Vanessa (SGSeries6)

Prologue

Vanessa wrapped her shawl around her neck as she waited for her father's visitors. They owned a vast flower farm in Davao and Bohol, with additional branches scattered throughout Metro. Clients often visited them, as their family business was well-known. This was Vanessa's upbringing—she loved flowers and never wanted to leave this place.

"Hija, you should go rest," suggested Mama Rose, as they sat in the living room. It was raining outside, making her feel a bit chilly.

"Mama Rose, why do people separate?" she asked curiously.

Her mother tapped her head and smiled. "Because sometimes, love isn't enough to make them stay. Sometimes, they realize they aren't meant for each other."

"Is love really necessary, Ma?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Her mother chuckled, knowing Vanessa's question was somewhat naive. It was her first time asking such a thing.

Before her mother could respond, they heard the sound of a car approaching. They both went outside to greet her father and their visitors. Vanessa had no idea who the visitor was; all she knew was that he was the son of her father's friend, a widower.

"Frederico! How was the trip?" her mother asked, approaching her father. She kissed his cheeks affectionately.

"It was fine, Rose. I've brought Gideon. He'll be staying with us for a while," her father announced.

"Is that so?" Mama Rose nodded. "That would be good. He might find solace here."

"I told him the same. He can't seem to remember Rochelle's disappearance," her father added, sadness evident in his eyes. Mama Rose comforted him, gently touching his cheek.

Vanessa's gaze drifted to the man who had just exited the car. He was tall, with gray eyes, an aristocratic nose, and tousled hair. Unintentionally, she met his gaze, feeling a sense of unease. It was the first time she had seen him, but she felt he was not just anyone.

"Gideon, come here, son," her father called. As Gideon approached, Vanessa couldn't shake off her discomfort.

"Gideon, are you okay? How are you coping?" her mother asked, embracing him warmly. "I'm sorry for your loss. We're here to help you through this."

Gideon gave a faint smile. "Thank you, Tita Rose and Papa Fred. I already told my parents not to bother you, but Daddy insisted on calling Papa."

"Don't worry about it," Mama Rose reassured him. "Geronimo is worried about you. You're their only child. Delia is worried too."

Vanessa remained silent until her mother nudged her. "Oh! I almost forgot about my daughter. Gideon, do you remember our Vannie? Your cute little sister?" her mother teased.

"Yes, Tita, I remember her. How old is she?" Gideon asked, but his gaze remained fixed on Vanessa.

"She's already twenty-one and studying Business Administration."

"That's good, Tita. Someone will inherit your business," Gideon remarked.

"Well, it's been a while since you last saw Vannie. She was only ten years old then," her mother added.

"Hi," Vanessa greeted him, feeling a lump in her throat. "It's nice to see you... kuya." She hesitated, but she knew she should address him that way. There was an eleven-year gap between them.

Vanessa offered her hand, which Gideon accepted. When their hands touched, she felt a jolt of electricity run through her spine. She quickly withdrew her hand, feeling uneasy.

"Vannie, help your kuya with his things," her father instructed.

As her parents left, Vanessa breathed a sigh of relief, but Gideon was still looking at her.

"Vanessa, you remind me of someone," Gideon said, his tone serious.

Vanessa raised her head to meet Gideon's gaze. He was staring directly into her eyes.

"Your eyes remind me of someone," he repeated.

Confused, Vanessa was about to respond when Gideon spoke again.

"You remind me of my wife. You remind me of Rochelle."

How could a thirty-two-year-old man shake her with a simple comment about her resemblance to his late wife? It was absurd.