The Moonlight Assassin

Family Talk

Miguel had dinner with the Changco family in Unit 2120, together with his college friends Tommy and Vincent, and Eli's fellow teachers. As they enjoyed the char siu and chow mien, Miguel still felt a little confused about what happened previously, because, for the past 24 hours, he was asleep. But he still remembered that Tabby will be leaving Del Fierro in two weeks.

"Daddy Eli," Miguel asked Tabby's father, "what are your plans after Tabby leaves the Del Fierro company?"

"Well, I leave the floor first to Bart, he knows what to do," answered Eli.

Bart added, "Brother Mike, I am still waiting for the results of the bar exam, which should release anytime tonight. If I do pass the exams, we will pursue having our own law firm... 'Changco and Associates'... that'll look good. Sis Tabby will help with the funding."

"But what if you don't pass, Bart? What's your other option?", Miguel asked.

"Tabby and I will instead create a consultancy firm, primarily focusing on helping small and medium enterprises," Bart answered.

Tabby added, "Well, babe, our business will help fund the schooling of our youngest sister Liza, who plans to study abroad."

"Yeah, I plan to take Chemical Engineering at Cali University, 'cause I want to make my own brand of cleaning supplies," said Liza.

"She's obsessed with laundry soap," said Mother Miriam, "she wants all her clothes spic and span. That's why I'm excited for her to go to the Freedom States."

"Wow, that's impressive," said Miguel.

Tommy asked Miguel, "Bro, how did you get so pumped this morning? I saw you lifting 100 kilos in the gym effortlessly."

Vincent added, "Yeah, and the trainer went nuts seeing him do that. I mean, are you really wanting to get ripped for Tabby?" Everyone laughed.

Miguel got confused. He did not remember that moment, but he said, "Really? Well, I never lifted above 50 when I was still active in modelling, but yeah... I think I made it now... for Tabby." He sheepishly laughed.

Daddy Eli observed the beautiful conversation around the dinner table, and proposed to everyone, "Well, I think we should bring this conversation to a whole new level. Why not we treat everyone for a vacation next Saturday at our rest house in San Lazaro beach?"

"Sir Eli, that'll be awesome!", exclaimed Tommy and Vincent.

"Yeah, let have some R&R! (rest and recreation)", said Bart.

"Ah, I think we'll plan some great food for you!," said Mommy Miriam.

"Are you coming, babe?", Tabby asked Miguel.

Miguel checked his calendar. That Saturday was a full moon; there would be moonlight in sight. Even if he was in fear, he let go of all his anxious thoughts just for Tabby.

"Sure, I'll come," said Miguel.

After dinner was over, Eli and his family offered a prayer of blessing, and let the visitors go home.

As Miguel was about to leave, Eli approached him.

"Miguel, I know you have been struggling all these years. But, our family trusts in you, and I thank you for providing our daughter Tabitha with what she needs. With that, I'm giving you this heirloom piece. If you decide to settle down, show this to her on the day of your proposal," Eli said to him, handing him over a tiny box containing a piece of jewelry.

Miguel opened the box and inside was a 24-karat gold ring with a jade crystal on top of it. Inside the ring is an inscription in Chinese characters, depicting Song of Songs 2:10:

"我 良 人 對 我 說 、 我 的 佳 偶 、 我 的 美 人 、 起 來 、 與 我 同 去 。"*

"My lover said to me,

"Rise up, my darling!

Come away with me, my fair one!"**

Elijah told Miguel, "You have our family's blessing. You have to act soon enough for I know you have my daughter's trust. Go for it!"

"Thank you, sir Eli," Miguel said, "I'm deeply honored to have you as part of my life, and for me be part of yours. You are truly blessed."

"Go on, son, and may God protect you," Eli sent his farewell.

Miguel left the condominium with a grateful heart.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the road, someone else was spying on Miguel. It was Jeremy Del Fierro, who was following him all along.

"Well, someone's taking Tabby's hand soon!", he said.

* Chinese Standard Version (Traditional)

**New Living Translation