“BREAKFAST”

"Good morning!"

The familiar voice of the man who entered the dining room that morning immediately made my heart beat faster. A mix of tenderness and unresolved longing was what that voice gave to me. The one that held so many memories.

"Marius!" I exclaimed, my voice tinged with both astonishment and a hint of yearning as my eyes fixed on the handsome figure approaching. His presence was commanding, his aura radiating a blend of confidence and charm that had always pulled me in. He leaned down, his lips grazing softly against my cheek, sending a shudder down my spine.

"Good thing I'm not late. I made it in time for your breakfast," he answered, his voice warm and friendly. I could hear the underlying tenderness in his tone, a whisper of what once was.

Through the room, I caught sight of Lana directing the maid to set another plate for Marius, her usual efficiency masking any surprise she might have felt at his unexpected arrival.

"You didn't go to work?" I asked, incapable of hiding the curiosity in my voice. There was a part of me that hoped his company here meant something more, something profound than a sheer breakfast visit.

Marius shrugged his shoulders casually, a slight, enigmatic smile playing on his lips as he started to eat. His casualness only added to his appeal, making him appear both vague and tempting. I kept an eye on him for a moment, fascinated by the easy classiness with which he moved, the way his fingers deftly handled the cutlery, the fine shifts of expression that hinted at unspoken thoughts.

His closeness was intoxicating, a mixture of familiarity and an unequivocal lure that awakened something serious within me. As we shared the meal, the air seemed charged with implicit words and unresolved emotions, a dance of yearning and restriction that made my pulse quicken with every passing second.

"You're the boss, so you can take a day off whenever you want, right?" I teased, my tone light but playful, hoping to get a reaction out of him.

"No, actually, I do have to go to the office today," Marius replied with a soft chuckle. "I just have a quick meeting with a new client, but I wanted to stop by first. Most importantly, I wanted to have breakfast with you."

His words sent a blushing to my cheeks, warmth spreading across my face. The earnestness in his eyes, the way his gaze held mine, made my heart flutter. At that moment, it felt as if the world had narrowed down to just the two of us. My pulse quickened, and I could feel my breath snag slightly.

As I tried to hide my blushing face, my gaze accidentally hovered over Calum. I caught him looking at me with a teasing smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He knew all too well the effect Marius had on me and loved to playfully tease me about it. Despite his teasing, Calum had always been my confidant, my anchor through many ups and downs.

The dining room was suddenly alive with energy. Marius continued eating, seemingly unaware of the silent conversation between Calum and me. The air was filled with the comforting sounds of breakfast – the clinking of cutlery, the soft murmur of conversation, and the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the scent of warm pastries.

I couldn't help but steal peeks at Marius. The manner he moved, so effortlessly secure, brought me in. His company was both reassuring and intoxicating, causing my heart to race with a blend of excitement and nervousness. Every fragment seemed amplified – the subtle stubble on his jaw, the way his fingers wrapped around his cup, the delicate curve of his lips as he sipped his coffee.

Meanwhile, Calum's mischievous grin didn't waver. He leaned back in his chair, a quiet observer of the morning's unfolding drama. His presence was a soothing contrast to the vigor I felt around Marius. Calum, with his intense wit and caring nature, had always known how to lighten the mood and bring a smile to my face, even in moments like this.

Marius, clueless to Calum's silent amusement and my racing thoughts, simply took pleasure in his breakfast. The tension in the air was a mix of anticipation and familiarity, a prom of emotions that only heightened my affection for both men in different ways. The morning had turned into a flimsy interplay of feelings, leaving me acutely aware of the complex relationships that defined my world.

“Why don’t you two try living together first? Why not give your family a chance, I mean, you and MJ, under one roof?” It was Calum, his voice laced with slightly concealed amusement.

He wasn’t looking at me directly, and I knew he was doing it on purpose. His words hung in the air, teasing and provocative, clearly meant to stir things up. I could tell from the sudden hush around the table that Lana and Andrew, who were having breakfast with us, had also picked up on Calum’s naughty tone.

“Yeah, that’s a great suggestion. Why not? You could take a vacation together. Maybe stay at Sam’s house in Baguio or Marius’ place in Bulacan,” Lana chimed in, her eyes darting to Andrew as if seeking his approval or gauging his reaction.

The ambiance around the breakfast table shifted. The clinking of cutlery against plates faded, and the before nonchalant discussions vanished into the background. Marius glanced up from his meal, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he contemplated Calum’s suggestion. His eyes, usually so full of confidence, currently grasped a glimmer of contemplation, as if he was thinking about the possibilities that lay ahead.

Calum tilted, a pleased smirk playing on his lips. He understood exactly what he was doing, stirring the pot only enough to spark a reaction. Despite his teasing, I could perceive his sincere concern and yearning to see things work out for the best.

Lana’s advice of a vacation hung in the air like a promise of new beginnings. The idea of staying at my house in Baguio, with its cool mountain air and serene surroundings, seemed idyllic. Or perhaps Marius’ place in Bulacan, a more familiar environment, closer to the lives we lead now. Both choices exemplified a chance to explore what could be. Away from the pressures and anticipations of our daily routines.

I stole a glance at Marius, trying to gauge his thoughts. His usually secure demeanor was tinged with hesitation, but there was also a spark of yearning. The idea of living together, even temporarily, was a substantial step. It meant confronting our fears and hopes head-on, seeing if the parts of our lives could indeed suit together.

"I agree with you, sweetheart," Marius answered, his voice smooth and assured as he glanced at me, a playful brotherly wink accompanying his words.

In that instant, I felt like a mouse trapped in a room full of predatory cats. The tension mounting around me. My best friend, the orchestrator of this unforeseen scenario, sat across from me with a smug look. When my eyes met Calum's, his teasing smirk made my annoyance bubble over, and I shot him a sharp glare.

Marius, oblivious to the silent exchange, continued to enjoy his breakfast with ease. "What do you think, Sam?" he asked, his tone relaxed yet expectant.

"What?" I stammered, caught off guard and momentarily confounded by the turn of the conversation.

In a serene tone, nearly a whisper veiled with a trace of irritation, I posed that query, unable to wholly hide my annoyance. Nonetheless, amid the undercurrent of nuisance, I couldn't help but catch sight of a tinge of amusement dancing in Marius's gazes. A subtle spark that hinted at suppressed thoughts and implicit intentions.

"Their advice is great, don't they?" he added, his tone resonating with a feeling of approval that contemplated across the table. Ensuring everyone caught wind of his words.

"There's an unequivocal appeal to their ideas, Sam," Andrew interjected, his gaze steady and earnest as it locked onto mine.

His eyes expressed a message of understanding and encouragement, stressing the significance of considering such proposals, primarily when they revolved around the well-being of our child.

It was as if my options had faded away into thin air. Leaving me with a sense of helplessness and resignation. The importance of the situation nudged down on me, worsened by the fact that it seemed like the three of them, no, four, including my meddling friend, had connived against me.

Meanwhile, Lana's voice, usually filled with kindness, floated across the table like a delicate breeze bringing a message of hope. "There are things that are better off tried. If we give them a chance. Because we all deserve a second chance."

Her words echoed in my senses. Agitating a whirlwind of clashing emotions. On one hand, the idea of giving things another shot held a glint of optimism. A faint touch of possibility. On the other hand, the fierce storm of confusion and uncertainty fumed within me. Obscuring my judgment and leaving me at a loss for words.

Marius, ever the calm and composed company, proposed a lifeline amidst the chaos. "We can talk about this, privately, if you want, Sam."

His voice cut through the noise like a beacon of translucency. Offering a chance to steer the complicatedness of the situation away from prying eyes. Yet, even as he prolonged the offer, a piece of me thought twice, wary of delving into a conversation that could unravel everything we've put together so far.

The tension in the air was noticeable, each heartbeat reverberating the unspoken questions hanging back in the room. Should I embrace the possibility of a fresh start, or should I tread cautiously, skeptical of likely surprises? It was a crossroads that demanded careful thinking. A pivotal moment that could shape the course of our intertwined lives.

As I gazed around the table, meeting the eyes of each person present, I couldn't help but sense the importance of their expectations and yearnings resting on my shoulders. Lana's gentle encouragement. Andrew's persistent support. Marius' suggestion of a private discussion. They all summed up layers of complexity to an already detailed tapestry of emotions.

In that moment, I realized that decisions like these were not made in rush. They required reflection, honest conversations, and a willingness to meet face to face with the unknown. The journey forth appeared to be daunting. Yet there was a glimmer of excitement, a whisper of uncertainty for what could unfurl if I dared to take a leap of faith.

But for now, amidst the buzzes of agreement and the silent questions hanging in the air, I simply nodded, accepting Marius' offer while silently steeling myself for the conversations and options that lay ahead.

"No, I don't think we need to have a private conversation about this," I responded firmly, my voice holding up a sense of determination. "Considering that everyone here appears to be in agreement about giving our family a chance, I think I'll go for it."

A flicker of genuine joy radiated Marius' face at my words. His eyes contemplating a blend of surprise and delight. Across the table, the rest of our companions shared in the positive atmosphere, their smiles warm and encouraging. Calum, in particular, sent a mischievous wink my way. Summing up to the carefree mood.

The sunlight rushed through the windows. Tossing a gentle glow over our breakfast gathering. Infusing the room with a feeling of hope and opportunity. It was as though the morning itself was conspiring to approve our decision. Surrounding us in its golden embrace.

"And what about you, Calum?"I asked, wanting to include him in our plans.

His response was quick but understandable. Adding a touch of reality to our optimistic discussions. "I would love to join, but I have a timely commitment. My cousin from Davao is embarking on a new business venture, and he's seeking my advice for the boutique he's planning to establish."

The conversation flowed seamlessly. Each word exchanged adding to the sense of harmony and mutual support among us. As we proceeded to discuss our plans, the atmosphere seemed to hum with anticipation. As if echoing our shared excitement for the future.

I sighed softly at what I heard. But what could I do if Calum had other agendas and his family needed his help?

"Alright," I replied.

"Don't worry, I'll come back here. Maybe by that time, your vacation is over," Calum said, his tone hinting at something more. It was as if I could hear him saying, "I hardly doubt that," implying that the vacation would be far from over.

I wanted to feel thrilled at that idea, but I held back. Even though Marius admitted to me what happened between him and Lena, I wasn't numb enough not to feel hurt about it.

It was painful for me to hear that truth. Moreover, I couldn't help but imagine how they did it. When did they have sex? The exact date, time, and most importantly, was Marius good at it when he did that with Lena?

Once again, the heartache enveloped my heart. I tried to push that thought out of my mind. And somehow, I succeeded. It wasn't easy, to be honest. But maybe if I search for forgiveness in my heart, there might be a chance. No mother doesn't wish for a complete and happy family. Especially for her child. And that's me. That's what I want for MJ.