The Greatest Love

Chapter One: Mourn

[Amy's Point of View]

One week had passed since our father's untimely death due to a sudden cardiac arrest. It was a week that had irrevocably changed our lives. Everything about our home felt different. The four corners of our once-happy abode had lost their vibrancy. Our father's booming voice, which used to fill these walls, was now but an echo in our memories. His laughter, the warmth he brought into our lives, all of it was now painfully absent. The way he used to pick me up from work every evening had become a cherished memory. Oh, how I missed him, my dear Dad.

"Why are you still here on a Monday morning?" I asked my younger sister, Amanda, who was picking at her breakfast but not really eating.

"I just don't have the energy to attend class," she replied in a tone laced with exhaustion.

"Amanda, you're twenty years old and in your third year of college! You can't just keep skipping your classes," I scolded.

Amanda shot back, "And yet, here you are at 24, yelling at me."

"I have the authority to do so because I'm your elder sister, and don't forget I'm the one responsible for paying your tuition," I said, hoping to make her realize the effort I put into providing for her education, hoping it would motivate her to take her studies seriously.

"Don't worry, I'll look for a part-time job so you can stop controlling me," Amanda retorted.

"I'm not controlling you, and by the way, it's only been a week since our father passed away. Why are you drowning your sorrows in bars and booze, Amanda? What kind of woman are you becoming?" I couldn't help but worry.

"My life, my rules-got it?" She said, before walking away.

My sister had changed since our father's passing, and so had I. I worried about her, and she was a constant challenge to deal with. At only twenty-four, I often felt like I was carrying the weight of someone much older.

"It's already 8:30 in the morning; you're going to be late for work," my mother spoke as she continued to gaze out the window.

"I'm planning to submit my resignation," I whispered.

"Are you sure?" My mother asked, and I simply nodded in response.

Just as I turned to leave, someone started shouting at our front door.

"ANA MARTIN! Hey, can you pay back the money I lent to-"

I asked my mom about the commotion I just heard, and she admitted to owing a debt.

"I didn't realize Amy was here; I'm sorry," she said, giving our neighbor a sheepish smile.

"Did my mother borrow money from you?" I inquired.

"You can head to work now, Amy, dear," she said, gently shoving me out the door.

"No, please tell me everything, including how you spent the money," I demanded, not used to her asking for anything I didn't already provide.

"It seems she used it to indulge in her vices by frequenting casinos," our neighbor explained.

"I'll take care of it; she's my mother, and she's currently unemployed," I declared.

"I'm impressed that your younger sister can earn money while studying at the age of twenty. It's only $200 since your sister Amanda has already paid the $500," our neighbor added.

Amanda had paid $500? This was news to me.

"Tomorrow, I'll pay you," I replied, and our neighbor simply nodded before walking away. My mother couldn't even meet my gaze.

"Mom, can you please refrain from causing me more trouble?" I sighed, tired of providing for them and watching them squander my hard-earned money.

And then, she slapped me. I was taken aback. She had never done that before.

"Watch your words, Amy. I'm your mother, and I'm already 36 years old," she cautioned.

I chose to ignore her words and left. With only one sibling, Amanda, who was twenty and working toward a career as a flight attendant, my mother had me at a young age, which explained our close age difference. I had earned my degree in Business Administration two years ago and had been working at the same corporation since then. Now, it was time for a break, and I had decided to resign.

As I headed to work, three boisterous men followed me onto public transit. They were loud and obnoxious, and I had had enough. I confronted them, asking them to speak more quietly. Two of them recognized me as Amy, their former math classmate. One of them, Leo Lee, greeted me with his fiery red hair.

But there was another guy, Troy Lewis, who claimed to be my "life's love," which caught me by surprise. He wasn't my crush back then; he was just an assumption.

The third guy, Benjamin Cruz, introduced himself, and his intense gaze made me uneasy. I wasn't familiar with him and wanted them to keep quiet, so I put on my earbuds and tried to take a nap.

When I reached my workplace, I greeted my colleagues with a smile. I had already handed in my resignation letter, which my big boss had signed. I was leaving the company for good. I'd worked here for two years, and I'd grown close to my colleagues, who treated me like family.

"Goodbye, everyone! I'll miss all of you," I shouted to the accounting department, where I felt like part of a family.

"Amy Martin, you'll always be missed!" they replied.

They were right, and I hadn't been in a relationship since.

"The no-boyfriend from birth is now signing off," I teased, and we all chuckled.

With my resignation settled, it was time to leave. My colleagues helped me clear my desk, and after an hour, I bid them farewell. Letting go of some things and trying new ones was part of life's growth.

I arranged for a delivery person to transport my belongings home while I headed to Adamson University. I'd received an email asking me to visit the discipline office. Amanda must have gotten into trouble again.

[Adamson University]

I found myself at Amanda's university, where I had enrolled her, even though she was struggling to focus on her academics. I approached a guard to ask for directions to the discipline office.

"Continue straight ahead, and when you reach two hallways, take the one on the right to the first building. The discipline office is on the second level," he guided.

"Thank you very much," I replied, muttering something less polite under my breath.

I followed his directions and soon spotted Amanda. She was smoking, and I swiftly approached her.

"Pak!" I slapped the cigarette out of her hand.

"How did you get here?" she asked, rolling her eyes.

"Why in the world are you smoking?" I said, trying to keep my anger in check.

"Who are you to ask, and how?" she retorted.

"Amanda Martin, show some respect. I'm your elder sister," I reminded her.

She simply adjusted her skirt, gazing at me. "I don't give a damn."

Amanda's defiance irked me. Why did I have a sister like her, causing trouble wherever she went?

"Now what?" she asked.

"I've quit

my job, and I'm no longer paying your tuition or allowance. You need to start taking care of those expenses on your own," I informed her. "And you'll stop using my money on your vices. It's time for you to learn to make money and cover your own costs."

I left her in the living room, unwilling to tolerate her squandering my hard-earned money.

It was time to teach Amanda a lesson.

Amy's Point of View:

When someone never acknowledges my efforts, it annoys me. I dedicate my entire life to making them happy, and I fulfill all of their demands and needs. I only asked that they carry out their duties, and that was it. What they did, on the other hand, was simply waste it. My mother owes money, and Amanda was wasting her tuition money on meaningless things. Currently, I'm unsure about what to do. Because of them, I have no social life, and they simply act as if they don't give a damn about how I feel.

"I'm sorry for what your sister did." As she handed me a cup of coffee and a slice of one of her pastries, my mother said.

We're currently watching a movie in the living room.

In appreciation: I began to sample the baked goods she had made.

"Are you certain you'll cease paying for your sibling's college expenses?" The question has been raised by her.

I fix my gaze on her. "Yes, she can handle it by herself, and that's her lesson." I responded.

"What if she is unable to find a part-time job?" I guess that's why my mom was concerned about her.

I said, "She can do the job because she is talented and beautiful."

Amanda is a little bit more attractive than I am, but I'm just an average woman. She is taller than me and possesses wavy hair as well as blue eyes.

"However, since you resigned, what are your plans moving forward?" The question is brought up by her.

"I'll initially purchase a new home for you." I spoke.

She was amazed by what I said.

"You're certain of that?" "Why?" "Are you thinking of getting married?" she stated.

"**_uck married," I exclaimed.

"No, and I don't intend to have it." I'm not even sure I can envision myself with a husband-I'm serious.

My mother simply gives me a serious stare. "Amy, you look fabulous and have a great smile." "You should find a partner and get married given that you are already 24 years old!" She applauded as she spoke.

"I have to help you and Amanda first, mom." "However, I don't have time for it." I emphasized to her that I had pledged to take care of my mother and my younger sister and that I didn't want to break my word to Dad.

"Amy, it's about your own happiness. I am conscious that it has been quite difficult for you. Even though I don't put on a show, I can sense your weariness from taking care of us and providing for us when you didn't have to-after all, it was my responsibility to do so in the first place. " She spoke.

"Don't worry, mom; Amanda and you are my top priorities." Despite the fact that you both have big egos, I still care for and love you both. Mom, you're right. Even though I'm a bit worn out, I have to be bold enough to see to our family's necessities since Dad just passed away. Amanda is currently enrolled in her third year of college, which means that she will complete her studies in a relatively short amount of time. And you, please stop spending money, ok? "Use it responsibly." I spoke.

"I miss your dad." Mom said, her voice trembling. I just stare at the television because I can tell she is crying.

"Likewise, mom," I said.

"I hope we can get through this stage, especially Amanda." She is quite close to your dad, and I guess that is why she struggles to concentrate in class. doing things she wasn't even accustomed to doing. And you shifted; you ceased being selfish. "You are not treating yourself to the satisfaction you desire." Mom was right. Instead of just me, Amanda was quite close to our father. I suppose it has a significant effect on her. But I'm hoping that soon she'll understand that she must face the fact that our father is no longer in existence.

"Mom, we can get through this stage if we just accept it." The cycle of life must be accepted. Even though it wasn't simple, we must I spoke.

"Amy, I'm doing it." "I'm learning to accept that your father isn't physically here with us, but I know he's overseeing us from Heaven." She said this as she began to cry.

"Cry, let it all out." I am indeed a workaholic, so I am aware that we are not even close. However, I'm here to offer my ears and shoulders to you. She leaned her head against my shoulder as I spoke.

"Your father is no longer with us." She continued and then started crying.

Since they always made each other happy and did anything they wanted when my dad was still alive, I know my dad was her first love. Dad was an adventurous man; every weekend, he would beg my mom to go somewhere. Even with us, they always make time for one another. We attend church on Sunday and then go to an amusement park to have fun. Back then, we were a very large and happy family. We used to watch movies and television shows constantly. and suddenly everything has shifted.

My mother, who used to giggle every day, was gone, as was Amanda, who was constantly cracking jokes and making others laugh. I'm the only one who hasn't changed at all; I don't want others to see that I'm going through it. I have to be able to handle them.

"Amy, thank you for everything; you've always provided for us. "You are a great person and a great sibling." "I know I've never said it before, but I'm so grateful to have you in my life, and I'm so proud of you." I'm delighted to have heard what my mother said, since it makes me feel happy. I believed that she was unappreciative of my efforts and devotion to them. This is just what I needed after a rough day.

"Thank you, mom. "I love you." I immediately kissed her forehead.

My mother decided to just go shopping after spending an hour talking about various topics. I asked if I might accompany her, but she flatly refused. She simply requests that I visit Amanda in her bedroom.

"KNOCK! KNOCK!"

She didn't even bother to answer the door when I knocked, so I opened it for myself since it wasn't locked.

I was a little taken aback when I walked into her filthy room. She may not have even cleaned her room since the day her father passed away. I simply sighed heavily and then began to gather her soiled clothes. She was laying in bed by herself, gazing up at the ceiling. On the ground, there are also empty beer bottles. She simply continues to drink every night.

"What brought you here?" She asks me coldly.

"I'm simply checking you." I replied and simply kept placing her filthy clothes in the laundry room and the empty bottles in the garbage.

"You can leave my room if you commence to dispute," she stated.

She was still staring at the ceiling as I sat down next to her and simply observed her.

"I won't; I'm simply here to listen." I am aware that you are thinking about something that is bothering you. Your elder sister is present, as am I. She murmured nothing in response to what I stated.

I groaned heavily, but I couldn't make her talk since I could tell it was about her father, being aware of their strong relationship.

Amanda, I know you are not like this. I was astonished to find that you had a cigarette in your mouth, that your room was disorganized, and that there were numerous empty liquor bottles on the floor. I am aware that the death of our father is the reason why you are not around anymore, Amanda. I spoke.

"I really would like to hug him so desperately, but it doesn't sink in to me." She spoke while glancing across at me.

She seemed pale, and her eyes looked quite fatigued.

"Amanda, you must face his passing because our father doesn't want you to endure such pain and because your vices are ruining your life."

"I can only understand myself through alcohol and cigarettes."

"No, it'll only damage your health," I said. "Since that was also how we felt, we will listen to you and understand you, and I am here to help." Then I reacted.

"Considering how close my dad and I were to one another, I find it impossible to accept." We spent some time together. "He was my closest friend and most powerful motivator."

"I understand Amanda, however, there is no turning back in time; instead, you should cherish the memories you have of our father." And I have no doubt that he is gazing down on you and us from above. "We will be guided by him."

"I would prefer to follow him." My head prods hers.

"You can't, I repeat." Please refrain from taking any risks because we can't afford to lose you. However, I am aware that she is now independent and free to act on her opinions, and I wouldn't want her to attempt suicide.

"I am very worn out." She uttered those words while crying.

I gave her a cuddle and just let her weep.

"Just cry; I'll be here." "I'll be your shoulder to cry on." I murmured.

"And you are upset with me because I violated certain university rules," "Yes, I am, and you must bear the costs." Additionally, I apologize if I cease paying for your tuition because I recently bought a new property for our family. You are also a hard worker, so I'm confident you can get a part-time position. Helping yourself will make everything worthwhile. "Believe in me." I spoke.

"Why did you buy a new house?" The question has been asked by her.

"Are you comfortable with that?" "Because if we stay here, we will always recall his presence in this house, we must admit that we must let go of the past."

"I don't want to abandon this home," "But we have to."

"Please don't let this house come up for sale," "Yes, I won't, and we can visit this place," she replied.

"But why did you just quit your job?" How did she learn about it?

"How did you find out about it?" I ask.

"Mom just informed me; why do you have to?"

"I merely require a new career as well as some new coworkers." "But your salary there was good; why instantly?"

"Don't bother "It is just money; I will also find a job after we leave this property, and please bear in mind that I need to stop providing your tuition fees; you are already twenty years old; you can have a part-time job; I need to pay all the debt of our mother and also the other fees of the burial; I haven't paid them," I said.

Financially, I am also having a hard time right now.

"Don't worry; I will quickly locate a part-time job as well." She stated.

"Amanda, thank you."

"I'm sorry if you find my room in such a terrible state; I'll get it cleaned up." As she stands up and straightens her hair, she adds.

"I have nothing to do, so I can help you." I spoke.

She simply didn't respond to me before beginning to clean her room.

I am aware of her tremendous mental and emotional exhaustion, but she must continue to battle for her life. Our father passed away recently, but it doesn't mean we should stop attempting to survive.

I am confident that he'll be sad no matter where he is if he sees Trisha wasting her life on vices. She was still a child, and I didn't want her to begin her life in ruin. She'll probably take something away from it and finally come to terms with it. We are still in the healing process, but I am still concerned about them both since they are not physically capable of handling this level of suffering. I had to prove to them that I was courageous and strong enough to handle life without our father. In light of They will realize I didn't accept our father's death and that nothing can change our situation. From now on, we must survive. that death will come ultimately in the course of life's cycle.

Amy's Point of View

We had just moved into our new residence, a beautiful home that was only a short commute away from the company where I was aiming to apply. It had been a week since we left our old place. Amanda, my younger sister, was learning valuable life lessons at her university and seemed to be putting an end to some of her previous vices. To alleviate some of her past tensions, my mother had decided to seek employment as a crew member or cleaner. I readily agreed with her decision.

"Remember to be genuine, okay?" My mother reminded me as I prepared to head to the company where I was applying for a job that matched my abilities and academic standing.

"Yes, Mom," I replied with a smile, feeling both grateful for her support and determined to make her proud. As I gestured toward the main gate, I couldn't help but marvel at our new home. It might have been a bit large and costly, but as long as my family was comfortable, I didn't mind the expense. My busy schedule had prevented me from asking my mother about her job search, but I planned to do so after I secured my own position.

The bus stop was conveniently close to our new home, so I made my way there and boarded the bus with confidence. However, just as I reached into my bag to pay my fare, I realized I had left my wallet behind.

"I completely neglected to bring my wallet," I mumbled in frustration.

"Don't worry, I'll cover the cost for you," a kind voice responded from beside me.

Turning around, I was surprised to see the person offering help was Troy.

"Troy?" I said in surprise.

"Don't worry, I'll handle your fare. Where are you heading anyway?" he asked, appearing to be headed to a business location himself.

"Thank you, and I'm heading to the Ace Corporation to submit an application," I replied, still somewhat in awe of the unexpected encounter.

"Wow! I'm planning to apply there too, since some of my other pals have already done so," Troy revealed.

"What a chance encounter," I mumbled to myself, while inside, I was secretly thrilled to run into Troy again. However, there was more to this reunion than a mere coincidence, as he seemed quite eager to get to know me better.

"Allow me to introduce myself properly, even though we were just college classmates from the same cohort," he said with enthusiasm.

I had a bit of a crush on Troy back in our college days, but I had never let my friends know about it. After all, he was incredibly popular with the girls at our university.

"I'm Troy, but you can call me yours," he winked playfully.

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Troy, you're charming and attractive, but please stop with the cheesy lines."

Age didn't matter to me; I was only twenty myself, and the four-year age gap didn't seem significant.

"So?" I asked.

"Good to meet you," I added, shaking his extended hand.

We chatted all the way to Ace Corporation, and I realized that Troy's outgoing personality had perhaps evolved over time. As he touched my hand, I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my stomach. Maybe I still had feelings for him from our college days. Back then, I had never had the opportunity to get close to his circle of friends, but this time, I was willing to let him in. Despite my initial reluctance towards romance, I considered the possibility of a short affair with Troy. Aside from my own reservations, he was making a compelling case.

"Stop holding my hand like it's yours," I mumbled as we walked toward the company.

"Babe, wait for me!" Troy called out, confirming his status as my long-time crush but also reminding me that his overly enthusiastic approach could be irritating.

I entered the room with several other applicants, including Troy and me. After a half-hour interview, I was ecstatic to learn that I had been hired. I would be working in the accounting department, a perfect fit for my skills and experience, and the salary was more than satisfactory. It was starting to feel like a great workplace for me.

Afterward, I realized I had left my wallet behind, so I decided to walk home. It was a short journey, and I didn't mind the walk.

"Amy!" I heard a voice call out, and there was Troy once again.

I continued walking, but he ran towards me.

"Wait for me, you're too fast!" he exclaimed, breathless.

"Stop following me," I said, a touch annoyed, but he persisted and placed his hand on my waist. He was certainly getting on my nerves.

"Do you have somewhere to go?" he asked.

"Why?" I inquired, curious about his intentions.

He simply gazed at me. "Secret. But have you been hired?" he asked.

"Yes, of course. How about you?" I replied.

Troy clapped his hands and grinned. "Yes, and I'm in the accounting department."

Wait, what? We were both in the same department? Was this destiny or just a wild coincidence?

"Same here, I'm also in the accounting department, just like you," I said, and Troy seemed delighted by the revelation.

He stopped in his tracks and blocked my path. "Don't block my way," I said firmly, looking into his eyes.

"Hey, since we know each other from college, and we're now in the same department at the same company, why don't we celebrate with some drinks today?" he suggested.

"I can't; just go and have a drink yourself," I replied, my mind preoccupied with other responsibilities.

"Please?" he pleaded, giving me his best puppy-dog eyes.

Despite my better judgment, I found it difficult to resist. "Okay, but you have to drive me home before evening, okay?"

With that settled, we once again boarded the bus, and Troy graciously paid my fare. I was beginning to trust him, not just because of my old crush, but because he genuinely seemed like a good guy.

Before I knew it, we were at his place, a condominium not far from my home.

"Where's your house?" I inquired.

Troy took my hand as if we were already in a relationship. It was disconcerting, but I let it slide. He then explained, "I live by myself in this condominium, but my family also has a house. It's a bit far from the company, so I rent this place."

"Stop holding my hand, can you?" I said, but he paid no heed. In an unexpected twist, I found comfort in his touch, something I hadn't experienced in a long time.

We settled into his condo, which was quite impressive. Troy went to change, and I made myself at home in the living area, turning on the TV. However, the movie that was playing, "Fifty Shades of Grey," was far too explicit for my comfort.

I was about to turn it off when Troy threw me an oversized shirt and suggested, "Go change into this. I assume you have your bicycle and don't need a suit. Just take off your skirt."

I hesitated, worried that I was putting myself in a precarious situation by being alone with Troy in his condo. But my curiosity and desire to feel at home in my new job won out, and I agreed.

As I changed in his bathroom

, I noticed an undergarment lying around. I chose to ignore it and focus on swapping my office attire for the more casual outfit he'd provided.

"Are you not done?" Troy called out impatiently. "I have some food here. Let's have lunch together."

I emerged from the bathroom, feeling a little flustered. Troy had been watching "Fifty Shades of Grey" while waiting. It didn't seem appropriate for us to watch such a movie together, especially given our history.

Troy had laid out a spread of instant noodles, fried chicken, pork belly, and a vegetable salad. He handed me a plate, spoon, and fork, and I thanked him before digging into my meal.

"My shirt fits you, baby," he remarked, using an endearing term that caught me off guard.

"Stop calling me 'baby,'" I retorted, my curiosity growing. "Don't you like it, given that I've had feelings for you since college?" Troy admitted, a seriousness in his eyes as he held my hand.

Our faces drew closer, and the tension was palpable. "What did you say?" I asked, my voice husky and uncertain.

"I've had feelings for you since our college days," he confessed. "Do you remember all those love letters and gifts you used to find in your locker with my signature? You could never figure out who the mysterious admirer was, but it was me."

I was stunned. I did recall those letters and gifts, but I had never been able to uncover the sender's identity.

"May I see your signature?" I asked, still skeptical.

Troy chuckled. "And you always tossed them in the trash, right?"

I nodded in shame. "Because I couldn't figure out who was sending them."

Troy left the room briefly and returned with a box. He showed me all the gifts and letters, each bearing his signature and handwriting.

"See, every time you threw them away, I retrieved them and kept them. My friends knew about it, and they teased me because plenty of girls sought my attention, but all I wanted was you," he confessed.

I took a sip of water before replying, "I'm truly sorry, and I appreciate your efforts. But I never kept those gifts because my parents didn't want me to have suitors or admirers at the time. I hope you understand."

"It's alright. But can I ask you something now?" Troy inquired, his hand still holding mine. Our faces were so close that I could feel his warm breath.

"What is it?" I responded in a husky voice, my uncertainty and attraction growing.

"Can I court you?" Troy asked, his eyes never leaving mine.

My mind raced as I contemplated my mother's desire for me to be happy. Could this be a part of my happiness, or was it a recipe for trouble? With a deep breath, I finally whispered, "Yes, you can."

Troy's eyes lit up, and he kissed my forehead. The electricity in the room was palpable as he touched my waist and, in a matter of seconds, pressed his lips against mine. I couldn't resist him, and our passionate kiss ignited a powerful spark.

As he led me to the couch, Troy continued to kiss my neck and sensually caressed my breast. I couldn't help but moan in pleasure.

"Oh, Troy," I gasped.

"Yes, babe, you want more?" he whispered, and I nodded eagerly.

As things started to heat up, a sudden interruption brought us back to reality.

"Ding Dong!"

There was someone at the door, and Troy appeared irritated. "Go and see who it is," I suggested, hastily adjusting my clothing.

We had been on fire just moments ago, and I hoped that our actions wouldn't come back to haunt us.

I was now choosing to be happy, and Troy was my suitor.