"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.

"Good morning, ma'am and sir. Welcome to Escueza Luxury Hotel. If you need something, please don't hesitate to call us for assistance," the beautiful hotel staff greeted Jacob and Diana. Her cheeks are red because of the blush on.

Diana smiled at the hotel staff. "Thank you. We will call you if we need something," she said. Her eyes were smiling too.

Diana poked Jacob but he only ignored her.

"Welcome to Escueza Miss and Mr. Gray," the hotel manager said with a wide smile on his face.

"Where is Mr. Clinton?" Jacob asked. He didn't even greet the hotel manager.

"He is still attending a meeting but he will arrive later, Sir Jacob. For now, let us take you to your respective rooms. After that, we can tour you around if you want to," the manager said.

"Give us our room cards. We can now find our rooms. We have here our bodyguards to assist us. Another thing, we are exhausted. We need to take a rest first," Jacob answered frankly.

After that, the Gray siblings walked directly to the location of the elevator with their bodyguards. The hotel manager and staff at the counter were left scratching their heads.

"You really have a bad attitude. You don’t even smile at them," Diana growled at her stepbrother.

"Are you still not used to it?" Jacob asked.

"I'm used to it. Do you still love being like that? Anyway, what did you eat and you are wearing that kind of clothes?" Diana raised her eyebrows as she observed Jacob's whole body. He was wearing a loose shirt, a jogger pants and slippers.

"I woke up, late. When I get to my room, I will take a shower and get dressed," Jacob explained.

Diana laughed, "You are also afraid of being left behind, aren't you? Do not worry, you are still handsome even though you are wearing that," she said.

Jacob glared at Diana.

"You? Why are you wearing that? You look like you're going to jump into the pool at any moment," Jacob teased. Diana was wearing white long sleeves with a black sports bra inside and rugged shorts at the bottom with a black shades on.

"You really don't know anything about the latest fashion trends. At least, I don't look like I just got out of bed," Diana defended.

Their two bodyguards behind them stifled laughter. They have witnessed the growth of Diana and Jacob and until now, they don’t see any changes in their character. Teasing each other has become a hobby for them. Sometimes they were even mistaken for lovers because of their closeness.

"Room 309," Jacob whispered.

"Actually, you should have stay in room 209. I just alter it because the view is better in that room," Diana said.

"You? Where is your room? Maybe you'll be here with your boyfriend later, right? I am going to suffocate your boyfriend if ever I see you kissing each other," Jacob threatened her. He's always protective when it comes to Diana.

"My boyfriend, KUYA, is in Cebu," Diana said while rolling her eyes.

"Hey, watch her every move. If my sister’s lover sneaks up on her and that girl gets pregnant in no time, dad will kill me. I will kill you when that happens. Is that clear?" Jacob said to Diana's bodyguard.

"Yes sir! I will take good care of Ma'am Diana!"

"You should be!" said Jacob.

Diana and her bodyguard were the first to exit the elevator. Their rooms are next to each other. Only then did Jacob notice the elevator's other cargo. He wondered why a woman had her back turned to him. She was hugging a boy and they were carrying two suitcases. They don't speak either.

Jacob walked away from the two. "Weird," he whispered.

When the elevator rang, Jacob came out immediately with his bodyguard. He went to room 309 while his bodyguard went to room 308.

The elevator was about to close when Freya suddenly stopped it.

"Mom, can we talk now?" Yael asked.

"Yes son. You can speak now," Freya replied.

"Why did we just get out of the elevator now?" Yael asked again.

"It is better to get out of the elevator when everyone is out so we can check if it's safe to walk down the aisle." Beads of sweat on Freya's forehead were gushing down on her face. 'Will I still see him until here? Jusko! I think I'm going to die because of panic attacks! Looks like I won't be able to enjoy this because of him!' her mind screamed silently.

"Is that so? You know mom, I still can't believe that we are already here in Escueza! It is one of the places that I really want to visit and God is great because he did not just bring me here but also you! I feel ecstatic!" Yael screamed. He couldn't contain his happiness.

Freya stroked Yael's cheeks.

"Thank you son. I'm sorry because mommy can't afford to take you to these kinds of places. I assure you that mommy will work harder so that I can take you to your other dream destinations," Freya said tearfully.

"Mom, having you is enough for me. I couldn't ask for more. I am happy when I see you healthy and happy. I am very rich because I have a mommy like you," said Yael.

"My son is so sweet! You inherited your traits from m—"

"Is it daddy's? Is daddy sweet too?" Yael suddenly asked.

"Ahm, son, where is our room? I'm excited to lie down on the very soft bed!"Freya and Yael were sleeping on the same bed. It's made of bamboo so it hurts their back a bit especially if there are no blankets.

"Room 310 mommy. Wait. 306, 307, 308, 309! This mommy! We are here!" Yael pointed out their room with a smile on his face.

Freya swiped her card on the locked door then it opened quickly after.

"Wow! That's cool!" Yael said as he entered the room.

Freya was left at the door carrying their two suitcases. She rolled her eyes inside their room. Her mouth dropped open at what she saw.

"So, this is what it looks like to stay at a first-class hotel. Fascinating!" said Freya.

Yael ran back to Freya to take a suitcase from his mother's hand.

Jacob went out of room 309 to get his extra baggage. He saw a woman's back holding a suitcase in the opposite room.

"Wait, she was the woman earlier in the elevator," Jacob smiled. His eyes caught Yael slightly.

"Her child is handsome. I could only saw half of his face but his handsomeness is already evident," he said before he took his suitcase and went inside his room.

"So, this is Escueza! This is why papa's hands are itching to get it," Jackson said. He is Jacob's stepbrother. They aren’t in good terms. He’s in awe when he looked around the hotel.

"Babe, do you really need my presence tomorrow? Daddy called me. We need to make a surprise for mom's birthday," Ivana said while caressing Jackson's chest.

"Babe, are you avoiding Jacob? Do you still love him?" Jackson asked seriously.

"O-of course not! I'm not by your side now if he's the one that I love. What are you thinking, Jackson? You’re disappointing! I have exerted much efforts to accompany you here. I chose you rather than my business meetings and now? You will accuse me of something like that? You’re so annoying," Ivana said pretending to turn her back on Jackson. She smiled when he suddenly hugged her from behind.

"I'm sorry. You know that Jacob is my rival in the bidding, right? You also know that Mr. Clinton loves you. You won't do anything tomorrow except looking at the old man. We only need your smile and boom! The prize is ours! Jacob will regret that he chose to ignore your demands,” Jackson said.

Ivana and Jackson laughed. They were immediately greeted by the hotel staff and taken to their room.

"Room 313. Hmm, not bad," said Ivana as she watched Jackson carry their suitcases. "What are we going to do today?"

"Wear your best dress. We're going to play some games!" Jackson replied, because he likes to play poker, roulette and sports betting.

Ivana forced a laugh because she was bored with such things. She would rather soak herself in the pool all day than to plaster a fake smile and play with the elite.

"O-okay," said Ivana.

"You do not want it?" Jackson asked as he raised his eyebrows.

"N-no! Of course, I like it. As long as you are by my side, no matter what we do, I will not feel bored," Ivana lied.

Jackson stared at Ivana's red lips. After a minute, he's kissing her aggressively.

"Close the door," Jackson ordered. "I miss you so much my dear Ivana," he added.

Ivana ran to the entrance and closed the door. They both miss each other that's why they are both eager to taste heaven again.

~~~

"Answer your fucking phone, Ivana! I won't let you leave me just because of that stupid birthdate!"

Jacob has called his ex-girlfriend Ivana almost ten times. He expected her to show up. They already talked about the bidding. He also hoped that they will get back together again. He thought she was just hitting on him because he forgot her birthday.

"I need you here, Ivana," Jacob whispered calmly.

Jacob knew that the owner of Escueza, Mr. Clinton is interested on her ex-girlfriend. If she will be by his side later, he was certain that he would get the hotel that his father had dreamed of for a very long time.

"Damn it!" Jacob shouted as he threw his cell phone on the floor when Ivana hung up on him. He held onto his lamp. It's only a matter of time before the bidding begins.

"Sir Jacob, Miss Diana is calling you. It is already time for your breakfast. She said that the bidding and your meeting with Mr. Clinton have been moved tomorrow," his bodyguard bowed and said.

Jacob's eyes widened when he looked at his bodyguard.

"So what am I going to do here all day? I will look at the ceiling? Shit! Mr. Clinton knew how desperate I am to acquire his hotel that's why he is acting like that! Once I got what I want, I will never greet him again! Anyway, did he arrive?" Jacob asked.

"W-who, S-Sir Jacob?" the bodyguard asked fearfully.

"Mr. Clinton probably! You think I am going to ask if my evil half-brother, Jackson arrived? Use your fúcking brain!" Jacob poured his annoyance to his innocent bodyguard.

"Miss Diana did not yet confirm anything regarding that. I think, Mr. Clinton will be arriving tonight, sir," his bodyguard answered directly.

"Alright, go to the dining area first. I'll just follow. Please tell Diana that I had sent an email for her last night. She hasn't replied yet," Jacob ordered calmly. He accidentally took a glance to the opposite room when he saw the back of a boy wearing a black speedo. Jacob didn't know why he felt better when he caught a glimpse of the kid. His bodyguard had already left without him realizing it. When he turned around to get his V-neck t-shirt, Freya came out of the opposite room.

"Son, don't go away from mommy. I know you know how to swim, but still be careful. Do you have your goggles?" Freya asked.

"Yes mommy. I brought it. Let's have breakfast first before we go swimming, mommy!" Yael was excited for the whole day. He was also curious about what kind of food he’s going to see on the buffet table.

"Yes son! Here it is and mommy is hungry too!" Freya brought her belly close to Yael's ear.

The mother and son laughed as Freya's stomach suddenly churned.

Jacob took off his V-neck t-shirt again and wore a black long sleeve and white denim shorts. He had put his Double Rainbouu swimming trunk before he wore his white denim shorts. While he was walking to the elevator, Diana called him.

["I will go down first. You're so slow, kuya! By the way kuya, I'm leaving for a while. I will going to shop some things. Don't worry, my bodyguard is with me."]

"Okay as long as you will come back here before lunch," Jacob replied.

["Kuya Jacob! It's only three hours before lunch time! You know that three hours are not enough for me when I go shopping!"]

"It's not my problem anymore. If you don't get back before lunch, expect papa to call you." Jacob heard Diana cursing on the other line so he hung up. He quickly ran towards the open elevator but he didn't reach it.

Freya's smile was ear-to-ear when she saw Jacob rushing. "It's good for him. He didn't make it," he whispered.

"Mom, who is that?" Yael asked.

"Ah, nothing 1 child. Mommy just remembered something," answered Freya.

"Mommy, don't lie. Do you want your nose to grow as long as Pinocchio's?" Yael threatened his mother.

Freya laughed.

"Okay son. I'm sorry. I can't answer your question earlier because mommy doesn't know the name of the man who ran near the elevator earlier," explained Freya.

"Okay mommy. Apology accepted!" Yael screamed. The mother and son laughed inside the elevator.

After Yael and Freya ate breakfast, Yael went straight to the swimming pool. His mother strictly instructed him not to go too far or he might end up in the deep end. Freya left for a while to get dressed in swimming attire.

Jacob's jaw almost dropped when he saw Yael paddling in the pool.

"That kid. Who is he? Why … why does he look so much like me?" Jacob said in disbelief.

He was about to approach Yael when Diana suddenly arrived.

"Brother, I didn't go shopping anymore. Wait, did you saw a ghost? Why do you looked like one? Who are you looking for?" Diana asked with a frown.

"Fuck! Where did that kid go? He's like my carbon copy when I was a kid!" Jacob was annoyed as he looked around. He lost him!

Diana left because she knew that her Kuya Jacob would ignore her. He stopped walking when she remembered what Jacob said earlier.

"Carbon copy? Wait! Omg! Did he see Yael? Are Freya and Yael here?" Diana exclaimed.