Ashford Series 1: Loveless Vows

Chapter 16

The hum of the airplane engine had become a familiar background noise as Jane and I moved through the cabin, finishing the last few tasks before landing.

The routine was second nature by now—checking seat belts, making sure trays were put away, and giving the passengers one last smile before we descended.

But today, my smile wasn’t just for the passengers, it was for the thought of what was waiting for me once we touched down.

"Excited?" Jane asked, a knowing grin on her face as she adjusted her scarf.

I nodded, unable to hide the wide smile that had been creeping onto my face since we started our descent. "I can’t wait to see Sandy. Miss na miss ko na siya."

Jane chuckled softly, nudging me with her elbow. "She’s going to be so happy to see you."

As the plane touched down, the familiar bump and jolt of the landing gear made my heart race—not with nerves, but with excitement.

We finished our final duties and began guiding the passengers off the plane, exchanging small talk as they left.

Every smile I gave them was brighter than usual, fueled by the thought that I was minutes away from holding my little girl in my arms.

Once the cabin was empty, Jane and I walked down the aisle together, sharing a look that said everything—this was what made the long hours worth it. The doors opened, and the warm air of the airport greeted us as we stepped into the jet bridge.

As soon as we entered the airport, I scanned the crowd, my heart beating a little faster with every step. Then I saw them—Jane’s husband, waving excitedly with one arm, while the other held onto the tiny hand of my one-year-old, Sandy.

“Sandy!” I called out, my voice filled with joy as I hurried over.

Her little face lit up with a smile as she saw me, and she let out an excited squeal. She wobbled forward, her tiny legs carrying her as fast as they could until she reached me.

I scooped her up into my arms, holding her close as she babbled happily, her tiny hands grabbing onto my uniform.

I pressed a kiss to her soft cheek, feeling a wave of warmth wash over me. “I missed you so much, baby girl.”

Jane and her husband walked over, sharing a look of contentment. “Looks like someone’s happy to see her mommy,” Jane teased, smiling as she reached out to tickle Sandy’s foot.

I nodded, tears of happiness threatening to spill over as I held Sandy close. “I’m the happiest mom in the world right now.”

We all walked out of the airport together, my heart full as I held Sandy in my arms.

As we walked out of the airport, the excitement in the air was contagious. Jane and her husband exchanged grins, and I couldn’t help but smile back, feeling a warmth spread through me.

Today was special—today was about family.

“Celebrate kaya tayo?" Jane’s husband suggested, his voice full of excitement, “How about we head to our favorite restaurant?”

Jane nodded eagerly. “Masarap doon! Namiss ko yun, sama ka Sab?"

I looked down at Sandy, who was happily playing with a lock of my hair, her little fingers tugging gently as she babbled nonsense words. My heart swelled with love.

“Sasama ako,” I said, my voice soft as I kissed the top of Sandy’s head. “It’s been too long since we’ve all been together like this.”

Sandy giggled, her big eyes shining as she continued to mess with my hair, twisting it around her tiny fingers.

I chuckled, shifting her in my arms so she could reach a different strand. “You’re just having a field day, aren’t you?” I teased her, my voice full of affection.

As we made our way to the car, I couldn’t stop looking at her, the way her little nose crinkled when she laughed, the soft curls of her hair, the warmth of her small body nestled against mine.

Pakiramdam ko sobrang tagal ng ilang buwan na hindi kami nag kasama, pinapangako ko sa sarili kong babawi ako sakaniya.

When we arrived at the restaurant, the familiar smell of our favorite dishes greeted us, making my stomach growl.

Jane and her husband found us a cozy booth near the window, where the sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow over everything.

I slid into the booth, settling Sandy onto my lap. She immediately reached for the menu, her tiny hands trying to grab it as if she knew what she wanted.

“You’re a hungry little one, aren’t you?” I laughed, holding the menu just out of her reach while she pouted up at me.

Jane smiled at the sight, her eyes twinkling. “Manang mana sayo.”

I grinned back, nodding as I handed Sandy one of her toys to distract her. “Syempre ako ang nanay, kanino pa ba mag mamana.”

As we ordered and waited for our food, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. Sandy’s presence filled the room with joy, and every time she looked up at me with those innocent eyes, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.

As I gazed into Sandy’s bright ash-grey eyes, a sudden memory hit me. Those eyes—so full of innocence and wonder—were the same as his.

It had been two years since our lives had gone in different directions, but no matter how much time passed, I couldn’t escape the memories.

Sandy’s laugh brought me back to the present, but the resemblance was undeniable. Every time I looked at her, I saw him.

It wasn’t just the color of her eyes, it was the way they sparkled when she was curious, the way they softened when she was about to fall asleep. She was a tiny reflection of the man I had fallen in love with.

Two years, and I still couldn’t forget him. Prime. The man who had been everything to me, and then nothing at all.

But here, sitting in my lap, was the living proof of what we once had. Sandy, my beautiful daughter, was a constant reminder of the love I tried to leave behind.

I stroked Sandy’s soft hair, trying to push the thoughts away, but it was impossible. How could I forget him when every day, I saw his face in hers?

The same ash-grey eyes that had once made me feel so safe now filled me with a bittersweet ache. Sandy was my everything, but she was also a piece of Prime that I could never let go of, no matter how much I tried.

It wasn’t just her eyes. It was the way she smiled, the way she tilted her head when she was thinking. Sandy was a female version of her father, and it tore me apart and made me whole at the same time.

I sighed, holding her closer. “Mommy loves you so much,” I whispered, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “You’re my little miracle.”

But as I looked into those familiar eyes, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would have been like if things had turned out differently.

If we were still together, if Prime were here with us. But that was a dream long gone. All that was left now was Sandy and the memories she brought with her.

I couldn’t forget him.