"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.

"Mom, why are we hiding? I still want to go swimming," Yael said.

"Son, I'm sorry." That was all Freya could reply to Yael because she did not want to lie anymore.

When Freya saw that Jacob had left, they came out of their hiding place. She was holding Yael's hand. Her shoulders slumped when Yael suddenly gave up on asking questions.

"Yael," said Freya.

"Are you hiding something from me, mommy? Lately, I have noticed that you always seem anxious. Are you hiding something? Do you have a huge debt like the ones I saw on TV?" Yael asked with a frown.

Freya was about to speak when suddenly, someone spoke behind her.

"Is he your child?" asked the man.

Freya turned and put her arms around Yael. "Yes. And you are?" she replied.

The man's eyes sparkled and he smiled mischievously. "Have we met before?" he said.

Freya frowned. 'Why am I talking to someone I don't even know?' she thought. She shook her head and then turned away from the man. She quickly went down to the pool with Yael.

"Mommy, you haven't answered my questions before," said Yael as he swam away from his mother.

Freya swam towards Yael. She swam carefully because she didn't know how to swim. Fortunately, they are in the lower part of the pool. She held his cheeks and kissed his forehead.

"I'm really sorry, son. Mommy can't say it right now. I hope you understand mommy." Freya pouted and then frowned. She knew her son couldn't stand her when she was sad. "Don't be angry with mommy, please," she added.

Yael crossed his hands across his chest. Later, he couldn't stop himself from hugging his mother. "I'm sorry mommy. I'm just really wondering about your actions lately. When I get a job mommy, I will help you pay off all your outstanding loan balances,” he said.

Freya couldn't stop smiling at what she heard from her son. How could a seven-year-old child think like that? He should be focusing on playing games and studying at school.

"We are here to enjoy, Yael. The drama is over, okay? Come on, let's swim over there!" said Freya.

Ivana walked briskly towards her boyfriend.

"Jackson! I thought we were going to the casino? Why are we here at the pool? I would have worn a bikini if ​​I knew we were going here," Ivana complained.

"Sorry babe. I saw someone earlier. I thought I knew him, but I didn't," said Jackson.

"Why are you smiling like a devil again? Are you planning something bad again?" Ivana asked with a frown.

"Nothing. I'm just imagining how my brother Jacob will react when he sees us together tomorrow," Jackson lied. The truth is, he had a strong hunch that the boy he saw earlier was Jacob's son. He can't be wrong. He looked exactly like his stepbrother when he was young!

"Jackson! Jackson!" Ivana called out in annoyance. She looked at who Jackson was looking at. Her nose twitched when she saw Freya. She didn't notice the boy with Freya because Yael was submerged in the pool water.

"Damn!" Jackson screamed when Ivana slapped him. "Why did you slap me?"

"I've been calling you for several times already and you've been ignoring me. Are you attracted to that girl?" Ivana pointed at Freya.

"N-no! No, I’m not!" Jackson answered quickly.

"Eh, why are you looking at her over and over again? I didn't trash Jacob just so you could treat me like this, Jackson. Do better! If you're going to replace me, make sure you will choose someone who is prettier, sexier, richer and better in bed than me! Look at that woman, she's nothing compared to me!" Ivana exclaimed.

Ivana rolled her eyes. She didn't want others to surpass her at all aspects. Most of all, she didn't want to be robbed. She's marking her properties and no one should dare to touch it.

Jackson pulled Ivana's waist closer to him. He stared at her lips while his other hand caressed her cheek.

"I will look at other women but that's it. They won’t be able to taste me because my body was made just for you. They won't experience how a Jackson Gray can love because my heart only screams your name." He took one of Ivana's hands and placed it on his chest where his heart was.

Gradually, Ivana's smile appeared on her face. Jackson knew her weakness. His words were more than an assurance to her.

Ivana knew Jackson's mouth was really flowery but she also knew that was where she first fell for.

"Want me to kiss you?" Ivana teased.

Jackson nodded and soon he felt Ivana's lips on his.

"Let's go?" Ivana asked.

"Mommy Freya!" shouted Yael.

Jackson turned to where the boy was. Yael is drowning. He also saw how Freya swam to where her son was. ‘Something was wrong,' he thought.

"Jackson, I said let's go," Ivana repeated.

Jackson kissed her on her cheeks.

"I'll just save the kid," he said.

Ivana would have objected but when she saw that the child was really drowning, she let her boyfriend go.

Jackson quickly took off his long sleeves and recklessly jumped into the pool. Based on his observation, Freya doesn't know how to swim very well and he was not mistaken in his suspicions. This time Freya is also drowning.

"Shit!" Jackson said while doing freestyle swimming.

Jackson managed to save Yael. He quickly performed chest compressions on the child.

"Wake up kid! I also need to save your mom! No one will help her except me!" Jackson said.

Yael quickly opened his eyes when he heard that. He also spit out the water which he swallowed from the pool.

"Save my mom, please," Yael pleaded.

Jackson immediately returned to the pool to rescue Freya. He needs to gain the boy's trust so he needs to impress him.

~~

"Kuya Jacob!" shouted Diana. She had to stop him from going back to the swimming pool area. She immediately knew what was happening there because of his bodyguard.

Jacob turned to Diana. He frowned. He was about to turn around to go to the pool when Diana suddenly screamed again.

"Kuya, your laptop is missing. I just went into your room and I couldn’t find it! Aren't you going to use it in your presentation to Mr. Clinton tomorrow?" Diana lied.

"Shit!" said Jacob before running towards where the elevator was. He couldn’t afford to lost his laptop.