FALLEN PROMISE

CHAPTER 16 "BITTER NOSTALGIA"

“Did you get full, my boy?” Victoria asked Lucas after they finished their meal.

They were both on the terrace, enjoying the gentle breeze while sitting in their respective rocking chairs.

“Very full, Mama,” her son replied.

A kind smile crossed Victoria's lips. Then, as they often did, she and her son shared the peace of that place together, appreciating the calm and tranquility it offered.

The view was stunning, with the sun beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the landscape. The air was fresh and invigorating, carrying the scent of blooming flowers from the garden below.

“Mama, if I fall asleep, don’t wake me up,” Lucas said, yawning and stretching his arms.

Victoria chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with affection. “Don’t you want to sleep in your room?” she asked him gently.

The young man let out a deep sigh before answering her question. “I’d rather stay here, Ma. The air is nice. When I wake up, Ma, make me my favorite coffee, okay?” Lucas requested affectionately, turning to look at her with a sleepy yet loving gaze.

Victoria gazed lovingly at her son, her heart swelling with a mix of love and nostalgia. Perhaps if there was anything good that had happened in her life, it was Lucas's arrival. And maybe God gave her this child so that in her life, she would have someone to love her truly.

A warm feeling quickly spread through Victoria’s heart, a sensation of deep contentment and love. She continued to stare at Lucas’s face, feeling the heat at the corners of her eyes but choosing to ignore it, not wanting to break the moment's serenity.

“Ma, I love you so much,” Lucas said sweetly, meeting her gaze with sincerity.

With Lucas’s words, the tears Victoria had been holding back began to flow freely. She could also no longer ignore the lump in her throat that she had been trying to suppress for a while. It became hard for her to speak, causing her voice to break.

“I love you very much too, Lucas. You are the best thing that ever happened to me, my child,” she said, holding his hand and gently squeezing it.

Lucas smiled before closing his eyes. “Mama, let’s talk later when I wake up,” he said to Victoria.

Victoria didn’t respond with words but nodded gently. While her tears continued to fall, she silently agreed with her son’s words.

There was nothing she couldn’t give Lucas. She loved him so much. That’s why she couldn’t keep the truth about his identity a secret from him.

Yes, Lucas was in high school when she told him about his true identity. It wasn’t easy at first. But since he was used to visiting his real mother’s grave in Eldoria, he eventually accepted everything.

And unlike the typical reaction of children in Lucas’s situation, he didn’t run away. Instead, he understood her situation and accepted everything she explained. In the end, he was grateful that she never abandoned him despite everything.

That was the truth, and she saw no reason to treat Lucas differently. As she had said, he was the best thing that ever happened to her and the only man who truly loved and valued her.

A bitter smile crossed Victoria’s lips. After releasing a heavy sigh, she returned her gaze to the sea. But at that moment, she wasn’t seeing the beautiful view before her. Instead, she saw the bitter past she had been trying to escape and forget for a long time.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO…

In the past few days, Victoria noticed Nestor’s melancholy and sadness. She didn’t know why because he always left the house even if he didn’t go fishing.

But that morning was different. Victoria knew that this couldn’t continue, so she would insist on talking to him, even if he refused. That didn’t matter. She would focus on the fact that she tried. That way, she couldn’t blame herself for failing as his partner.

Partner…

Victoria let out a sad sigh at that word. She and Nestor had been together for a long time, over five years. But he never asked her to marry him.

For her, marriage wasn’t the basis of true love. Not all married couples loved each other. And not all who got married were in love.

But what about her and Nestor?

Victoria sighed again. Then she moved to make coffee. She needed to take advantage of the time while Lucas was sleeping.

Thinking of her son brought a sweet smile to her lips. Lucas, her little angel, was the light of her life, the source of her joy amidst all the struggles she faced.

Victoria roasted rice in a pan to boil for coffee. Just as she finished, she saw Nestor sitting in front of their hut. He had just arrived. Where he had come from, she didn’t know.

She felt Nestor’s gradual distancing from her. She didn’t know why or how it happened. And that was one of the reasons she needed to talk about whatever they needed to discuss.

“Have some coffee,” she said, handing him the mug.

He looked at her and gave a small smile. “Rice?” he asked, sniffing the steam from the hot coffee in the mug.

Victoria nodded and sat on the empty part of the long bench where Nestor was sitting.

“Where did you go? You woke up so early,” she started in a normal tone before sipping her coffee.

“Just took a walk,” he replied kindly, smiling at her.

Victoria didn’t respond and silently sipped her coffee. She preferred peace. But some things needed clarification. The truth was, she didn’t know what those things were. So she didn’t know how to start.

“You know, I’ve noticed your sadness these past few days. It seemed to start when Carmela left for Manila if I’m not mistaken.”

At her words, Nestor quickly looked at her. “What do you mean?” he asked. Victoria couldn’t miss the fear in his question.

Victoria laughed softly at Nestor’s reaction. She couldn’t help but comment on it.

“Are you okay?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Nestor seemed to think quietly. Then he sipped his coffee. Victoria couldn’t help but interpret it. Nestor’s reaction was too defensive, something she chose to ignore but couldn’t forget.

“You know, Victoria, I’m ashamed of myself,” Nestor said after a long pause.

Victoria looked at him with furrowed brows. “Ashamed?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

“We’ve been together for so long, but I haven’t been able to give you the wedding that I know you want and have been waiting for, even if you never asked,” he said, his voice tinged with regret.

In an instant, Victoria’s feelings of guilt replaced her initial thoughts because of what Nestor said. She silently scolded herself because, as it turned out, she was the reason for his silence. And she had been thinking all sorts of things about him.

She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking. “Nestor, a wedding isn’t the most important thing to me. What matters is that we’re together, that we love each other. But if it’s something you want to talk about, I’m here. We can work through this together,” she said softly, reaching out to hold his hand.

Nestor looked at her, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. He squeezed her hand gently, his expression softening. “Thank you, Victoria. I just... I want to make sure I’m doing right by you, that I’m giving you everything you deserve,” he said earnestly.

Victoria smiled warmly, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. “You’ve given me more than enough, Nestor. You’ve given me love, a home, and a family. And that’s all I’ve ever wanted,” she said, her voice filled with sincerity.

Nestor nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I just needed to hear that. Thank you,” he said, his tone lighter now.

As they sat there, sipping their coffee and enjoying the morning together, Victoria felt a renewed sense of hope. They still had challenges to face, but they would face them together, with love and understanding guiding their way.