The Words

Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE

Carlos Legarda

Carlos Legarda was born out of wedlock on August 8, 1977. He was an illegitimate child of Conrado Legarda with Amparo Perez. 

Conrado Legarda came from a family of rich politicians in the province of Quisia. He was an only son, an only child. Amparo Perez was a housemaid in Legarda Mansion. Conrado's parents didn't approve of their relationship. 

Conrado was betrothed by his parents to Carlota Sy, a woman from an equally wealthy family in the province of Quisia. 

Amparo was already pregnant with Carlos when Conrado was forced to marry Carlota to follow his parents' order. 

Amparo was kicked out from Legarda Mansion. Alvaro Gonzalo and his wife Margaret Ryle took her in. Alvaro Gonzalo was Conrado's best friend. 

Conrado's parents allowed Conrado to acknowledge Carlos as his son but Carlos was never allowed to live in Legarda Mansion. Carlos was just entitled with generous financial support. 

On the other hand, Amparo worked as the caretaker of the villa of the Gonzalos in Gonzalo Orchard in a  barangay in Olymvas City but far away from the city proper were the Gonzalo Mansion and Legarda Mansion were both located. Amparo also took care of Alvaro's only daughter when his wife, Margaret, died. 

Carlos grew up to be academically talented. He finished his elementary and secondary education both as class valedictorian. In college, he graduated as Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering from Quisia University. He also topped the board examination for agricultural engineers. 

Amparo died when he was twenty-two years old. He then decided to accept the job offer from a multinational agricultural corporation based in Japan. 

While working, he continued to take his master's degree and doctorate degree in agriculture specializing in farming systems. He also earned a master's degree in business administration majoring in economics. He also took crash courses in corporate law, business entrepreneurship, and solar energy engineering. 

At the age of thirty-two, he was already considered a self-made multi-billionaire. He already owned outstanding shares from the multi-national agricultural corporation he had just worked as an employee before. He also owned outstanding shares on several big corporations based in Missi as well as all over the world. He also acquired several pieces of lands and businesses. He also owned a private jet and a number of expensive cars. 

May 7, 2010. Friday. He decided to go back to Filipinas for good and settle down. He also had to see his dying father. 

From Quisia International Airport, he went directly to Olymvas Doctors' Hospital. His visit was facilitated by Dr. Nina Legarda, his half brother's wife. 

"Papa, I'm already here," he held his father's hand as soon as he entered the hospital room where he lay so weak and thin. 

Conrado opened his eyes. "I'm glad you came, my son." 

"Why didn't you tell me that you were sick?" Carlos asked. "Ninong just told me about it so I rushed to get back." 

"I don't want to bother you with your work. I know you have been very busy making a name for yourself. I'm very proud of you," Conrado replied. 

"I'm now here. I would be staying for good so I can visit you more often, Papa," Carlos informed his father. 

"I'm glad you do," Conrado smiled. "Forgive me for my shortcomings as a father, son."