The Billionaire's Heir

CHAPTER 5

One year later…

“BYE, Mommy.” Humalik si Axel sa pisngi ng ina. “I love you, mommy.”

“I love you too.” Malambing na tugon ni Alexa. “Good luck to your exam.”

“Thank you, mommy. Mommy, if I perfect the exam today, will you reward me?”

Napaisip naman si Alexa. “Hmm…” tinignan niya si Axel saka pinisil ang pisngi nito. “What kind of reward? Except monetary.”

“I’ll tell you later, mommy.”

Alexa chuckled. “Okay. Good luck to your exam.”

Ngumiti si Axel saka siya pumasok sa kaniyang classroom.

Ngumiti na lang si Alexa at sinundan ng tingin si Axel. Axel looked back at her and smiled. Alexa smiled back and she even waved her hand. Knowing that her son was safe, she left Axel’s school and went to her Accounting Firm.

It’s been one year since she came back with her son in the Philippines and established her own Accounting Firm with the help of financial assistance of her brother and sister-in-law. Ilang buwan pa lang mula ng buksan niya ang AMartinez Accounting Firm, unti-unti na itong nakikilala at may mga ilang malalaking kumpanya na rin ang gustong kunin ang kanilang serbisyo.

She wanted to become successful so she needed to work hard, not only for her but also for her son. She needs to work hard for her son’s future.

Alexa parked her car in front of the AMartinez Accounting Firm. Someday, AMartinez Accounting Firm will become well-known.

With a smile, Alexa entered the firm.

“Good morning, Ma’am.” She was greeted by her employees.

Nginitian at tinanguan niya ang mga ito. “Good morning.”

Tinabihan siya ng sekretarya. “Morning, Ma’am. Mas lalo kang gumaganda, Ma’am.”

Napailing si Alexa saka tinignan si Mila na siyang sekretarya niya. “Alam kong maganda ako, huwag mo na akong bolahin pa.”

Mila giggled. “Ma’am, natanggap ko na ang feedback ng Inotech Company.”

Tumango si Alexa. “What did they say? I’m hoping for a good feedback, Mila.”

Ngumiti si Mila. “Don’t worry, Ma’am. Maayos po ang lahat. Natuwa ang CEO ng Inotech Company dahil nakita ng firm natin ang mga mali sa account nila.”

“Good.”

Pumasok sila sa opisina ni Alexa. Nakita niya agad ang mga folder na nasa ibabaw ng mesa niya. Napailing siya at napatingin kay Mila. “Really?”

Alanganing ngumiti si Mila. “Ma’am, I already sorted the folder. May mga kailangan kayong pirmahan at i-check na account though na-check na ‘yan lahat ng mga staff natin pero iba pa rin kapag kayo ang tumingin.”

“I trust everyone here in the firm.” Sabi ni Alexa.

“Ma’am, alam naming lahat ‘yon at nagpapasalamat po kami sa tiwala na binibigay niyo sa amin. Pero, Ma’am, sabi nga nila ‘trust but verified’.” Seryosong sabi ni Mila.

Napangiti na lang si Alexa. “Sige na. Ako na ang bahala.”

Ngumiti si Mila saka lumabas ng opisina ng amo.

After one hour, Mila came back to the Head’s office to tell her appointment.

“Ma’am, you have an appointment later with Mr. Xiao. A Chinese national who wanted to verified his account. He also wanted to have a lunch with you.”

Alexa sighed. “Mila, I don’t want to repeat myself. Remember, I won’t do any lunch meeting outside the firm. If he wanted to have lunch with me to discuss about work then Mr. Xaio should come here.”

Tumango si Mila. “I understand, Ma’am. I’ll tell him.”

Isang tango ang naging tugon ni Alexa.

For the whole day, Alexa was busy in her firm and when the clock strike at four, she got up from her sit, took her bag and her car keys, and left the firm. Sinundo niya ang anak niya sa school nito. Axel was already in grade school so his dismissal is four in the afternoon.

Nang makarating si Alexa sa school ni Axel, ipinarada niya ang kotse sa parking lot saka bumaba. Pinuntahan niya ang classroom ni Axel. Pagdating niya doon, nakita niya ang anak niya na nakaupo sa gilid at nakayukyok. Mukhang natutulog na ito. I wonder if he got a perfect score in his exam today?

“Susunduin niyo na ba si Axel, Ma’am?” tanong sa kaniya ng teacher nito.

Ngumiti si Alexa saka tumango. “Oo pero mukhang nakatulog na siya.”

“Ma’am, pwede ba kitang makausap sandali.” Sabi ng teacher ni Axel.

“Sige, Ma’am.” Nagtaka naman si Alexa kung ano ang sasabihin ng teacher ni Axel.

“At the first day of school, napansin kong iba ang pag-iisip ng anak niyo. He is a smart kid. He excels in all of his subjects. The school wanted him to join the contest that will be held in Malaysia next month. Tinanong ko na si Axel, Ma’am, pero ang sabi niya kayo raw ang kausapin ko.”

Alexa felt proud for her son. Ngumiti siya at tumingin kay Axel. He’s just five but he was really smart. I wonder where did he got his genes?

Nawala ang ngiti ni Alexa nang maalala niya ang ama nito. Her IQ was just average. So, maybe Axel got his high IQ from his father.

It’s just a pity that Alexa didn’t know Axel’s father. Since, Axel asked about his father, he didn’t ask again. Iyon na ang una at huling nagtanong ito tungkol sa ama nito. Pero kahit naman magtanong ng magtanong si Axel, hindi rin lang niya alam kung ano ang isasagot niya dahil hindi niya maalala ang ama ni Axel.

Alexa sighed.

“Ma’am, may problema ba?” tanong ng teacher ni Axel.

Umiling si Alexa. “Sorry. About the contest, pag-uusapan muna namin ng anak ko.”

“Sige, Ma’am.”

Ngumiti si Alexa. She excused herself and walked towards her son.

“Axel, anak, gising na.” Bahagya niya itong niyugyog para magising ito. “Anak.”

“Hmm…M-mommy.”

Ngumiti si Alexa. “Tara na. Umuwi na tayo.” Kinuha niya ang bag ni Axel at siya na ang bumitbit.

Nag-inat si Axel saka tumayo. “Mommy, I have good news for you.”

“What is it?”

“I got a perfect score in my exam today!” Masayang balita ni Axel sa ina nito.

Tumango si Alexa. “I already expected it. So, what kind of reward do you want?” tanong niya habang naglalakad sila palabas ng classroom.

“Bye, Teacher!” Paalam ni Axel.

“Bye!”

Axel looked at his mother. “Mommy, I want to eat my favorite Rocky Road Ice Cream and pasta.”

Mahinang napabuntong hininga si Alexa. “What’s with you and those food?” Kumunot ang nuo niya.

Ngumiti si Axel. “I love those, mommy.”

“Oo na.” Sabi na lang ni Alexa pero naisip niya na marahil siguro ay dahil doon siya naglihi, mas lalo na sa Rocky Road Ice Cream na ‘yan.

Before going to the mall, sumaglit muna si Alexa sa firm para isara ito pero sinasara na ito ng guard. Nagpasalamat na lang si Alexa saka umalis at nagtungo sa mall kasama si Axel.

She let her son picked the restaurant that was offering pasta and ice cream.

Alexa ordered chicken pasta for her, spaghetti carbonara for her son and Axel’s favorite Rocky Road Ice Cream.

“Pakihintay na lang po, Ma’am.” Sabi ng waiter.

Tumango si Alexa.

Hindi napansin ng mag-ina ang isang lalaki na nakatingin sa kanila. It’s one of Zacchaeus men.

ZACCHAEUS was busy reading and signing some documents when, Kim, his personal assistant came into his office.

“Boss.”

He looked at his assistant but asked, “what?”

“Boss, I saw the woman you are looking for at the mall with a five-year-old kid.” Kim said.

Zacchaeus stilled. Napatigil siya sa pagperma sa papel na hawak niya at napatingin kay Kim. “What did you say?”

“I saw the woman you are looking for at the mall with a five-year-old kid.” Ulit ni Kim.

“Continue.” Bumilis ang t***k ng puso ni Zacchaeus. Finally, after six years.

“I did research before I came back here, Boss. She went abroad with her brother. Her brother is serving the Navy. Then she gives birth overseas. Now, she’s back in the country one year ago and established her own firm. The AMartinez Accounting Firm.”

“She gave birth?” tanong ni Zacchaeus.

“Yes, Boss. This is her picture and her child.” Inilapag ni Kim ang tablet sa harapan ng amo kung nasaan ang larawan ng bata kasama ang babaeng matagal ng hinahanap ng Boss niya.

Zacchaeus stared at the picture. Titig na titig siya sa larawan ng bata. “He looked like a carbon copy of me.” Aniya.

“Boss, what’s your plan?” Tanong ni Kim.

“DNA test. I know that child was mine but to make her believe that I am the father of her child. It’s been six years. I wonder if she still remembers me so, I need a DNA test. And don’t tell this yet to my parents and don’t let the media know about this.” Seryosong saad ni Zacchaeus. Kilala niya ang magulang niya. He will be screwed once they knew about this.

Yumukod si Kim. “Yes, Boss.” Lumabas siya sa opisina ng amo.

Napasandal si Zacchaeus sa kinauupuang swivel chair. He took a deep breath and stared again at the photo. “I’ve been looking for you, Alexa. Six years… finally, after six years.”

I won’t let you go this time.

ZACCHAEUS made a plan. He cancelled everything so that he could focus on Alexa and their son whom later he learned that their son’s name was ‘Axel’. Nagpaimbestiga siya at nalaman niyang tumira si Alexa sa US kasama ang kapatid nito. Doon na rin ito nanganak at nakahanap ng trabaho.

Kung hindi lang sana siya umalis noon ng maaga baka hindi nakaalis si Alexa.

Nalaman niya ring nakaranas ng diskriminasyon si Alexa sa paghahanap nito ng trabaho bilang isang single parent.

Zacchaeus sighed. Sisihin man niya ang sarili, wala na siyang magagawa. Tapos ng nangyari ang lahat. Babawi na lang siya ngayon at hindi hahayaan na muling maranasan ni Alexa ang mahusgahan ng kapwa nito.

“Mr. Knight, here is the DNA test.” Ibinigay ni Dr. Lewis kay Zacchaeus ang selyadong envelope na kulay puti.

Zacchaeus stared at the envelope. “Thank you, Doc.”

“Hindi mo ba bubuksan para tignan ang resulta?” tanong ni Dr. Lewis.

Tipid na ngumiti si Zacchaeus. “No need, Doc. Alam ko na ang resulta. It’s ninety-nine percent, right?”

Dr. Lewis chuckled. “Sigurado ka?”

“Doc, I’m sure ako ang ama ng batang ‘yon. Don’t tell this to my parents yet.” Ani Zacchaeus.

Kinuha ni Dr. Lewis ang soda na nasa coffee table at uminom. “Confident, huh. But you’re right. It’s ninety-nine percent positive.” He said and then he sighed. “Marami akong naririnig tungkol sa ‘yo pero hindi ako naniniwala. I’ve been your family doctor for almost two decades now. Kilala na kita. Your name was linked to many famous celebrities, models and personalities but you never admitted any of them.”

Zacchaeus tsked. “Mahilig lang gumawa ng kwento ang mga tao.”

Tumango si Dr. Lewis. “I wonder why you didn’t get married to this age. Nalagpasan ka na ng kalendaryo pero hindi ka pa kasal. I never thought that you have a son.”

Umiling si Zacchaeus. “Hindi ko rin alam na may anak ako. Matagal ko siyang hinanap pero hindi ko siya mahanap. Ngayon bumalik na siya.” He looked at Dr. Lewis. “Doc, please, don’t tell this to my parents yet. Kilala mo naman sila.”

“Don’t worry. I would never say anything to them.”

“Thank you, doc.”

Tumango lang si Dr. Lewis.

“Zacch!”

Mabilis na itinago ni Zacchaeus ang envelope sa inside pocket ng suot niyang suit nang marinig niya ang boses ng kaniyang ina. Pasimple niyang nahilot ang sentido dahil hindi niya alam kung ano ang ginagawa ng kaniyang ina sa private villa niya. Bakit hindi ako sinabihan ni Kim?

“Anak!” Hyper na tawag ng ina ni Zacchaeus saka umupo sa tabi nito.

“Mom, what are you doing here?” tanong ni Zacchaeus sa ina. “And can you please stop yelling? Mom, magkalapit lang tayong dalawa.”

Zacchaeus mother chuckled. “Sorry, can’t help it. Can’t I be here, anak? I’m your mother.”

“Mom, you’re my mother but why are you here this time?” tanong ni Zacchaeus. “Please, don’t tell me that you’re here again to push me to go on blind date. Mom, I’m telling you, I won’t go.” Mariing sabi niya.

Zephanie, Zacchaeus’ mother, sighed. “Anak, thirty-three ka na. Lahat na yata ng mga kakilala ko na may asawa’t anak na. Ikaw na lang ang wala. Sabihin mo nga sa akin, anak, matagal mo ng sinasabi na may nagugustuhan ka. Six years ago, you told me that she’s not available kaya hinayaan kita pero hindi ko hahayaan ngayon na gawin mo ang gusto mo. Get married and have kids.”

Zacchaeus rolled his eyes. His mother didn’t know about the woman he’s been looking so she kept on pushing him to go in a blind date. But her mother knew that she likes someone. Hindi lang nito kilala kung sino.

“I don’t care.” Sabi niya saka tumayo. Tumingin siya kay Dr. Lewis. “Doc, thank you for your time.”

Tumango naman ang doktor.

Nagtaka naman ang ina ni Zacchaeus. “Doc, what are you doing here? Is my son alright? May sakit ba siya? Tell me.” Sunod-sunod niyang saad.

Zacchaeus sighed. “Mom, I’m fine. May kailangan pa pala akong puntahan. I need to go.” Ibinaling niya ang atensiyon kay Dr. Lewis. “Doc, I’ll send you off.” Then he turned to his mother. “Love you, mom.” Hinalikan niya ito sa pisngi saka nagmamadaling lumabas.

Napailing na lang si Dr. Lewis saka nagmamadaling sinundan si Zacchaeus. Alam niya kasing tatanungin siya ni Mrs. Knight kung bakit siya nasa private villa ng anak nito. He gave his word to Zacchaeus that he would never tell anyone about Zacchaeus’ matter.

After Zacchaeus sent back Dr. Lewis to his clinic, he asked Kim to go to Alexa’s firm. Habang humaharurot ang kotse papunta sa AMartinez Accounting Firm, binabasa niya ang Company’s Profile ng firm ni Alexa. He could say that he’s a smart woman.

Tumingin si Zacchaeus kay Kim na siyang nagmamaneho ng kotse. “Kim, avoid my mother.”

“Ah?” Nagtaka ang assistant.

Zacchaeus sighed. “You’re not a good liar. Baka masabi mo pa sa mommy ko ang tungkol kay Alexa. This is not the time for them to know about Alexa and Axel.”

“Am I really suck at lying, Boss?” Kim asked.

“Yes, you are. Kaya iwasan mo muna ang mommy ko. Hindi na bale kay Daddy dahil marunong ‘yon na magtago kung sakaling malaman niya pero iba kung si mommy ang makakaalam.”

“Sige, Boss.”

Arriving at the AMartinez Accounting Firm, bumaba siya ng kotse at inayos ang suot na suit saka siya pumasok sa loob ng Firm. Pagkalipas ng anim na taon, makikita na niya ang matagal na niyang hinahanap.

Alexa…we will meet again.