Friday comes—today marks Irene's arrival in the Philippines and Kate's departure for New York. The Marcoses accompanied Kate to the airport, completely unaware that Irene had already landed.
"Take care of yourself, ha. Yung mga bilin ko sa'yo—text or call me if you need anything. Tell me if you're running out of money, but that's quite impossible naman—and also—" Imee wasn't able to finish when Borgy cut in.
"Mom, relax. Baka ma-late si Kate sa flight niya dahil sa dami ng bilin mo," Borgy said.
Imee looked at him and smirked. "Oh siya, sige na nga. Come here." She opened her arms, inviting Kate for a hug. Kate laughed softly and embraced her aunt.
Afterward, she turned to Bongbong and hugged him as well.
"No boys, ha. Or else no one from New York will be allowed to step into the Philippines again," Bongbong warned, his tone teasing.
"Update us every day, sweetheart," Liza said warmly, kissing Kate on both cheeks before hugging her.
The boys each gave Kate a kiss on the forehead before finally saying goodbye.
Kate nodded, smiling. "I'll see you all soon. Bye-bye. Take care din po." She kissed them all on the cheeks in return.
They waved as Kate entered the airport, surrounded by guards as crowds gathered, eager to take photos of the family.
Meanwhile...
Irene had already arrived at NAIA. She waited for her luggage, her heart quietly racing. She wore a mask and sunglasses, careful not to be recognized.
She called their family driver—now Greggy's driver—the only person who knew she had returned.
"Ma'am Irene!"
Irene turned toward the voice. "Jonas!" she exclaimed upon seeing him.
Jonas immediately approached her, helping with her luggage and opening the passenger door.
"Kumusta po ang biyahe?" he asked as he settled into the driver's seat.
"Okay naman. Ikaw, kumusta?" Irene replied.
"Mabuti po. Ganon pa rin," Jonas said with a soft laugh.
"Saan po tayo, ma'am? Sa Forbes—" He paused, realizing his mistake. "Ay, sorry po."
Irene smiled gently. "It's okay. Sa bahay na lang ni Manang Imee muna, Jonas."
He nodded.
When they arrived, the guard quickly opened the gate upon recognizing Irene. Jonas had to leave soon after to fetch Greggy, so Irene thanked him and handed him money as a token of gratitude.
She rang the doorbell.
"Ma'am, pasok na lang po kayo. Kumakain po kasi sila ngayon. Nandito rin po si Sir Bongbong," the guard informed her.
Irene smiled and nodded.
She slowly opened the door and walked toward the dining room, her chest tightening with every step. Laughter echoed through the house. Her hands trembled.
Then she reached the dining area.
Silence.
Everyone froze.
Eyes widened. No one spoke. No one moved.
Irene smiled weakly as tears began to form in her eyes.
"Tita..." the boys whispered.
She smiled at them.
They immediately stood and pulled her into a tight embrace. Irene hugged them back just as tightly—she had missed her nephews so much.
YOU ARE READING
Broken Promises
FanfictionA daughter's hatred and disappointment to her mom, nevertheless, she still cares and loves her mom unconditionally. A mother's unconditional love towards her daughter even if her daughter is so cruel and envies her.
