SELENE [BOOK 2]

CHAPTER 36

When we entered the restaurant, we were the only ones there and ten waitresses stood at the entrance and greeted us with a slight bow.

"Good morning, Sirs and madams," bati ng mga ito sa amin.

I looked at Solene, who clung her arms on my arms. She smiled and looked at me. "I feel rich, Mommy," natatawang sabi nito habang nakatingin sa harapan.

I shook my head and chuckled. As if you're not an heiress, Solene. I silently said in my mind.

Naglakad kami sa lamesang eleganti ang pagka ayos. We sat down and Steve and Solene were next to me. While Nico and Lucas were sitting in front of us.

There's food in the center of the table lined up. It looks like Nico's throwing a party. Sobrang dami ng mga pagkain, and we can't finish all of these in just one meal.

"Daddy?" Lucas called his dad while eating. Nico stopped eating and looked Lucas, whose mouth is full.

"Lucas, don't talk when your mouth is full," saway ko. 

"Mabilaukan ka, Lucas," Solene said worriedly.

Lucas nodded and chewed his food before speaking again. He gave us a thumbs up afterward and showed us his empty mouth.

Napailing na lang ako sa anak. Pasaway.

"Daddy, will you swim with us later too?" Lucas asked. He cutely blinked his eyes.

"Yes, son," Nico answered and looked at me.

Tinaasan ko ito ng kilay. Anong tingin iyan?

"Yey! Daddy, I want to go island hopping and tour this island!" Lucas happily said.

Tahimik lang si Steve na kumakain sa tabi ko. Kapag nakita nitong papaubos na ang pagkain sa plato ko ay nilalagyan niya na naman. Every time I looked at him in protest, he would give me that 'eat it' look.

"We'll do that, son, maybe tomorrow. I'll have the yacht ready for our island hopping tomorrow." Nico said to Lucas.

"Thanks, Daddy!"

"You're welcome, son." Nico smiled at his son and looked at us. "Is that okay with you, Selene?" he asked and glanced at Steve.

I cleared my throat. "Okay lang naman sa akin at ni Steve iyan," I answered.

"We'll go to what makes Lucas happy," Steve replied beside me.

I looked at him and smiled. Binalik ko ang tingin sa harapan at nahuli ko na namang nakatitig sa amin si Nico.

Umiwas ako ng tingin at pinagpatuloy ang pagkain.

Matapos naming kumain ay pumunta kami sa beach dahil excited ang mga batang maligo kaya naman ay nakatanaw lang kami ni Steve sa tatlong naliligo sa beach habang nagtatawanan.

Food and drinks are served here. I was just chillingly sipping my mango shake with my sunglasses on, protecting my eyes from the sun while watching them. Nasa katabing sun lounger naman si Steve.

We can hear Solene's shout and their laughter from here. Nico and Lucas were chasing Solene while Solene was trying to escape from them. 

"Mommy! Help! They're after me! Ahh!" Sumgbong ni Solene dahilan kung bakit natawa kami ni Steve.

"I've never seen that man smile and laugh like that." Napatingin ako kay Steve ng magsalita ito.

He was referring to Nico, I guess. I looked at Nico and slowly nodded. "Yeah, he looks happier after Lucas accepted him," I agreed.

Umihip ng malakas ang hangin at sandali akong napapikit. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam ng hangin.

"I really thought that he's not capable of changing, though he proved me wrong. Look at him now, trying his best to be a father to Lucas," Steve said.