Embers From Within (Casa Fuego Series #6)

End

Here ends the story of Articus and Therese. This story took quite long to finish but now that it has ended, I will surely miss writing it. Thank you for reading all the way here. I hope to see you on the next book under this series!

Tomorrow is election day. May our votes be based on and backed by facts, clean and competitive track record, and the truth. Keep safe always.

End

"She's pretty, right?" Mama smiled before she sipped on her coffee.

I glanced at my mother. "Who?"

"Therese."

Saglit akong nablangko. I didn't know how to respond to that because so out of the blue.

Our family came over to the Hermedillas' manor for dinner. Inaanak ni Senyora Lucinda si Mama at ngayon na lang din nakauwi ng Cebu kaya bumisita kami.

I actually had a planned night out with my friends for that night but I didn't want to let Mama down so I agreed to just show up. Tutal, mga alas diez pa naman ang party sa Metro. Pagkatapos ng dinner, nagpaalam na agad akong mauuna na paalis. And just when I was on the way to where my car was parked, I saw a girl struggling to lift herself up to the window.

Mataas ang binatana na gusto niyang akyatin. And because the material of the window's knob was most probably hard, she couldn't open it. Paniguradong natataranta na siya. But with her petite body, and her arms looking frail, I doubt she can successfully get inside through the window before the househelps catch her.

For a moment, I was surprised to find out she sneaked out of their manor. Of course, I know Therese Hermedilla. Malapit na kaibigan ni Mama si Tita Celeste, at nakikita ko rin siya sa mga social functions. She's the cousin of my close friends – Conor and Eros. She's the only granddaughter of the eminent Fredericko Hermedilla – the celebrated tycoon I have always looked up to growing up.

I never had any close interactions with her. Kahit magkaibigan ang mga pamilya namin, hindi kami kailanman nakapag-usap o nagkangitian manlang.

She's timid – that's why I've noticed. I know that the Hermedilla women are known for their class and elegance, but there was something underwhelming with Therese Hermedilla. In comparison to her mother, her movements aren't prim and proper. She was just... plainly timid.

That's not surprising, at all. She's the only granddaughter, unica hija, and only niece. She's very sheltered.

So to see her trying to get herself in through the window amidst the househelps calling her name, kind of surprised me. I was really running late to our night out in the Metro, but I can't just walk past her.

I helped her out. Fuck, I had to balance myself in a narrow flower bed and carry her up at the same time. Naging matagal bago siya nakapasok dahil mabigat ang knob ng bintana.

"Fuck," I exhaled and brushed my hair when she successfully got in. "Troublesome."

Hinabol ko ang aking paghinga. Ilang sandali, umalis na rin agad at mabilis na pinatakbo ang sasakyan para umabot pa sa kasiyahan sa Metro.

"Sure," I shrugged my answer for Mama.

Mama's gaze lifted to me. I was working with my laptop while she's in front of me, reading a newspaper and drinking her coffee.

"You don't find her pretty?"

"She's pretty, sure. But she's timid."

"That's how the Hermedillas behave. They're prim and proper."

Ngumuso ako at tumango na lamang. I wanted to reiterate that being prim and proper, and being timid have a thin line that separates them from each other. But I didn't want to debate my mother.