Chapter 27

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If Darniesha knew her father, she would be overjoyed. I still remember when she was a baby, just learning to speak, and the first word she uttered was “Daddy.”

Daddy...

Maybe that’s something I can’t give my daughter yet, or perhaps I don’t know if I ever can. I’ve been so selfish, denying her the chance to know her father. It pains me as a mother, especially since I grew up in a complete and happy family, while I can’t provide that same happiness for Darniesha.

Anak, if one day you remember this or someone tells you about it, please forgive Mommy for hiding you from everyone.

I’m sorry, Anak, if you grow up not knowing your dad and not being with him. I’m sorry for being selfish, making you the one I used to take revenge on them. But always remember that Mommy does this out of love, to protect you.

I’m not ready to face your father; the pain of what happened is still too fresh.

Over the years, I’ve tried various therapies to help me regain the memories I’ve lost. I’ve consulted countless doctors, but they all give me the same answer.

“Sorry, Miss De Mavicos. We cannot help you with your case. Retrograde amnesia currently has no cure. Scientists and medical professionals are still striving to find a solution. For now, therapy is the only option.”

Maybe I’ve healed from the wounds they inflicted on me, but I will forever suffer from this sickness.

Remember, once a piece of the puzzle is missing, you cannot figure it out.

How many therapies have I tried? How many doctors have I visited in different countries for consultations and treatments? Yet, the answer remains the same.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t notice Tita Dal’s gentle tap on my arm.

“You know, hija, the first time I saw a girl from the Villin clan, she was so adorable,” she said, smiling warmly at me.

I nodded, sharing her smile.

“Although we wish we could stay longer, your Tito has meetings to attend. He’s still a board member at Villin Emprise,” she continued, walking over to Darniesha.

“We’ll visit you two at your house if that’s alright with you,” Tito chimed in, watching his granddaughter with pride.

“Of course, you’re welcome to come over anytime. Tito, Tita, I’m sorry again for hiding your grandchild—” Tito interrupted me.

“I understand. Don’t worry; we’re not angry with you. We just feel sadness because we couldn’t be there for you or help with Darniesha. But I’m proud of how well you’ve raised your child,” he said, giving my shoulder a reassuring pat.

I watched as the couple exited the room, their love for Darniesha evident in their every gesture.

Just a few minutes later, the doctor entered and announced that Darniesha could be discharged. I quickly took care of our hospital papers and bills, relieved to hear that she just needed some rest for her forehead, which had been stitched. The doctor advised against sending her back to school until her wound was fully healed.

It had been a day since she was discharged from the hospital. Thank God for that.

“Mommy!” I heard her call from the kitchen countertop, where I was preparing her meal.

I rushed to the living room and found her busy sketching in her pad. I sat beside her.

“Why did you call me? Do you need anything?” I asked, brushing aside the strands of hair that covered her face.

She stopped drawing, set down her pencil, and pointed at the bandage on her forehead.

“Can you remove it, please, Mommy?” Here we go again—Darniesha pleading to take off her bandage.

“Yes, we’ll remove it because you need to take a bath, but we’ll put on a new one afterward,” I gently reassured her, carefully patting the bandage.

“Baby, let’s take a shower. Remember, your grandparents are coming over,” I added, and her eyes lit up with excitement.

I carried her upstairs to our bathroom. As soon as I removed her clothes, she dashed to the bathtub, eagerly jumping in. I turned on the tap, letting the water flow and creating bubbles with soap. I let her play while I watched, the sound of her laughter filling the room. Soon enough, she splashed water on me, and I had no choice but to join her, laughing all the while.

She quickly stood up in the tub and headed to the shower, and I followed closely behind, rinsing her off thoroughly.

As we were heading downstairs, I heard voices coming from the living room. When I entered, I saw my parents with Tita Dal and Tito Meo.

My daughter bolted toward them, showering them with kisses. I walked over to greet them before heading to the kitchen to prepare food.

We started eating, the table buzzing with laughter as various stories were shared. Our conversation paused when Vinesha and Asher arrived.

“Ate, we just wanted to visit Darniesha.” I nodded and stood to get more plates and utensils for them.

After our meal, my mom and Tita suggested going to the mall with Darniesha. I opted out, knowing I had urgent meetings to attend. I wanted them to have quality bonding time with my daughter.

Watching them together brought me joy. It’s only been weeks since they met, yet the bond between them and Darniesha was remarkable.

Darniesha usually took time to warm up to new people, but with her grandparents, she connected effortlessly in such a short time.

Seeing their happiness and the love they had for my daughter made the guilt of hiding her unbearable.

If only I had chosen to listen to everyone instead of pushing them away, perhaps things would have been different all those years ago. I wish I had forgiven them and tried to understand their situation, but I chose selfishness instead.

When making decisions, you must consider the potential outcomes before acting, reflecting on the world around you.

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