Divina's Boy

Prologue

"Divina!"

A regal looking woman was descending the grand staircase of an equally impressive mansion, an exasperated yet pained expression marring her face. She had been calling out to her favoured granddaughter for what seemed like hours but to no avail. The child had run away from her after breaking the news of Ursula and Dodong's untimely demise.

Donya Nidora Esperanza y Zobeyala Vuida De Explorer, Forbes' favourite billionaire figure because of her domineering attitude in the business world and her own personal lifestyle, sighed deeply. Contrary to popular belief, she was not unaffected by the current tragedy of their small family. Ursula, bless her beautiful soul, was her niece and if there's something Nidora valued more than the word 'wealth', it would be family— something she cared for fiercely despite her past actions suggested otherwise.

"Divina Ursula–" Nidora's words were cut off by a pitiful whine behind her. Of course, Nidora closed her eyes and stifled her own sound of sadness. Of course the child would react at the mere reminder of her mother's name, which was coincidentally Divina's middle name. Peering through thick lashes, an almost unnoticeable tiny shape was hiding behind the curtain, just by glass windows that would lead to their home's balcony. She cautiously approached her granddaughter and knelt in front her. "Oh, hija." Nidora uttered softly, hearing Divina's tiny sobs.

"L-Lola," the child managed to say through her tears. "Lola. Let's go away. I—" Divina freely broke down behind her favourite 'hiding spot'.

And Nidora understood. She truly did. Because at every nook and corner of this house reminded her of Ursula's memories and outside was Dodong's masterpiece out of labour and love when he used to tend the gardens.

"Okay. Okay, my child. Whatever you wish."

xXx

A young boy, hair and clothes disheveled, poked his head into a humble home's garage and smiled sheepishly as sparkling brown eyes met identical ones boring down on him.

Oops, the kid thought. Ever since he could comprehend things, his father taught him how to be responsible. To act beyond his age. And he didn't mind. Truly, he didn't. In fact, never had he encountered a playmate who would follow their parents' orders without rolling their eyes. Mature.  Kahit sina manang sa tindihan, sinasabing tama ang ginagawa ko. Pero kasi... His mind trailed to a recent encounter with a girl. She was younger than him, he was sure. And— His thoughts were cut off by a loud sigh.

"Alden." The boy's father shook his head then smiled tiredly.

(Said boy wondered when Richard Faulkerson ever sound anything other than tired.)

End of Chapter

Author's Note: Ipagpapatuloy ko pa ba? Sabihin niyo lang. I appreciate long and constructive reviews.