The Make You Miss Me

Chapter 1

Khai are you sure you don't want to come with me? You'll stay here alone, baby?" I asked my son. Zairyx Alkhairo. He's eleven years old now and turning twelve. Oh well, the next two months is his birthday. He is 12 years old.

He is only in grade six and soon, my son will be in Junior High School. At the age of 34... turning 35, I already have a son who is about to become a teenager. Dad told me that it is not obvious that I have a child. Because of my looks.

People often mistake me and Zairyx Alkhairo, Khai for short, for siblings. Our mother-daughter relationship is not a secret, it's just that no one really believes in that matter and that's what they all believe. Also...I'm not ashamed that Zairyx Alkhairo is my son and I love him, so much. I will not hide him from the world as I really am. He's my everything.

I am one of the director of Z.A's Firm which obviously got me that initial in Khai's name. Zairyx and Alkhairo, Z.A. I have built it for several years, which is almost the same age as Khai. Soon, he will inherit it before I...oh, retire...

Right now he is still studying and I want my son to have a good future. I know he is willing to handle it.

I'm going to Cebu because I have a special interview on TV ZR channel. Apart from being a director, I have also been a producer in big entertainment companies in the country and now I still don't stop modeling. I work hard for my son.

My schedule is not hectic and I can still combine my work and taking care of Khai. Although the truth is that he mostly takes care of me because I am often busy with the firm.

Khai has matured to think, I can leave him in our condo because he knows how to cook and he knows how to do all the household chores. When I finally arrived at our condo, he had already cooked our dinner and was waiting for me so we could eat together.

He's sweet and carrying. He will inherit the... I shook my head and sighed.

"Are you okay, Mom?" he asked me.

"I'm fine, baby..." I replied with a smile.

I finished packing my things to go to Cebu and I just went inside my son's room to ask him again if he has changed his mind and will come with me. He said at first that he might just be left in our condo unit.

In recent years we have been staying at the mansion with Daddy and Mommy. But because my working place, the firm I run is far away, I chose to stay in my condo which is also close to Khai's school and so that the two of us can travel faster and Khai doesn't really leave our mansion.

Daddy did laugh at him because his grandson is a teenager, he is still Mommy's boy and I am happy because of that. So wherever I go, he must be with me and always by my side. His reason is that I have someone with me and he will take care of me too.

I caught him on his bed sitting with his back leaning against the headboard, as usual he was reading a book.

Khai does not like social life. He is an introvert and prefers to read or study in his room. So I don't wonder why Dad and I always go up to the top of the stage every year to hang his medal around his neck and there's even a big party at our mansion led by Mommy.

At his young age, he has already received many achievements. Ultimo in their class is the leader.

If other people look at him, he's very serious and you think he doesn't even know how to smile, but he's just like that if he doesn't know them. When it comes to me he is very different.

He is talkative and loud. Always smiling as he talks about the things that happen to him at their school. He is also very close to his grandparents. He often goes with Dad to the Golf club to play with his Grandfather. As for his grandmother, he accompanies her to watch a movie in the entertainment room.

Khai placed his book on his bedside table. I came to him and sat on the edge of his bed.

Our flight to Cebu is early in the morning and he already has an extra ticket plane that my secretary often does. Because he knows that I take Khai with me wherever I go.

He was wearing a white shirt and black shorts. Messy hair that is growing too long. I don't know why she likes to grow her hair long. He looked at me with wide eyes and a smile on his lips, causing two deep wrinkles to appear on both of his cheeks.

One of the things I liked that he had. To this day, the memories of when I was pregnant with him are still fresh in my mind. When I gave birth to him and took care of him as a baby.

But now... I can't see him just playing and always asking me for a welcome toy even though he already has a lot of toys. That Dad and Mom are the ones who give him the most gifts.

He will no longer beg me to make him his favorite pizza that we often eat for a snack, occasionally we make it for dinner and our visit to the Enchanted Kingdom and I miss all of that.

Because now he can do the things he wants by himself. He grew up really fast and I never get tired of taking care of him so even now I still baby him. He didn't complain.

"Your hair is getting long, Khai. Aren't you going to cut it, baby?" I asked her softly as my fingers gently combed her hair. Her black hair was so soft. Her hair color is natural.

"You want me to cut my hair, Mom?" he asked me. He's like this, always asking for permission even though I know he has his own decisions in his life.

"You're prettier with short hair, Khai," I answered with a nod. He chuckled softly. I only see her Daddy more than her.

His eyes are so narrow that if he smiles it seems that they are just closed. His long and sharp nose, his cheeks and jaw. He really got that in...

The way he spoke, every gesture and movement. How to walk is really similar. If his back was turned, you would think he was not Alkhairo. If you put the two of them aside, you will be mistaken that they are just siblings and it is not obvious that at that age he already has a child. It's me that no one believes that Zairyx Alkhairo is my son.

They also said that my son looks just like me but I see a different face every time I look at his eyes, they are also hazel green. Maybe the only thing he inherited from me was the way he smiled and the color of his eyes.

"Then, I'll visit Ninan Zinky's parlor tomorrow," he replied.

His Ninang Zinky Kaye Aldelto is my best friend since high school. She's already married too and has two children.

"Are you really going to leave me here?" I asked and he just nodded.

"Maybe you won't be there for long, Mom? We have an important activity on Monday so I can't really be with you," he reasoned out.

"I understand, baby. As long as you always update me. Your bodyguards are in the other condo," I reminded.

If Khai were just another kid, he might hate having bodyguards always tailing him. But he is not spoiled and he knows that Dad and I will be more worried when he leaves alone and watches over him.

Barjo's Hotel, the hotel we chose to stay in Cebu for the time being. My secretary took care of everything while I just waited for her to talk to the woman at the information desk.

I have six bodyguards, they just stand behind me and are always alert. We were in the lobby of the hotel and I was sitting on the sofa here.

I took out my cellphone from inside my leather bag and saw that Khai had already replied to me.

From: Khai baby

That's good to know, Mom. Don't forget to eat your breakfast, please.

My son is really sweet, so my mother is lucky to have given me a son like Zairyx Alkhairo.

To: Hey baby

You too, son. I'll call you later. I need to take a nap first. Not me

fall asleep on the plane I'm not used to not being with you.

I hit the send button and after a second he had a reply right away.

From: Kai baby

I will, Mom. Sorry about that. Okay, take a rest.

I stood up when I saw my secretary approaching our place. Maybe he's done talking.

Since we were eight, we only took five rooms. One hotel room is mine, the second one belongs to Sabel, my secretary. The three are for my bodyguards. According to their request, it is better for them to share a room.

We checked in to an exclusive hotel room. It is said to be a special guest for this hotel.

"You may take your rest for now, guys. I will tell you when I go out. Sabel," I told them. Sabel nodded her head for response.

I was left in my hotel room and I didn't even bother Sabel to organize my luggage in her closet. I can fix it, maybe later. We were both tired from our trip so they also needed to rest. I just left my suitcase at the foot of the soft bed.

I took off my white coat and left my white cotton sleeveless. It was tucked into my loose pants.

My fingers ran through my waist-length hair. I looked at a sliding door. The hotel has a terrace so I walked towards it.

I smiled because my suspicion was right. I hung out on the terrace and leaned on the railings. The view from here is beautiful. Our hotel room was on the 12th floor, so we had a really good view from here.

There is also a terrace on the other side. Maybe that was Sabel's room. My tiredness from the trip is somehow relieved by the beautiful scenery.

"I'm sorry, hon. I will visit you in Manila. I just check my schedule to see when I can leave." I heard the man's said.

I didn't turn around and I also looked at my cellphone. I called Mommy's phone. He immediately answered only three rings.

"Jessel, hija? Did you arrive safely in Cebu?" my Mommy immediately asked me from the other line. I chuckled.

He also knew that I was going to Cebu. My mommy is really like this. He is also considerate.

"Yeah. Khai was left at our condo. They said they had an activity so they couldn't be with us here in Cebu. Please just look at my baby, Mommy," I told her.

"You know what, you don't need to worry about my grandson. He's just like you when you were that age. He knows everything, son" she said and I nodded my head.

"I know Mom. But you are really worried about me. You know the feeling already, Mom," I said and she laughed.

"Oh, yes... But I will. Please let him stay at the mansion while you're gone, son. So you don't have to worry more. You might be able to get home in no time by chance," he joked. he said that I knew I could do the same.

"Thank you, so much Mom. I love you," I uttered.

"Always welcome, hija. I love you, too."

"Is that Mom, Mommy?" My eyes widened when I heard my son's voice.

I turned my back on the railings and I still feel the presence of someone on the other side. is he listening Or maybe I just suspected wrongly?

"Yes, grandchild. It's your Mom," I heard Mommy answer.

"Can I talk to her, Mommy?"

"Sure, baby."

I waited for my son to speak. He arrived at our mansion so fast.

Maybe he left our condo early too? He must be with Fread and the teams, right?

"Mom? Aren't you going to rest?" he asked me. I smiled.

"I just called Mommy to check on you at our condo. I didn't know you were there early. Are you with your bodyguards, baby? You can't leave without someone," I promised long.

"I won't forget that, Mom. I'm fine. I immediately called Fread for us to go to the mansion, and Mommy, just make your trip to Cebu a short vacation so that I can somehow you can rest. Don't work too much. Don't worry about me and so that you don't have to worry about me anymore, I'll stay at the mansion first. How's that, Mom?" he asked me. My smile widened because of his suggestion. I nodded even though Khai couldn't see me. I'm glad, huh?

I returned to the terrace with a wide smile. My son has two messages.

From: Khai baby

It's already lunch time, Mom. Eat now.

I typed the keyboard.

To: Hey baby

Yes, baby. I just woke up too, by the way.

From: Khai baby

I'm at school, Mom. Practice for our swimming competition next month.

My son also likes those sports, eh. I was worried because the sports he was participating in were dangerous, but because I didn't want to be a strict mother to him, I agreed to what he wanted.

I can see that he is happy with that so I will just support him. The same way he supports me now.

I stared at the screen of my cellphone and at the same time I felt the presence of someone earlier.

I looked at the other terrace and there was no one there. Weird. I just shrugged and answered my son's call.

"Khai, baby... Are you still at school until now?" I immediately asked him when I answered the call.

"Yes, Ma'am. I'm just going to take a shower because we're done with practice and we're going home later. Have you finished having lunch, Mom?" he asked.

"How about you, baby? Sabel will take care of our lunch. Maybe later. Will you? Don't forget that, hmm? You can't go hungry," I reminded her.

"We're done, Mom. I'm with the team, including Fred. Mom, I'll call you later, okay?

To Be Continued...

Chapter 2

Good morning, Ms. Jessel!" the TV ZR staff happily greeted me. They warmly welcomed me to their studio and immediately entertained me.

I saw a beautiful woman approaching who might be the host of my interview because of her wide smile.

"Ms. Jessel, thank you for accepting our invitation!" he said happily to me and kissed me more.

"It's my pleasure, Miss?"

"I'm Sandy," she said.

"Ms. Sandy." We only did a little chika because we were about to start.

I looked around the studio where many of my fans were also watching. I am currently being asked by the host of TV ZR Channel or rather they are interviewing me. They had a lot of questions that I answered well and correctly.

"Have you no intention of settling down, Ms. Jesse? Haven't you thought about getting married and having a family?"

I smiled at the media's question to me. I touched the side of my lips and it seemed that I just returned to the memory...when in those times I was still with the man I loved for almost 16 years and until now he is still the one that beats my heart.

But that memory is only in the past. You can go back but you will never feel the good feeling while you are still with the only man you have loved in your whole life. All you can do is bring back memories that only your mind can do.

"For now... I haven't thought about that yet... I'm focusing on my career right now but if I can find a man who I'm sure I'll be happy with, you'll know. .. I won't be ashamed to introduce him to all of you," I answered with a smile and they couldn't help but stay because of the excitement of what I said.

"If that's the case, Ms. Jessel. You haven't experienced love yet? What is love for you?" he asked me again.

"Hmm... I've fallen in love once... With the right person but the only thing that wasn't right was the time. You have true love... but it's still inevitable that you end up in a complicated relationship. So, it's also true saying that love is not rushed and you should wait for that right time, so you don't get hurt... Because sometimes love seems like a blink of an eye. At first you will feel that love but in just a blink of your eye. He will just disappear... unexpectedly..."

"Looks like you're pulling something, Ms. Jesse?" he asked me smiling and I smiled too.

"Can you believe that once in my life...I had a happy family with my ex-husband?" I asked and immediately there was a lot of noise around. I seemed to surprise them with the words I uttered.

"So... You got married and when was that? And who is that lucky guy, Ms. Jesse?" They have many questions...but I can't answer them one by one.

"He's around but it's hard to catch him. He's like a ferocious lion that just one look will make you back away in fear," I answered with a laugh and they were amazed.

"You guys like to keep secrets," she said and laughed. I just smiled at her

But...if your ex-husband is watching at this time... What message would you share for him?" I thought for a moment.

I focused on the camera and I thought my ex-husband was also looking at me at this time.

"Baby... You didn't make an effort to follow me, coax and ask for my hands again and continue our broken love... But this is all I can tell you... I'll make you miss me. .." I said seriously but I showed everyone my true emotions at this moment.

That was the last thing I said and I know they were not satisfied but I didn't answer anymore, they had a few more questions.

My bodyguards rushed after me when they saw me walking out of the studio where I was currently being interviewed about things related to my life.

I walk tall while wearing my shades. They opened the backseat door.

It was only then that I breathed a sigh of relief when the media didn't see me again. I feel like I'm being strangled by the neck because I'm not used to a lot of people. Even this should be my life.

"Miss Jesse... Where are we?"

"Let's go straight to the hotel. I want to rest now..." I said and sighed.

I leaned my back against the headrest and closed my eyes. Two cars followed us and my bodyguards were in them. My secretary is with me in this car.

"Ms. Jesse, your Dad sent it," my secretary told me and my eyes widened.

I looked at the paper bag she was holding. I took it with a smile

from his hands.

"Thanks, pretty," I thanked her. That's what I often call the girls I talk to. I can barely remember their names.

"Happy birthday, daughter," that's what was written on the paperbag card and my sweet smile broke out again.

I'm, 35 years old now... Hmm... I'm too old...

When we returned to the hotel, I received a bouquet of red roses. My secretary quickly took it away from me. When I saw the crease on my face.

"Who gives this? She's allergic to flowers," my secretary said coldly.

I looked at the flower just as my bodyguard was about to throw it away. I love flowers but...my body reacts especially when I smell them. Unfortunately...

"Give it to me," I said, "Wait," I stopped while covering my nose with the back of my hand, "Please, don't throw it away. It's too bad," I added. She is still beautiful.

I held my chest as it tightened. I think I inhaled too much of the smell of flowers.

I also started coughing and I know my nose is red. I can feel its itching.

"What's going on here?" I stopped coughing when I heard that cold, baritone voice. My heart beat faster and the hair on my body started to stand up.

"Sir Eryx..."

I slowly turned to the man who approached us. I first looked at her beloved black leather shoes and knew that they were really branded. Her dark blue slacks are second to her long legs that almost fit. Up on his body is a dark blue coat and inside that is his white longsleeve, black necktie around his neck.

It seemed like something hit my chest with the force of its beating and I slowly saw his handsome face... His jaw I could already imagine how it tensed up. His smooth cheeks, his sharp nose with the length and up to his eyes that seemed to absorb you the way he looked at you. There is a coldness in his chocolate eyes and his thick eyebrows that are almost touching because they meet. Her black hair was brushed up.

He looks like an angel and he is so perfectly created by God... His face is cold and expressionless... He is also very tall and has a beautiful body. Model type...

Our eyes met and I could see the surprise on his face when he saw me... Or maybe I just misread his emotions. But still, I don't see any recognition of me... Or rather, he doesn't recognize me or remember me either.

"What's going on here?" he asked again. I winced. Because he avoided looking at me.

My nose grew longer because he didn't even look at me for a long time. Really snob even when!

But I went over what he was wearing now... What...when did he wear something like that?

"Jesse, what happened?" I turned to the man who approached me.

I saw Arzeil, my friend in Dubai. He is a handsome man, the son of a rich business tycoon and he is a famous singer throughout Asia.

When he saw my condition, he immediately gave me his white handkerchief and I gently reached for it and covered my nose. He even pulled me closer to the waist which didn't surprise me anymore because he often did this to me and I looked at the man in front of me now.

Emotionless looking in one direction... Is he looking at us? Especially on my waist and Ayzeil's arm. His face was dark. I don't know why.

"Eryx," Arzeil uttered his name.

"Arzeil," he also said.

"When did you come to the Philippines?" Arzeil asked friendly. They look like they know each other...but I don't have time to watch them and listen to what they are talking about.

"Two weeks ago," Eryx answered.

I removed Arzeil's arm from my waist because Eryx was glancing there and he looked at me for a moment.

"We're going to our suite, Arzeil. Just follow if you want," I said with a smile and looked at the hotel's service screw.

He looked scared because I could see the paleness on his face. I approached him and he retreated slightly. I patted his shoulder and he looked at me shyly.

"Don't be afraid. You just did your job...and please tell the person who gave me the flower, thank you. I liked it but not my nose," I said with a smile so he wouldn't feel guilty for what happened to me a while ago. Maybe one of his fears is getting fired from his job. That will not happen.

Even though he was shy, he smiled at me, "It's true what they say that you are very kind Ms. Jesse." I nodded my head.

"Good night," I said as I walked towards the elevator. My bodyguards and my secretary followed me.

I have six bodyguards and when we boarded the elevator, four were behind me and my secretary and two were on our side who were in front.

But before the elevator door closed, my eyes caught four pairs of eyes looking at me.

when I saw them.

I ate alone with my phone in my hand. My forehead was wrinkled because I saw Azreil's new post on Instagram.

Is he in Cebu?

I posted my pictures too and Cebu was in the hashtag.

Azreil is active so he immediately communicated with me when he saw my newly uploaded pictures and said to meet here in Cebu. He said he has a business meeting here and has been staying for a week. He is said to be back in Manila next week.

Today is Sabel's day, so we are doing almost nothing but preparing for my interview tomorrow night.

I am a special guest of the TV ZR channel and Sabel has just been preparing what I will wear tomorrow. While I was focused on my laptop.

Khai and I's picture is its wallpaper. Her smile is really beautiful. His dimples are very deep. So he looks more handsome.

All we did was sleep and eat all day and the next day as well.

Every now and then I go out on the terrace and it's also very weird because every time I'm on the terrace I really feel the presence of someone but every time I look around I don't see anyone else. But I'm alone. Maybe I'm just tired that's why. So I didn't even pay attention.

I'm just overthinking. As if someone would recognize me here.

The time for my interview arrived. Sabel helped me put on my clothes. I am wearing an emerald maxi gown that is as long as my feet, there are small diamonds on the side of the fabric so it is really beautiful and my dress shines.

My long hair was tied high which did not hinder my shoulders. My heels are three inches high and are the same color as my gown. Light make-up, also as I like.

I called Mom earlier and said that we are getting ready to go to the TV ZR channel location later. They say they will watch. Because they can't miss that.

They also support me completely. It was Dad that Mommy said, who left his work at the company early so he wouldn't be caught later. I smiled.

"You ready, Ms. Jessel?" Sabel asked me and she handed me my pouch.

"Thank you. Let's go, Sabel. I'm ready," I said and smiled at her.

I went out first and my bodyguards were ready outside. When they saw me, they immediately became alert.

We're going back to the mansion."

"Okay, baby. Take care. I love you..."

"I love you, too Mom."

I raised my cellphone to take a photo. I only took half of my face and to see the beautiful view more. When I was satisfied, I also stopped.

Then I went to my room and I didn't pay attention to what happened earlier. 'Sabel just came back with the service crew and brought some food and it was like I felt hungry right then and there

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3

Where did I first meet him and first see him? Rykiel Eryx Barjo... Well, in San Francisco.

I met Rykiel in his teenage years. He was 13 years old and I was 21 at that time. I just thought he was 15 or 16 then. I knew that I was a few years older than him when I first met him, but I didn't expect that the distance between us was so much... 8 years...

I was on vacation in San Francisco and I had just graduated from college. K-12 didn't catch up with me so I went straight to college after I graduated from my High School year.

I just went with Dad to their province. Grandma is still alive, Daddy's strict mother used to restrict me from being me.

14 years ago...

"are you okay, son? Aren't you hungry? There's even some food left over there. I ordered double. Son?" Dad asked me worriedly while we were still on the road.

Dad and I are currently carrying a car. Our family driver drives the car to San Francisco and it's a long way from Manila but we stopped over to eat.

Before we left, we went to Starbucks and Dad bought something to eat for us to eat along the way. Yeah, our pocket.

"I'm still full, Dad. We just ate a while ago, eh. Remember?" I said smiling.

I was in the backseat and Dad was sitting in the passenger seat with our family driver next to him. Three boxes of pizza, five burgers and drinks were placed on the seat right beside me.

"That's good," he said and he was reading a magazine, "Take a nap, Jessel. We still have a long way to go," he added and I nodded for response. Because it looks like I'm sleepy too, eh.

I did what Daddy said. I did fall asleep and only woke up when I felt our car stop.

From leaning on the headrest of my chair, I straightened up and ran my fingers through my long hair. I looked out the window and my mouth dropped when I saw the big hacienda.

I think we have arrived...

The height of the gate is black. If only the building of the hacienda wasn't so tall, he might not be visible from the outside.

Grandma's hacienda is like a palace.

"Welcome to hacienda Diamente, Jessel," Daddy said and I glanced at him for a moment. I smiled at him too.

A man came out because he was the one who opened the giant gate and he barely bowed. He was wearing white longsleeves with his loose dark pants tucked in and he was also wearing black boots,

I saw the lowering of the window glass on Dad's side and waved to the man who quickly approached his seat.

"Welcome to San Francisco, Mr. Janus," the man greeted my Daddy with a smile.

"Thank you, Albeo. You are still the same as before, nothing has changed about you," said Dad. There is a trace of satisfaction in his voice, "My only son is with me," Dad said, so I lowered the window glass.

"Hi, good afternoon to you," I politely greeted him. He also bowed and greeted me back.

"Your son is really beautiful, Senyor. He looks just like you in your youth, even now," Mang Albeo continued to flatter. That's why Dad laughed so hard. I admit that I do look like Dad. I got my mommy's eyes.

After a while, they finished what they were doing and our passenger got inside. I was more amazed by the beauty of the hacienda.

It's so beautiful...

I didn't wait for our family driver to open the car door for me, I could do it. I willingly got down from here and my smile was wide.

When I looked at my wristwatch it was 3:12 in the afternoon. The length of time Dad and I traveled, just to get to the province.

As I expected, this place feels good. Unlike when I was in Manila, at this time the sun is still shining and the car horns are too loud, which only brings air pollution and no fresh air.

Just like this... I stopped my monologue when I saw the teenage boy. He might be 15 or 16 years old. He is very tall and not obviously a teenager. His muscles are already big, they are stretching in the thin black shirt he is wearing. He was also wearing loose brown denim shorts paired with black boots. His hair is messy but even with his back he is still handsome. Even though I haven't seen his face yet.

He just turned his back from where I was standing but because it looked like he was feeding a horse I could see the side view of his face. His place was not far away so I could clearly see his sharp nose. Her complexion is brunette, Filipino-Filipino.

I don't know why I seem to be staring at him for so long and I didn't notice the acceleration of my heartbeat which is not normal anymore. I shook my head at the same time I heard Grandma's voice.

"Janus! My son!" Grandma immediately greeted my Daddy and hugged him tightly.

Dad is an only child so Grandma is like that every time she sees my Daddy. When Dad was young, Grandma preferred that my father stay at the hacienda and run their rice mill, but her only son is also an explorer and prefers to be in Manila, to focus on Grandpa's business and that's where he met Mommy.

From the very beginning, my Mommy was not in favor of Grandma. He is very clingy and seems afraid that Dad might be taken away from him. So my Mommy suffered a few more hardships at the hands of Grandma.

Fortunately, Mom survived and Grandma had no choice but to accept Dad's chosen husband. They love each other, she needs to accept the fact. He cannot restrict his son forever.

So when I told Mommy that I was going with Dad, she was still shocked. Because maybe I couldn't handle it but I said, "You did it, Mommy. Am I still?" So in the end he agreed and just warned me not to be stubborn even though he knew I wasn't like that.

I'm just going to see if there's a change in my only Grandma's behavior and I can say now that she's still clingy.

"Mama," my Dad called his Mom. The longing for my Grandma was also in Dad's voice.

"You surprised me, my son! I thought you would arrive tomorrow, so I was really surprised when our maids informed me that you had arrived!" Grandma, I'm still here. I'm with my Dad. Hello...

"It's a surprise, Mama, and my son is coming. Your granddaughter," my father said and he gently pulled me from my arms so I could be close to them.

"Good afternoon, Grandma," I greeted her with a genuine smile. I reached out to kiss his back. Then I kissed her cheek. What's her name, again?" Grandma asked with a look on her face as if she really forgot my name.

I scratched the back of my neck and Dad laughed softly, "It's Jessel, Mama. My son is your only grandchild," said Dad and put his arms around me.

"You're only 18, there's an I right?" I winced at his second question.

Is Grandma forgetful? Or does he just not want to remember my birthday and my name? Because I'm not important to him? Grandma was present at my debut, huh? And how many years ago or maybe he thought I was really 18 until now? That was two years ago, Grandma. I'm 21 years old now. You forgot?" I politely asked.

Surprise appeared on his face and he looked me over from head to toe. It just stopped in my face. I can see the... amusement? Or is he just laughing at me? How I look? Do I look like a child in his eyes?

"You've got to kidding me, dear. You look like a teenager, just your looks," she said.

I looked at my Dad and asked him, "It's a bad thing, Dad?"

Daddy just kissed my senses and he even laughed a little.

"It's like your Grandma says you never get old," she whispered.

"Because I am not, anymore I'm still 21, Dad," I burst out. Would I be happy about that?

"Anyway, I'm glad that you're here too, my only grandchild," Grandma said and I was even more shocked when she hugged me. But I hugged her back and because I was looking at my left side, I didn't expect that our eyes would meet with that... teenager.

It was like the world stopped at that time. His eyes were deep as he stared at me. It's like he's examining my soul as well. But I couldn't tear away any emotion from his gentle face.

And yes, he's handsome...

"Ms. Jessel?" I blinked as my mind flew back to the past, to a good memory...

I think the elevator opened a while ago and I was just stunned. They also wait for me to go out first.

"Are you all right, Ms. Jessel?" Sabel asked me. She sounds worried.

I touched my nose that was already hurting, "It's just itchy," I answered and I pointed out my nose.

"You have medicines for your allergy to flowers, Ms. Jessel. I prepared them before we came here," she said.

"I'll drink later. Thank you, Sabel," I said.

Who gave me that flower? Doesn't it know I'm allergic to flowers? Or they just don't know me that's why?

I just shrugged my shoulder and we entered our respective hotel rooms. I looked at the medicine that Sabel was referring to but it looks like... she forgot or I forgot? Because I didn't find any medicine inside my small duffle bag. He often prepares it.

I also couldn't stop sneezing and when I looked at myself in the mirror in the bathroom, my nose was very red. Even my throat was itchy because of my repeated sneezing.

I didn't bother Sabel anymore and just poured water into the pitcher and drank. I also have two glasses.

I'm carrying a glass of water in my left hand and I'm holding my phone in my right hand which has been buzzing for a while. I went out and hung out on the terrace. He had a chair and a table so I sat there and put the empty glass of water down there.

Khai baby is calling...

Hello, baby," I answered the call.

Are you okay, Mom?" he asked me right away I'm fine, baby..."

"Why is your voice like that? It's like you're going to be arrested?" his question made me sneeze more and more.

"Did someone give you a bouquet of roses? A flower?" he asked and I nodded even though he couldn't see me. Accidentally, baby. He probably doesn't know that he only likes flowers but not my nose," I joked that I laughed along with it but I didn't even hear my son keep up with me.

"I'm fine, baby. I drank a lot of water," I said and I couldn't help but sneeze.

"Can't help, Mom," he said from the other line and I was about to say something when I heard a familiar baritone voice.

"Come closer. Drink this coffee, this can help your allergies." I was shocked. I didn't expect that he talked to me and...why he seems worried about me?

"Mom? Who was that man?" Khai asked me seriously.

"Uhm..." I didn't answer either... I was nervous.

Does Rykiel Eryx remember me? Is he like this if he's worried about me because he remembers that... I shook my head and stood up.

I will not refuse that he offered me coffee. Will this really help me? A coffee?

I approached the end of my terrace. It turns out that he owns the room on the other side, which is also right next to our hotel room.

Our terrace is within arm's reach, but I'm not sure if it can climb up and move to the other side.

"Mom?"

"Just a minute, baby," I said and felt Rykiel staring at me coldly. I sneezed and reached for the coffee from his hand.

"Don't tell me, Mom. You're going to drink that coffee of a stranger? Did you know him, Mom?" I still heard my son's voice and I stared at Rykiel's face.

His face hardly changed. He's still handsome, he just looks like he's matured.

If anything, maybe he is 27 or 28 years old now?

Dear, he was still 16 when I married him. Yeah, Rykiel Eryx is my ex-husband..

To Be Continued...