Inamorata's Ascent: The heir and the Pauper

CHAPTER 10

The Past

Reeve's POV

Coming back to the Philippines was supposed to be a fresh start, a way to reconnect with my roots and find a sense of belonging. But it quickly turned into something much more complicated than i could have ever imagined.

I had been living abroad for years, studying and building a life for myself. But it was during my time there that i uncovered a truth that shook me to my core-i was adopted. My real parents were here, in the Philippines, and the shock was only compounded when i discovered that they were none other than Leon's parents.

It all started with a simple DNA test, something i did out of curiosity. The results led me to seek out my birth parents, and through a serieis of emails and phone calls, i pieced together a story that i had almost forgotten.

Years ago, our family went on a camping trip for some quality time together. Leon and i were just kidd, inseparable and adventurous. One afternoon, Leon wandered off to take a pee, and when he didn't return, i went looking for him. But instead of finding my way back, i got lost in the woods.

Leon made it back to our parents, but i never did. I ended up miles away, in a small bakery run by a kind-hearted couple who found me and took me in. My real parents couldn't find me, and eventually, they had to move on, though they never stopped looking.

My adoptive parents raised me well. They lived near Saoirse's house, and that's how we became friends. We spent countless days playing, studying, and dreaming about the future. But life took another turn when my adoptive parengs saved enough money to move abroad, giving me the chance for a better education and a different life.

Even as i excelled in my studies, the longing to know my roots lingered. When i finally returned to the Philippines, the first person i visited was Saoirse. She had always been my anchor, and catching up with her felt like coming home.

"Reeve?" she gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief.

"Sao!" i exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across my face.

It had been seven long years since i had last seen her, Saoirse, my childhood best friend who i had left here in the Philippines.

"I can't believe it's really you!" she said, pulling back slightly to look at me. "Kailan ka pa rito? Ang laki na ng pinagbago mo"

"Just a month ago," i replied

"It's good to see you again reeve." she said to me while smiling.
--
"Something bothering you, Saoirse?" i asked gently.

"Wala, it's just a friend of mine," she admitted, sighing. "He hasn't been around, and he's not replying to any of my messages. So, i'm kind of worried about him."

"Who's this friend?" I asked, concerned.

"His name is Leon," she said. "He's been helping out at the café, but he just disappeared."

Hearing Leon's name was like a punch to the gut. The brother i had lost in the woods was here, so close, and had unknowingly been part of Saoirse's life.

I decided to do some digging. I couldn't let Saoirse worry, and i needed to know more about Leon. A background check led me to the truth-Leon was indeed my brother. The realization hit me like a tidal wave, bringing with it a flood of memories and emotions.

The anger and resentment i felt towards Leon resurfaced. If it hadn't been for him, i wouldn't have gotten lost in the woods. I wouldn't have been separated from our parents, and my life would have been entirely different.

When i walked into the café that morning and saw Leon, all thise emotions came rushing back. I couldn't help the hostility in my gaze, the bitterness that tainted our handshake. It was irrational, perhaps, but the pain of that lost childhood was still raw.

"Nice to meet you, Leon," i said, forcing a smile.

"Likewise," he replied, but i could see the confusion in his eyes.

I couldn't help but feel that he lived the life i was meant to have. And even though i had built a good life for myself, the sense of loss was overwhelming.