The Billionaire's Sweetest Regret

The text appears to be in Filipino. Here's a translation:

"Unfortunate

Wanderer

Ungrateful.

They say I'm a disgrace.

The consequences of my reckless behavior are not just one, not just two, but three.

I turned my back on my lavish and abundant life to embrace the consequences of my negligence.

While my family thrives, my life as a single mother to my three children becomes increasingly difficult.

"Mama, you're up early." I was surprised to hear Kino's voice. The morning angel of my life.

"Kino.. Baby, good morning." I temporarily left what I was cooking and greeted Kino approaching me.

"Are you cooking breakfast? Hehehe." He chuckled. "Where's Mama's morning kiss?" I said, pointing to my cheek. He kissed both my cheeks and forehead, nose, and lips.

"Maaaaa!" I heard Sean scream. He laughed and ran towards us.

Sean is the most playful. He's the youngest. Kino, on the other hand, is really good at eating. He's so cute. Darc is the eldest. He's a bit more mature than the three.

"Maaa.." Darc smiled and approached me, burying his face in mine.

The house is noisy when the three of them are awake.

"Oh, all my little ones are up." I just laughed as I watched them show affection to me. I felt like a mother pig with piglets.

"Pamparararam Pararampam pam." I joined them in dancing while they sat in their baby chairs, listening to children's songs. They love Nursery Rhymes. They almost know all the songs I play every day.

When they were babies, they were very sensitive. They grew up listening to music, so they love to sing even though they're still very young.

"Kyla!" I heard the sound of the door closing. "Oh, Mits, you're here already."

Mits looked exhausted as she greeted Kyla. "Yeah. Aren't you late? Go on, get changed. I'll take care of this." She said and approached the triplets, helping them with their food.

"Kind of. I heard we have a new boss now. Sir Del Rosario is no longer there. I hope our new boss isn't too strict." I expressed my concern to her.

I'm an office worker. Low position. I work at the bank, and I'm stationed at the main office, so my salary is decent, and I can manage somehow. Mits is my friend. I met her when we became roommates in the first place I stayed when I got pregnant. She also helped me during my pregnancy, started me in the hospital, lent me money when I continued my studies, and now she takes care of my children because she works at night. We've moved to a new house, and we split the rent every month.

"Go ahead. Use my new bag. Is your bag falling apart?"

I glanced at the paper bag on the couch. "You just bought it, and I get to use it first?"

"Come on, does the value decrease if you use it? Go ahead. So you won't be belittled by that annoying office mate Jovie."

"Okay. I'll buy a new one at the end of the month."

"You've been saying that for months, to be honest."

I entered the office cautiously, sensing an unusual silence. It felt like I was experiencing it for the first time here at the office. I saw them peeking into the office of our department manager.

"Lotie..." I nudged her. "Shhhh!"

"What's happening?" I whispered to Lotie.

"Looks like he's strict, babe. Ma'am Jessa's voice can't be heard. I think her tough attitude isn't working on our new boss." We glanced at our colleagues who were already looking at us.

"Hey, Chubby, do you want me to report you to Ma'am Jessa?" Jovie said, approaching us. She was with her two sidekicks, Bella and Ivy.

"Hey, Sunshine, show us the sunlight, you talk as if you're a beauty queen, but you're just wearing 17 coatings of your foundation. Remember, without contour, your face might look like a Negra thrown from the top of this building." Lotie retorted. I tried to stop Lotie, but she's feisty, and she and Jovie often clashed.

"Girls, look at who's talking. And you, not only is your love life falling apart, but your skirt is also tearing apart at the seams!" The three minions of Darkness burst into laughter.

"Lotie, let it go..." I said to Lotie, but she seemed really annoyed. "You should be thankful we're in the office; otherwise, you'd be in big trou-" I quickly turned Lotie away before she could say something harsh.

The door to our manager's office suddenly opened, so we quickly returned to our tables.

"We'll discuss everything in the meeting." We heard a deep voice, so I bowed my head.

"Yes, sir," Ma'am Jessa replied. I noticed they paused in front of our table.

"Your department is cool." He sighed. "Except for you, what is your problem?" I was surprised when I felt footsteps approaching my table.

I heard him knock on our cubicle. "Y-Yes." I was shocked and looked up at the man.

Is he our boss?

My God, he is a,

He is a...

He is such ah...

"Miss..."

"Sir," I replied firmly. "Please tidy yourself up. I don't want to see sleeping employees." It said with authority. I glanced to the side, and Jovie seemed to find it amusing.

"By the way..." It spoke, and we all looked at him.

He is a total fashionista. His luxurious tux and leather shoes. But why does his face look unique, like a blend of different lineages, yet perfectly harmonized?

"I am Miguel Del Rosario. Your former boss is my father."

**********************

Miggy's POV

"Hey," as I entered my new office, I saw Suzeth waiting inside. She's been my girlfriend for 3 years, and I'm actually planning to propose. I promised myself that after my inauguration as the new CEO, I'll propose to her.

"Have you been waiting long?" As I approached her, she stood up and kissed my cheek. "Nope. Are you free after your work?" She said affectionately.

"Yes, of course. Where do you want to go?"

"Just have dinner with me, okay?" She wrapped her hands around my neck as I leaned her on my table. "Miss me?" I asked her. "So much," she whispered, and she kissed my lips.

"Just focus on work, okay? This is your first day, and it's important to you."

"Okay. Call you later." She broke away from the hug and left my office.

I looked around my entire office. Maybe this is my greatest achievement in life after a significant downfall four years ago.

I had an accident that caused me to lose all of my memories, but I managed to regain some. My mom said I'm better now than I used to be. I don't know if that's supposed to convince me to live the way I am now. It's not that I hate my life, but I feel like there are still a lot of missing parts. The doctor said it would be difficult to bring back all of my memories.

Kyla

It seems I'm not the only one feeling an unfamiliar aura in the office. Our department suddenly became quiet. Our manager has been running back and forth. I wonder what's wrong with him.

Our office used to be a bit noisy. Our former CEO was friendly and kind. He inspired many people, including me. I wish I had a father like him. His children must be very lucky.

"Hey, OMG." I was startled when Lotie suddenly spoke as we grabbed trays in the cafeteria.

"Why?"

"Look at the table near the window." She whispered. I looked in the direction she pointed.

I didn't expect to see Mr. Pogu there, eating food from trays like the employees. No wonder people were whispering.

"Why is he eating here?" Lotie whispered.

"Well, isn't he allowed to eat here? It's his place. Besides, let's not meddle in other people's business," I told Lotie as I loaded my tray with food.

"No more available seats." We looked at the tables. Almost all were occupied.

So, we walked further to find a vacant spot, but all the tables were full, except one.

"Don't tell me we're sitting there." We both recoiled. "No way," I said, but as we hesitated, more employees crowded in.

"Here." I looked at Lotie, who pointed to an empty seat. The two people who had left earlier had someone snatch a chair from them and pulled it to the adjacent table.

"Seriously, that's rude," Lotie grumbled. "Want to just eat standing up? I'll hurry."

We both looked when we heard the sound of a chair being forcefully dragged.

We looked at the previously empty chair. I couldn't move; I just stared at Mr. Pogu. Yes, it was him, which is why we didn't proceed.

I glanced at Lotie. "You go! I'll stay here. I'm embarrassed."

When I looked back at Mr. Pogu, he was already looking at me, nodding toward the vacant chair in front of him.

Oh well, let's do this! I had no choice but to sit in the empty chair in front of Mr. Pogu. If you look at him, he's just eating like an ordinary person. I couldn't help but be curious about him. He seemed mysterious, like a tree full of secrets.

I caught glimpses from the corner of my eye of other employees sneaking glances at me. I knew it! They're going to gossip about me sitting here.

I was about to start eating when suddenly I heard whispers. Earlier, they were giving me dirty looks; now, they're whispering? I shouldn't have had lunch.

"Don't mind them." I was surprised to hear Mr. Pogu's voice. He spoke! I tried to eat, but honestly, my appetite was gone. Who can eat in such discomfort, with so many eyes on you? Damn it!

It looks like Mr. Pogu finished, and he cleaned up his tray. A waiter was about to approach him, but he quickly stopped him and put the tray on the counter himself. Of course, everyone was still staring at Mr. Pogu. Every move he made, they wanted to watch.

He caught everyone's attention when he cleared his throat. "In case you might not know, we have a new rule in the cafeteria too." Then he pointed upwards near the window.

Gossiping about fellow employees is prohibited. Deduction from salary.

"Please enjoy your lunch." He smiled before leaving.

I smiled because the whole cafeteria suddenly went quiet. I think I take back what I said. I feel like our new boss is better.

"Looks like I won't be able to join Lotie." We paused at the waiting shed where we'd catch the bus.

Everyone was granted time off to attend Sir's Welcome Party. However, I thought it would be better to spend the whole day off with my triplets at home instead of going to the party. My friend Mits had duty, and I couldn't leave my kids alone at night.

"There you are!" We turned when we heard that familiar voice – Jovie and her sidekicks.

"Why do we have invitations?" I asked her in confusion.

"Oh. Did I forget to mention? I assigned you to Front Desk Assistance. You're the best person I could think of for that. Don't worry, Lotie. You're a waitress. So, see you!" She was about to walk away, but she turned back. "And oh, if we don't attend, they'll deduct from our salary! Bye, Raggies!" And off they went.

"That brat is really getting on my nerves. I'll give her a piece of my mind!" Lotie seemed annoyed, so I stopped her from following Jovie.

"Just let it go."

"She's so rude. She knows I get tired easily, and she's turning me into a waitress!"

"I am supposed to take the day off for my triplets." I lowered my head and tightly held the invitation.

"Oh, Kyla." Lotie rubbed my back. "Who will watch over them if you're not there?"

*************

Miggy

Today feels unusual for me. I sense it, but I'm not sure if what I'm feeling is right. This feeling started when I returned here.

"Gabrielle?" I approached her as soon as I recognized her behind the counter.

"Am I too early?" She smiled and pushed a glass of alcohol toward me.

"Not at all."

"This is all I could find." She handed me the folder. "Thanks."

"Your memories are not yet back?" She hesitated to ask. I just looked at her, unable to speak.

"Let me tell you this. I'm doing my part to help you find out what really happened in your accident because you told me you have doubts. But something is covering up. I'm not sure of anything. But the best thing you can trust is your memories."

I asked Gab to investigate my accident. Since I came back, I've been experiencing flashes of images in my dreams or even when I'm awake. Sometimes, a particular place feels so familiar, like I've been there, but I can't remember how or when.

I feel like something is triggering my memories to come back.

"You mean, I should resume my therapy?"

"Why did you stop taking it, by the way?" she asked.

"They said I am fully recovered, and my mom convinced me not to struggle. They said I am better now."

"Maybe you should start knowing the old you, how you used to live. That could help." She tapped the folder she gave me. "Then we'll find out what really happened to you."

As she was about to drink her alcohol and leave, I stopped her. "Do you think my family is hiding something from me?" Gab looked at me.

"I don't know. Who knows? You trust them the most, right? You should figure it out. If you'll excuse me, I have a wife waiting for me." He grinned before walking away.

Kyla

"Kyla!" I heard Mommy shouting downstairs. I wasn't planning to come out, but I could hear Mom and Dad's voices, sounding like they were having an argument.

"Just please calm down, Jenna." Dad was trying to talk to Mom, but when Mom turned her attention to me, her eyes were glaring.

"You! You're pregnant!" She angrily exclaimed, holding an envelope. Not my medical results, please no!

"Jenna, let's talk to the girl first!" Dad tried to hold Mom's arm, but she quickly pulled away. As I approached and tried to speak, Mom slapped me. It wasn't my first time, but I shouldn't get used to it. Before I could say anything, she slapped me on the other cheek.

"Jenna!" Dad shouted.

"I don't know where I went wrong! But I am tired of being your mother."

That was maybe the most painful thing I have ever heard. I couldn't hold back my tears.

It hurts so much that the people you think will understand you are the ones pointing out your mistakes.

I was dying to tell my mom that I am pregnant because I was already having a hard time.

"Anak," Dad approached me with tears in his eyes.

"Get out of this house," Mom shouted. My eyes widened at what she said.

"Jenna, this is our child! You don't want to do that!"

"Get out of this house and get out of this family," she said firmly.

"Okay," I gasped. "I will. But the moment I step out of this house, I am no longer your daughter, and you are no longer my parents. You're right, I am a disgrace, a worthless child. That's how you see me, right? Now, I'm just another disappointment, and it's just right to disown me. But remember this." I looked at Mom with resentment.

"If you ever see me on the streets, impoverished, with my child, do not come near me, and above all, do not shed a tear." I wiped away my tears.

"Because from this day forward, you have no right to me, especially in my life. You chose to disown me. There has to be a price."

"When the guard saw me, he immediately opened one side of the glass door. This glass door is two-way open, but only one side is open. I couldn't get my kids' train inside.

I pulled their train inside where they were seated. It's difficult to handle all three of them because they sometimes get separated. I search for one, and suddenly another one disappears. Taking care of three kids alone is challenging, so I put them in their trio stroller or in their train where they sit, and I just pull them along. Sometimes I attach it to my bike, so even when I'm biking, I can still pull them all together.

"OMG!" Some employees seemed entertained when they saw my kids.

"How cute, Kyla!" They pinched their cheeks.

Now it's Sir's Welcome Party. Since I'm at the front desk and have no one to watch my kids, I brought them along.

"Mama, can we eat something delicious here?" Darc asked as we entered.

"Yes, but later." I placed the baby seats on the table. Darc sat down, and so did Kino and Sean.

It's exhausting just getting them to sit.

"Remember what Mama told you earlier. Don't leave your seats. Stay here. Don't go with strangers. Aunt Lotie will come later. She'll check on you. Mama is just over there. I can see you from here. If you misbehave, you know what will happen. Darc, take care of your two siblings." I instructed them. Darc nodded. He's the oldest and the most mature among the three.

I went to the front desk with an intern, one of the event coordinators. We checked each guest entering against the list. Sir Miguel and his fiancee Suzeth arrived in a luxurious limo.

Miss Suzeth wore a sparkling long backless dress, and she was surrounded by cameramen. She's a model, beautiful, mestiza, and charming. Meanwhile, I'm looking worn-out, having given birth to three super active kids.

I glanced at where I left my kids, and they were chatting with some of our friends, including Lotie. My kids were talking and laughing; it's amusing to watch.

I stayed at the front desk even as the party began. Sir Miguel started his speech.

"I want to be the CEO who is not to be feared but to be an inspiration to work for the goals and objectives of the company." People applauded at his words.

I looked where I left my kids, and my eyes widened when I couldn't see them where they were. I stood up and looked around the tables.

Oh my God! My kids.

I looked forward! There was Sean, running to the front. I was about to run, but a bodyguard stopped me.

"Cha! Start!" Sir Miguel paused as Sean suddenly shouted.

I couldn't believe my kids were on the stage!

"Wait, those are my kids." I insisted to the guard. "Our guys will take care of them."

I saw two guards heading to the stage. One guard lifted Darc, but he cried. Sean and Kino ran to Sir Miguel and held onto his slacks!

Oh my God! I might get fired.

I couldn't hear what Sir Miguel said because he turned off his mic. But he dismissed the bodyguards and approached Darc. Kino and Sean followed.

"I got you, buddy," I heard him say as he lifted Darc.

"So, I was saying that our company will be a greater one if we work together wholeheartedly..." Sir Miguel continued his speech.

Kino wanted to grab the mic from Sir, so he hurriedly finished his speech.

"Have a great evening everyone, and, um, our little friend here wants to sing you a song."

He lowered Darc and knelt to hand the mic to Kino. My triplets were delighted to hold the mic.

"Old MacDonald had a farm, eeyah eeyah yo. Old MacDonald had a farm, eeyah eeyah yo."

Sir Miguel didn't leave my kids and even joined them in singing. Darc's singing was a bit off, but I could see the audience thoroughly enjoying it, especially Sean's dance performance.

"Say thank you," Sir Miguel told Kino.

"Thank you!" They giggled.

"Maa!" My kids welcomed me with laughter.

"Why did you go there? It's bad, my child. The person was speaking. Don't do that again, okay? How did you get out of your baby chairs?"

"Our friend said we should go there to play with toys," Kino explained.

"That's why... Hihi. So we ran there. Eheheh. But Mama, there were no dinosaurs there," Sean added.

"And Mama, I sang in front!"

I didn't know who to respond to.

"But my child, Mama could get in trouble if you do that. Don't do it again, okay?" I cautioned.

"Yes, Ma," they all said together. I saw Juvy and her cronies laughing while watching us.

When will this woman stop?

"Are they yours?" I froze upon hearing that voice. I stood up and turned around.

And he was the person I least expected to see.

"Kyla..." He called my name.

"Hija..." It was Dad. I stepped back.

"Babies, turn around, okay? And cover your ears," I instructed them.

"Mama needs to talk with an adult." They immediately followed my command, as I had taught them before.

"For the record, I am not your daughter," I said firmly. I noticed him bowing his head.

"They are so nice. Don't worry, I am not with your mom. You look good," he said before walking away.

For almost four years, I never expected that I would see my father again.

I looked at my children with their backs turned to me, covering their ears.

If my children feel the way I feel, I don't know how I will handle it. Just thinking about it hurts. My kids grew up with me, only me. When they were little, our room was cramped. They cried whenever there was a cockroach or mosquito. I moved them to an apartment, but compared to the life I grew up with, I'm far more comfortable now. My kids endured a lot. The most painful part is that they were affected by my past struggles. Now, they have to bear the pain of being fatherless.