Chapter 94 - The Beginning of Another Storm

Chapter 94 - The Beginning of Another Storm
Faith's POV

It was Saturday—our family day. We didn’t really plan to go out since tomorrow would be busy. But we needed to visit the reception venue for Amelia and Ameer’s baptism. So we got the whole family ready early.

“Everyone ready?” Austin asked as we stepped out of the room, the kids following closely with their nannies.

“Yes, Daddy!” Jairee answered energetically.

“Looking handsome, kuya,” I complimented her. Her curly hair and shades made her look even cuter. When I glanced at Ameer, I realized he was wearing the same outfit as his brother. I smiled. I knew immediately who planned that—our clever husband, buying matching outfits without me noticing.

“You really… do a lot without me knowing,” I said lightly, pinching his side as we went down the stairs. He just laughed.

“I still have things you don’t know, hon,” he whispered.

“Do you have a girlfriend?” I asked seriously, though it was really just teasing.

“A girlfriend?” He looked surprised. “Honey, I’m always with our eldest. Do you think I have time for that?”

“What about the times Jairee isn’t in your office… maybe that’s your baby time?” I teased.

“Hahaha! Do you think I’d be sneaking around if I had a girlfriend?” he replied, linking his arm with mine. I heard the nannies giggle softly behind us. Oh God… they heard! My cheeks burned.

“You’re blushing,” Austin whispered.

“Your mouth… you’re too loud. Embarrassing!”

“Why be embarrassed? We’re married,” he teased back.

“Still! But what are all these things you’re doing without me knowing? Hmp!” I pressed.

“It’s a surprise. You know I love surprising you, honey,” he said, kissing me on the lips. I heard little squeals of excitement from behind us—even Jake!

“Hmmm… Manang Elvie didn’t clean the stairs properly. Why are there ants? So sweet here… wish everyone was like this,” Jake joked, making us all laugh. Even the twins seemed to understand, giggling along.

“Let’s hurry so we won’t get caught in traffic,” I urged. They had no choice but to follow.

As expected, we got stuck. It took us almost an hour and a half before we reached the venue.

The organizer and their team were already there, busy with decorations. We also found Axel and Alexander, who had arrived earlier. Austin had messaged them so Jairee would have someone to play with while we checked the venue.

“Hey, bro!” the twins greeted, hugging each other lightly.

“Jairee!”

“Kuya Xander!” Jairee exclaimed happily, hugging her cousin.

“Hello, Tita, Tito… and twins,” Xander greeted, kissing each of us on the cheek. Axel did the same with the twins. He gave me a soft, gentle tap on the shoulder.

We didn’t stay long at the venue. Once we were sure the setup was fine, we left. With Axel and Alexander with us, it turned into an impromptu lunch outing.

Just as we were about to get in the car, someone suddenly called out my husband’s name.

“Austin!”

We all turned to see a woman rushing over. I didn’t know where she came from—she just appeared. Her face showed fear, exhaustion, and weakness.

“Eunice, what are you doing here? What do you need?” Austin’s voice was cold. The nannies quickly ushered the kids into the car.

“Please… I need to talk to you,” she pleaded, hands trembling. I felt the tears were about to fall at any moment.

“Can’t you see I’m with my family? Can you leave us alone? Be quiet like your family!” Austin shouted, full of anger and resentment. My lips parted in shock, and I gently held him back. This wasn’t the place to explode.

Eunice finally broke down, tears streaming. She sank almost into the middle of the street, shaking and sobbing.

“I-I need your help…” she whispered, desperation in her voice.

“Do you have nothing left to eat?” Austin snapped. I couldn’t blame his anger, but I also felt the pain in her voice.

I noticed her appearance—loose T-shirt, shorts, no makeup, no jewelry. She looked so different from the Eunice I remembered, so vulnerable.

“P-please… it’s not for me—”

“Why should I help you? With all the wrongs you’ve done to my family, you still come to me? How dare you, Eunice?” Austin’s voice rose, barely holding back.

“P-Pardon me… forgive me.” Her voice was almost incomprehensible from sobbing. “I-I didn’t want any of this. I had no choice…”

“You had a choice, Eunice,” Austin said coldly. “The choice was to tell the truth. You didn’t. And that’s what you chose!” His voice echoed as he turned away, still holding my hand.

“A-Austin, please…” she begged, almost kneeling. “I have nowhere else to go. Anything… anything you want, I’ll give.”

Her trembling voice made it clear she wanted money. She was desperate enough to come to Austin.

“Even your life?” Axel’s cold voice cut in, making us all look again.

“A-Axel…” Eunice murmured, fearful and speechless.

“I’ll take care of this woman,” Axel said, his tone low but authoritative. It might even have been his first straight Tagalog sentence.

“Axel, what are you planning?” I asked, worried. Even though Eunice had done wrong, I couldn’t bear the thought of her being harmed.

“I’ll help her,” he replied with a smile I couldn’t read. That made my stomach knot.

“But—” I started, but Austin gently pulled me away.

“Let him, hon. He knows what he’s doing,” Austin said, serious.

“Take Alexander with you, bro,” he added. “I’ll deal with this bch.”

Before I could respond, Axel had already led Eunice toward his car.

“No… please, let me go!” I heard her plead, fear clear in her voice as she struggled. My heart raced for her.

“Hon…” I whispered to Austin, worry lacing my voice.

“She’ll be fine, hon.” His voice was calm but firm as he held my hand. “Let’s leave her. Dad is waiting for us.”

He opened the car door for me. I had no choice but to get in. He sat beside me, gently holding my thigh, trying to calm me. My in-laws were already waiting at the restaurant.

“Is Tita Eunice okay, Tito? Why is Daddy taking her?” Alexander asked innocently from the back. His eyes showed concern.

“She’s okay,” Austin replied, keeping his tone light. “Daddy’s just taking her somewhere.”

He ruffled the boy’s hair, dodging any heavier questions.

“Okay po,” Alexander said quietly.

“Let’s go, Jake,” Austin ordered, and the car drove off, leaving behind a scene whose outcome remained uncertain.