MY BILLIONAIRE RESCUER

CHAPTER 4: Family Dinner

It had already been a few months since Gabriel returned from his sabbatical leave. As promised, he had studied all the documents of ACL along with all its subsidiary companies in the country as well as in Asia and the Pacific. But he also went on with his work as a surgeon and as an investor.

It was the first time after his return from the United Kingdom that he got to attend the dreaded family dinner of the Altamontes. His grandparents had been bugging him to attend but he had intentionally accepted several surgeries all over the country so he could prevent himself from attending the family dinner.

Mommy Graciella knew that he would attend the fourth birthday party celebration of Arnold’s fraternal twin son and daughter, who were both his godchildren. Arnold was not just his second cousin but also his best friend. Gabriel might have had spent most of his years studying in US but whenever he was at the country for a school break vacation, Arnold had been his constant playmate, companion, and confidant. Arnold had exposed Gabriel to the normal activities of the males of their age. In return, Gabriel had been Arnold’s helpline when he was having difficulty with his schoolwork. Even if they were in two different countries whenever he was back in US, they had maintained their open line of communication.

And since, his aunt-mother knew about his attendance to the event, she had also asked him for the very first time to attend the family dinner since his return to the country.

Mommy Graciella even told him, “Your grandparents will definitely get mad that you get to attend the birthday party of Arnold’s children but not the family dinner.”

He responded, “You have already covered up for me for a few months, Mom. I also had accepted several pro bono surgeries so my schedules would be full. But I cannot miss the twins’ birthday party especially that I am in the country.”

His aunt-mother acknowledged it, “I know but attend this time, please. So I can be free from the long and arduous sermon of your Lolo even for just one family dinner only.”

Gabriel was aware that his aunt-mother had always been criticized by his grandparents with the way she had raised him.

He was also aware of what really happened to his biological parents before and after he was born. Mommy Graciella had always been opened about it to him.

Flashback…

Gilberto visited his sister Graciella in New York City when he had his business trip. When he arrived in her apartment, Graciella was with a very beautiful neighbor. Her name was Rachel Wilson, who was an American born model from British parents. Graciella was Rachel’s private dermatologist and close friend.

Gilberto and Rachel got very physically attracted to one another. Rachel was aware that Gilberto’s marriage had already been pre-arranged. Graciella had informed her noticing that she was very attracted to her brother.

Nonetheless, Gilberto and Rachel gave in to their carnal desires and decided to be in a no strings attached affair while Gilberto was still in NYC. Then after a month Gilberto went back to Filipinas

Just a month after Gilberto left, Rachel already knew that she was pregnant. She didn’t want to get married, she just wanted to have a child of her own.  She kept her pregnancy from Graciella. But when her baby bump became obvious, Graciella asked her if her brother was the father. 

Rachel and Graciella were in disagreement regarding informing Gilberto. Nevertheless, Graciella stayed as a true friend. Rachel designated Graciella as her guardian who can make medical decisions for her. Rachel’s parents were already back in UK and her only brother lived in another state.  Rachel had a risky pregnancy. When Rachel was already almost eight months pregnant, she was rushed to the hospital for pregnancy complication. It was then that Graciella called up Gilberto and told them about Rachel’s pregnancy on their son and the possibility that they might both die due to some pregnancy complication.

Gilberto flew to NYC the soonest time possible. His wedding was already five months away by such time. Gilberto insisted that they got married coz he didn’t want his child to be born illegitimate. Rachel, whose medical condition had been remedied, had agreed but insisted that they also got a divorce after the birth of their son. Rachel also insisted that they signed a prenuptial agreement that there wouldn’t be any separation of assets. Gilberto would retain his and Rachel would retain hers.

After their civil wedding, Gilberto returned to Filipinas for his corporate duties and responsibilities. Gilberto went back to NYC in time for the caesarian section delivery schedule of Rachel to their baby. They named their son, Gabriel. After a week they filed a divorce giving Rachel full custody of their son. Then Gilberto returned to Filipinas.

Unbeknownst to Gilberto, Rachel died of some complications just as their son turned a month old. Graciella, who was then done with her fellowship program, returned to Filipinas with Gabriel after a week.

Federico Altamonte, not knowing about anything about Rachel and Gabriel, thought that Graciella got pregnant in US and just went home with her bastard son.

Don Federico reprimanded his only daughter, “Did you get pregnant without even telling us, Graciella?”

Gilberto was surprised also that his son went home with his sister but he was also happy to see his son again.

Graciella said, “This baby is not mine, Papa. His mother just died and I was legally designated as his guardian. Kuya Gilberto can explain much clearly regarding Baby Gabriel. He is his son anyway.”

Doña Olivia exclaimed, “His son?!”

Fernando and Junie were also both surprised.

Don Federico remarked, “You impregnated someone and you didn’t even bother to inform the family?!”

Junie then stated, “Ate Stella won’t like this once she found out that you have a bastard.”

Graciella corrected her youngest brother, “Baby Gabriel is not a bastard. He's a legitimate son of Kuya Gilberto. He married Baby Gabriel’s mother and then afterwards they had a divorce.”

Gilberto confirmed such, “Graciella is telling the truth.” And then told everyone his entire affair with Baby Gabriel’s biological mother, their prenuptial agreement, their civil wedding, Baby Gabriel’s birth, and their divorce.

Graciella added, tears voluntarily falling, “Kuya Gilberto didn’t know about Rachel’s death. It was a post pregnancy complication. Rachel’s dying wish was for his son to grow up knowing his father. She was very much aware of Kuya’s impending marriage and so she asked me to be the legal guardian of Baby Gabriel. I couldn’t turn my back on her and on my nephew and so I agreed. Kuya can still go on with his wedding. I will raise Baby Gabriel on my own.” 

Don Federico decided, “Stella and her family deserve to know the truth. We'll let them decide if they will still want to push through with the wedding or not. I and your mother will help Graciella in raising Baby Gabriel. You can still get married and have your family.”

The Ongs had been informed. They decided to push through with the wedding provided that Gilberto and Stella would have a clean slate. Baby Gabriel’s legal guardianship would remain with Graciella.

Gabriel knew that his father’s wife didn’t like his very existence. But she was civil towards him. As for his two half-siblings, he only gets along with their son Gil but not with their spoiled daughter Serena.

As for his uncles, their wives, and his cousins, they were all civil to him as well.

During the dinner, Lolo Federico dominated the conversation.

He started by asking, “Gabriel, Gil, Theo, Deric, How's your search for a suitable wife? I and your grandmother are not getting any younger anymore. Before we die, we still want to see our great grandchildren with the four of you.”

Gabriel spoke first, “I think I might already have found someone I really like, Lolo. But then I still have to win her over. I would also want to settle down and have my own family. That way, Mommy might also slow down so she can enjoy her future grandchildren with me.”

Graciella asked, “Do we know this lady you’re referring to, son? Nevertheless, I’m glad that you seem to have found someone who piqued your interest. I do trust your judgment so I wish you luck on winning her over.”

Stella then spoke for her son, “Papa, Gil have already met Trina Velarde on three dates since July. Trina is currently occupied with the rehearsals on her upcoming musical theater performance this coming Christmas Season, so they hadn’t been able to go out on more dates.”

Venus also spoke for her son, “Papa, Theo had already met the daughter our board director from Hong Kong. We have already invited her and her family to spend the Christmas Break here with us. That way, she and Theo can know each other much better before we plan for their wedding.”

Deric spoke for himself, “Lolo, Mom had already arranged my trip to Singapore this coming Christmas Break. I will meet my betrothed and know her much better.”

Lolo Federico then casually announced, “Well, whoever among the four of you gets to give me my first legitimate great grandson will receive a prize.”

Serena had asked, “What’s the prize, Lolo?”

Lolo Federico answered, “It will be a surprise.”  

After the dinner, Gabriel was called in by Lolo Federico and Lola Olivia to the family room alone.

Lolo Federico asked, “Have you already considered my invitation to be my deputy at the main headquarters, Gabriel?”

Gabriel answered truthfully, “I am still undecided, Lolo. I already studied all the documents and reports you sent at my private villa. For now, I can just help you by reviewing all the business proposals, contracts, and agreements before you signed, approved, or reject them. I want to remain at the background. That way, I can also have time for my personal life.”

Lola Olivia asked, “Does this personal life include courting this lady you had set your eyes onto, Gabriel?”

Gabriel admitted, “Yes, Lola. Nevertheless, I have already lessened my surgical practice. I am now only accepting pro bono cases and the most critical surgical procedures that no one seems to accept.  I am already helping out Mommy at AHHI. I am also devoting more time with my own investment firm. I have allotted some time as your silent consultant, Lolo. That’s all I can do for ACL for now while I am still contemplating whether to accept your request or not.”

Lolo Federico appreciated his eldest grandson’s honesty. However he denied it, Graciella had really raised Gabriel so well. “At least you’re not rejecting my request right away.” He then handed Gabriel a blue velvet ring box.

Lola Olivia encouraged Gabriel, “Open it.”

Gabriel asked, “What’s inside?”

When Gabriel opened it, a 15-carat oval cut blue diamond engagement ring with pave white diamonds set in white gold band was revealed before his very eyes. With the purity, clarity, and rarity of the diamond, he knew that it could be one of most treasured possession of the family.

Lolo Federico imparted, “That’s the engagement ring I gave your Lola when I asked her to marry me. We both want your future wife to have it.”

Gabriel had acknowledged such, “Thanks, Lolo, Lola. Honestly, I haven’t even started courting this lady. I'm not even sure if I will be able to win her heart.”

Lola Olivia was confident, “You'll surely be able to win her heart, hijo! Just show your sincerity.”

He shared, “This is actually the first time that I plan to woo a lady, Lola. Ladies are the ones approaching me first. So I think I will need your help, Lola. You got to tell me how Lolo was able to win your heart.”  

The two elders gladly shared.

His grandfather reminisced, “As I recall, I had sent her favorite flowers, love poems, and other thoughtful gifts. I also supported all of her endeavors. And when we went steady, I made it to a point to spent time with her every day no matter how busy I was. Even when we’re already married, I still give your Lola some well-thought of gifts.”

Gabriel commented, “That’s so sweet and thoughtful of you, Lolo. So, that was the secret of being together for so long?”

His grandmother added, “Well, even when we are already a married couple, we still give each other the space to enjoy our own individual endeavors. Respect, trust, honesty, and open communication are also very important.”

His grandfather further imparted, “You and your partner must also be unselfish and sensitive to each other’s feelings and thoughts.”

Afterwards, Gabriel and Gil had their usual brotherly talk by the swimming pool while they were having each a bottle of light lager. 

Gil had vented out, “I really envy you, Kuya. Aunt Graciella is giving you the freedom to choose the one you will marry. I cannot seem to say no to my Mom. She keeps on insisting that I have to perform filial piety for the good of the family business. Everyone in the family knows that you are the business expert among all of the grandchildren.”

He responded, “I've tried very hard to just focus on my own endeavors, so you, Theo and Deric will have the chance to show your worth to the business empire of our family. I really didn’t want to get involved with the family business that’s why I establish my own investment firm. But since I returned from my sabbatical leave, Lolo had been bugging me about helping him out at the main headquarters. I don’t know how long I can say no to him. He's just too persistent.”

Gil pointed out, “You're the eldest grandson and the most gifted with business acumen among all the grandchildren. I’ll be at ease knowing that you will be at the headquarters. That way, I can just focus with AIC. I cannot possibly outlast you even if Mom keeps on bugging me about it.”

Gabriel stated, “I don’t want to compete with any of the grandchildren. I want to continue enjoying my life which is not dictated by this so called filial piety. You should try harder to outlast me, Gil. I don’t like the corporate life. I established Archangel Business Investments primarily to help out entrepreneurs. Earning money is just secondary. I don’t think I'm cut out for corporate life.”

Gil countered, “You’re a business genius. You can do almost anything you set your mind onto. Plus you are very independent-minded so no political maneuvering can change your decision which will surely be for the good of the many.”

Gabriel then tried to change the topic of their conversation, “So how are you and Trina Velarde?”

Gil answered, “I've followed your advice to get to know her better first through dating. Now that she’s busy with her rehearsals, we just usually do messaging and calling. I sometime visit her during rehearsals when I have the time. I am also busy at AIC. And I’m really thankful that I get to consult you whenever I'm finding difficulties as Dad’s deputy.”

Gabriel commented, “It is good to know that you and Trina seem to be getting along just fine. At least, even if your Mom has chosen her, you can still marry for love.”

“Yes,” Gil had agreed and then asked, “How about you? Who's the lucky lady?”

Gabriel answered, “Well, all I can say for now is that her beauty is not just skin-deep. She's also very creative and very passionate about her work. On top of everything, she genuinely loves being around with children.”

Gil inquired, “Do you think the family will approve of her?”

He answered, “Mommy will definitely respect and support my choice because she trusts my judgment but I’m not sure how Lolo and Lola will react. For now, I just want to convince her to approve of me to be part of her life forever. It took me almost 30 years to meet someone like her. I'll definitely do my best to win her heart.”

Gil changed their topic, “Anyway, how about your surgical practice?”

He replied, “I have already lessened my surgeries and just limited them to pro bono cases on government hospitals and to the most critical cases that no one seems to accept. Mommy is not getting any younger so I need to lessen her workload at AHHI.”

Gil opened up, “I have always dreamed of being a doctor but I ended up being a businessman. I really envy you. You were able to do what you like when you were younger. And even up to now, Aunt Graciella is letting you decide on your own.”

Unbeknownst to them, Stella was eavesdropping on their conversation. Because of such, she had become even more furious with Gabriel. Gil should be the one receiving such favor from Papa Federico and not him. No matter how her son looked up to his older brother was beside the point. Her son could have been the oldest grandson if only Gabriel wasn’t born.

Venus was also able to hear the part of their conversation wherein Gabriel opened up to Gil about their grandfather bugging him to help at the main headquarters. What can she do for Theo to have the same approval from her father-in-law? Once Gabriel agreed to join the main headquarters then Theo’s chance to be at the main headquarters would be very slim.

Likewise, Teresa was able to comprehend from the conversation that Gabriel was indeed being favored the most by her father-in-law. She was hopeful that there was something she could do so that Gabriel wouldn’t be able to join the main headquarters.

Meanwhile, Dylan was so furious about the happenings in his life. He hated his parents for forcing him to marry Mikaela. He also hated Gabriel Altamonte for getting in the way of his relationship with Lynette. You only belong to me, Lynette. No other man can have you until I am alive. I don’t love Mikaela. I don’t want to be married to her. I love you Lyn. It’s you I want to spend the rest of my life with. Why did you not just agree to elope with me, Lyn? If we’re already married then they cannot force me to marry Mikaela anymore.