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That’s why his parents said he’s single because he doesn’t have a girlfriend.

Then it will introduce Carla?

They’re engaged right?

I kept my eyes on my Plate while they talked. “What do you think at Athena’s Hotel? It looks good. The engineer was a colleague of yours before.” His mother said. “Yeah, it looks good but not impressive. No offense but I saw same designs like this in many countries already.” He said.

Hearing that made me angry. His face is so thick that my hotel is small!

“Oh you!” The mother laughed. Even though the situation was awkward, a few laughed.

“Do you have other ideas, Mr. Calazar?” I asked boldly. I can finally look it in the eye even though my chest is pounding.

“Ideas for?” He answered me while raising his right eye brow.

“Ideas for my hotel, I mean I want this to be different from other hotels in the Philippines and in the world too.” I fake a smile.

“Yes I do. I’m not a famous engineer for nothing.” He said boasting.

My eyes narrowed at what he said. Everyone can feel the tension between us.

“I would like to reconstruct your hotel if you want, that would be another achievement, making it world class.” He added.

“I assume you have a tight schedule, Mr. Calazar.” I said.

“I can decline my it all for you.”

He is about to get married, he still has the urge to stretch like that! Right in front of his parents! After he said that, everything became quiet. Pvera with his mother is thrilled. Saying that she’s right, he would like me.

Yes, his son liked me. But that was before. It has Carla now!

I look back here, I space out a lot because of what happened last night.

I sighed deeply. “What’s the problem, Sir?”

“I want the owner to show me around Palawan, this hotel offers tour right?” He asked. I frowned at what he said.

“Yes, but we have a tour guide sir and he will accompany you.” I said.

What does it think I’m doing nothing?

“No. I want the owner of the hotel. I’m sure you know Palawan better than the tour guide.” He smiled.

I did nothing but tour Wilder. I am also the reason why he is here. He will reconstruct my hotel as an agreement. They say it’s a friendly gesture. I don’t think so. Shouldn’t he be taking care of his wedding instead of being here?

Currently we sat on the sand for a while because I have been accompanying him for more than an hour.

Good thing I’m in casual attire. Im wearing a floral off shoulder and a black short paired with beige sandals. While he was wearing khaki shorts and a simple polo shirt.

Whatever she wears suits her.

I can’t help but stare at him while he is looking at the sea.

It was as if I was transported back to the past, where we were happily sitting here on the sand and looking at this beautiful view.

“You’ve reached this far.” He said while staring at the sea. “Yeah.” I answered.

“I’m proud of you.” I turned my gaze at him when he said that. His eyes are full of emotions.

“Thank you. I’m proud of you too. You’re an engineer and a doctor huh.” I said to him,

“They said he lives in America?” I asked him.

I also heard this from people last night. “Yes.” This is an economical answer. He was still looking at the sea.

“W-why did you come back to the Philippines then?” I asked curiously.

He turned to me.”I left someone here. I tried to follow her around the globe but she’s too hard to find.” He said.

I swallowed hard.

I kept quiet.

He was following someone. Then he had a girlfriend after the two of us.

Did he find it?

“She even changed her name so I won’t find her.” My eyes widened with what he said. I swallowed again.

“A-ah. Is it from where? It’s a story.” I laugh bitterly even though I’m in pain. It looked back at the sea.

I can’t assume because my name wasn’t changed, just added!

“I met her in college, at first I didn’t lay eyes on her, she’s not that attractive but she captivated me with her powerful spirit that made me interested in her. She works hard for everything she has. She’s intelligent too.” There’s a sudden pang in my chest. He looks so in love with that woman. That girl was lucky.

“Just like any other relationship we went through our down fall. I hurt her. I wasn’t there when she needed me the most. Im scared to loose her but im the reason why she left.” It said sadly.

“Shes allergic to scallops too. She has a big weird glasses back when we are in college. I wish I had never changed her…” He said then looked at me. “I wish I didn’t change you maybe everything would be different.” He continued.

“If you didn’t change me, you won’t fall in love with me.” I said with bitterness. “I’m already in love with you without even changing you.” He said while looking deeply into my eyes.

We approached each other. He is about to kiss me when I push his chest.

“W-what are you talking about? You’re going to get married, aren’t you? It seems wrong for you to say that to me, especially if someone overhears.” I said.

“I’m not married. I’m not asking you yet.” He said. My eyes widened with what he said.

“B-but Carla said, you two are getting married?” I asked confused.

“That lying woman.” Its jaw clenched.

I don’t understand.

“I tried to forget you, Fertine. But every time I kiss someone I feel like I’m cheating on you. Carla and I hook up. I want to forget you so bad. There ain’t no lips like your lips. No one ever made me feel this way ever. That’s why I ended it up with her. I don’t know she’s still pulling that act to fool anyone.” He said.

So he is not married yet! Everything is just fake news!

My heart skipped a beat as I read the text message. It was an invitation to a party—a celebration I had been eagerly looking forward to. But as I scrolled down to see the list of attendees, my eyes widened in disbelief. There, among the names, was my ex, Wilder. The shock sent a jolt of mixed emotions coursing through my veins.

I had done my best to move on from our past, to create a life where his presence no longer held power over me. The breakup had been painful, leaving deep scars on my heart. I had invested so much time and effort into healing, into finding myself again. And now, seeing his name on that list felt like a cruel twist of fate.

Questions swirled in my mind. How could he be invited? Did the host not know the history we shared? Or worse, was this some twisted attempt to test my resilience, to see if I had truly moved on? Anger welled up within me, threatening to overshadow my initial excitement for the event.

But then, amidst the storm of emotions, a sense of clarity emerged. I reminded myself that my growth and happiness were not dependent on anyone else, especially not Wilder. I had come so far, rediscovering my own worth and finding joy in my own company.

With a deep breath, I made a conscious decision. I would not let this revelation ruin the event for me. I deserved to enjoy the celebration, to revel in the company of friends and loved ones. Wilder’s presence might stir up old memories, but it couldn’t extinguish the progress I had made.

As the day of the party approached, I prepared myself mentally and emotionally. I surrounded myself with positivity, reaching out to friends for support and reminding myself of the strength I had developed through my journey of healing.

When the night of the party finally arrived, I stepped into the venue with a newfound sense of confidence. The room buzzed with laughter and music, and I couldn’t help but smile at the vibrant atmosphere. I spotted familiar faces and greeted them warmly, grateful for their presence in my life.

And then, inevitably, our eyes met. Wilder stood across the room, a mix of surprise and uncertainty etched on his face. It was a split-second connection that held years of history, but I refused to let it define me anymore.

I took a deep breath, reminding myself of my worth and the progress I had made. I navigated through the crowd, focusing on the conversations and laughter around me, immersing myself in the joy of the occasion. I refused to let his presence overshadow the celebration or the strides I had taken toward my own happiness.

Throughout the night, I reveled in the connections I had fostered, the moments of laughter and genuine camaraderie. I danced, I laughed, and I embraced the freedom of being myself, independent of my past.

As the party came to a close, I caught a glimpse of Wilder once more. This time, though, I felt a sense of peace within me. I had proven to myself that I could rise above the shock and discomfort, that I was resilient and capable of forging my own path.

Leaving the party that night, I felt a renewed sense of empowerment. Seeing Wilder had reminded me of the strength I had cultivated within myself. I knew that, no matter what surprises life threw my way, I had the power to overcome them and continue on my journey of self-discovery and happiness.