"Mom! I have some good news for you!" seven-year-old Yael screamed as he entered the door.

Freya quickly greeted her son, Yael Anderson Gray. She loathed Jacob but still managed to name their son after him. She gave him a warm hug before she kissed him on his cheeks. She held Yael by the shoulder and looked into his eyes. His eyes, it always reminds her of him. Actually, her son is like a carbon copy of his father.

"Did Tita Rian fetch you?" Yael nodded in response. "Wait, what is the good news of my smart boy?" Freya asked with excitement on her face.

"We are going to have a grand vacation, mom!" This time, Yael hugged her mother.

"G-grand vacation? What do you mean, son?"

"I won the regional quiz bee today and my generous teacher rewarded me with these!" Yael took two vouchers and two plane tickets out from his backpack. "Look mom!"

Freya looked at it with a smile on her face and took the plane tickets and vouchers of her son. Her eyes widened when she realized where they are going.

"Escueza Luxury Hotel! Son, it’s too expensive here. Won't your teacher ran out of money when we go here?" Freya asked worriedly.

"Don't you like it mom?" Yael said sadly while looking at the floor.

"It's not like tha–" Freya stopped speaking when Yael suddenly spoke up.

"I put all my efforts into reaching the regional level because of that reward. I ... I want to pamper you, mom. You're my super-daddy-mom. That's still not enough for all the sacrifices and love you have given me. I know we are poor but you managed to get me into a prestigious school. Please mom, I want to go there with you," Yael pleaded.

Freya was touched by her son's words. She didn't realize that her tears were falling. Her mouth dropped open as her only child knelt before her.

"Mom, please. Even if it's just for a week, I would like you to experience the life that I want for the both of us. When I grow up, I will really work hard so that we can become rich. If that happens, I can give you not only your needs but also your wants," Yael uttered while looking down at the floor.

Freya sobbed loudly. She may have been scorned by the man he loved, but she became blessed to have Yael. No matter how much she hates Jacob, she is still grateful to him because he gave her a man who will never leave her, a man who will love her unconditionally and selflessly.

Freya got Yael up from his knees and wiped away his tears. She smiled when Yael also wiped the tears falling from her cheeks. She hugged Yael tightly.

"Thank you, son. You made mommy feel ecstatic today. Thank you for studying hard and thank you for these." She smiled and showed Yael the plane tickets and vouchers.

"Mom, does it mean?" Yael's eyes sparkled because of what he was thinking.

"Yes. I won't waste your efforts son so change your clothes and let's go shopping! We will celebrate your victory!" cried Freya.

They will stay in a five star hotel for a week and they won't even spend a penny. All thanks to Yael's efforts and to his teacher's kindness.

When the mother and son got dressed, they walked to the tricycle parking lot. Yael was excited because he can finally enter the Supermalls. He and his mother often shop at the market because it's walking distance from their house and the commodities there were cheaper compare to the Supermalls.

"Mom, do you really have extra money for this? Maybe in the next few days, you'll be working overtime again. It's okay with me if we just bring our old clothes and bags there. What’s important for me is we are going to Escueza together," Yael said seriously while looking at his mother's nearly worn slippers.

Freya ruffled her son’s hair. She's so blessed to have Yael in her life.

"You really are a child! It's only once in a blue moon and that's the reason why mommy is working overtime. It’s for your future and for me to buy what you want, at least occasionally. You're too young to think about our problems. Just think of it as my reward for you because you are a kind and smart kid. Is that okay?" Freya raised her eyebrows as she waited for Yael's response.

"O-okay, but..." Yael stood up and whispered something on Freya’s ear.

Freya's eyes watered again when Yael said that she should also buy her clothes and new shoes. Her child is so sweet and caring.

"Ma'am, are you going to the Supermall? Is it okay if we leave even if it's not full yet? You might be late when you get home. It's dead time now, there are only few passengers," said the driver of the tricycle that the mother and son were riding.

Freya made a calculation in her mind before she responded, "A-alright man."

After a thirty minutes drive, Freya and Yael finally arrived at the Supermall. First, they went straight to Duyebee to have dinner and then they went to the department store to shop for clothes.

"Mom, let's go to the women's apparel first. Let me help you choose clothes that will suit you," Yael suggested.

Freya was about to object but Yael already pulled her towards the women's apparel section. Freya couldn't help but smile at the clothes her son chose for her. He knows what her mom's style is. Freya's smile faded when she heard a familiar voice of a man who was also shopping for clothes across from them.

"Miss, give me the most expensive red dress you have here," Jacob ordered the sales lady.

Freya froze when she saw the father of her child. He hasn't changed at all. How she sees Jacob in her memory is still the same! His appearance and posture didn’t change. She couldn't stop those questions roaming in her mind. Does Jacob know that they both have a child? Did he try to find them? Did he regret what he did so he is now in the province to look for her and their son?

"Babe, I'll be late tonight. I have some important matters to attend to. Please enjoy yourself there, while I'm gone. Thank you for joining me here in Monte Carlos.”

When Freya heard that, she already knew the answers to her questions. Jacob's eyes and hers met when he suddenly turned in her direction.

"Freya?" he whispered.

"Mom, I think this one suits you more! Look at the desi—"

Freya swiftly covered Yael's mouth. She bowed and walked away. She held one of Yael's hands and motioned him not to speak. Her only son followed her with a frown on his face.

Jacob rubbed his eyes and closed them. He couldn't believe that after seven years, he would see Freya again. He slowly opened his eyes.

"There's no one here. Why did I think about that girl's appearance? Am I still guilty of what I did to her seven years ago?" He shook his head and walked to the cashier. "I shouldn't be thinking about her right now. I'm going to propose to Ivana later. I should focus on making her happy instead of thinking weird things."

The mother and son stopped panting in the kid's apparel section. Freya wiped the sweat dripping down from her face. There’s an air-condition inside the mall but here she is, sweating.

"Mom, what's wrong? Why are we running and hiding like a wanted person?" Yael asked.

"Son, mommy just tested if we can still run fast. Fortunately, our stamina is still strong," Freya blurted out.

"Why did you cover my mouth earlier?"

Freya smiled. Her son is really smart.

"It doesn't matter, son. Come on, let's pick out your new clothes! Mommy is excited about our vacation! Fortunately, my boss allowed me to have a leave from work tonight."

Yael didn't ask more questions. Freya watched him as he happily chose new clothes, shorts and pants.

"Your son, right?"

Freya turned to the woman who suddenly appeared beside her.

"Yes, he's my son and you are?" Freya frowned. That woman looks familiar. She just couldn't remember where she saw her.

The woman did not answer Freya's question.

"Your son looks exactly like someone who's close to my heart. Here." The woman handed a white envelope to Freya. "Give it to him and let him buy what he wants."

"Maám, I'm sorry but I can't accept this. I don't even know you. Thank you but I really can’t accept tha ---"

The woman took Freya's hand and handed her the white envelope, again.

"Take it. Don't worry, I'm not asking for something in return. I'm just really happy with your son. I must say, you raised him well," said the woman while looking at Yael. "Anyway, I have to go. Regarding my name, I'll tell it to you when we meet again."

"Thank you for this. Thank you very much," Freya said hesitantly. She really wanted to return whatever was in the envelope to the woman but she didn't seem to agree that she wouldn't accept it.

"You're welcome," the woman said with a beautiful smile on her face.

When the woman left, Freya immediately opened the white envelope. She covered her mouth with one hand. Her eyes widened when she saw the check amounting to one hundred thousand pesos.

"Who are you? Whoever you are, may God bless you even more! I can't believe this!" Freya ran in Yael's direction and tearfully showed the envelope to her son.

"Mom, why are you crying?" Yael wiped the tears from her mommy's cheeks.

"I will open a bank account for you son. Mommy will start saving for your college education."

"Mom, it's too early for that. Don't cry because I am going to study really hard so I can be a full scholar until college. I love you, mom." Yael hugged Freya tightly. "I'm so blessed to have you, mom and I'll never get tired of saying that."

"I love you too, son."

From a distant, the woman who gave the check to Freya watched them while smiling.

"She's a good mother. She earned my respect," the woman said before leaving the department store.

"What took you too long?" Ivana was obviously annoyed with her long-time boyfriend.

"I'm sorry. I got stuck in the heavy traffic," Jacob replied. He kissed Ivana on her cheeks before he sat down.

"How about what I'm asking you to do? Have the villagers agreed?" Jacob noticed that it was quiet around. He looked around. "Where are your employees here? Why are there no waiters serving? I want some wine," he said.

Ivana sighed as she looked at her freshly cleaned nails. "I already sent them home. I know it will took you too long to arrive here," she said without any emotion.

Jacob took a deep breath before he got the elegant red dress out of the paper bag. He walked towards Ivana's back. He hugged and kissed her like he used to do every single day.

"Jacob, I'm not in the mood. Can you just go back to your seat?" Ivana said. Her eyebrows furrowed.

"Babe, please don't get mad at me. Look. I bought something for you." Jacob smiled and showed the red dress to Ivana. His girlfriend loves red dresses so he's expecting her to feel ecstatic and grateful but...

"I don't like the design. It's too old-fashioned. '' Ivana rolled her eyes before she removed Jacob's hands from her shoulders. She stood up from sitting in front and then walked away from her boyfriend.

Jacob put back the red dress he bought inside the paper bag.

"Babe, what's wrong? I already apologized for being late. I was also only late for five minutes. Why are you like that? I didn't commit a serious mistake," Jacob said while holding the paper bag, tightly.

Ivana grinned and looked at Jacob intently.

"What's the date today?" Ivana asked gently.

"What?" Jacob asked back.

"I said, what's the date today?" Ivana repeated herself. She tapped her feet on the floor while raising her eyebrows. She was really annoyed because the whole day went by without Jacob even greeting her on her special day.

"July 22." Jacob stopped for a moment. "Oh shit!" He quickly walked closer to Ivana.

"See? You forgot that it's my birthday! Is it your hobby every year, Jacob? Honestly, what am I really for you?"

"Babe, do you really need to ask me about that? Isn't it obvious? I love you! I love you so much! I REALLY DO! Don't you feel that?" His eyes showed how hurt he was.

Ivana gritted her teeth.

"Common Jacob! You're turning the situation upside down again! If I'm important to you, why do you keep on forgetting my birthday?" Ivana's voice rose slightly. It's a good thing that she and Jacob are the only people in her restaurant because otherwise, she will be the main topic of her employees the next day.

"I'm sorry. Can we just ... forget about it? I buy you gifts almost every day. We also eat out almost every day. Maybe, those were the reasons why I always forget the date of your birth!" Jacob exclaimed.

Ivana stepped closer to Jacob before she let out a small laugh. She took the paper bag from Jacob's hand.

"I'm grateful that you know my favorite dress color but look at this design! I will look like a maid when I wear it!"

Jacob's eyes widened when Ivana suddenly threw the clothes on the floor. He had worked so hard to find it. Yes, he went to six malls just to find that kind of design plus, it cost a fortune! Jacob pulled out his hair when Ivana stepped on the dress.

"I'm so done with you! You know what Jacob, I feel so sorry for myself that I came back to you! I wish I had chosen to stay next to your half-brother, Jackson!"

Jacob bit his lower lip while clenching his fists.

'Jacob, calm down. Ivana was just angry that's why she said those things. Do what you're supposed to do!' he thought.

Ivana raised her eyebrows when Jacob suddenly knelt in front of her. "What are you doing?" she asked.

"Ivana, please spend the rest of your life with me. Will you … marry me?" Jacob could hear his heartbeats clearly, at the moment. His heart was beating too fast because of nervousness. He was also sweating cold.

Jacob's lips gradually curved when Ivana supported him to stand on his feet. He remembered how the girl had forced him to fight for his right as a Gray. Ivana is the reason why he is successful today. He received more than recognition from his father because of her. He also inherited as much as his brother Jackson had.

Ivana should feel ecstatic right now but that's not how she felt. She hugged Jacob tightly and then patted him on the back.

"Keep that ring. Let's break up Jacob. I'm sorry. I hope you'll find the right woman for you." Ivana kissed Jacob on his cheek before she left.

The CEO sat on the floor. He let go of the ring and it rolled towards the door.

Jacob slapped himself several times. He wanted to believe that it was all a dream but he was wrong. It's true that the woman he wanted to be with until he was old has had left him. He was screaming while punching the floor. He cried for the first time because of a woman.

"Sir, please stop at the next street. Please wait for me here. I'm just going to get something," said Freya before getting off the tricycle.

"Mom, I'll just wait here."

"Are you sure Yael? You don't want to come with me inside the restaurant?" Freya assured.

Yael nodded in confirmation.

"Sir, please look after my son." Freya secretly took out her cellphone and took a picture of the tricycle driver they were riding.

Freya was singing as she walked towards the restaurant where she’s working as a part time waitress. When she opened the door, she was about to walk to her locker when she noticed the shining ring on the floor. She slowly turned and bent down to pick up the ring.

"Gold! It's so beautiful! Wait, is it a diamond?" Freya bit the ring. "It looks like it's really authentic and expensive! Whose ring could this be?" said Freya. She looked around and saw no one. She didn't see Jacob because he was sitting on the floor. The young man also stopped crying and ranting.

"Lord, will you give it to me? Shall I pawn it so that Yael and I will have pocket money to go to Escueza? Hmm… Gold and diamond's market value appreciate over time. I'll keep it for now!"

Freya was about to put the ring in her pant's pocket when she suddenly heard footsteps approaching her. She even made the sign of the cross when she remembered the rumor that a white lady often appeared in that restaurant late at night. Freya almost jumped out of fear when someone spoke behind her.

"Take your hands off my ring!" Jacob said.

Freya's face seemed to run out of red blood when she saw Jacob's angry reflection in the glass door.

"Hey! Give me back my ring!" Jacob said while rubbing his forehead.

Freya closed her eyes for a moment. She took a deep breath, then she counted from one to three in her mind.

'One. Two. Three.'

Freya hastily stood up and ran towards the tricycle. She was carrying the ring. She didn’t even look back while running since she didn't want Jacob to see her barefaced. She was panting when she rode on the tricycle.

“S-sir, c-come on! L-let’s go … Come on! Start the engine!" Freya said frantically.

"Mom, what's going on?" Yael frowned. When he saw the rushing Jacob, he was amazed. He even rubbed his eyes because he looked just like that man. "Is someone chasing you, mom?"

Freya shook her head as she took a drink of mineral water. She finished it with just one drink.

"I think mommy saw a ghost, son!"

"Really, mom?" Yael asked in shock. 'Maybe it was really my daddy! What I saw is a ghost? Why did he show up? Did he miss us so much that he fled from heaven?' Yael thought while looking at her mom.

"Just kidding, son! Come on!" Freya hugged her son tightly. 'What's going on? Why did I see that man again?' thought Freya.

'Then mommy didn't see daddy? What a waste!'

Freya looked at the ring that belonged to Jacob. It fits perfectly on her finger. Due to panic earlier, she suddenly put the ring on her finger. She even imagined what could happen next if her ex-boyfriend met her. She just returned to her senses when Yael spoke at her.

"Mom, why does that car seem to be following us?" Yael said while looking at the car tailing the one they were riding in.

Freya swallowed one after the other while holding her chest. She could clearly hear her heartbeats. She was also sweating cold.

'Oh God! Why is this happening to me?' Freya thought.

"Give me back my ring whoever you are! Shit! This day really sucks!" Jacob said annoyingly while he was driving his car. "I am going to put you behind bars when I catch you! Thief!"

Jacob drove his car faster but the speed of the tricycle he was chasing also sped up. "Damn! You are dead when I catch you!" he growled.

Jacob suddenly slowed down when he remembered the reflection of the woman who got his ring in the glass door. 

"F-Freya?" He stopped talking and shook his head. "Is there something wrong with me? I also saw her earlier in the Supermalls. Shit! I think my conscience is haunting me! I already saw her face twice today!" he murmured.

Jacob remembered the night where he and Freya had became slaves of lust and flesh. He didn't realize that he was already smiling. "I need to confirm if it's really her." He sped up his car again.

The tricycle driver immediately showed his skill on driving when Freya said that she would triple her payment. She is desperate. She must avoid that man at all costs. Freya and Yael held each other tightly when the driver drove the tricycle at full speed. Freya looked at the ring on her finger.

'What if this ring is really meant for me? What if it was not a coincidence? What if …'

Freya gasped when she suddenly heard her son's voice.

"Mom, I'm scared! We might crash if the driver drives this fast. The street is still dark! What if an accident happens?" Yael let go of the handle of the tricycle and hugged her mother tightly.

"Don't worry son. Our driver is careful. Right, sir?" Freya assured.

"Yes, ma'am. I drive carefully because I'm afraid of going to jail. I also have a family to feed so I always drive with extra caution," the driver replied.

They have already traveled a long way. Just a few more barangays and Freya and Yael will be able to return to their little home, unscathed. They couldn't stay up late because they will have an early flight the next day.

"Yael, you can sleep on my lap if you are sleepy. Mommy will watch over you," Freya said.

"No mom. I'm afraid something might happen if I close my eyes. I'll watch over you too, mommy," Yael said gently.

"Ma'am, your son is kind. You raised him well," said the tricycle driver. He smiled when he saw the narrow road. He came up with a good plan to mislead the man who was chasing them.

"Ma'am, let's go to that alley, get off for a while and walk to its end. I'll wait for you there," said the tricycle driver.

"Are you serious? That alley is so dark! Maybe later, my son and I will get hurt," Freya commented.

"That's the only way I can see so that the man who's chasing you can't follow us anymore. By the way, who is he? Is he your ex-husband?" the driver said out of curiosity.

Freya raised an eyebrow. "He's not my ex-husband. My son's father is already resting six feet underground," she answered with emphasis.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. Condolences," the driver said sadly.

Yael hugged her mother tightly.

"Mom, when we come back from Escueza, let us visit dad's grave. I'm seven years old already but I never come to visit him. I want to see him … even if it's just his grave," he said while crying.

Freya was speechless. She felt sorry for her child. She didn't want to lie but that was the only way to protect her son from her cunning ex-boyfriend. She would rather tell a lie than seeing her son suffer. She wanted Yael to think that his father is dead rather than be hurt by the fact that he abandoned them. She is still annoyed every time she thinks that Jacob didn't even look for them, after she left the ultrasound result in front of the door of his condo.

Before things got out of hand, Freya decided to get off the tricycle and follow the old driver's advice.

"Mom, are you okay? I'm sorry. I know you miss daddy as much as I do," said Yael.

"I'm fine, son," Freya replied sparingly.

"Who is it that is chasing us? Also, why is he following us? Is he a kidnapper? Is he a bad person?" Yael asked.

Freya stopped walking and bent down to look Yael straight in the eyes.

"He's a bad guy so we need to run as fast as we can. Do you understand Yael?" She needs to say it so that they can walk faster. She held Yael's hand again.

When Freya stood up, she could see Jacob's angry face from the opening of the alley they entered. Due to the adrenaline rush, she immediately picked up Yael and ran to the end of the alley where the tricycle driver was waiting.

Yael was surprised by what Freya did. He was only four years old when his mother carried him like that. He smiled and held tightly to his mother.

"Sir, let's go," said Freya.

The driver quickly started the engine of his tricycle. Freya breathed a deep sigh of relief when she no longer saw Jacob's car tailing them. She was still panting because she carried Yael while running.

"Mom, you're my superhero!"

Freya ruffled Yael's hair and then hugged him. She also kissed her son on his forehead.

Meanwhile, Jacob was running out of air when he exited the alley. His left hand was clutching his chest while his right hand was resting on his knee. He looked in both directions of the street. The girl he was chasing was nowhere to be found.

"Fuck!" said Jacob while kicking the light pole. He limped back to his car. "I lost it! I have wasted five million pesos on that ring! Damn it!"

Jacob was not in the mood to answer his ringing cell phone. Diana, her stepsister, was calling her.

"What do you need?" he said rudely while turning on bluetooth and looking for his earbuds.

["How sweet of you!]

"Diana, I'm not in the mood to play with your jokes. What are you up to? Why did you call?" When Jacob saw his earbuds, he hastily put them on and started driving back to their hotel.

["We're going to Escueza tomorrow morning. Show up on time. You'll miss the flight if you wake up late.]

"So, Mr. Clinton accepted my invitation. Okay. Send the flight details to me via email. I'll be busy tonight. I'll revise my proposal," Jacob said seriously.

["No thank you at all?"]

Jacob ended the call without saying thank you to his stepsister. 

Diana was very annoyed on the other line but that was nothing new to her. She just hoped that there might be a change in his older brother's behavior.

"Escueza, wait for me. I'll make sure I will win you over my arrogant brother, Jackson," Jacob said earnestly.