THE CONGRESSMAN'S MUSE (Sandro Marcos)

Chapter 34: A Mother's Counsel

As the fallout from the scandal continued to affect their lives, Lexi found herself yearning for the comfort of home. Her mother, a poised and intelligent woman who had always been her guiding light, had been calling frequently since the scandal broke. Lexi knew she couldn't avoid the inevitable heart-to-heart conversation any longer. It was time to go back to Ilocos Sur and face the music.

On a quiet Friday morning, Lexi drove to her parents' house. The familiar landscape of her hometown provided a brief reprieve from the relentless chaos of her public life. Her childhood home, with its well-kept garden and welcoming porch, stood as a reminder of simpler times. But today, it also represented the expectations and familial obligations that weighed heavily on her shoulders.

As she stepped out of the car, her mother, Olivia, greeted her at the door with a warm but concerned smile. "Lexi, anak, kamusta ka na? I've been so worried about you."

Lexi forced a smile, her heart heavy with everything she'd been carrying. "I'm hanging in there, Mom. But it's been... a lot."

Olivia led her into the living room, where the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. They sat down, the quiet of the room contrasting sharply with the noise that had engulfed Lexi's life in recent weeks.

"I've seen the news," Olivia began, her voice gentle yet firm. "And I can see how much you're struggling. But I want to know how you're really feeling, Lexi. Not just what the world sees."

Lexi sighed, her hands clasped tightly around her coffee mug. "It's been overwhelming, Mom. Everywhere I go, people have something to say. It's like they think they know me, know us. And it's not just about me anymore—it's affecting Sandro, too. His career, his reputation... everything."

Olivia nodded thoughtfully, her eyes filled with concern. "I can't imagine how hard that must be. But Lexi, you've always been strong, and you've always followed your heart. I see how much you care for Sandro, but this isn't just about love, is it?"

Lexi looked down, her voice tinged with frustration. "It's so much more complicated than I ever thought it would be. I love him, Mom, but sometimes I wonder if love is enough to get us through all this. The judgment, the pressure, the sacrifices... I don't know if we can handle it."

Olivia reached out, placing a comforting hand on Lexi's. "Love is never simple, anak, especially when it's tangled up in politics and public opinion. But you have to ask yourself what you're willing to fight for. What really matters to you?"

As the day went on, Olivia and Lexi took a walk in the garden. The lush greenery and blooming flowers provided a serene backdrop for their conversation. Olivia spoke about her own experiences, the struggles she faced in balancing family expectations with personal desires, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

"When I married your father, it wasn't easy," Olivia said, reminiscing. "We had different paths, different pressures. But we made it work because we never lost sight of why we chose each other in the first place. You and Sandro... you need to decide if this is the kind of love that can weather all the storms."

Lexi listened intently, absorbing her mother's words. She had always admired Olivia's wisdom and resilience, qualities that had guided her through many of life's challenges. But this time, the stakes felt higher, the consequences more far-reaching.

"Mom, do you think I'm making a mistake?" Lexi asked, her voice wavering with uncertainty.

Olivia paused, considering her response carefully. "I think you're facing something very difficult, Lexi. But I also think that you've grown into a strong, capable woman who knows her own heart. You're not a child anymore; you're a woman who deserves to make her own choices, even if they come with risks."