The Billionaire's Contract Wife [COMPLETED]

Seventy-Eight: Setting the Boundaries

[One year later.]

"Happy birthday, happy birthday! Happy birthday to you! Happy 1st birthday, baby Louise!"

Masayang nagpalakpakan ang lahat. Nanlaki ang mga mata ni Loulou --- na noo'y karga-karga ni Francine --- habang nagpalipat-lipat ng tingin sa mga naroroon. Hindi kasi ito sanay sa madaming tao kaya naninibago ito. Ako lang naman kasi at si Rona ang lagi nitong nakakasama sa bahay.

"Let's go blow your candle, baby," ang excited na wika ni Francine at saka medyo inilapit ang bata sa cake.

Loulou's eyes grew even more wider, natakot yata sa nakasinding kandila. Then she looked at me and started crying.

"Ohmygosh, you scared her!" ang natatawang wika ni Rona.

"Oh, shucks. Stop crying, baby! Stop crying na. Here's mommy. Shhh," ang natatarantang wika ni Francine sabay balik kay Loulou sa akin.

This is the first time that Francine met her. First time din kasi niyang nagpunta dito sa Netherlands. Although nagkakausap kami madalas through chat at video calls.

I just prepared a small celebration for Loulou's first birthday. Iilan lang din naman kasi ang mga bisita. Aside from Francine, who flew all the way from France to celebrate my daughter's first birthday with us, nandito din ang iilang friends at classmates ko from medical school.

"I thought Louie's coming for Loulou's birthday? What happened?" Francine asked when we were alone. We were seated in the farthest part of our backyard garden where we held the party.

Loulou's with Rona. Masaya namang nagkukwentuhan habang kumakain ang mga friends ko sa kanya-kanyang mesa.

"He was busy," I said in a matter-of-factly tone, trying to hide the disappointment in my voice.

I fixed my eyes on the plate right in front of me, twirling the seafood pasta with my fork, as to completely avoid Francine's questioning look. I know exactly what she's thinking but I don't want to talk about it.

Francine chuckled almost sarcastically. "Busy? Mygod, he had the whole year to plan his schedules accordingly. And his daughter will only celebrate her first birthday once."

Nagpakawala ako ng isang malalim na buntong-hininga bago nagsalita.

"He had his schedule cleared for Loulou's birthday. But something came up at the last minute. Unfortunately, he couldn't make it," ang sabi ko habang 'di pa rin makatingin dito ng diretso. I don't want her to see the sadness in my eyes.

Eto naman ang nagpakawala ng isang malalim na buntong-hininga. I don't think I have convinced her but I'm just glad that she decided to drop the subject.

Dumating naman si Louie. He was one week late but at least he came, I told myself.

"You like it, sweetheart? Huh? You like it?" There was so much fondness in Louie's voice as he showed Loulou a doll that giggles when you pressed its tummy.

Nakaupo si Louie sa couch habang kandong-kandong ang anak na noo'y tuwang-tuwa kapag tumutunog ang doll. The doll was just one of the many toys he brought for Loulou. Halos hindi ito magkandaugaga sa pagbitbit sa mga regalo noong dumating ito kanina.

Watching the rare view instantly brought warmth in my heart. Masaya ang puso kong makita sa ganoong sitwasyon ang akong mag-ama. Saglit kong nakalimutan ang disappointment na naramdaman ko para kay Louie noong malaman kong hindi ito makakadalo sa birthday party ng anak.

I quietly sneaked out of the living room. As much as I don't want to miss such a heartwarming moment, I feel like I need to give them some time alone. Kapag kasi nandoon ako, minsan titingin si Loulou sa akin at iiyak, magpapakuha. I want them to enjoy each other's company more, nang sila lang, kaya dahan-dahan akong umalis at umakyat ng kwarto.