"What are you doing here? I believe it was Lyzza I was meeting tonight." She angrily told him.

"Have to convince Lyzza to do this. If I will invite you to go out with me, you will surely reject me so I have no choice but to do this stunt. This is the only possible way I could have a chance to talk with you, Gav."

"I can't believe you, Cedrick Miguel," she stated frustratedly while shaking her head in disbelief and feeling so upset for what he did.

She immediately walkout and left the place but he ran over and followed her. She might succeed in leaving the establishment but unfortunately failed to get away from him because he blocked her way as soon as she reached the exit. He pulled her outside the bar until they reach the beachside darker area.

"Get off me! What is it that you want?" She hissed irritably.

"I'm sorry..." Shocked by her disgust, his face stoop down as his eyes went gloomy. She never missed the pain and sadness in his expression when he jerked his eyes away from her.

This sly and manipulative man, did nothing but keep on hurting her feelings but how could he still manage to keep on affecting her all this time? She hates him but she knew deep inside her she still cares about him.

"Let's date." He said seriously. Her eyes automatically went through him as she felt her heart suddenly jerked in pain.

She has to admit she got stunned but she somehow managed to calm herself and showed him a blank expression.

"You've gotta be kidding me." She replied bitterly as she tried to jerk her eyes on the ocean.

Is this what he would tell her the reason he used his secretary and fooled me to come in this place? He wants us to what? Date? He's gotta be me...

"I want us to date." His tone was full of seriousness and stability now. His intent stare gives her chills as if he wanted to reach her soul.

"As far as I'm concerned, I made it clear with you that you should stop this foolishness, Cedric Miguel." She stated in a cold and pissed tone.

She doesn't understand, he hated her before. They might be okay now but they just started to become friends again. Now he wants her to date him? Is he out of his mind?

"I was so wrong for what I treated you in the past. I know I can never bring back the past but believe me I regret those moments."

"I'm sorry, but it was just so hard for me to believe that you like me. Knowing how you treated me before, the sudden act of getting close with me after four years? You were even proclaiming before that I was like a sister to you so I don't get all of this?"

He went silent for a moment then pulled out a frustrated sigh. She gotta be mistaken because by the looks on his face, he seemed very offended. And is it pain and desperation she could view in his eyes?

Her eyes might be deceiving her. Funny because if this moment had happened four years ago, her heart must have been celebrating because it's a dream come true. In her teenage days, her wildest and secret dream is for him to like her.

The dream finally came true but unfortunately, it's not the same happiness and expectations she hopes it will be because that dream is no longer a dream anymore. It is now a foolish illusion in her past that she wanted to forget and get over with.

If only she didn't know whom he was in love with. If only she didn't know what might be his purpose for doing all of this. Realizing it, she couldn't help to tighten her fist in disappointment and anger. It's so painful he can use and hurt someone just to have the girl he loves. That he wanted to take revenge on her stepsister at her expense.

"Feelings outgrown, people changed. Just give me a chance to prove my feelings to you." He said in a pleading tone.

"You're just wasting your time on me. I will not date you and my decision was final." She told him in an obvious skeptical and censorious tone instead. She saw how his jaw clenched as his expression turned dark and gloomy. Seeing him hurt and rejected like this still make a pang in her heart.

"I want you to stop this nonsense, Cedrick Miguel. Do this stunt again and I'll swear I'll get mad with you. Let's forget about this and just remain friends like we used to, okay?"

His face turned distorted then jerked his eyes away as if he didn't like what she said. She was about to walk away and leave but she never expected his next action.

In one swift motion, he suddenly grabbed her arm and turn her around in a drastic way. His other hand held her face firmly then kissed her fully in the mouth. With eyes widened in shock, for a moment, she got stunned and seemed her world suddenly ceased to exist.

His kisses were rough and the sudden electricity feeling of his touch makes her body start to shudder. She knew he was the only man who has the capacity to do this to her and it's so frustrating an hidden part of her loving the sensation he do to her.

She tried pushing him and hitting his chest to stop him but he only captured her arms and continued to kiss her thoroughly. Then his kiss turned gentle coaxing her lips to open. When she felt him delve her tongue and make a twirl inside her mouth, she tried to push him with all her force but he wouldn't stop and kept his pace. 

His audacious tongue was persistent in tracing every corner of his mouth. Her knees started to weaken and if she was not being held by him, she will surely tumble to the ground. His hold tightened and she couldn't help to close her eyes. The sensation was starting to melt her and she couldn't accept the fact she was liking every bit of it.

As much as she wanted to deny it but her traitor body started to enjoy and get drowned by his kisses. That in just a flick of time, she found her own lips responding to him. She felt lost and just let her feelings reveled with the pleasure of being held and kissed by him. Her defenses are slowly breaking apart when a sudden voice in her memory from the last suddenly jotted in her mind that brought her back to bitter reality.

"You disgust me..."

Those remarkable words suddenly infiltrated her mind that awaken her in her silly fantasy. The same and exact words he told her four years ago that marked and pained her heart the reason he can never trust him. Realizing why he was doing this, tears started to stream down her cheeks as her body stiffened.

Her body might be a traitor but not her mind. If she will let her feelings win, she will end up miserable the way she felt before. She will never let him use her, she'll make sure of that. So she gathered all her strength then pushed him away with all her wits.

When she finally succeeded, a hard slap on his face is what she immediately responded. She saw him get stunned as if he got awakened in a sweet dream. His face looks like he has been splashed by cold water, confused and guilty.

"I-I'm sorry..." He said looking confused and apologetic. Is she not mistaken, concern and worries were written in his eyes when he saw her angry reaction?

"How dare you kiss me! You stay away from me from now on!" She shouted angrily. She saw him clench his jaw as his face darkened in anger. She gasped when he suddenly pulled her on the arm never wanting to let her go.

"I'm sorry baby but I don't take no for an answer. I swear I'll do anything to win your heart and that's a promise." He said with finality before freeing her arm and just like that, he left and walk away leaving her.

Seeing the man she had been secretly loving for all these years walking away finally made her tears fall down as the memories from the past started to flashback into her. The pain and bitterness that brought her towards loving him and how he hated and disgusted her all the way.

Funny because he was only trying to convince herself that she already moved on but it was still him all along. The painful and wrong accusations he cast her that left a scar on her heart. Yes, she still loves the unworthy bastard but she will never let herself be fooled and use him.

Drastically wiping her tears using the back of her palm, she looked up in the sky to stop the tears from falling. There's no way she will let him know that she was loving him for all these years. There's no way she will give him the satisfaction that he can break her heart into pieces just like before. Never...

The wind blew so softly, and the peacefulness of the surroundings just added a gloomy and emotional sentiment in my feelings. Sitting in the same hammock in between the two coconut trees where my mom and I used to lie down always brings tears to my eyes.

It has been 2 months since she passed and the pain towards losing her is still raw. The house has never been the same after she was gone. I could still remember the last words she told me before she left.

"I want you to be happy and always stay strong. I want you to grow beautifully. be a smart, kind, and brave woman.  I want you to reach your dreams and be the person you want to be. I wanna  see you grow and finished school. To get married and see you build your own family, but I guess I will never have a chance to witness that.  You are the best thing that happened to me, my Gavriella and I may leave this world but always remember that I'll watch and guide up there. Do not forget that sweetheart..."

I couldn't help but weep painfully every time I remembered her last words. Knowing her sufferings and how she battled cancer to live and survive. 

She had been the strongest woman I ever knew, and I admire her for that. She never lost hope, and she didn't even blame God for her illness. She fought until the end. She tried to undergo a lot of treatment and operations, but nothing happened. Leukemia is a traitor illness. It will attack you in pull you down to death.

My mom was the kindest and strongest beautiful person I have ever seen in my existence. She stayed 6 months in the hospital for treatments and medications. And there, I saw how she strongly fought the battle of her life.

I was there and never left her in her weakest moments. I witnessed how her body slowly weakens until she can no longer absorb the treatments and medication. It has been two months now since she was gone, and I missed her so badly.

There were times I found myself wishing that it wasn't real. Lying in bed every night crying nonstop and waking up in the morning still feeling the same pain, make me wanna wish to die. 

Losing a parent at an early age was so hard. Few friends and relatives are telling me to be brave and that I'll get through this. It is easy for them to say it because they never know what I truly feel inside. They don't know the pain and emptiness I feel.

She was my teacher and my best friend. Losing her feels like losing the will to live.   I just don't know if I can still live my life the same now that she was gone.

"There you are! I've been looking for you everywhere." I immediately wiped my tears away when I heard the voice of Dad from afar.

"I knew, I will find you here. Wait, are you crying again, Gav?" Worries and concerns are obvious in my father's voice. " I know you still miss her, sweetie but you have to understand that we can't go on like this forever. And she will not like it if you keep on crying mourning for her."

"I know Dad, but I can't help to miss her..." not a day goes by I don't miss her, and it gets stronger as it lasts.

 I knew that Dad had been worrying about me for the past few days. God knows how hard I try to be strong, but the pain and sadness was so strong I can't suppress and fight it.

"Yes, sweetie its hard now that she's gone but we have to continue our lives. Come, I have a surprise for you. I want you to meet someone." Dad said with a tinge of excitement. 

I looked at him with a questioning gaze, and he responded with a reassuring smile like he was sure I will be delighted in his surprise. 

"You're going to love her, sweetie" He pulled my hand to help me stand.  

Confused about who he was talking about, we walked towards the house and into the living room. My brow furrowed in curiosity when I saw a tall, brunette woman in a red dress sitting on one of the sofas.  The moment she saw us, her lips stretched into a wide smile.

"Gav, I want you to meet Chelsea! She will now stay with us from now on."

"Gav, I want you to meet Chelsea! She will now stay with us from now on."  Dad gently pulled the woman and held her to her waist in an affectionate gesture.

Those words hit me like a punch to the gut. My eyes immediately darted to his face, desperate for an explanation. How could he be so insensitive? 

Mom had only been gone two months, and I was still drowning in grief. We were supposed to be grieving together, but here he was, introducing a new partner?  A wave of disappointment, anger, and annoyance is what I suddenly feel. 

"D-Dad?"  Defiance and uneasiness were obvious in my tone.

" I heard a lot from your dad that you are a smart and sweet kid. I think I'm gonna love you, sweetie." The woman endearingly told me.

She has a sweet voice and a beautiful white face. I had never seen such a pretty face like her, no wonder Dad chose her as a new partner.

I kept my silence for I don't know what to say. I want so badly to show my objection in their relationship, but I don't want to be disrespectful or disappoint my father. I don't even need a new Mom, no one can ever replace her.

"You're not happy?" Dad asked. Disappointment was very obvious in his voice and that made me guilty.

Did he ever loved Mom because how could he easily find a new partner in that short period of time? I was not stupid, and I was aware that my parents weren't sweet and romantically attached. They were always formal with each other, and I have never seen them fight or even had a slight argument before.

At an early age, I was not dumb to realize that my parents 'relationship was not in a good or normal condition. But to replace her in that short period of time makes me wonder if he ever cared about her?  No wonder it was so easy for him to replace my mom. 

"Listen, baby, I know you love your mom so much but you have to know that I can't raise you alone.  You need a mom who can watch and take care of you when I'm not around."  He held my shoulder then gently lifted my chin up.

"Robert, please bear with your child. We might have shocked her." The woman stated then looked at me giving me a gentle smile.

"Sweetie, I know I can never replace your mom on your heart, but I want you to know that you can treat me like your second Mom." I do understand what she was trying to point out but it's so hard to feel that way towards a woman you just met. I don't intend to disrespect her, but I just couldn't find the words to say so I kept remaining silent.

"I know you're not ready yet but I'm willing to wait until you can accept me." Looking at the woman, I could see she was a whole lot younger than Dad. 

She was beautiful, tall, and has a slender body. She has pretty eyes, a Caucasian complexion, and long shiny blonde hair. She looks arrogant and hostile like the evil stepmother's you see in a Disney movie, but I can't judge her based on looks. She was a stranger so they can't expect me to like her immediately, do they?

"How about start calling me Mom? Would that be okay with you?" My eyes automatically traveled to Dad as a sign of disapproval.

"I understand. I'll just wait for the time you can call me Mom." The woman decided to say when she sensed I'm not going to answer her. 

I don't intend to be rude or bad, but I am certain that will never happen. I don't want to call someone as Mom except my own Mother. Would it make me a bad girl if I refuse?

I only have one mother, and I believe she was the only one entitled I should call that term. Would it be okay if I call him Aunt? She's not my real mother anyway.

That same night, Dad went to my room and talked to me. I was about to sleep and waiting for the milk I asked to the maid when he knocked and entered my room.

It was him who was bringing my milk and I gratefully accepted and thanked him. I know why he went to my room tonight. I know his intentions. To talk to me about that woman.

I know Dad has been trying his best to be a good father, especially since my mom passed. I might be just a thirteen-year-old, but I think maturely that my usual age.

Truth is, I no longer wanted to be treated like a little girl. Life had taught me to act maturely. Losing a mom at an early age and trying to accept your stepmother without bringing trouble to your dad is an act of being mature.

I love my father, and I would never stand in the way of his happiness.  I know he's going to talk to me about Chelsea and I decided to give them my approval. 

Dad is a good father and a good provider. We were rich and financially well-off because my father is a hard-working businessman. Mom taught me to be always humble and be grateful for what I have. To not exploit, judge, or belittle others. I was very thankful to both of my parents, and I will never do something that can hurt their feelings.

If it's their happiness, I will never stand in their way. I may not like their decision, but I will always respect it and will not complain on it.

 I took the glass of milk he gave me and silently drank it. I put the emptied glass of milk I just drank on the bedside table and thanked him in a sluggish tone.

"Are you still upset?" he asked me.

I met his eyes then shook my head as an answer. I couldn't help to stoop my head and hide my tears that is now starting to come out of my eyes. I was not upset nor mad that's he was having a new wife; I was just surprised and sulking.

He cannot just bring a woman and introduce her as my new Mom then expect me to be happy, wouldn't he? It's just two months after my mom passed. I will accept and understand that he has plans to marry again but not that too soon like this.

I never expected it to be this early. I just couldn't help to sulk and get disappointed. But as his child and because I love him, I will not to be selfish. I will not stop him from getting married again just because he wanted to be happy.

"I know you're upset. Chelsea is a good woman. I swear you'll gonna love her." Dad still tried to explain.

"I know Dad. Forgive me for acting this way. I have nothing against Chelsea but.... "

"I know, I know..." To my surprise, Dad immediately hugged me when he saw tears now streaming in my face. I just couldn't contain my feelings anymore.

"All I'm just asking is try to get to know her better. I'm not saying you should forget your mom, but you can treat her as your second mother too?" Dad pleaded. I looked at him and nodded as an approval while crying. 

"She seemed to be a sweet and generous person." I tried to utter in between sobs. It's true I have nothing against her. I can try to get to know and like her.

"She was." Dad immediately replied.

"But is it okay if I'll just call her aunt? I hope that's okay with her?" I can agree with everything Dad is asking but not to his request to call Chelsea Mom. I just love my mom too much to bear to call another woman in her image.

"Y-Yeah, sure." I noticed a bit of disapproval in my father's voice, but I disregard it.  I want them to respect my decision because after all, this is not easy and I'm trying my best to understand and accept the situation.

"But If you could call her mom as a sign of respect to her, don't you think it will make her happy? I mean I'm not asking you to call her Mom immediately --"

"That's all I'm asking please, Dad...."

"O-Okay..." I heard him pull a long and frustrated sigh.  He decided to leave my room afterwards and bade me goodnight

That night I silently cried in the bed thinking about my mother. I missed her voice and her sweet caress. I missed everything about her. I don't wanna question life but I couldn't help but ask why she has to die?

Why there's death and why it was too painful to lose someone you deeply love? And why some people can easily move on and go on with their lives after losing a partner just like Dad.  I suddenly wonder if love is that too shallow. Maybe it is.

I was under the impression that love is deeper than that. That's what my mom told me. She told me that love can endure pain, and it does not expect something in return. It is patient, selfless and willing to sacrifice. Dad might decide to go on with his life and forget her, but I will never ever do the same.

Mom will always remain in my heart and that is a promise because my love for her will never falter and will never be forgotten. That's the love I know and the love my mom taught me.