FATE

( 3 Years Ago )

"Jungkook-ah! Happy anniversary!" I hugged him tightly, but I could feel he didn’t hug me back.

"May problema ba?" I asked, concerned.

"Angela, ayoko na. Break na tayo," he said coldly, turning his back on me.

"Jungkook, ganun lang yun? Iiwan mo lang ako? Please, please stay kahit ngayon lang!" I begged desperately.

He looked down and nodded.

"Thank you," I whispered, hugging him again. We sat silently on the veranda of my house.

"May mahal ka na bang iba?" I asked quietly.

He nodded, and I smiled bitterly.

"Can I know her name?"

"Zian," he replied.

"Mahal mo?" I asked again.

He didn’t answer. I stood up and gave him a back hug.

"Gusto kong maging honest ka sakin ngayon. Mahal mo ba siya?" I persisted.

Instead of answering, he kissed me. That night, I thought we made love, but did we really?

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"So dapat ipakita natin sa kanila na lahat tayo ay magaling, especially sa boss nila. Okay, guys, fighting!" I cheered.

After what happened between us, I never saw him again. And honestly, it was fine. We didn’t need him.

"Miss, may naghihintay sa office niyo!" someone informed me.

After that night, I became who I am today: a successful leader of my own company and a proud mom to my two-year-old son. But every time I look at my son, I’m reminded of him. I entered my office and saw my baby with his yaya.

"Oh, Yaya, bakit kayo nandito?" I asked, taking Joaquin into my arms.

"Ma’am, iyak nang iyak si Baby Joaquin," she explained.

"Why are you crying, baby? Did you miss Mommy already?" I cooed, but Joaquin just giggled. His nose, eyes, and lips—he got them all from his father. And their birthdays were the same. Of all dates, why did he have to be born on September 1? Couldn’t it have been September 2?

"Miss Angela Reyes, how can I help you?" I answered a call.

"Hello, this is from Crystal Enterprises. Mr. Jeon Haru would like to invite you to their party this Friday at Travia Hotel. It’ll start at 6 PM."

"Sure, thank you!" I replied before hanging up.

Tito Haru knew Jungkook and I were over, yet he still tried to keep us connected. Maybe it was time to let everyone know the truth—especially him.

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We arrived at the party dressed to impress. Joaquin looked adorable in his little tuxedo, while I wore a fitted nude dress paired with light brown heels. My short hair was styled simply.

"Hi, Angela! Sino itong matalinong kasama mo?" Tito Haru greeted us.

"Actually, Tito, this is Joaquin, my son," I revealed. His surprise was evident.

"Anak mo? Kanino?" he asked, but before I could answer, the program started.

As the night progressed, I stayed at the table with Joaquin while Ella stepped out. Then I heard that familiar voice I had longed for.

"So, totoo nga ang sabi ni Dad. You already have a family," Jungkook said softly. I just smiled at him.

"Kasama mo husband mo?" he asked. I shook my head.

"Well, kasama ko yung lalaking magiging husband ko sana," I replied nonchalantly.

"Nasaan na ang girlfriend mo?" I inquired.

"Break na kami," he admitted.

"Sorry," I said, handing him Joaquin.

"Ano ang pangalan niya?" he asked.

"Joaquin Reyes," I answered, though in my heart, I thought, Joaquin Jeon sana...

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Later, Jungkook cornered me. "Anak ko ba siya?" he demanded.

"Wala kang anak sakin!" I snapped.

"But the night we broke up, may nangyari satin," he pressed.

"Edi wow na lang dun!" I retorted, but his persistence finally broke me.

"OO, ANAK MO SI JOAQUIN!" I shouted, tears streaming down my face. "Ayoko kayong masira ng girlfriend mo. Ayokong makasira ng relasyon ng iba kasi ayokong may makararanas ng naranasan ko!"

He hugged me tightly. "I’m sorry. But please, wag mong ilayo ang anak ko."

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"Angela, buksan mo ‘to!" Jungkook called outside my gate. I reluctantly let him in.

"I’m sorry. Please, I want to fix all of this. Gusto kong maranasan ng anak natin ang magkaroon ng buong pamilya. Let’s try," he pleaded.

For Joaquin’s sake, I agreed. "But please, don’t scar this young heart. I can’t stand it anymore."

"I promise," he vowed.

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"Joaquin Reyes Jeon, first honor!" the announcement boomed. Jungkook and I proudly walked up the stage with our son.

"Baby, congrats! You made me and Dada proud!" I kissed him.

"Congrats, man!" Jungkook said, carrying Joaquin.

The photographer snapped our family picture: me, Jungkook, Joaquin, and our little princess, Hannah Fate Jeon.

"Thanks," Jungkook whispered to me.

"No, don’t thank me. Thank our fate," I smiled. Sometimes, you just have to trust fate. It will lead you to your one and only.