Always

Prologue

Belle’s POV…

“Oh my. Oh my. Look who’s here.” Tita Emz said as soon as she saw me got down the car. She immediately went and embraced me warmly. “I missed you so much, dear. Welcome back.”

“Thanks, Tita Emz. I missed you too.” I replied and embraced her back tightly.

“You look gorgeous!!!” She praised me as she pulled away. “I wouldn’t even recognize you if not for your mom’s message that you were coming.”

“And you’re still beautiful, Tita.” I praised back and she laughed.

“Gosh, it’s been like forever since I last saw you.” She complained and pouted.

“Been busy with studies. But I’m here now.” I said and chuckled.

“And when are they coming?” Tita Emilia asked.

“Mom and dad’s arriving next weekend, Tita.” I answered politely.

“Geez. Abby’s still enjoying her stay in Puerto Rico?” Tita Emz asked and I chuckled. “Gorio’s having so much fun for sure.”

“Yes. They extended their stay. Dad liked it very much.” I replied when I realized what she meant and we both chuckled. Tita Emz has always been the coolest ever since.

“Oh, I missed you dear.” She said and once more, engulfing me with her warm hug.

“Bestie? Bestie, it’s you!!!!!” I heard a squeal from behind and I was suddenly pulled away from my Tita Emilia. Then I tight warm hug embraced engulfed me.

“Arya. We were still embracing each other!” Tita Emz complained and I chuckled.

“Sorry, mom. But I missed my bestie more.” Arya declared before pulling me over to their mansion.

“Hey, Arya!” Tita Emilia called out but there’s no sign of my friend stopping.

“We got to catch up a lot, mom!” Arya answered as we got in.

“See you later, Tita Emz!” I yelled as I was pulled away.

“I’d bring snack over!” We heard Tita Emz yelled as we entered the door.

***

“So that’s about it!” Arya exclaimed after finishing her story about her high school crush named Gio who happens to be working as an intern in their family’s hospital.

“Geez. It’s a small world.” I commented and smiled. I’m so happy for her. Finally, she can see him daily as they work in the same hospital.

Arya studied medicine back here while I pursued a career in fashion in LA.

“I know right. Oh my.” Arya said and sighed before lying down on her Queen size bed. “How about you? I saw the latest issue of your collection, bestie…you’re really so talented!!!”

“Thanks. I try my best.” I said and laid down too. “But it’s really difficult sometimes. I need to have a lot of ideas to stay on trend and relevant.”

“Geez. I feel you. But then it’s what you are. You’ve always been so creative while I love doing things in routine. I mean, I also get surprise cases as a doctor but the general practice is somewhat like routinely done which I like. And the challenges are good too.” She commented and I chuckled.

“We’re really opposites but I couldn’t ask for a better bestie than you.” I declared.

“Awe.” She said and snuggled beside me. “Do you mean that? The pictures on your stories were always about you and that Natalie girl and sometimes I get jealous. Like what if she’ll be your best friend now.”

“Geez. Seriously?” I asked as I looked at her. “Natalie is a very good friend of mine and you know her too. It’s just that, we were going through the same things and studying together. But one day, I’ll set up a time for you to meet her. Once you get to meet her and bond with her, I’m sure you’ll like each other.”

She pouted. “See? You’re talking about her again.”

“Silly.” I said and pinched her cheek. “Of course you will always be my best friend. Why would you think that way?”

“Duh? You were gone for like 4 years, Belle? And you didn’t even come to visit once even on my birthdays.” She replied and sighed. “And I thought you wouldn’t want to really ever come back after what happened 4 years ago.”

I sighed as a pang pain strike me. I thought I was all over it but then again, maybe it’s just really part of life. I just have to accept it.

“Hey. That’s in the past, silly. Besides, you didn’t do anything to me.” I replied and tried to smile.

“But my brother did. I still hate him for it. Geez. I thought you were also mad with me and my family because all of you suddenly decided to live in the states. Then you didn’t come to even visit for the last 4 years.” She added.

“Why would I be mad? It’s not like he promised me anything.” I said and sighed. “Besides. Your family and my family are like intertwined with each other. Nothing can ever separate that. I admit, I felt bad and hurt. And my parents were too. But then, I just needed a breather and time to heal. It’s all in the past now. And I’m okay. And we’re okay.”

“Even if you see him, it’s fine with you already?” Arya asked and I nodded.

Will I really be?

“Of course. He’s still your brother. And I already anticipated it. Plus, like I said, our families are intertwined. Sooner or later, I will still get to see him no matter how hard I try to avoid it.” I replied.

“See, I knew you were avoiding him.” She commented. “That jerk of a brother.”

“Yeah, I did. I needed it. To heal my wounded heart.” I said and laughed bitterly. “Silly. He’s still your brother. And like I said, he never promised me anything so it’s all good.”

“Are you sure you’re gonna be okay? He’s actually here.” Arya asked, worry enveloped her pretty face.

“Yes. No worries. I’m over it. I’m over him.” I said quite confidently.

She pouted a little bit. “So sad you can’t be my sis-in-law anymore.”

I chuckled and pinched her cheek. “But I’ll be your bestie forever.”

“Sure thing.” She said and we laughed.

***

Art’s POV…

I sighed before I finally answered mom’s calls. I massaged my temple and leaned back on my chair, closing my eyes. “Yes, mom.”

“Art, do you really hate talking to your mother that much?” I heard her say and I sighed once more. “I have been calling your phone and your office but your assistant always says that you’re busy.”

“Sorry, mom. I was really busy. I just finished closing a deal and there was a board meeting before that.” I reasoned.

“Are you trying to kill yourself from overworking?” She asked. I know she’s just worried but I’m just too tired to even argue with her this time. “You’re even too busy to spare sometime for your mother?”

Oh, gosh. Not the mother card again. I thought as I sighed. Mom knew how to really get into me and she would always pull this card out when she wants something.

“It’s not like that mom. Sorry. I will find more time to come and visit you soon.” I replied, still massaging my temple.

“You always say that. I’m not getting any younger, Art.” She said and feigning a sad sniff. “It’s not like you live so far away that you still have to schedule a visit for me.”

“Alright. Alright. What can I do to make you feel better?” I asked as I opened my eyes, sitting up straight, finally giving in.

“Come home tonight for dinner, sweetie.” She replied.

“I have a dinner appointment tonight, mom.” I said and I heard her fake sniffs.

“See? I knew I still have to schedule myself for you to accommodate my request.” She said sadly which I know is fake. My mom rarely gets sad and you’d know when she’s angry.

“Alright. Alright. Fine. I’m coming home for dinner, okay?” I surrendered.

“I know you love me, sweetie. No worries, your brother will also come home. Arya and your dad will also be there.” She immediately said, her tone changed drastically, and she’s extra cheerful.

“What’s the occasion?” I asked, now curious. We rarely dine together unless there’s an occasion. Aciel’s busy with his company as well as me in my company while dad and Arya’s busy in the hospital.

“Nothing really. We just have an important guest. Plus, can’t I dine with my complete family once in a while?” She asked, pulling out the guilt card once more.

“Alright, mom. I’m coming home. Be there in about 2 hours.” I replied.

“Alright, sweetie. See you. Wear your best suit and take a bath okay? I love you.” She said.

“Love you, mom.” I answered and she hanged up.

Wear your best suit and take a bath? What was that? I thought and sighed.

But then again, I made a commitment so I called my secretary to cancel my dinner appointment this evening and made my way to my penthouse located at the top of my company’s building.

“Sir, Ms. Eva’s calling.” My secretary said just before I open the elevator.

Sh*t! I forgot about Eva.

“Tell her I got to go home tonight.” I replied and sighed before finally entering the elevator.

***

I just got out of my room when I saw a fully dressed Eva, sitting on the couch in my living room.

“What are you doing here?” I asked and she smiled.

“My boyfriend’s going home tonight so I thought maybe I can come and accompany you.” She answered and smiled sweetly. Walking seductively towards me, she tiptoed and gave me a kiss on the lips. “I missed you.”

“Eva, I don’t think mom would like it if you’d come with me.” I replied quite honestly.

Eva and I have already been dating for a year now but for some reason, she and my mom doesn’t get along too well. Mom’s always been cool and nice and kind to everyone but her which makes me doubt if our relationship will even last.

“So are you saying I cannot come?” She asked, looking hurt. “I even got this dress asap so I can go with you tonight.”

Eva is actually a very well-known model and she’s also from a well-known family. She’s beautiful and hot but can be bratty most of the time. I’m actually contemplating why we’re still together. Maybe because out of all the girls I dated, she’s the only one who tolerates me most and has been understanding enough to deal with my mood swings.

“Yes. You can’t come, Eva.” I said straightly and she looked more hurt. But then, it’s better to tell her the whole truth rather than bringing her which will surely ruin the dinner night with my family. As a matter of fact, Arya who’s also going to be there, also doesn’t like her. Well, my sister never even liked anyone I dated of course. Because she wanted me to end up with her bestie.

Belle.

A flash of her sweet innocent smile suddenly came like lightning to my head and so I ended up massaging my temple.

Geez. Why am I even thinking about her?

“Are you okay?” Eva asked worriedly as she checked on me.

I gently pushed her away and shook my head. Then I sighed and looked at her. “I’m fine.”

“Art.” She said but I just shrugged.

“Look, Eva. I’m sorry but I couldn’t bring you there. I don’t want any trouble now.” I said with finality and she looked teary eyed.

Geez. I hate it when women start to cry.

Another flash of Belle’s crying face came over me and I rubbed my face with my hands. It’s the face that’s been haunting me for the last 4 years.

“I just wanted to try harder, Art. I know your family don’t like me but please don’t rub it on my face. I love you and you know that I’ll do everything for you. And I wanna try harder to win their approval.” Eva said, teary eyed and I sighed.

Maybe, she’s right. If she wanna try it. Then fine. Plus, she’s the girl I chose to date, so I should be trying to make them get along with each other too.

“Alright. Fine.” I replied and she immediately embraced me and leaned her head on my chest.

“Thanks so much, love.” Eva said cheerfully.

***

“I missed you, dear.” Carmela said and I hugged her as soon as I saw her and she kissed me on my cheek before Eva came to give her a quick hug too.

“Where’s mom?” I asked.

“Oh, she’s in the kitchen dear.” Carmela answered.

“Alright. Where’s Joanna?” I asked once more and I saw our house help running towards us.

“I’m here, sir.” Joanna answered breathlessly.

“Oh. Please assist Eva to her room that she’ll be in tonight.” I said and Joanna nodded politely.

“This way, Ms. Eva.” Joanna said and Eva immediately handed her suitcase and bulky bag to her rudely which made Carmela raise her brows. She shook her head but I didn’t miss that.

Eva and bratty ways. I thought.

“Let me just go and help out in the kitchen. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.” Carmela said and started walking away.

“Nana?” I called out. She’s been more like a grandmother to us, that’s why we already called her that way while growing up.

“Hmm?” She blurted out as she looked back.

“Sorry about earlier.” I said, pointing out about what Eva did.

“No worries, my dear. Not your fault.” She answered sweetly.

“Who’s our guest tonight?” I asked curiously.

“Oh, not really a guest but a family member just came back.” Carmela answered and smiled softly.

“Who?” I asked, thinking hard who’s this family member who’d come back.

“Belle, of course. She just got here this morning. Your mom’s been calling everyone to tell them she’s here. So this is like a welcome back dinner for her.” Carmela replied and I felt like I was struck with a huge lightning, frozen in trance.

“Belle?” I blurted out and Carmela nodded.

“Yes. Belle. Your Tita Abby and Tito Gorio’s precious daughter is back.” Carmela added enthusiastically, clearly happy about Belle coming back.

“Right, Belle.” I blurted out.

“Okay. I got to help out your mom there.” She said and I nodded, still frozen.

Belle’s back.

And she’s here now.

Then I heard some giggles from the long stairway and I turned to see my sister, Arya, and of course here beautiful bestie, Belle. She was just wearing a simple white Sunday dress but damn, she’s really beautiful. Even more beautiful now than ever. Then I saw my brother entering the main door.

“Oh my, well, well, well. Look who’s back!!!” He said cheerfully which caught the attention of the two.

“Aciel!” I heard Belle said before she ran towards him and embraced him as he carried her and twirled her around like the princess that she is.

“I missed you, pretty girl.” I heard Aciel say.

“Why don’t I get the same treatment from my own brother?” Arya commented which made Aciel chuckled before pulling Arya into a big hug as well.

“Because you’re always here, dear sissie.” Aciel said as he pulled away and winked at Belle which made her smile sweetly.

They were talking and laughing clearly catching up when they abruptly stopped when they saw me.

“Art.” Arya said, finally breaking the awkward silence.

“Hey, bro.” Aciel greeted and smirked at me with an all knowing smile.

“Hi.” I blurted out and tried to swallow the lumped on my throat.

“Hi.” Belle finally said and gave me a forced smile.

“Love, I’m back.” A voice from behind said before I felt a hand cling on my arm.

Right. Sh*t Eva’s timing! I inwardly cursed and regretted my decision to bring her with me.

“Ohhh.” I heard Aciel’s teasing as he whistled in the sideline.

As*hole! I inwardly cursed and rolled my eyes at him which made his silently chuckle.

“Oh, right. Eva.” Arya said and forced a smile at the girl clinging on to me.

“Hey.” Eva answered.

“Well, we’ll leave you two love birds. See you at dinner.” Arya then said and the three of them walked away, my eyes following the trail of the woman beside my sister.

“Who’s that girl?” Eva asked curiously as I sighed.

“Someone.” I answered shortly. “Let’s go.”

***