Broken Promises

Prologue

After three years of being apart, Irene had not a single day go by without thinking about her daughter, Kate. She missed her terribly, and since their separation, she had no news of her. Irene had no idea where Kate was or how she was doing.

Now living in California with her sons Luis and Alfonso, as well as her daughter-in-law and grandson, Andy, Irene spent her days surrounded by family, yet a part of her always felt incomplete.

One evening, Irene stood on the terrace, watching the sun slowly sink beneath the horizon. As she gazed at the fading light, memories of Kate flooded her mind.

"Kumusta ka na, anak? It's been so long since I last saw you. After all this time without reaching out, do I still have a place in your heart? Do you still need me? Do you still love me? Do you still see me as your mother?" she thought, her heart heavy with unspoken questions as the sun disappeared.

The evening breeze brushed her cheeks, and she whispered to herself, "Leaves will grow from the bareness of trees... everything will be okay in time."

But doubt lingered in her heart. "As time passes and we remain apart, am I still a part of your life, or have you completely cut the connection between us?" Her eyes welled up with tears as she stood in silence, consumed by the weight of her thoughts.

Her moment of reflection was interrupted by a knock on the door. Wiping away her tears, Irene let out a soft sigh.

"Babba?" A voice called from the other side of the door. It was her grandson, Andy.

"Yes, love?" Irene replied, a tender smile on her face as she opened the door.

"Would you like to come to the mall with us? Tata Jea asked me to invite you." Andy said, his tone polite.

Irene smiled softly. "At this hour? Alright, tell Tita Jea that Babba will just change." She leaned down to kiss Andy on the cheek.

"Okay!" Andy beamed.

"Careful!" Irene called out as he ran off, a soft laugh escaping her.

After closing the door, Irene walked to her closet to change. Moments later, she was downstairs, ready to join her family.

"Oh, is this a family bonding night?" Irene asked, grinning as she entered the living room.

"Maybe?" Janella replied, laughing softly.

Irene's smile widened as she moved toward Janella, wrapping her arm around her waist. "You look stunning, princess," she complimented, planting a kiss on Janella's cheek.

"Well, where else would I have gotten it from?" Janella teased.

"Okay, let's go!" Alfonso said eagerly.

As the family made their way to the food court, Irene quietly observed the cityscape through the window. Her children were lost in conversation, each of them deep in their own thoughts.

They found a table and began to eat when Alfonso suddenly caught sight of a woman who looked eerily familiar.

"Hey, Luis, look at that lady. Is that... Kate?" Alfonso whispered, trying to keep his voice down.

Luis, now staring intently, replied, "Oh my god, it's her! What's she doing here? If she's with a guy, I swear..."

"Should we tell Mom?" Luis asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"No, not yet," Alfonso answered, his eyes still on Kate.

Their conversation was interrupted when Irene spoke up. "What are you two whispering about?"

"Nothing, Mom. Just eating," Luis replied quickly, giving a nervous laugh.

After they finished eating, Irene and Janella made their way to the supermarket to pick up some groceries. While they were shopping, Irene turned a corner and collided with someone unexpectedly.

"Oh, sorry! My fault—"

Her words caught in her throat when she saw the person she had bumped into. Her heart skipped a beat, and her breathing grew shallow. It was Kate. Her daughter. The one person she had thought about every day for the last three years.

Tears instantly filled Irene's eyes as she looked at the woman standing before her, the woman she had loved more than anything in the world.

Before either could speak, Irene reached out and grabbed Kate's hands, pulling her into a tight hug.

Kate froze, clearly shocked, and tried to pull away, but Irene held on tightly.

"Please... let me hug you, just for a moment... a-anak," Irene whispered through her tears, her voice trembling.

Kate stood still, the familiar words, "anak," breaking through the walls she had built. The smirk on her face faltered as she felt the weight of her mother's words.

At that moment, Janella came around the corner, holding a basket of fruits. She stopped in her tracks, wide-eyed at the sight of her mother embracing a stranger.

"M-mom?" Janella whispered, loud enough for Irene to hear.

Irene pulled away, still trembling, and looked at Kate with a smile full of bittersweet love.

"Jea, come here," she motioned, her voice soft.

Kate, still processing the whirlwind of emotions, stood quietly. Janella, unsure of what to make of the situation, approached cautiously.

"Jea, this is your ate Kate, my daughter. Kate, this is Janella, your sister," Irene introduced them, her words hesitant but filled with love.

Kate's eyes flickered as she took in Janella. "I am Kate Alliana Marcos Araneta," she said, emphasizing her surname.

"I have to go now. I'm sorry..." Kate's voice was cold and distant, almost robotic.

"I—" Irene's voice broke. "Wait, Alliana." She reached for her daughter's hand once more and pulled her into another hug.

"Always remember that no matter what happens, Mommy loves you so much, my princess," Irene whispered, tears streaming down her face. "Take care of yourself, and I'm sorry for everything. I hope this isn't the last time I'll see you. I love you so much." She kissed Kate's cheeks, her heart breaking with each kiss.

"I need to go," Kate said, her voice flat, emotionless.

Irene's grip tightened for a moment, unwilling to let go, but she knew she had to. It hurt more than anything she had ever felt, watching her daughter turn away. She wanted to take her home, to hold her close again, but she knew she couldn't.

As Kate left, Irene collapsed into Janella's arms, sobbing uncontrollably. Janella held her mother close, her own heart aching for the pain Irene was feeling.

Irene gently held her chest, the scent of Kate still lingering on her hands—the only trace of her daughter she had left.

Oh you never really love someone until, you learn to forgive..