47

That’s why he never texted or laughed at me before because this is his girlfriend!

Poured love on him? Can I pour him the wine I’m holding? Maybe he’s forgetting what he did to me before?!

I compose my self. I need to get my fucking shit together!

Carla, the girl who appeared to exist just to test my patience, caught my attention as I made my way down the busy hallway. Within me, a raging rage was growing, and it was threatening to consume me. Although I gave off an outward impression of composure, a raging tempest was brewing inside of me.

Carla’s haughty attitude and condescending grin had a way of setting off every one of my nerves. Every single thing she said was like a poisoned dart aimed at my sanity. She seemed to have a sixth instinct for knowing just what would set me off and how to say or do it. It was something she greatly enjoyed.

Her actions appeared purposefully designed to drive me insane. The ridiculous confidence with which she strutted around the room, her hips swaying. To see her move with such grace and charm without appearing to make an effort was frustrating. She simply became the center of attention, making me feel unimportant and unnoticed.

But I was also irritated by something other than her presence. It was her laugh, that irritating, high-pitched guffaw that cut like knives into my eardrums. It reverberated in my head, a constant reminder of her annoying presence. And the worst part was that she didn’t even seem to notice how she made me feel. It was as though my rage was concealed from her sight, which only served to increase my frustration.

Her condescending comments were like knives to my pride and gradually destroyed my self-esteem. She appeared to take joy in insulting me, as her remarks were far more damaging than any physical harm could have been. And I tried as hard as I could, I just couldn’t come up with the words to explain myself. It was a war of wits that I felt completely unprepared for, and I found myself stuck in an endless loop of anger and hatred.

I couldn’t wait for the day that I would finally be able to approach her and let all of my pent-up rage loose on her poor, defenseless heart. Her seamless mask needed to be shattered so that her genuine self could be seen. But until then, I was left to stew in my own repressed wrath in silence.

So, although I passed her again with a fake smile on my face, you should know that a storm was gathering beneath the surface. My rage was like a raging forest fire, building up until it could be released and destroy everything in its path. I would patiently wait for the right moment to put a stop to her aggravation, converting my anger into determination.

“Congratulations then.” I fakely smiled at her. I’m twisting and pounding its head on the table in my brain.

The world blurred around me as I fought to maintain my composure. Deep breaths, I reminded myself. Deep breaths. I clenched my fists, the pressure grounding me as I struggled to contain the torrent of anger bubbling inside.

The frustration welled up, threatening to spill over like a violent storm. I could feel the heat rising within me, coursing through my veins like molten lava. Every word that pushed its way past their lips ignited the fiery rage within me, but I had to hold it in. I had to keep it together.

Their obliviousness to my inner turmoil only fueled my anger further. How could they not see the injustice, the blatant disrespect? It took every ounce of self-control to mask my boiling emotions behind a façade of calmness. I bit my lip, tasting the metallic tang of blood as I fought back the urge to unleash my wrath upon them.

My mind raced with sharp retorts and scathing remarks, each one a weapon I desperately wanted to unleash. But I knew that succumbing to my anger would only give them power over me. They didn’t deserve that satisfaction. So, I swallowed the bitter words, willing them to dissolve within me.

But the struggle was real. Every muscle in my body tensed, ready to release the pent-up fury. I felt my heart pounding like a war drum, the adrenaline surging through me. It was a battle, an internal war, as I fought to keep my emotions from consuming me entirely.

I closed my eyes briefly, trying to find solace in the darkness behind my eyelids. I reminded myself of the consequences, the potential damage that could be inflicted if I let my anger take control. The collateral damage would be immeasurable, and I refused to be the catalyst for such destruction.

So, I held back. I bit my tongue, anchoring myself to the reality that I could rise above this moment. I focused on the bigger picture, on the strength it took to restrain my anger rather than succumbing to it. It was a test of my character, a testament to my resilience.

And though my insides raged like a tempest, I refused to let it consume me. I summoned the last vestiges of self-control, letting them wash over me like a soothing balm. My anger would not define me; it would not dictate my actions. Instead, I would rise above it, proving my strength and resilience.

So, I took another deep breath, feeling the tension ebb away. I straightened my posture, presenting a composed exterior despite the turmoil within. And as the storm of anger raged on within the confines of my mind, I held my ground, determined not to let it break free.

I was about to leave when he spoke. “Oh and by the way I saw a carbon copy of you outside, she just looks older. Is that your mother? Oh my what a bad child you are! Now that you’re successful don’t you know how to show gratitude?” It’s mockery.

The pressure inside me had reached its breaking point. I could feel it building, like a volcano ready to erupt, and I knew I couldn’t hold it back any longer. Every word, every glance, every insidious thought aimed in my direction had become unbearable. And in that moment, all restraint shattered like fragile glass.

My anger surged forth like a tidal wave, crashing against the shores of my composure. My voice, once calm and measured, trembled with the raw intensity of my emotions. It echoed through the air, a thunderous declaration that I would no longer tolerate the silent judgments and unsolicited opinions of others.

I unleashed the words that had been festering within me, punctuating each syllable with a righteous fury. My voice shook with the force of my conviction, as I confronted the girl who had dared to pry into my thoughts and make her unsolicited opinions known. I warned her, not with a threat, but with an unmistakable demand: Keep. Your. Thoughts. To. Yourself.

The weight of my words hung heavy in the air, reverberating with the authority of someone who had finally found her voice. It was a cathartic release, a liberation from the suffocating silence that had confined me for far too long. And as the torrent of my anger poured forth, I could see the shock on her face, her own self-assured façade crumbling in the face of my unbridled emotions.

In that moment, I didn’t care about the consequences. The fear of repercussions paled in comparison to the sheer relief of finally expressing my pent-up frustration. I stood my ground, my body vibrating with an empowering energy as I held her gaze, refusing to back down.

I made it clear that I would not be silenced, that my thoughts and emotions were valid and deserving of respect. I demanded an end to the constant scrutiny, the whispered criticisms that had slowly eroded my self-confidence. I claimed my space, both physically and emotionally, reclaiming the power that had been taken from me.

Though my anger blazed like a wildfire, my words were not devoid of purpose. They were a warning, not just to her, but to anyone who dared to undermine my autonomy. I asserted my boundaries, drawing a line in the sand that others would think twice before crossing.

The aftermath of my outburst hung in the air, charged with tension and a newfound sense of defiance. And though the room may have fallen silent, the echoes of my anger reverberated within me, reminding me of my strength and resilience. I had broken free from the chains of silence, no longer willing to bear the burden of others' expectations.

In that moment, I realized that my anger was not something to be ashamed of or hidden away—it was a catalyst for change. It fueled my determination to stand up for myself, to protect my thoughts and emotions from the judgmental eyes of the world. And as I stood there, a girl who had burst out in anger, I knew I had taken a powerful step towards embracing my own authenticity.Almost all the heat in my brain went to what he said. “Shut your fucking mouth!” I warned her and walked outside. I’ll deal with her later but first I need to see my mom first.

I ran into Hades but I didn’t pay attention because I was running outside the hotel. Even though I had a hard time wearing heels and a gown and I tried to make it easy!

Mom go!

I need to hurry! Maybe it’s gone!

I saw a woman walking away. She is wearing a formal dress but not that grand and her hair is loose.

I’m sure it’s him!

Carla said she looks like me!

That’s mom!

I quickly took off my shoes and ran. He walks too fast! I am very tired.

When I couldn’t run anymore, I gathered my strength and shouted. “Mom!”

“Mom!!” It still hasn’t turned around.

“Ma!!!!!!!” I walked again.

“Mom!!!!!” I screamed at the top of my lungs while rushing into her when she turned around.

That’s mom!

She looked shocked when she was me. I ran fast like a child who was afraid to be abandoned by his parents.

I hugged her tight when I reached her.

“Mom!” I sobbed into his chest and let my tears fall.

“M-mama.. m-ma..” I kept calling her because I was having trouble breathing because of my crying.

I felt her hands on my hair. I looked up at her and saw her crying too.

I cried even more. “Ma!..” I hugged her so tight.

It feels like home.

“Go ma! S-thank you! I missed you so much ma! You didn’t answer me or even call me! T-then you hid from me! Why? They say w-no mother can stand a-child but ma you didn’t show me!” I said in between cries.

He removed my tears with his thumbs on both cheeks. “Because I know I will be a hindrance to you, Fertine.” It said sadly.

“Mom! You know how important you are in my life! You raised me, ma!” The part he smeared on my cheek was replaced with new tears.

“I made the right decision son, see if it’s successful.” He smiled bitterly. “Mom! You’re the reason for this! You’re the one who taught me to be dependent! You’re the one who made me realize that you have to stand on my own feet and don’t depend! Ma.. all this is for you. .” I sighed deeply while still crying. I started too fast.

“I’m proud of you son.” She said it with a genuine smile. The bitterness is gone. I hugged her again. “Mom, don’t leave. Please. You owe me so much for years..”

“No more son.” My tears flowed again.

“Weiler Resort! It’s a thing, isn’t it? I named it Weiler because a Weiler raised me!” I proudly said. It was my mother’s surname.

My success is all for her. Everything I did was for her.

We returned to the hotel.

Hades appeared to us as if he had been waiting there.

I fixed my messy hair and rubbed my hand on my cheek to remove the remaining tears.

He smiled broadly. It knows that I have searched and worked hard for mom.

“Hi aunt! I’m glad you came. Fertine is so eager to build this hotel for you.” He greeted her.

Mama responded with a smile.

“They’re waiting for you inside, for a toast.” Hades, Freeda and mama sat together at a table.

“I would like to make a toast for Ms. Athena Fertine Wu. Who finally reached her dream and found her mother and also this toast is for her success!” Hades promised. I smiled at him genuinely. The people were applauding who were a little surprised that my mom was here.

They know that aunt is not my mother.

I stood up from the chair and spoke. “I would like to honor my mother, fro being the inspiration of my hotel. They say the key to success is education, but mine is my mother, the key to this success.” Everyone applauded and I took mom from the crowd so we could have a moment together.

I really missed her so much.

First they talked to Mom and Dad, grandma and grandpa, along with Mama’s relatives and other acquaintances.

I finally saw her, she’s so proud of me. All of my hard work is worth it.

“Congratulations Fertine. You did it. I told you, you can, and your with mother again. I’m happy for you.” Hades promised. “Thank you. I am with you through all the fatigue and trials Hades, and for that thank you, brother.” I hugged him.

“Is there a space left for me there?” Freeda’s groin. “Come here!” I pulled it and we did a group hug.

I saw Carla standing at the edge of the pool. I pulled away from the hug and walked towards her. “Thank you.” I genuinely smiled at her.

I was surprised by what I said. “What for?” This is a straight question.

“For making my life hard. For being a road block on my path, for putting me down and for telling me that my mom is outside.” It sounds sarcastic but honestly I am sincere.

“Okay.” She said sweetly.

Everyone is happy at the party. I opened the pool for anyone who wants to swim. Someone is enjoying it. Mama went up to the room I reserved to rest because she had just arrived here in Palawan and went straight here. I have also delivered a lot of food to his room. Even though I wanted to go upstairs, Dad wouldn’t let me because he said I was the host of the event. The investors are laughing and still drinking wine. Dad was with the Calazar’s at the table.

The other Calazar’s.