Theresia's POV
I arrived at Ralph's restaurant 20 minutes early, still in my work suit after an exhausting day. Climbing the stairs was tough-I'm completely drained and tired. Luckily, I won Mr. Lee's case earlier, so at least I'm in a decent mood to make this day still going. The place is set up, with no customers around-only the staff are visible here and there.
"Ma'am, this way, please," one of the staff guided me, and I saw Ralph already seated, waiting.
"Hello, Ris," he greeted as he walked over to meet me halfway, and we exchanged a quick cheek kiss.
"You'd better make sure this is important-you know how busy I am," I said, shooting him a sharp look as I took my seat.
"Allan, could I get some water here, please?" He gestured to the waiter.
"by the way, Ralph. I set up a quick meeting for someone here at your restaurant. Is that okay?" I informed him.
"Yeah, basta Ikaw no prob." he replied.
"Why is there no one else here?" I asked, looking around.
"I purposely closed the place-exclusively, for my important announcement."
I'd been curious about this announcement since he invited me. "What is this announcement all about, pwede bang sabihin mo na?"
"Drink some water first," he said, handing me a glass, and I took a sip, keeping my eyes on him. He seemed fidgety, almost nervous, which made me feel something suspicious was going on.
"What is it? Tell me!" I said, my eyes locked on him, waiting patiently.
He leaned in closer, placing both hands on the table and looking me straight in the eye.
"I'm getting married."
"Really... kanino?" was all I managed to say, trying to act normal but feeling genuinely happy for him inside.
"I bet you've met her-Dr. Bianca," he answered proudly.
"Bianca?! You've been in a relationship and didn't tell me? Since when?" I asked, curiosity suddenly sparking.
"I first met her at the contract renewal between LFGH and MDH. The moment I saw her, my world stopped; I knew she was the one. Since then, we've been dating and spending time together. And I didn't want anyone else to take her from me, so... I got her pregnant. I'm going to be a father, Risa."
My ears rang at what I'd just heard. My jaw clenched-I felt like I was going to hurt someone.
"Anong sabi mo? Paki-ulit nga." I stood up and stepped closer to him.
"I'm going to be a father." He stepped back slightly.
I grabbed his arm and pinched his ear. "Halika ka dito! Listen very carefully: Bianca is decent and kind. This is a commitment, Raphael, not something you decide to do our of nowhere. And most importantly, are you really ready to be a father? Are you sure you can handle fatherhood? Pull yourself together."
"Do you understand, Ralph? When you marry, you're committing yourself completely-not just to her, but to the family you'll build together. It means standing on your own two feet and leaving behind the carefree life, like hanging out at bars every weekend. This is a lifetime commitment. Think about it carefully." I released his ear and sat back down.
Ralph rubbed his now-red ear, shooting me a half-smile.
"You know, Risa, I've never been this certain about anything in my life," he said, his tone steady. "Every choice I made before was impulsive, and I always ended up regretting it. But this is different. Totoo nga pala talaga-God will send us the right person who will changes everything. When I meet her, my outlook on life has completely shifted. She's made me a better person, and I've learned so much from her. I love her, Risa, and I'll love her even more."
