"Yes. I think I began to fall for you when you almost punched me when I insisted on returning to Manila, even if it was dangerous. I was struggling that time because I wanted to convince myself that you are not worthy of my brother. You don't really deserve my brother because I want you to be mine."
“I just could not believe that you could love someone like me. I’m different from the women you dated before.”
"Yes. You are different; that's why you captured my heart." He caught her cheeks. "You changed me, Esmeralda. You gave me a heart to love you. And I love you that I'm willing to give you up even if it's hard."
“I’m not really pregnant,” she uttered.
"Why…" But his own question was answered, and he glanced at the house. His jaw clenched. "Aiden!"
Esmeralda's eyes widened when Amadeus marched inside the house. She followed him. There might be big trouble. He hated being deceived. They found Aiden happily talking to Luvelyn while holding a glass of juice. Amadeus went straight to him.
“Don’t hurt him!” she yelled when she could not catch him.
Esmeralda was holding her breath as the two stood close. Aiden crossed his arms in front of his face to protect himself from the coming punch. But instead, Amadeus hugged him. “Thank you, brother.”
Aiden laughed. “It’s your fault. You’re slow. I thought I could look up to you when it comes to pursuing women.”
“It is not easy to admit to the girl I love. I should work hard,” Amadeus said. He ruffled his brother’s hair. “I am sorry for being a rotten brother. I was jealous of you for the longest time. I think you are tainted because of your parents’ affair that caused my mother’s death. But it was wrong. I should have been a real brother to you. I should have supported you with your dreams. Just like how you supported me with Esmeralda.”
“No biggies. It is not too late for us.”
Esmeralda’s eyes watered. It was the first time she saw them getting along well. What a beautiful sight. Finally, one of Aiden’s dreams came true.
“Esmie, have you told Amadeus that you love him?” Aiden asked.
She looked away. “Not yet. Because he still has to pursue me.”
Amadeus wrapped an arm around her and planted a kiss on her temple. “I’m ready to court you no matter how long it takes. Even if we already have children and grandchildren someday.”
EPILOGUE
AMADEUS handed a purple invitation to Esmeralda while she lay on his lap. He was sitting on the sand of Costa Aurora. The investors interested in RTW of women's and children's clothes that the women of San Luis will make were there. It had been two months since their operation started, and she and Cynthia Lyn managed it.
Esmeralda’s eyebrows furrowed when she opened the invitation. “Aiden and Lexie are getting married?”
"Yes. And I'm going to be an uncle. Would you believe that bloke of ice will be the mother of my niece or nephew? I did not know that Aiden likes human robots…"
She tapped the invitation on his face. “Watch your mouth. She’ll become a part of your family now.”
“Sorry.” He planted a kiss on her lips. “I just can’t imagine, all right. I will buy her something nice when I get home.”
For now, they were having a vacation because she and Amadeus spent more time in Manila. Aside from the fact that he had a business to monitor, Jeremy's medical treatment continued. The new system of his treatment came out with good results, and they were hoping that his body would become stronger. That his body will be able to fight the cancer cells.
Through Amadeus's help, life in San Luis had become better. Aside from RTW, they were studying how to make fruit wine and dried fruits. Amadeus also wanted her to study at an open university.
“Do you want to have a baby now? Aren’t you jealous of Aiden?” Esmeralda asked.
“No. Because I know that you’re just starting to spread your wings. I want to see you grow more. Let’s just say that you’re my baby.”
She got up and kissed his lips. "Thank you, Amadeus. I did not think that I could ever make my dreams come true, and I could still dream a new dream."
“No. I should be the one to thank you. You gave me a heart. You gave me life. I love you, Esmeralda.”
“I love you, too, Amadeus.”
When he claimed her lips, she knew they did not have to rush things. Building a family will come at the right time. Right now, there were still a lot of things that they will discover and reach together.
***THE END***