HIDING HIS DAUGHTER (UNDER EDITING)

CHAPTER 1

ANGELA'S POV

"Doc, kamusta po ang kapatid namin?"

I heard Kuya Alvin's voice cut through the blur in my head-it was thick with worry, every syllable heavy like he was carrying the whole world on his shoulders. I tried to open my eyes fully, but the bright white lights of the room made my head throb like someone was driving nails into my skull. Before I could even make sense of where I was, Kuya Anthony's next question hit me so hard I felt it in my bones.

"How's the baby?"

Baby. The word crashed into me like a tidal wave. I shot up from the hospital bed without thinking, but the second I moved, a searing pain ripped across my forehead and down my neck. I let out a sharp gasp, wincing so hard my vision went black for a second. Then Kuya Adrian was there-his hands were on my shoulders, firm but not rough, pushing me back down gently.

"Huwag ka munang bumangon, Angela. Magpahinga ka muna," he said, his voice low. But I couldn't stay still. I needed to know. My hands were already shaking as I reached for my stomach, like touching it would somehow keep my baby safe.

"D-doc... a-ang a-anak ko po... Doc?"

Ang mga salita ay pilit na lumalabas sa bibig ko at naramdaman kong nanginginig ang buong katawan ko sa takot at pag-aalala. Please God, please. Paulit-ulit kong binabanggit iyon sa isip ko. Don't let anything happen to my baby. I swear to You, I'd do anything-even if it means I have to carry every single pain in this world by myself. I wouldn't survive losing her. I'd lose my mind for sure.

"The baby is fine, Miss Hernandez. You really need to stop stressing yourself out-it's not good for the baby at all," the doctor said, giving my shoulder a quick squeeze before stepping back.

Relief washed over me so strong I felt my legs go weak. I let my head fall back against the pillows, closing my eyes as hot tears pricked at the corners. Thank You, thank You. For the first time since I woke up, I could breathe again.

"I'll leave you all for a moment so you can talk," the doctor added, then quietly slipped out of the room and closed the door behind him.

Ang katahimikan pagkatapos noon ay napakasikip-parang makakatikim ka na lang kung kukunin mo ng kutsilyo. Nararamdaman ko ang mga tingin ng mga kapatid ko sa akin-mabigat, puno ng mga tanong na hindi pa nila masabi ng diretso. Hindi ko na kailangang tumingin pa para malaman kung sino ang mauunang magsasalita. Palagi namang si Kuya Adrian.

"Who is the father of your child?"

His voice was cold. So cold it felt like ice on my skin. I sucked in a sharp breath, my chest tightening until I could barely breathe. Tears welled up in my eyes fast, but I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood, forcing them back. Wag kang iiyak, Angela. Not now. Hindi ka pwedeng mahina ngayon.

How could I tell them? How could I say Jaiden's name and watch their faces twist in anger and disappointment? They hated him- sabi nila he was too cold, too arrogant, that he'd break my heart one day. And they were right. But I still loved him. I still do.

"I'll ask again, Angela. Who is the father of your child?"

Kuya Adrian's voice was sharper this time, each word deliberate like he was trying to cut through whatever lie he thought I was hiding. I shook my head, staring down at my hands they were curled into fists so tight my nails were digging into my palms.

"H-hindi ko po a-alam, K-kuya," I stammered, and the lie felt like a block of lead sitting heavy on my tongue. It burned my throat as I said it, making me want to throw up.