Theresia's POV:
After six years, I can't deny that there's still a different kind of joy I feel whenever I'm with her.
Just a simple smile from her makes me feel giddy, as if my feelings for her haven’t changed at all. But now, I know that love isn’t my priority. We've hurt each other too many times. If we’re truly meant to be, I’ll leave it up to fate. As for me, I’m not closing my doors for her. I just don’t know if she feels the same way.
I was resting inside the van, still feeling the pain in my elbow, when I suddenly received a text from Gov. Lim, saying he was close by with the owner of the land where the hospital will be built here in Batanes. I immediately got out of the vehicle to meet him. After a few minutes, I saw him approaching, accompanied by several bodyguards. He's known as one of the influential people and businessmen, but he’s a bit arrogant. He’s a friend of Ralph, so I’ve met him already a few times, but we’re not that close because I don’t like his vibe—he's conceited and thinks every woman is after him. From a distance, he waved, and I forced a smile in return.
"Hi, Attorney, welcome to my place," he greeted in an irritating tone as he leaned in for a cheek kiss.
"Your place is nice, fit for our new hospital," I replied casually.
“Hindi ka nagkakamali. Many people are interested in this land, but I reserved it for you— alam mo na you’re special to me,” he said, giving me a flirty look that made me uncomfortable.
“Thank you, Gov. I’m really interested in this place. The hospital will benefit a lot of people in your area. It’s a great decision that you chose to offer this lot to me,” I said.
“Well, that’s good. Come on, let me show you around the land so you can see for yourself,” he replied.
We did a tour of the place, as usual when purchasing land, checking if it was worth buying and identifying any possible issues. After a few minutes, we were done, and we discussed the conditions and finally agreed on the price.
“So, it’s a deal for 50 million,” he said as he shook my hand.
“Deal. No backing out,” I said.
“You know, I can give you a friendly discount if you go out on a date with me. I’ve wanted to court you for a long time—why won’t you give me a chance? You’re lucky I like you, considering how many women are after me,” he said confidently as he moved closer, our faces just inches apart, which made my blood boil.
“You know what, Gov? I don’t want to be rude because I still respect you as Ralph’s friend and as a government official, but I’m not asking for a discount. I can pay you whatever amount you want. Don’t test my patience—you know me. So, it’s better if you let go of my hand and leave,” I whispered to him.
“Ikaw 'tong may kailangan sa'kin, but you don’t want to cooperate. Maybe I should just sell this land to someone else,” he said, his ego clearly hurt.
“Go ahead, Gov. The election is coming up soon—you’ll regret it. You wouldn’t want to go up against me. I know your dirty secrets. This is just a piece of land; I can find another one, but a shattered reputation is hard to repair,” I said, poking my index finger against his chest.
“Relax, we don't need to go that far. Hindi ka naman mabiro, I’m a man of my word. This lot is yours,” he said.
“Thank you, Madali ka naman palang kausap” I said.
He left immediately, probably thinking he could buy or intimidate everyone.
Alice's POV:
I was busy in the makeshift clinic, trying to focus on my work, when I overheard some of the other doctors gossiping.
