The Heir's Retribution

CHAPTER 25

WARNING!
Mature Content.

Chapter 25: BREATHTAKING

"Oh, is she your youngest?" I heard a rich and deep voice asked.

Napakurap ako upang suriin ang paligid. Where am I?

It seemed like I was at a grand ballroom party with chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. The walls were lined with elegant drapes, and round tables covered with white cloths and were decorated with floral centerpieces. Mahinang tumutugtog ang classical music sa background, humahalo sa mahinang usapan ng mga bisita at sa nagtatagpong mga glasses.

My lips parted in confusion as my gaze landed on a younger version of my father. His hair was darker, his face smoother, and his eyes sparkled with youth.

'Baba, is that you?' Sinubukan kong itanong, ngunit walang boses ang lumabas sa bibig ko.

"Yes, this is Mia," Baba replied proudly to the person in front, his hand resting on my shoulder.

I tried to speak, but failed again. I was about to touch my throat when I saw my hands and was bewildered to find small, childlike hands in front of me.

"Hello, Mia. Nice to meet you," the man in front said with a smile. I just looked at him with my confused eyes. "I'm your father's friend. You can call me Uncle D."

"Come on, Sunshine, greet him," a woman standing beside Baba said in a sweet and encouraging tone.

"H-Hello po, my name is Mia, and I am 5 years old."

My lips parted in shock when a small, stuttering voice came out of me. 

Am I dreaming?

Tila wala akong kontrol sa sariling katawan. 

The man in front of me laughed, ruffling my hair, as if he were delighted with my response.

He was smiling, yet there was something about his presence. He was dressed in a three-piece suit, exuding an air of confidence and authority that made me feel intimidated.

"I'm sorry, Capo, she's still very shy," my father said, slightly bowing his head. Respect and deference evident in my father's tone.

"No, no, it's okay. Kids are naturally like that towards strangers," the man replied, tapping my father's shoulder with a firm hand.

The man turned around and called out to someone. Muling bumaling ang paningin ko sa babaeng nakatayo sa tabi ni Baba. She looked familiar, but I couldn't remember where I had seen her before.

Her elegant white dress flowed gracefully as she moved. She smiled warmly at me when she noticed me looking at her, her eyes sparkling with kindness. The familiarity nagged at me. It felt like I should know her.

"Here's my boy!"

I turned my attention back to the front when Uncle D exclaimed in a booming voice. The corners of his mouth widened into a wide smile as a young boy stopped before us. He was much taller than I.

The young boy wore a suit similar to Uncle D's. He pushed up his wavy hair, exuding an air of confidence, with his posture straight and devoid of any discernible emotion on his face.

I assumed he was Uncle D's son due to their resemblance.

"Good afternoon, it's nice to see you again," the boy greeted politely. Baba and the woman beside him looked amused by the young boy. "Thank you for coming to my birthday."

"The pleasure is ours, young man," Baba said, gesturing to his left, where I was standing. "You're almost the same age as our eldest. Maybe you two will get along well."