Golden Melody

Chapter 1.6

Zatariel Wov

His pov

When I finally got home, our house, with its minimalist design, felt oddly quiet compared to the bustling holiday spirit that filled the streets outside.
Inside, a warmth bloomed, fueled by the scent of the lechon baboy and the soft glow of Christmas lights.
It was Noche Buena, December 24th, my birthday, and even the perfection of our home couldn't dampen the festive spirit.

"Zat Anak!" my father, Zaren Wov, boomed, his voice a deep, resonant rumble that echoed.
"Happy birthday! Another year older, another year closer to conquering the world."

He clapped me on the back, his grip firm and affectionate.

My father, the CEO of InterMall, a man who built empires with the same ease he played a hand of poker, was a force of nature.
He was also, surprisingly, a man who knew how to celebrate.

"Dad, you know I don't need to conquer the world," I replied, my voice a low, melodic rumble.
"I'm perfectly content with just... existing."

My mother, Anita, a woman whose grace and elegance were as legendary as my father's business acumen, squeezed my hand.

"Drama ng baby ko," she said, her voice a soothing melody.
"You're a Wov. Conquering is in your blood."

My older sister, Margery, a whirlwind of energy and ambition, rolled her eyes.

"He's just being dramatic," she said, her voice laced with a hint of amusement.
"He's probably just tired from all that student council work."

My younger sister, Dria, a mischievous sprite with eyes that sparkled with mischief, grinned at me.

"Kuyaa," she said, her voice a sweet, playful whisper.
"Dria help you conquer the world. We'll make a great team."

I chuckled, my heart warming at the sight of my family, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of the Christmas lights.

"Thanks, Dria," I said, my voice laced with affection.
"But I think I'll stick to conquering the world of academics for now."

"Academics?" my father scoffed, his voice a deep chuckle.
"Don't you have bigger ambitions than that, Zat? Like the girl on your PC wallpaper? The one with the wavy brown hair and the captivating hazel eyes?"

My mother, ever the playful one, chimed in,
"She's really pretty," she said, giggling.
"You have excellent taste, my boy."

I shook my head, my amusement tinged with a touch of embarrassment.

My cheeks felt warm, and I could feel my heart beating a little faster.

"You guys are too much," I said, my voice a low, melodious rumble.
"I'm just trying to enjoy my birthday."

"Enjoy it, then," my father said, his voice softening.
"But don't forget, you're a Wov. The girl is waiting for you to conquer her heart. And you know, a little charm never hurts."

My sister, Margery, added,
"Yeah, Zat. You can't just rely on your brains to get everything you want. Sometimes, you need a little... persuasion."

I tried to laugh it off, but the teasing was getting to me.

"Okay, okay," I said, my voice a little flustered.
"I get it. I'm a hopeless romantic."

"That's our boy," my father said, his voice filled with pride.
"A Wov with a heart of gold."

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help but smile.

My family, with their teasing and their love, were the best kind of chaos.
And with their unwavering belief in my potential, their love, and their occasional, endearingly over-the-top expectations, were the greatest gift I could ask for.

my mom greeted me with a warm hug.

"Happy 14th birthday, anak," she said softly.

I hugged her back tightly, feeling the weight of the night still pressing on me.
The scent of her cooking filled the air, a comforting contrast to the chilly night air.
She pulled away, smiling at me, her eyes filled with love.

"Thank you, Mom. I love you," I said, meaning every word.

Their smiles felt like a balm on my soul, soothing the ache I felt for Miexha.

She ruffled my hair and kissed my forehead before leading me to the dining table.

They sang "Happy Birthday," and I blew out the candles on my cake, feeling grateful for this moment.