Echoing of Power and Passion

59 (Dad's Favor)

They are in Aguerro's Mansion because Gov. Vicente wanted them to spend the night at their home. The kids couldn't let go of their Daddy Lo because they were enjoying his company so much, as was Gov. Vicente.

"Daddy Lo, look! I have biceps like Uncle Daniel," Calvin proudly showed off his biceps.

"Yours are even bigger!" Daniel commented, amused by his nephew's humor. He was entertained by the kids.

"Kids, say good night to Daddy Lo and Uncle. You need to rest; we have a flight later," Risa said.

"Flight? Where are you going?" Vicente asked.

"Oh, right! Dad, it's their birthday tomorrow, and months ago, they requested to celebrate in Cebu. Since it's their birthday, I agreed," Vicente just nodded. Risa sat beside the twins as Alicia came down the stairs.

"Daddy Lo, please come with us," Calvin invited his grandfather. "Is it okay for Daddy Lo to come, Mommy Risa?" Calvin asked. Risa looked at Alicia, who sat beside her.

"Your son wants to invite Gov. Vicente," Alice started, but was interrupted by the Governor.

"Mayor Alice?" he said. Risa and Alicia looked at him. "I need to apologize."

"Why, Gov?" she asked, unable to look the Governor in the eye because of the embarrassment she felt.

"I'm the one who told Risa to leave you four years ago. I really thought she would, but she continued your relationship," he lowered his head. "I was against your relationship, but when Risa developed anorexia, refused to eat, and I saw her drinking outside while crying after your breakup..."

"Dad, that's over now," her tears began to fall.

"But I still remember it. The guilt is still in my heart. I was one of the reasons my daughter went through that. She was so depressed, almost took her own life, but now that she's given me another chance to be a good father, I’m making the most of it," his tears slowly flowed as Risa hugged him.

"Dad," Risa sobbed from the happiness she felt.

"Mayor Alice, can I ask you a favor?" Alice nodded while wiping her tears from her cheeks.

"Yes," she whispered.

"Take care of my daughter," Risa cried even harder as Gavin rubbed her back and Calvin hugged Alicia. "Love her, don’t hurt her. Take care of her for me. You are her life and happiness, please, Mayor Alice?" Alicia looked at the Governor.

"I love your daughter, Gov. Vicente. Even though we separated, I’ll make sure we won’t be apart again. I promise, I’ll take care of and love her forever," Gov. Vicente held Alicia's hand. Alicia stood up and knelt in front of the Governor. "Thank you."

She hugged the Governor, and he hugged her back.

"Don’t call me Gov anymore. You’re my daughter now," he joked while wiping his tears.

"Okay, Daddy," she whispered.

"Oh my God," Risa felt more relieved when Alicia called her dad "Daddy." It felt like it was officially legal for them. Out of joy, Risa hugged Alicia. They stood up, and in front of her father and son, she kissed her. "I love you so much, my Ali."

"I love you more, my Risa." They smiled at each other and hugged again. The twins were jumping on the couch as they saw their mothers hugging, making everyone laugh, and the twins hugged them.

"Let’s bring Daddy Lo, Mommy La, and Uncle too, Mommy Risa, okay?" Risa nodded.

"Oh, sorry, Baby, Uncle can’t come. I have work," Daniel said.