Six years had passed, and both Alice and Theresia had undergone significant transformations. Alice, having completed her medical degree, had become a doctor at Manila Doctors Hospital. After her term as mayor, she chose not to run for any other government position, instead focusing on her medical career at the hospital where she was a major shareholder. Meanwhile, Theresia had pursued her legal expertise abroad, earning numerous awards as a highly competent lawyer on the international stage. Both women had found success in their chosen fields, breathing life into their aspirations.
However, these achievements seemed to have subtly altered their personalities. Alice, once known for her infectious smile and jovial nature, had become more reserved and proper. Theresia, previously approachable and cheerful, now exuded an intimidating and formal aura. Their past experiences had undeniably shaped them, leaving an indelible mark on their demeanor.
Would fate once again test the boundaries of their differed love, or would they actively seek to avoid its clutches? Was it true that love would be sweeter the second time around, or would it merely shatter their hearts twice as deeply this time?
Theresia's Pov:
"I thought I'd never be able to move forward after all the pain I endured. Leaving the Philippines turned out to be the best decision I could have made. I’ve found a new environment, met new people, and discovered a new purpose. I’ve realized that I’m still capable of achieving so much, and that there’s still hope for me.
Yet, despite all my success and the accolades I've received here, I still haven’t experienced true happiness. There’s a void that remains unfilled, a sense of incompleteness that I know will never be fully resolved. When my sister passed away, a part of me went with her. That’s why I can’t bear to stay in our old house—the memories are too overwhelming, haunting every corner."
My parents have been trying to convince me to come home for a long time, but it's not easy to leave everything I have here, especially when there's no guarantee that my future in the Philippines will be good. I've been scared and learned a lot. What if I go back and get hurt again? I don't want to experience the pain of the past and be in that situation again.
A gentle knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts. "Ma'am, there's someone here wants to see you," my assistant said, her voice soft and polite. "He says he's a friend."
Curiosity sparked within me. I hadn't made many friends since I moved here, and the few I had were mostly colleagues.
"Tell him I'll be right there," I responded as I stood up, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. Taking a deep breath, I straightened my blazer and headed towards the door. Whatever awaited me on the other side, I knew it would be a welcome distraction as I had a lot of work to do.
"Hi Risaaa!" Ralph shouted as he hugged me tightly, causing me to jump in surprise and slap his face.
"Sorry, alam mo naman na magugulatin ako," I chuckled as I returned his hug.
"I miss you bff," Ralph said with a warm smile.
We talked for hours, catching up on everything that had happened since we last saw each other.
"Alam mo na?" Ralph began, his expression turning serious.
" Ang alin?" I inquired.
