Chapter 83 Chapter 28.2
Heaven had fallen into deep thought again. No matter how hard she tried to focus, her mind kept circling back to one question—why was Desmond looking for her ever since she left? For what reason? Shouldn’t he be relieved that she was finally gone? Now he and Macie could freely love each other again. She knew Desmond’s feelings for Macie had never truly disappeared, so why was he still searching for her?
A long, weary sigh slipped out of her chest.
She had arrived at her Pasay branch office, where she now had her own private room—a promotion she had worked hard for, a position she rightfully earned. Today was her first official day as director. She wanted to pour her attention into learning the responsibilities waiting for her… but her mind was far too occupied.
What else could Desmond possibly need from her? She doubted he knew the truth—that their child was alive. It was impossible that he was looking for her because of Daryl.
Heaven rubbed her temples and leaned back in her chair, exhaustion weighing on her even though the workday had barely begun. It was supposed to be an exciting moment, her first day in a higher position, yet the strain in her mind made her feel as if she had already worked for hours.
“Ma’am, here are the documents Ma’am Shiermy asked me to give you,” her secretary said, breaking her train of thought.
Heaven collected the papers and forced herself to shift her attention to work.
“And also, ma’am,” the secretary added, “Mr. Concepcion wants to meet you in person to discuss your company partnership. He’ll be your new business partner.”
She had only just taken her seat as director, and already she had countless tasks and people to meet. But what else was she expecting? This was the role she chose, the path she fought for.
“All right,” Heaven said authoritatively, her eyes still scanning the documents. “Tell him we can meet the day after tomorrow at a five-star restaurant. Reserve a private room. We’ll discuss everything there.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And finalize my schedules for the next two weeks. Remind me about anything important—I won’t have time to remember every meeting myself.”
“I will, ma’am,” the secretary replied before stepping out.
Heaven immediately began working through the stack of papers, though her heart felt oddly heavy. She missed her son. She was so used to having him with her during work hours that the silence of her office felt almost foreign. But she couldn’t bring him here—not when even the slightest slip could reveal the truth. If anyone saw she had a child, it wouldn’t take long before Desmond learned about Daryl.
And she couldn’t allow that.
After a long, draining day, Heaven practically floated with relief at the thought of going home. She drove straight to her condo, eager to see her son and pull him into her arms.
But when she arrived, the living room was silent.
“Jessica?” she called for Daryl’s babysitter as she walked from room to room. When she found neither Jessica nor her child, her heart jumped in panic. She quickly dialed Jessica’s number.
“Where are you? Why aren’t you and Daryl here at the condo?” she demanded the moment the call connected.
“Ma’am Shiermy picked us up, ma’am. She took Daryl out for a bit, but we’re on our way home now,” Jessica answered.
Heaven released a long breath. She couldn’t bring herself to scold Jessica; after all, Shiermy adored her grandson. Still, she wished she had been informed. She had missed Daryl terribly the entire day and had been counting the minutes until she could see him again.
She showered while she waited, wanting nothing to distract her once her son arrived. As she slipped into fresh clothes, she heard noises from the living room—the familiar small laughter, the shuffle of footsteps.
Her heart instantly warmed.
“Hi, baby! I missed you!” Heaven exclaimed as she hurried out and scooped Daryl into her arms. The little boy giggled, wrapping his tiny hands around her cheeks.
“I’m sorry, Heaven,” Shiermy said with an apologetic smile. “I wasn’t able to inform you that I was taking Daryl out. We got stuck in traffic.”
“It’s okay, Mom,” Heaven replied gently. “But next time, please tell me first so I know where my son is.”
Shiermy nodded, understanding.
“I bought food for you two so you don’t have to cook anymore. And if you want, I can watch over Daryl while you eat.”
Heaven knew how much Shiermy longed for moments with her grandchild. Even if she and Desmond were no longer together, nothing had changed between Heaven and her former mother-in-law. So she let Shiermy take Daryl for a while.
She carried the bags of food to the kitchen. There were also grocery items—milk, fruits, diapers, snacks—enough to fill half the counter.
“Mom, you don’t need to buy stock for the condo. I can handle our groceries. I can buy everything my son and I need,” Heaven said politely.
“Oh, let me do it, dear,” Shiermy replied with a soft smile while bouncing Daryl on her lap. “I consider you my daughter. You and Daryl are still part of our family. Let me provide what I can.”
Heaven sighed quietly. She felt guilty sometimes—after all, she and Desmond were no longer married. She wasn’t struggling financially. She could support both herself and her son. But refusing Shiermy’s affection always felt wrong.
“How’s work?” Shiermy asked, shifting the conversation.
“It’s going well, Mom,” Heaven answered. “I’m able to manage my responsibilities as director. Thank you for trusting me even though I don’t have much experience in higher positions yet. There’s a lot of work… but it’s manageable.”
“That’s good,” Shiermy replied warmly.
Heaven and Jessica ate together while Shiermy continued playing with Daryl. From the kitchen, Heaven could hear her son’s happy laughter echoing through the condo. She felt her chest tighten—she had missed him so much today.
After her meal, she called home to check on her father.
“Mom went out to buy food,” Anica answered, “and Dad is still sleeping.”
“How is he feeling? What did the doctor say?”
“He’s doing better now. The doctor said once he finishes his medication, he might be discharged soon. But he needs a lot of rest, so he can’t go back to work yet. Mom hasn’t talked to Ma’am Shiermy.”
Heaven nodded even though her sister couldn’t see her.
“I’ll talk to Mom Shiermy myself. She’s here at the condo.”
“Are you two still talking regularly? Does she still visit you?”
“Of course,” Heaven said. “Our communication never stopped after I left. She knows about Daryl.”
“That’s good. Your ex-in-laws are genuinely kind, Heaven.”
And Heaven smiled, because she knew that was true.
After the call, she approached Shiermy, who was still laughing softly as Daryl played with her necklace.
“Mom, can we talk for a moment?” Heaven asked.
Shiermy looked up and nodded, gently passing Daryl to Jessica.
Heaven relayed everything Anica had told her, the doctor’s advice, and her concerns about her father’s situation.
Shiermy listened carefully, then placed a reassuring hand on Heaven’s arm.
“There’s no problem if he can’t return to work yet,” she said. “But don’t worry—his salary will continue.”