Chapter 64 CHAPTER 63

Chapter 64 CHAPTER 63

Sleep never came to me last night. Questions kept multiplying in my mind as I thought about the offer Aeros had made. Part of me desperately wanted to take the risk, to see where it would lead, but another part screamed that it could be a trap. I knew Aeros too well. His hatred toward me ran deep, making it impossible to believe that he would suddenly change and show kindness without ex

“Lilith, what’s on your mind?”
I was pulled from my deep thoughts when I heard Manang Hilda’s voice. I turned to look at her. “Huh?”
“You’ve been staring into space for a while now. You haven’t even touched your food. Your coffee is going to get cold.”
I averted my gaze, unable to meet her worried eyes. “I’m sorry, Manang Hilda.”
“I told you, don’t take what happened to your page too close to heart. If your customers are truly loyal, they will always find a way back to you.”
I sighed and nodded. “I know that. I’m just... disappointed. It feels like everything I worked so hard for has come crashing down.”

She gently patted my shoulder, a comforting touch that never failed to ease my burdens. “Just look at this as a test. God will return everything you lost, twofold.”
Tears welled in my eyes, and I managed a nod. “Thank you so much for always lifting my spirits. Honestly, if it weren’t for you and Amethyst... I probably would have given up on life a long time ago.”
“I’m always here for you, you know that.” She smiled warmly, her eyes filled with maternal affection. “Eat up, and make sure to rest afterward. You look like you didn’t get a wink of sleep last night.”
I shook my head. “I need to go to Manila today, Manang. But I’ll be back right away.”
Manang Hilda’s brow furrowed slightly, catching the underlying tension in my voice. “Why? What are you going to do in Manila?”
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to find some semblance of strength. “I don’t want to keep secrets from you. The reason I’m heading to Manila is... I’m meeting Aeros.”
“What?!” Shock washed over her face, instantly morphing into fear and anxiety. “I thought you never wanted to see him again? After everything he put you through, why on earth are you still meeting him, Lilith?”
“He was the owner of the unknown number that kept calling me yesterday. He wouldn’t leave me alone last night, so I finally answered. He told me... he has an offer. A way for me to get our mansion back.” I squeezed my hands together, my palms sweating from sheer nervousness.
Manang Hilda’s expression hardened. Resentment laced her voice. “You know, there was a time when I dreamed of seeing the two of you end up together because I saw how happy you made each other. But now, he’s married. That can’t happen anymore, Lilith. He has a family now, and he’s about to become a father. I don’t want you getting hurt.”
“Manang Hilda, we are just going to talk. We are not getting back together,” I insisted, though a sharp pang pierced my chest at the reminder that he now had a family. “I have no intention of breaking up his home, and I certainly have no plans of running back to the man who ruined me. This is strictly business.”
“Are you absolutely sure about what you’re getting yourself into?” she asked, her voice heavy with concern.
I nodded firmly. “Yes. I don’t feel anything for him anymore. Not even a spark... there's nothing left.”
Manang Hilda let out a long, heavy sigh, seemingly surrendering to my stubbornness. “I’ve lost all trust in that man. But I know you won’t listen to me even if I try to stop you.”
“I’m sorry, Manang Hilda.” I stepped closer and took her hand in mine. “You know that my entire life is tied to that mansion. It’s the only memory I have left of my parents. I am willing to walk straight into the depths of hell just to get it back.”
Tears shimmered in Manang Hilda’s eyes as she finally nodded. “Alright... I’ll take care of Amethyst while you’re away. Please, just be careful.”
I nodded in response and forced myself to finish my food, even though a lump had formed in my throat, making it hard to swallow.
“Amethyst, Mommy has to leave for a little bit,” I whispered, running a hand through her soft hair to say goodbye.
“Where are you going, Mommy?” my young daughter asked, her eyes suddenly clouding with sadness.
“I’m just going to Manila to take care of something important. Mommy will be back very soon.”
She followed me, gripping the hem of my shirt. “Mommy, can I please come with you? Please?”
“But you have school tomorrow, sweetheart. Besides, no one will be there to look after you in Manila while Mommy is busy.”
“Let’s bring grandma so she can watch over me! I promise, Mommy, I’ll be good. I won’t cry,” she pleaded, her little voice thick with desperation.
“But Manang Hilda can’t just leave her shop behind, Baby. She’ll lose money,” I explained gently, though my heart broke at the sight of my daughter’s sorrow.
“I can always close the shop for a while,” Manang Hilda’s voice interjected as she suddenly appeared at the doorway.
I inhaled deeply. I looked down at Amethyst, who was eagerly awaiting my answer, and then at Manang Hilda, who was so willing to sacrifice for us. In the end, my heart softened.
“Okay... you can both come.”
“Yay! Thank you, Mommy! I love you!” She jumped up and down in pure ecstasy, the sadness vanishing from her face in an instant.
“Alright, run along to the bathroom and take a bath. I’ll pack your suitcase.”
Before dashing off, she threw her arms around my neck, hugging me tightly and peppering my cheek with wet kisses. “Thank you! Thank you, Mommy!”
I pressed a hand against my chest, feeling a sudden surge of strength because of her. “Go take a bath before I change my mind,” I threatened with a laugh.
She bolted toward the bathroom. I turned to face Manang. “Manang Hilda, please get ready too.”
“I’ll just close up the shop. This will only take a moment.” She turned around with a small, knowing smile.
I went straight to the bedroom to pack our things. I truly had no intention of dragging them back into the chaotic world awaiting me in Manila. But every time I saw my daughter sad, it felt as though my heart was being squeezed. I simply couldn't bear to leave her behind.
Once everything was packed, we finally stepped out of the house.
I looked up at the sky and took a deep, centering breath. I decided against driving my car; I opted for us to fly instead so we could reach our destination faster.
Throughout the entire journey, only one thought consumed my mind: Aeros, whatever game you're playing, I am ready to face you.



“Mommy!” Amethyst squealed in a high-pitched voice, practically jumping for joy as she tightly gripped my hand. “Mommy, are we really riding a real airplane?”
I smiled at her overflowing excitement and gave her a gentle nod. “Yes, sweetheart.”
“I’m so excited to ride the plane so I can see snow!” she added happily, her eyes sparkling.
My smile slightly eased the tension building inside me. “Sweetheart, we’re just riding a plane, but there’s no snow in Manila. It’s hot there. There is only snow in other countries, like America.”
A shadow of disappointment fell over her tiny face. “Oh. I thought there was snow in Manila because we were riding an airplane.”
My heart ached for her, so I fashioned a promise. “Do you really want to see real snow?”
She nodded eagerly, her enthusiasm instantly reignited. “Yes, Mommy! I want so much!”
“Alright. Before Christmas, we’ll go abroad so you can see snow. Mommy promises.”
The brightest smile returned to Amethyst's face. “Thank you, Mommy!” She excitedly threw her arms around me and planted another kiss on my cheek.
After what felt like an endless two-hour wait at the airport, we finally boarded. Amethyst could hardly sit still in her seat as the airplane soared into the air. She was utterly mesmerized by the view outside the window. Since it was her first time experiencing this, everything looked new and magical to her eyes. As much as I wanted to take a short nap to regain my strength, I couldn't. How could I sleep when my daughter was wide awake, chatting endlessly from sheer joy?
We landed in Manila just before two in the afternoon. The moment we stepped off the plane, I immediately felt a familiar heaviness in my chest. We ate a rushed meal and checked into a hotel room right away. A hotel intentionally chosen for its proximity to our old mansion, the place where happy memories lay buried.
“You and Manang rest for a bit, sweetheart. Tomorrow we’ll go sightseeing,” I said as I set our luggage down.
“Mommy, call Mama Elsie now! Tell her we’re already here in Manila,” her excitement evident in her voice.
“Alright, later, after we unpack.”
“Right now, Mommy, please...” she pleaded, tugging at the hem of my clothes while widening her eyes.
I couldn’t resist her. “Okay, okay, here it is.” I dialed Elsie's number so the child could talk to her too.
“Oh, why are you calling?” Elsie greeted immediately, sounding surprised and as if she had rushed to answer the phone.
I took a deep breath. “I just wanted to let you know... we’re here in Manila.”
“Really?! Is Amethyst with you?” she exclaimed in utter shock.
I glanced at my daughter, who was now comfortably seated on the soft sofa, her attention glued to whatever she was watching on her iPad. “Yes, she’s with me... and Manang Hilda.”
“What on earth entered your mind for you to suddenly come here to Manila?” Elsie pried, sounding increasingly worried.
“I just have something important to take care of. We’re heading back tomorrow. I’ll just drop them off at your place before we leave.”
“Don’t bother dropping them off! I’ll pick them up myself. Just tell me which hotel you checked into.”
“We’re here at the Astruien Hotel.”
Silence filled the other end of the line for a moment. “That’s the one near your old mansion, right?” worry about lacing her voice.
“Yes,” I replied, avoiding the subject. “Alright, I’m hanging up now. I still have a lot to do.”
“Wait! Don't hang up yet, Lilith! I still have something to ask—”
“Bye.” I cut the line. I knew she would rain questions upon me that I wasn't ready to answer yet. To keep the conversation from dragging on and to prevent my daughter from noticing my nervousness, I hung up.
I turned to face Amethyst, who was waiting for news. “Your Mama Elsie is going to pick you guys up here later.”
“Wow! I’m going to see Mama Elsie and Daddy Allen!” She even clapped her hands in delight.
I walked over to her, my heart swelling with an overwhelming love as I gazed at her innocent face. I stroked her hair. “I love you, my one and only baby girl.”
“I love you too, Mommy!” she replied, washing away a fraction of the heaviness in my chest.
While waiting for Elsie to arrive, I was practically losing my mind over a barrage of texts from Aeros. Just seeing his name on my phone screen was enough to make my hands shake.
Before long, the door swung open to reveal Elsie. Her face was a mask of anger and confusion.
“Hey, Lilith! What kind of foolishness is this? What is your reason for suddenly popping up here in Manila?” she barked, hands on her hips, throwing a sharp glare my way.
“I really just have something important to do here,” I answered softly but firmly.
“Just how important is it that you dragged the child here without any warning?” Elsie’s face practically contorted with sheer bewilderment and irritation.
I glanced at Amethyst, who was starting to get frightened by Elsie’s tone. “Sweetheart, Mama Elsie and I are just going to buy food outside, okay? Is there anything you want us to get you?”
“Fries and spaghetti for me, Mommy,” she answered shyly.
“Okay, wait for us here.”
I pulled Elsie out of the room. I shut the door with extra force to ensure that not a single word passing between us could be heard by Amethyst.
“Why do we even need to hide? Why don’t you want the child to hear?” Elsie asked with furrowed brows as we walked down the quiet hotel hallway. “Is this about Aeros?”
I stopped and looked her straight in the eye, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Yes. It’s about Aeros. He made me come here to Manila so we could talk today.”
“You really are an idiot!” Elsie snapped, almost shouting, her eyes wide as she stared at me. “Why on earth did you obey him? Why did you let yourself be under his thumb? Lilith, tell me... do you still feel something for him even now?”
“I don’t feel any love for him anymore!” I defended, though there was a slight tremor in my voice. “The only reason I agreed to talk is because of the mansion. He has an offer for me... so I can get my family’s old mansion back.”
A bitter laugh escaped Elsie before she stared at me with a mix of resentment and sarcasm. “Fine! Go ahead and give your body to him again so you can have a second child with that man!”
“It’s not like that,” I denied firmly, though a slight tremor betrayed my voice. “I won’t agree if that’s what he’s going to ask of me. Never again.”
“I highly doubt that,” she said, staring deeply into my eyes with evident worry. “I know how weak you can get, Lilith. Especially since you’ve been yearning for years… you haven’t had sex in years.”
A flurry of emotions rushed to my face, making me blush instantly. “What do you think of me, that desperate? Lustful?” I forced my voice to steady. “That is not what we are going to discuss. Don’t worry… because I will never be a fool for him again.”
She shrugged, but the fear for my safety remained etched on her face. “Well, if you say so. I’ve given you my warning. Just remember, you were once his mistress… Please don’t do it again.”
My brows furrowed, determined to prove her wrong. “Yes. I won’t play the fool for him anymore. I promise.”
“If you say so,” she replied with a sigh.
We bought the food Amethyst wanted. Then, after quick hugs and goodbyes, they left for Elsie’s house. I was left alone. Taking a deep breath, I headed straight to the place I had long avoided our former mansion.
The taxi pulled up in front of the colossal gate of our old estate. With every passing second that the engine idled, it felt as though a heavy weight was pressing down on my chest. As I stepped out of the car, my heart rate instantly spiked. A familiar wave of sorrow choked me. Suddenly, memories of the days when we were still whole flooded back… back when my parents’ vibrant laughter still echoed through this courtyard.
I looked up at the sky, my vision blurring with impending tears. “Mom, Dad… I’m back,” I whispered, my voice nearly cracking.
I approached the gate. My hand trembled as I raised it to knock, but before my fingers could touch the cold iron, someone called my name.
“Ma’am Lilith!”
I whirled around quickly. I saw Mang Oscar in his car, looking as though he was about to drive inside.
I forced a smile despite the emotions suffocating me. “Mang Oscar!” I greeted happily, though my voice carried a distinct rasp.
“Are you here to see Sir Aeros?” he asked, the shock evident on his face.
“Yes, hopefully. Is he inside?”
“Yes, ma'am. Hop in the car so you don't have to tire yourself walking all the way up the driveway.”
I nodded and wiped the corner of my eye. “Thank you.”
“How have you been, Ma’am Lilith? It’s been so long since I last heard anything about you,” he began softly, treading carefully as if afraid his questions might hurt me.
“I’m doing okay, Mang Oscar. How about you, how have you been?”
“I’m doing fine. Though I'm about to start taking maintenance medicine,” he laughed softly to lighten the mood. “But still handsome,” he joked.
I smiled, and the heavy burden on my chest eased, if only a little. “You really don't seem to age at all. It’s good to see you weren't let go from your job.”
He chuckled softly, but his next words carried a tone of deep sincerity. “I wasn't fired, but Sir Aeros did ask me if I wanted to retire. He said I’d receive a hefty retirement package if I chose to resign.”
“Well, there you go. Why didn’t you take it? So you could finally rest and spend all your time with your family.”
Mang Oscar smiled warmly, a genuine light in his eyes. “I don’t really do much heavy lifting around here anyway. Besides, my family is already here. My wife is the cook, and my child is one of the mansion’s cleaners. Since they're here with me, I don't mind putting off retirement. This place has practically become our home.”
“Who lives in your actual house then?”
“My eldest child. They already have a spouse and a kid.”
I nodded. “That’s good to hear, then.”
Our conversation was cut short as the car pulled up right in front of the mansion. Mang Oscar got out and gently assisted me. As I stepped toward the grand entrance of my former home, my heart hammered wildly against my ribs. The past felt like a ghost whispering in my ear. Every corner, every pillar, every shadow of this mansion bore the memories of my family's laughter and love memories that had now turned to ash.
“Good afternoon, Ma’am Lilith,” a familiar, trembling voice greeted me. It was our old maid.
My smile widened instantly, but it came with a sharp pang in my heart. “You’re still here?”
She nodded, her lips quivering as she forced a smile. “We’ve been waiting for your return, Ma'am... that's why we never left.”
At that moment, my facade of bravery completely crumbled. I could no longer stop the hot tears from streaming down my cheeks. “Oh, look at that! You made me cry,” I joked, quickly wiping my wet face.
She began to cry too, unable to hold back her emotions any longer. “Ma’am Lilith… can I give you a hug? I’ve missed you so much.”
I didn’t hesitate. I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around her tightly, burying my face in her shoulder. The warmth of that embrace shattered the long-standing loneliness I had carried. Right then, I realized just how lucky I still was; because despite everything I had lost, there were people like her who continued to love me fiercely and faithfully, even if we didn't share the same blood.
She pulled back slightly and wiped her own tears. “I’ll escort you to Sir Aeros now,” she said.
I nodded, steeling myself. “Thank you.”
As we walked toward the room where Aeros was, every step I took felt heavy, yet fueled by a profound resolve. I became even more determined to take this mansion back. It was no longer just for the sake of the past… but for the people who faithfully waited and still believed in me here.