C54 fifty four

I adjusted my seat as their eyes scrutinized me. I sighed because I knew what they were thinking.

Mama and Papa were on either side of me, with Samuel across and Sophie sandwiched between him and Ate. They really looked like a family.

"Can we eat now? This is supposed to be a family dinner, and I don't like being stared at like this," I said irritably.

They cleared their throats and shook their heads.

Ever since we arrived here, Samuel had already reported to Ate that he saw Cyrus at the school, so now they're observing my reaction.

I'll admit, after all these years, he still gets to me, but I guess I'm not the same to him anymore.

"Is that really his child? Maybe you're jumping to conclusions again? That's your problem. Maybe he's the one who's dying inside because Sophie called you 'Mommy,' and maybe they thought Samuel was your partner," Ate said.

As if Samuel wasn't her husband. Well, maybe she really trusts me and Samuel that much, even though we're close, we wouldn't deceive her.

I remember a few days after I started teaching when Ate actually sent me to Samuel. Some people even thought Samuel was my boyfriend. Like, seriously?

"Yuck," Samuel and I said simultaneously.

I gave him a disgusted look. He even pretended to be gagging, so I rolled my eyes.

I looked at Ate, who was laughing at our antics.

"Mama, I want some ice cream," Sophie said with a sulky expression.

Ate glared at her, so Mama quickly tapped her arm.

"Don't you give your child that kind of attitude, she might turn out just like you, always throwing tantrums!" Mama scolded her.

Papa rubbed his forehead. Some people glanced at us because of Mama's shouting.

"Ice cream right away, Sophie? Eat some rice first," Mama corrected herself. "I mean, eat some rice before you have ice cream,"

Sophie stood up and went to my side. She pouted and batted her eyelashes while holding her palms together.

"Please, Mommy Tita," she said sweetly.

I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow. She started doing the puppy eyes again, as if she'd collapse if I didn't allow her to buy ice cream. I glanced at Mama and Ate, who were looking at me with furrowed brows.

"Just one scoop," I said with a smile.

Ate shook her head. "No," she said firmly to Sophie. "Eat first, Sophie," she commanded authoritatively.

I sighed. "Okay, Sophie," I smiled. "Auntie will queue up there," I pointed to the ice cream lane. "So eat first, and when I come back, you can have the ice cream I bought, okay?"

Sophie nodded. "Got it!" she said before running to Ate's side.

"I'll just queue up," I said as I excused myself.

They didn't pay attention to me as if they already knew what I was going to do. They continued eating. Mama and Papa were busy taking pictures of the food. Meanwhile, Samuel was fixing Sophie's hair. Ate was busy tasting almost every order.

I stood up and started walking.

Ever since Ate got pregnant after she graduated, I've practically been her partner. Meanwhile, Samuel has been busy with work, but he still manages to make time for his daughter. I admire Samuel because even though he's tired from work, he still finds time to watch over Sophie.

"Yoreh?"

I looked to my side.

"Akia?"

Why am I running into people I know from Manila today? Is this some kind of reunion?

She laughed. "Yes, it's me," she replied.

"Why are you here in Cavite? Do you work or live here now?" I asked curiously.

I moved because the line was moving.

She scratched her nape. "Yup, actually, this restaurant is owned by my husband and me,"

I turned to her in surprise. "Husband? Oh my gosh, you're married?" I said happily.

I wonder how her problem with her stepdad is going? Maybe she's resolved it because of the way she's smiling!

She nodded. "We've been married for almost two years. I invited Cyrus. How are you guys? I thought he'd be here too because of the new project he was assigned to," she said cheerfully.

I fell silent.

I forced a smile. "He's married now,"

She furrowed her brows as if she didn't know anything. Wait,

"You didn't know?" I asked in surprise.

"Are you married?"

I chuckled. "Crazy, right? I'm a teacher," I proudly said.

She nodded. "Yoreh," she said with a smile. "Liane is his stepsister. Tito Armando had a child with another woman," she explained.

My eyes widened as I looked at her to see if she was joking. She shook her head, looking disappointed in me.

She pulled me to an empty seat. "Let's talk, I'll get your order later," she said with a smile.

I just nodded.

"So, he's not really married to her? She's just his stepsister?" I asked in confusion.

I bit my lip as I nodded along with her.

She laughed. "Do you think he'd deceive you? Cyrus? He loved you so much, he wouldn't deceive you. Do you know, when I had problems, and I stayed in his unit, you were all he talked about. That was the only time I saw him smile widely and his eyes light up every time he talked about you," she said, sitting back with a smile.