Love Beyond Shadows (Santiago #1)

Four

Kabanata 4

Three days had passed since I’d last been to HanLand, and it had been an exhausting few days battling my illness. I hate my fevers! Even though I was still recovering, I had spent the evening going over the documents my assistant sent me. I was deeply immersed in the plans when my phone rang. I looked at the screen and saw my sister Crystal’s name. It had been a month since we last spoke, and I knew she was incredibly busy working as a nurse in Cyprus.

"Hello sis! How are you na ba?" Crystal’s voice was a comforting sound on the other end of the line.

"Crystal! It’s been too long. I’m feeling a bit better now. How’s everything going for you over there? I imagine you’re swamped with work," I said, trying to hide the loneliness that had been creeping up on me.

"It’s definitely busy here, but I’m managing. I’ve been learning a lot and starting to settle into the new routine. I do miss home though, especially missing out on family moments," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy.

"I understand, Crystal. I’m so proud of you. I know it’s tough being away, but you’re doing an amazing job," I said, trying to reassure her and also comfort myself a bit.

"Thank you, sis. I wish I could come back for a break, but my patients need me here. How are things at HanLand? I heard you’ve been unwell. Are you okay?" she asked, her concern evident.

"Yeah, I’ve been taking it easy. Even though I’m not fully back on my feet yet, I’ve been thinking a lot about what’s next for HanLand. There’s a new project on the horizon that seems really promising, and I’m excited about the possibilities," I explained, my excitement growing as I thought about the potential of this new venture with Architect Leonardo DelGarvaro.

Really, Hanna? Thinking of him?

"That sounds amazing, sissy. By the way, how’s kuya?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"It’s a project aimed at creating something truly beneficial for the community. I’m hoping it will open up new opportunities for both HanLand and for me. And for your kuya, hindi ko alam kung nasaan siya right now. The last time we talked, he informed me that he’s in Italy for a business trip. Alam mo namang palaki ng palaki na ang company niya, so in conclusion, he’s now a busy man," I said, my enthusiasm evident as I spoke.

"I’m so happy for you! Pero sana yang si kuya Gio makauwi next Christmas so we can celebrate it together na, and I’ll try to find some time for us to catch up before my vacation, okay?" she offered, her affection clear in her words.

"That would be great, Crystal. I’m planning to take some time for myself once I’m fully recovered. I hope we can talk again soon and maybe even see each other when you get a chance to come home, tapos you needed to libre me ha kasi you're mayaman na," I said, with a sarcastic tone.

"Definitely, sis. Take care of yourself, and syempre libre kita ng street foods yun lang afford ko HAHA," she said warmly before hanging up.

I sat at my desk with a smile, feeling lighter after our conversation. It was amazing how just hearing her voice could lift my spirits.

I miss my two devils. Pagkatapos kasing makapasok si Gio sa isang malaking company, di na kami ganun nag-uusap, but we still have the sibling connection. For Crystal, she pursued her dream job, to be a nurse. I’m so proud of them.

All my sacrifices are worth the tears!