Player 1 | MIKHAIAH AU

Part 34

"Mackenzie," Mr. Lim says warmly, opening his arms as his daughter steps through the door. Mackie hesitates but eventually leans into the hug, her movements stiff and reluctant.

"Sali naman ako!" Sab chirps, squeezing herself between them and wrapping her arms around both.

Mr. Lim laughs, holding them close. "I missed you both so much. I'm glad you're finally back... for good, maybe?" His voice carries a hopeful lilt as he looks at Mackie.

"Just for a while, Dad," Mackie replies, her forced smile not quite reaching her eyes.

Sensing the heaviness in the air, Sabrina flashes a bright grin. "Daddy Mangga is here too! Can we all have dinner later?" she asks playfully, her tone light and endearing.

Mr. Lim chuckles, shaking his head. "Grabe, Sab. Abay bilib talaga ako sa pasensya ni Jhai sayo."

"You guys enjoy dinner. I'll go unpack and fix my room," Mackenzie says abruptly, giving a meaningful look at Sab, her voice distant. Without waiting for a response, she heads toward her room.

"Mack—" Mr. Lim starts to call after her, concern etched in his face.

"Bayaan mo na, Dad," Sab interrupts gently, tugging at his arm. "Jet lag lang siguro," she says with a small, reassuring smile. But even Sab's cheerful facade falters as she watches Mackie disappear behind her bedroom door.

At the restaurant, as they have dinner. "So what have you kids been up to as Pinas, Jhai?" Mr. Lim asks.

Jhai nervously swallows her food unsure how to use. Mackie hasn't told her Dad about her gaming, her Dad used to be supportive of Mackie's passion but as she grew up things started to change.

Sensing the awkward tension, Sab jumps in with a playful grin. "Dad, ang tagal mo nang hindi nakita girlfriend ko, tapos si Mackie pa rin ang gusto mong pag-usapan? Baka magtampo na 'to!"

Mr. Lim chuckles, his laugh easing the mood. "You're right, my bad," he says, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Sorry, Jhai."

Jhai smiles nervously, her tone light but careful. "It's all good, Tito. Busy lang po with business stuff, but everything's fine naman po sa Pinas."

"Good to hear," Mr. Lim says, leaning back in his chair. Then, casually, he adds, "Actually, I might come back with you when you head home."

"Ha?" Sab blurt out, nearly choking on their food.

"P-po?" Jhai stammers, caught off guard.

Mr. Lim grins at their reactions. "I've been thinking... maybe it's time I came back. We could even expand the business there. Total, I'm not getting any younger." He pauses, his smile turning mischievous. "Who knows, baka hindi ka na bunso, Sab."

"Eww, Dad!" Sab protests, scrunching her nose.

Her reaction sends Mr. Lim and Jhai into laughter, the earlier tension fading into the background.

As they return to the mansion and part ways with Jhai, the atmosphere feels heavy. Mr. Lim pauses in the foyer, his gaze drifting toward the dining area. "Manang, bakit naka-hain pa ang pagkain sa lamesa?" he asks, noticing the untouched spread on the table.

The head maid hesitates before answering. "Tapos na po kayo mag-dinner, sir. Pero si Mackie po, hindi pa bumababa. Sinubukan naming alukin ng gatas, pero hindi po siya nagbukas ng pinto."

"Baka pagod lang, Dad," Sabrina interjects quickly, her tone casual, almost dismissive.

"Sanay naman bumyahe yun ah," Mr. Lim counters, concern flickering in his voice as he starts toward Mackenzie's room. Sabrina hurriedly follows, trying to stay composed.