation was in her tone. Only then was I able to focus on the eggplant that I was mashing with a fork. It's a mess. I don't know if it's eggplant or avocado because the flesh is so fine. I tried to laugh to get rid of the shame I felt and then put down my fork. "To mix well with the egg, Mama," I excused myself. I bit my bottom lip when Mama raised her eyebrows. She obviously didn't believe what I said. Later she grabbed the end of the stem and lifted it. "Do you hate eggplant?" I don't know whether to be ashamed or laugh because the branch was removed by the vegetable.In the end, I just grabbed the stem and then put

I don't know how I was able to drive despite my deep thoughts. What happened earlier made me feel hurt and lonely. Not for me but for my children. It's been almost three months since I told the twins about their father. That was not easy for me, if only I could hide the truth I would do it. But I also know that my children do not deserve to be lied to. They were three years old back then when they started asking about their father. Like normal children they also looked for a father. But at their young age, I know they won't fully understand everything yet so I better not mention anything. I did promise them that when they reach four years old, I will introduce them to their father. And I did it. I let out a deep breath as I finally parked my car in the company parking lot. Again I remembered the faces of the twins before I left the house. The sadness and regret in their eyes. For a moment I felt like I wanted to go back to Vista Querencia and comfort them as much as I could. But

True to his words, he did not bother me. My meeting with the client was peaceful and I was able to leave the restaurant without seeing his presence again. It's a good thing because I am free to look for a house without him following me. But maybe I was unlucky for a bit because I didn't like any of the available houses that I went to. If they are not too big, they are too crowded, and not safe for the twins. I let out a sigh as I got into my car. Later I suddenly remembered the apartment I lived in before. There was a little hope in my chest somehow. Yeah, it doesn't have much space. But I can make it bigger while we stay there. Well, that's only possible if the owner sells the house to me. I looked at my watch. I just shook my head because I knew I couldn't fit going there into my schedule anymore. In the end, I decided to get back at the office. I was walking calmly to my office when I was stopped by Mama's presence. She was holding a food tray in her hand with two juices on it—