The Secret Temptation of a Single Mom

CHAPTER 5

A SHRIEK OF EXCITEMENT returned me from my intense stare on the strange woman. I saw Mommy excitedly rise up from her seat to hug the stranger woman who chuckled. Both of them kissed each other's cheeks while smiling at each other.

"You looked gorgeous as ever, Shey-shey! Your Papai and I were so delighted that you came here amidst your busy schedule, Darling!" bulalas ni Mommy.

"I wouldn't miss the chance to be here to celebrate your engagement with Papai, Mommy. Also, I'm looking forward to meeting your daughter and granddaughter too," masayang turan ni Hershey.

Nakangiting iginiya ni Mommy si Hershey papalapit sa akin pwesto. "Darling, I want you to meet my precious unica hija and adorable apo."

Agad ibinaba ni Hershey ang kaniyang suot na shades. Kitang-kita ko ang paghanga sa kaniyang mga mata. Malakas siyang tumili na sobrang ikinagulat ko. "Oh my gosh! I'm so delighted to finally meet you up-close. I'm Hershey, the youngest child of Papai, and I'm a huge fan of yours. I loved all of your collections in the Ivy's Seduction."

I'm really flattered, and I couldn't help but to I smile at Hershey who was really mesmerized while looking at me. "Nice to meet you. I really appreciate your love and support in Ivy's Seduction."

Mommy was smiling from ear to ear. "Shey-shey was a famous International Model and Actress here in Brazil, and even all around the world. I know that the both of you would get along, because you have the same interests, especially in fashion. Also, she was two years younger than you, Anak."

I nodded my head. "You can call me Ate Ivy if you want to, Shey-shey. I would be really pleased to have a gorgeous young sister like you."

"Don't praise my daughter too much or else she won't sleep later, Hija." Papa Hernando exclaimed teasingly.

Hershey pouted adorably. "I'm already on cloud nine, so please don't spoil this moment, Papai. I still couldn't believe that my idol would become my sister."

We couldn't help but to laugh out loud. Irish even joined even though she was bewildered at what was happening right now.

Papa Hernando chuckled. "I'm sorry for that, Hija. My daughter really wanted to have a girl sibling, but it didn't happen. However, I still couldn't believe that her idol was the daughter of the woman I love. Indeed, fate and coincidence were really moved in mysterious ways."

Namula ang mukha ni Mommy sa kilig dahil sa sinabi ni Papa Hernando. Alam kong mahal na mahal nila ang isa't-isa lalo na't naiintindihan nila ang bawat isa.

A loud burp returned me to reality. I saw Irish pouting adorably with a smudge of sauce on her face. I immediately got a napkin to wipe it off from her face. I kissed her forehead which made her smile. I'm delighted that she enjoyed her food so much.

Hershey gasped exaggeratedly. "But no offense, you really didn't look like you gave birth at all, because you're still sexy, Ate Ivy!"

I couldn't help but to chuckle. "Silly you! I'm already a single mother. Irish Persephone's my one and only baby girl."

Medyo naningkit ang mga mata ni Hershey. Palipat-lipat ang kaniyang tingin mula kay Irish at pati na rin sa akin. Alam kong mayro'ng slight differences sa aming dalawa ng aking anak lalong-lalo na sa kulay ng buhok at dimples.

"Hmm. . . It was really odd. But as I'm looking at her right now, she was really familiar to me like I had seen her before which was impossible to happen," Hershey uttered.

"Some of the paparazzi in the Philippines even tried to steal some pictures of my apo, especially that they were really intrigued to know who Ivy's lover was," Mommy exclaimed.