Embracing The Thorns of Love

Prologue

Lacked

I am determined to get their love. That's what I intend to do. Ever since Mama passed away, I was forced to survive on the little attention that Papa gave me.
I did what I think can please him. Though I pursued photography and I have my own painting shop and class, I still studied business management to help him and our company to rise as I was avoiding disappointment from him. And I realized, while reading my book and listening to Loren Allred, it will never be enough. But then... No! I will not stop and give up on them!

"Yeah, tell the board that the meeting can proceed with you. Yes. Just update me when I go there. I just need to prepare the proposal for Mr. Gibson. Thank you." It was Papa's voice, maybe talking to his secretary.

I was battling myself if I should just continue my business or ask my father if everything's under in control when I felt someone speak behind me.

"Dad hates when someone's eavesdropping, Hestia. You know that." My eyes widened when I turned around and heard that. Si Kuya! He visited. That's new!

"Uh.. I'm happy to see you here, Kuya." I almost forgot what I have to say when he walked passed me and knock on dad's study room. That's...

I just took a deep breath and ignored the pain in my chest. He's still mad but I am just so determined to be in good terms with Kuya.

He's 5 years older than me and I remember some blur images, us, playing like a normal siblings. When Mama died, I felt the distance between us. It hurts to think that I am the cause of all these. That's why I will please them as long as I can.

I

decided to go out after returning the book. Sometimes the weather can change my mood and now is that time! My smile got wider as I thought of going outside. Since we live in Mommy's hacienda, I get to feel the peacefulness I needed when I can't get off something in my head.

The tall trees, birds twitting, leaves twirling, comfortable grass, and the fresh air. And also the sunset! This is peaceful. This is blissful!

Sayang at hindi ko dinala ang camera o ang art materials ko. Hindi ko alam na maganda pa rin pala ang labas ngayon kahit pahinga ko!

Pumikit ako at dinama ang hanging panghapon. Everytime I will go out, I made sure that I will not take my problems with me. Gusto ko lang maramdaman ang kapayapaan at pagmulat ng mata, laban lang at hindi mawawalan ng pag-asa. My mother taught me that. She's vulnerable but at the same time, strong.

I wonder if Mom's still alive, would my father and brother give the love and attention I badly wanted to have? Laging ganoon, puro what ifs. But my conscience will always tell me that it's my fault anyway, so who am I to ask such thing?

But it is really hard to give me happiness?

Heading back to our house, I saw my father and brother talking to each other while they are smiling widely.

Napahinto ako at tinitigan silang mabuti. They're all smiles. I think it's about business? My brother's handling our other business so I guess they're having their bonding through that?

I only know that we have chains of hotel but I don't know what business Kuya Connor's handling.

Nevertheless, I'm glad they can still smile while working hard.

"Hestia! Come over here!" Dinig kong tawag ni Papa. I noticed that their smile slowly fades but I just shrugged it off and walked excitedly to my family.

They're serious and kind of formal now when I stopped in front of them. "Do you need anything Dad?" Nakangiti ako nang tumikhim siya at may sinabi.

"Mr. Gibson seem to be interested for a partnership to our company. Kapag nakita mo siya, makipaglapit ka. He'll probably like you, just get dressed nicely sometimes! For godsake! You're already 25 and still sticks to these kind of clothes. You need to dress like a wealthy and confident woman!" Tiningnan niya ang kabuuan ko at umiling as if wearing this makes my whole existence disappointing to him.