"Any update on Marco?" Nat, Aly and Jamie were at a kids' cafe for their usual Sunday date.

"The lawyers are in the process of sorting out the details for the restraining order against him. You were right about your company's lawyers being highly capable." Aly was assured given how efficient and detailed they were.

"We still can't let our guard down, I don't want to be pessimistic but we never know what may happen behind the scenes. I'll ask the lawyers if there's anything else we can do." Nat reminded Aly.

"They're doing enough for me already, Nat. Anymore and I'll have to rob a bank to pay them for all the work they're doing outside." Aly shook her head.

"Don't worry about the money, I'll take care of it." Nat assured.

"You sure? Given their credentials and experience, they won't be cheap..." Aly was worried.

"Daddy has a lot of money, Mummy." Jamie joined the conversation.

"Really? I didn't know..." Aly laughed at Jamie's comment.

"Grandpa owns the company that Daddy works at. Karine says Daddy is going to take over the company one day. A huge company!" Jamie spread her arms wide to emphasise on the size.

"Jamie!" Nat was flustered at Jamie's sudden TMI.

"Your Dad owns Lee Holdings? And you are the only son of the company? Not just the random intern who worked his way up to General Manager of the Philippines' HQ?" Aly bombarded Nat with questions.

"Not the way I thought you'd find out but yes my Dad does own the company, yes I am the only son but no, I'm not inheriting it just because I'm my Dad's son." Nat figured it was time to come clean.

"So...did you actually work your way up? Or was it your father?" Aly was curious.

"Well, only the higher-ups in the board knows my real identity...but I can't deny the fact that being the son of my father has accorded my certain privileges. I'm doing what I can on my own and hopefully one day, I'll be able to convince the board that I'm worthy." Nat was well aware of his privilege but it was also the reason why he worked so hard in the office.

"Why didn't you tell me when we were dating? Were you scared that I was with you for money?" Aly felt a little betrayed.

"No! I was trying to find a right time to tell you but then you left and...Sorry, I wasn't blaming you. It's just that I was still trying to figure out a way to build my own path then and wanted as little people to know about my family as possible..." Nat didn't mean to hide it from Aly.

"So you're technically richer and more influential than Marco and Anthony?" Aly raised her eyebrow at Nat.

"I wouldn't say that the money and influence belongs to me...although I do have my networks and contacts. Other than that, I'm still the same old Nat." Nat shrugged.

"You obviously don't act like the heir to a multi-billion company...I mean, your fancy Mercedes Benz aside, you wear mid-tier suits and dress Jamie up in Gap and Zara?" Aly would never have expected.

"Well, I have the infamous black card? Does that count? Besides, there's no rule that I can't wear decently priced suits and dress my daughter, who grows at rocket-speed, in Gap and Zara?" Nat chuckled. He rarely touches his black card anyways.

"I mean...to think Marco and I thought that we would have a chance at taking Jamie away from you based on the assumption that we were in a better financial position to raise her..." Aly was embarrassed.

"Well, money is important but nothing beats pure love and dedication when raising a child, Aly. Children don't care about the $300 dollar dress you dress them in or the $100 toy you get them, they treasure the time they spend with you, the memories that they make with the people who love them the most and whom they love." Nat reminded Aly.

"I like it better when you spend time with me too, Mummy. I don't need expensive presents...I just want to have fun with you!" Jamie gave Aly a hug.

"I'd never trade anything for time with my precious baby too..." Aly felt her heart melt.

"Can we go outside? There was a water playground there..." Jamie had spotted the kid's play area at the entrance of the mall earlier on.

"Why not? The weather calls for some cooling down!" Nat grinned.

"I hope you brought extra clothes for her..." Aly whispered.

"I have enough of her clothes in the car for a 3D2N trip..." Nat was always well-prepared.

"Jamie seems to love water a lot..." Aly watched as Jamie ran around with a huge smile on her face.

"She does. Whenever we go swimming, Aika and I literally have to bribe her out of the pool. Doesn't help that Tricia is always there edging her on." Nat sighed in defeat. Tricia was literally Jamie's swim coach at this point.

"Mummy, come join me!" Jamie ran up to Aly. Aly didn't have extra clothing on her but it was too precious an opportunity to give up.

"1,2,3...Smile!" Nat snapped a picture of Jamie and Aly. Jamie was all drenched by the time they were done and Aly's shirt was all soaked.

"Come on Princess, let's get you changed before you catch a cold." Nat grabbed a towel from Jamie's backpack.

"I'll bring her to the toilet later..." Aly was helping Jamie dry herself.

"Here, put this on...you're gonna catch a cold too." Nat took off his outer shirt and placed it on Aly's shoulders.

"...Thanks..." Aly bit her lip to stop herself from exposing her racing heart at Nat's thoughtfulness.

"I have an extra t-shirt in the car for you to change into, I'll go grab it." Nat left Jamie with Aly and hurried to the car.

"Shall we get you changed while waiting for Daddy?" Aly smiled as she and Jamie headed for the toilet.

"Sorry but I won't be able to send you home...We're having dinner with Aika's family tonight." Nat gave Aly an apologetic look.

"It's okay, I can manage. I'll wash your shirts before returning it to you..." Aly was holding the damp shirt that Nat had lent her while wearing the extra top he'd given her.

"Don't worry about it." Nat waved.

"Bye Mummy!" Jamie gave Aly a hug.

"Look who's here, Princess?" Aika had joined them.

"Ninang!" Jamie broke the hug and ran to Aika.

"Hey sweetheart, why is your hair wet?" Aika laughed as she touched Jamie's damp hair.

"I played in the water with Mummy!" Jamie pointed at Aly.

"What did we say about pointing at people, sweetie?" Aika reminded Jamie about her manners.

"Oops, sorry Mummy..." Jamie immediately retracted her finger.

"Hi Ate..." Aly smiled at Aika.

"Glad to see you looking more at ease, Aly." Aika gave Aly a pat on the arm.

"Enjoy your dinner then...I'll make a move first." Aly left like she was intruding.

"See you soon..." Nat and Aika nodded before leaving.

"Ninang, can we go swimming again with tita Tricia and tita Jill?" Jamie was laughing as she walked hand-in-hand with Aika.

"You can ask them later when you see them..." Aika chuckled.

"Here we go again..." Nat sighed as he took Jamie's other hand.

~

"Hey sorry to disturb you this late at night but I was wondering if you were free on Saturday?" Aly was surprised when Nat called.

"Saturday? Sure but what's up?" Aly was confused.

"We're having a small celebration to celebrate Jill's graduation and the successful end of tita's term. Aika's family wanted to invite you, if you are comfortable of course..." Nat asked.

"Me? They are inviting me?" Aly couldn't believe that the Robredos had extended an invitation.

"Yeah, tita thought it was be nice to get to know you. Although she emphasised that it was really up to you, she doesn't want to pressurise you or anything. Just a chill gathering to get to know you." Nat assured Aly.

"I'm a little nervous but sure. I'm honoured that VP Leni wants to meet me..." Everything aside, Aly was a huge supporter of VP Leni.

"Great! Jamie will be elated to see you!" Jamie was hoping that Aly would be able to make it.

~

"Where's Ate?" Aly got into the car with just Jamie and Nat.

"She's there already with Tricia. She told us to leave later so we could give you a ride." Nat smiled.

"Are you sure I can turn up empty handed?" Aly was anxious.

"Aika told me to make sure you didn't spend money on a gift. Ma'am and the girls are super chill, don't have to worry too much." Nat assured Aly.

"Oof, careful! You okay?" The car in front of Nat had suddenly changed lanes, causing him to push hard on the break. He reached out his hand in front of Aly to stop her from lurching forward.

"I'm good..." Aly looked at Nat's worried eyes and felt her heart beat erratically.

"Princess, you okay back there?" Nat immediately turned to Jamie.

"I'm okay, Daddy! You bought a great child seat!" Jamie gave Nat a thumbs up. Nat let out a relieved sigh.

"Aly? Aly?" Nat called out multiple times.

"Uh...oh...what did you say?" Aly was still lost in that look that Nat gave her earlier.

"You sure you're okay? You look outta sorts..." Nat checked on Aly.

"I'm fine really, just thinking about something." Aly regained her senses.

"There's candy in the compartment of you want some." Nat nodded at the glove compartment.

"Sweets? Since when did you stock up on candy in the car?" Aly didn't remember Nat being a fan of sweets.

"It's all for ninang and me!" Jamie chirped from the back.

"Aika gets car sick sometimes while this Princess wants everything Aika is eating." Nat teased Jamie.

"But you eat everything that ninang feeds you too, Daddy!" Jamie exposed Nat.

"Hi sunshine..." Nat gave Aika a hug as they entered the venue for today's party.

"Glad you could make it, Aly. Thanks for coming." Aika smiled at Aly, who looked nervous.

"I hope I'm not intruding...thanks for inviting me." Aly looked around the room.

"Let me introduce you to my mama and sisters." Aika led Aly to where VP Leni was.

"Pleasure to meet you, you must be Ms Carlos?" VP Leni extended her hand with a bright smile.

"Pleasure to meet you, Madam VP. Thank you for inviting me. Please, call me Aly." Aly shook VP Leni's hand respectfully.

"Hi, I'm Tricia! And I'm Jill!" Tricia and Jill took turns saying hi to Aly.

"Aly here, nice to meet you. I've heard lots from Jamie about her favourite titas. Congrats on your graduation, Jill." Aly remembered all the things Jamie had told her.

"Thank you...Ate Aly...can we call you that? Kuya told us you were 30. Ate is 28 and I'm 22 this year." Jill smiled.

"Of course. Thank you for being such sweet titas to Jamie. I can tell that she really loves spending time with your family." Aly was grateful.

"Aly, come and help yourself to the food. Don't be shy!" VP Leni offered, which Aly graciously accepted.

"That's Natalia and Alonso, our niece and nephew. Ate Gaile and Kuya Howie's kids. They're slightly older than Jamie." Tricia joined Aly at the table.

"Jamie did tell me about her Ate Nat and Kuya Alo. They take really good care of her." Aly turned to Tricia.

"Kuya and Ate are preparing a surprise for Mama and Jill so he asked me to take care of you. We were actually really excited to meet you. Ate told us a lot about you, so did Jamie." Tricia gave Aly a warm smile.

"Oh really..." Aly hoped it had been good things.

"We heard about your husband and I actually think it's super brave of you to stand up for yourself, even if it wasn't for Jamie. It mustn't have been easy." Tricia was sincere.

"Thanks, I guess meeting Jamie really gave me the courage I needed. Motherly love is really something powerful..." Aly didn't expect herself to do something like that either.

"Ooh, the surprise is ready...let's go Ate!" Tricia held Aly's wrist and led her to the centre.

The lights went off and Aika appeared from the dark with a cake. At Nat's cue, Tricia blasted the Congratulations song while the three kids walked put with balloons and cards in their hands.

"Happy Grad, tita Jill!" Alo handed Jill the balloons.

"You're the best VP we know, lola Leni!" Natalia and Jamie gave VP Leni her card.

"I hope you're enjoying yourself, Aly." Aika approached Aly to check on her.

"I sure am, Ate. Thank you for inviting me. Your sisters and VP Leni are super sweet, just like you. Marco's family rarely had such warm gatherings, it was always to cold and business-focused." Aly was touched by the Robredos.

"Nat's going to bring Natalia, Alo and Jamie to the play area. Do you want to join them?" Aika asked since the girls had to stay with their mama to greet the close friends who were coming.

"Sounds fun, I'm in." Aly nodded and headed to where Nat and the kids were.

"Shall we head off for some fun?" Nat got excited responses from the kids.

"Hello tita, Jamie's Mummy?" Natalia had slowed down so she could talk to Aly.

"Yes I am. You're Natalia right? Jamie told me you were her favourite Ate." Aly grinned at Natalia.

"Really? I like Jamie the most too...but don't tell Alo!" Natalia placed her finger on her lips.

"Your secret is safe with me." Aly laughed at how cute Natalia was.

"Can I call you tita Aly?" Natalia looked at Aly with her doe eyes.

"Of course you can." Aly stroked Natalia's hair sweetly.

"Tito! Let's play catching! You're the catcher!" Alo screamed from the top of the play area.

"I'm coming!" Nat chased after the kids, who were yelling their lungs out. He ran for Natalia and Alo first.

"Mummy, save me!" Jamie was laughing as she hid behind Aly.

"Rawr!" Nat was heading for Aly and Jamie this time.

"Ahhh! Mummy help!" Jamie used Aly as a shield while Nat crouched to meet Jamie's eye level. In seconds, all three children were circling Aly while Nat playfully tried to catch each of them.

Aly found herself staring at Nat. The way his dimples adorned his cheeks, the way he flashed his boyish smile hanging and the way his eyes were dripping with fatherly love at the children. Aly could almost hear her heart.

"Aly...Aly?" The next thing Aly knew, Nat was at her eye level.

"Huh?" Aly blinked.

"The kids are asking if you want to be the seeker for hide-and-seek." Nat asked. Aly was still distracted at how Nat could look so effortlessly attractive with beads of sweat lining his forehead. She chided herself internally for letting such thoughts run wild.

"Ok...sure!" Aly decided to distract herself instead.

"3, 2, 1...Here I come!" Aly counted down and started her search.

"Gotcha!" Aly spotted Nat immediately. It wasn't hard when Nat was that tall.

"Steps..." Nat warned Aly about the step in front of her but Aly didn't react fast enough. Thank goodness Nat was close enough to help Aly catch her step.

"That was a close shave..." Aly sighed in relief.

"Mummy, are you okay?" The kids had ran out from their hiding spots upon hearing Aly's scream.

"Mummy's fine, baby. Sorry for scaring you guys." Aly laughed, embarrassed at her over reaction.

"You didn't sprain your leg or twist it, did you?" Nat checked on Aly as they kids ran off again.

"I don't think so..." Aly didn't feel any pain in her leg.

"Try twisting it a little...to the other direction..." Nat carefully held Aly's leg as she moved it. Aly didn't know if she was too focused on the fact that Nat was concerned about her or that her leg was perfectly fine.

"Thanks for saving me again..." Aly felt her face blush.

"One second...Hey sunshine, the kids are having fun. No injuries, no crying and no fighting so far. I'll bring them up in 5 minutes. Okay, love you!" Nat ended the call with a huge grin on his face. Aly' smile faltered as realisation struck her. In Nat's heart, she was worlds apart from Aika.

~

"She's totally knocked out..." Aly was in the back seat with a sleeping Jamie while Nat and Aika were in front.

"Even I'm exhausted, what more this girl who was literally running around non-stop with Alo..." Nat was amazed at the amount of energy children had.

"Watch her wake up the second we lay her down on the bed and decide that she isn't going to sleep until 12 midnight..." Aika let out a sigh. Aika could already foresee herself lying beside Jamie for the next hour.

"Tell me about it...especially when she's going to be all grouchy when I carry her from the car to the house." Nat knew exactly what Aika was referring to.

"Does she do this often?" Aly finally found a time to chip in.

"Not really, only when we have gatherings like this..." Nat shuddered at the thought of 12-midnight bedtimes becoming an usual occurrence.

"What do you do with her before she falls asleep then?" Aly was curious.

"It depends on her mood. Sometimes, she just wants us to hug her until she falls asleep, other times, we just let her talk about her day until she gets tired. Although she's starting to enjoy debating with us..." Aika chuckled. Jamie was growing up to be a smart debater.

"She sleeps well whenever she's with me..." Aly wondered why Jamie never clung this tight to her at night.

"Thanks for joining us today, Aly." Aika smiled as Nat pulled up at the Carlos'.

"Please help me send my thanks to Ma'am VP and your sisters, Ate. I'll text you soon, Nat." Aly's eyes lingered on Nat for a tad too long.

"Anak, some things are just not meant to be. Ito fate na...once it's gone, it's gone." Mrs Carlos saw Aly staring as the car drove away.

"Alam ko, mama. Pero it seems so close yet so far..." Aly leaned into her mama's embrace.

Bittersweet feelings :")