When the Last Peso Falls

Chapter 17 A Family Divided

The Manlapig family, once a beacon of unity and prosperity, now found itself fractured beyond recognition. Lola Remedios's passing and the subsequent revelations about her will had ignited a fierce struggle among the family members. Each individual faced their own set of challenges, and the impact on their personal lives grew increasingly pronounced.

Mila sat in her study, overwhelmed by the clutter of financial reports and legal documents that now dominated her once-organized workspace. The photograph of her mother, Lola Remedios, lay beside her, a poignant reminder of her loss and the heavy mantle of responsibility she now bore. Her phone buzzed incessantly, but she ignored it, consumed by her thoughts.

"What am I supposed to do now, Mama?" Mila's voice cracked as she spoke to the silent photograph, her tears staining the glass frame. The inheritance, once a symbol of security, now felt like a crushing burden. Her career, which once defined her, seemed futile in the face of family discord and financial chaos.

Marc, her husband, entered the room with a concerned expression. "Mila, we need to talk."

She wiped her tears and looked up. "About what? Everything's a mess."

"I know it's overwhelming," Marc said, sitting beside her. "But we need a plan. You can't carry this weight alone."

"I don't even know where to begin," Mila admitted. "The business, the money—it's all entangled with family expectations and resentment."

Marc took her hand, offering a reassuring squeeze. "We'll figure it out together. But you need to decide what's truly important to you."

Tonyo retreated to his music room, where the grand piano, once a source of joy, now seemed like a relic of happier days. His fingers moved absently over the keys as he played a melancholic melody.

"I don't know how to fix this," he muttered, his voice echoing in the empty room. His recent argument with Mila had left him feeling estranged and helpless. His attempts to mend their relationship had been met with resistance, leaving him feeling inadequate.

Anna, his wife, entered quietly, observing him for a moment before speaking. "Tonyo, you need to talk to Mila. Hiding away won't solve anything."

"I'm trying," Tonyo replied, frustration evident. "But every attempt seems to make things worse."

Anna sat beside him. "You both need to communicate. It's the only way to start healing."

Tonyo's eyes were filled with doubt. "What if it's too late?"

"It's never too late," Anna said firmly. "But you need to make the effort."

In her sleek, modern office, Patricia stared out at the cityscape, her reflection in the glass walls a stark contrast to her inner turmoil. The corporate accolades and financial rewards that once drove her now felt hollow.

"Is this really what I want?" she whispered to herself. The recent family upheaval had caused her to question her own values and aspirations. The corporate success that had distanced her from her family now felt empty and unfulfilling.

Her assistant, Joy, knocked and entered with a stack of documents. "Ms. Patricia, these need your approval."

Patricia glanced at the papers but didn't pick them up. "Joy, can you give me a minute?"

Joy nodded, sensing the tension. "Of course, take your time."

Patricia leaned back in her chair, her thoughts swirling. "I need to figure out what truly matters," she said aloud, her voice trembling. The conflict with her family had made her reconsider her priorities and life choices.

Luis sought solace in his art studio, surrounded by vibrant canvases and paints. The contrast between the lively colors on his canvases and the turmoil in his life was stark. He applied bold strokes to a new painting, channeling his emotions into his work.

"This is where I can be myself," he said, focusing on the canvas. The artistic process was his refuge from the family conflicts and expectations that weighed heavily on him. His strained relationship with his family drove him to seek meaning and comfort through his creativity.

His friend and fellow artist, Rina, visited the studio, noting his intense focus. "Luis, you seem deep in thought. Is everything okay?"

Luis glanced up, his expression pensive. "It's just... everything's so messed up. I'm trying to find clarity through my work."

Rina nodded in understanding. "Sometimes art helps us make sense of things. Keep at it. It might help you find the answers you need."

Aling Ising sat in her modest home, reflecting on the turmoil she had inadvertently sparked. She shared a moment of quiet contemplation with her son, Miguel, her face etched with worry and guilt.

"I never intended for any of this," she confided. "I thought I was doing what was right, but now everything seems to be falling apart."

Miguel looked at her with a mix of sympathy and concern. "Mama, you did what you thought was best. We all have to deal with the consequences now."

Aling Ising sighed heavily. "I should have been more honest. I should have prepared them for the truth."

Miguel placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We can't change the past. But we can work towards making things right from here on out."