A Legacy in Bloom: Casa Montenegro Series 2

Chapter 4

"The hard part is convincing yourself that you're enough, even without their approval."

Sy couldn't shake the memory of holding Aya's hand the night before. It wasn't just the physical touch that lingered, but the unspoken connection that seemed to pass between them. As he sat in his office, staring at the pile of paperwork on his desk, his thoughts kept drifting back to her.

His phone buzzed, breaking his reverie. It was a text from his older brother, Zay.

Zay: Family dinner tomorrow night. Mom's requesting everyone's attendance. Don't even think about skipping.

Sy groaned, already dreading the gathering. Family dinners always felt like a stage production, with every Montenegro playing their assigned role. And lately, his role had felt suffocating.

He texted back a quick reply before leaning back in his chair, closing his eyes. For a moment, he wondered what Aya would say about the whole Montenegro circus. Probably something sharp and honest, with that teasing smile of hers.

Before he could stop himself, he grabbed his phone and dialed her number.

---

Aya was in the middle of editing photos when her phone rang. Seeing Sy's name flash on the screen, she smiled and answered.

"Wow, calling in the middle of the day? Who knew Mr. Montenegro had time for casual chats?" she teased.

Sy laughed on the other end. "I needed a break, and you seemed like the perfect distraction."

Aya leaned back in her chair, amused. "Flattery won't work on me, Sy. What's up?"

He hesitated for a moment, then decided to be honest. "Family dinner tomorrow. It's already stressing me out."

"Ah, the infamous Montenegro gatherings," Aya said knowingly. "What's the problem this time? Too much pressure to impress?"

"Always," Sy admitted. "But this time it feels different. I keep wondering what it would be like to just... not go."

Aya chuckled softly. "You'd probably cause a scandal."

"Exactly," he replied. "And for once, I don't think I'd care."

Aya's tone softened. "Sy, you don't have to prove anything to them. Just be yourself. If they don't get it, that's their problem."

Her words hit him harder than he expected, and he smiled. "You make it sound so simple."

"It is simple," she said firmly. "The hard part is convincing yourself that you're enough, even without their approval."

Sy fell silent, letting her words sink in. She always had a way of cutting through his defenses and getting straight to the heart of things.

"Thanks, Aya," he said finally. "I needed that."

"Anytime," she replied. "Now, go be the rebellious Montenegro you're dying to be."

---

The following evening, Sy arrived at the Montenegro estate, his usual mask firmly in place. The sprawling mansion was buzzing with activity, and the air was thick with the scent of perfectly prepared dishes.

"Sy!" His mother, Elise Montenegro, greeted him warmly, though her sharp eyes immediately scanned him for any signs of rebellion. "You're looking well. Busy at work?"

"As always, Mom," Sy replied smoothly, planting a kiss on her cheek.

His father, Eduardo Montenegro, joined them, his commanding presence impossible to ignore. "Sy, we need to discuss the expansion plans for the hotel chain. Have you reviewed the proposals?"