Chapter 11
“What are you doing here?” Lirah asked Matias curiously. He was lying on her bed as if it were his own. “Didn’t Nanay Myrna give you a separate room?”
“She did. Here. She said that since we’re married, we should share a room,” Matias replied.
“Is that so?” Lirah raised an eyebrow. She crossed her arms and observed her husband intently. She wasn’t sure why he suddenly had this idea. They had barely spent a few minutes apart.
“Come here,” Matias said.
“I’m not going to lie next to you, you know?”
“Lirah, I just want to talk with you. I’ll leave after we’re done.”
Lirah arched her eyebrow. She hesitated for a moment before she reluctantly moved to sit on the sofa at the end of her bed. “Okay, but I’m fine here. What is it?”
Matias sighed and looked at her. He gave her a small smile. “I know our relationship didn’t start like others, it was an arranged marriage. But I thought, why don’t we try to make it work?”
“What do you mean?”
Matias pointed at both of them. “Us. As husband and wife. You don’t have a boyfriend, right?”
“No! How about you? Haven’t you been married multiple times?”
Matias winced. “Huh? Where did you hear that?”
Lirah shrugged. “Isn’t it true?”
“That’s not true. I’m too busy to get married.”
Lirah widened her eyes. “Okay. So, what do you want to happen? Why did you suddenly come up with this idea?”
“I don’t know actually.”
Confused, Lirah stared at Matias for a moment before her eyes teared up. She gasped as if she couldn’t believe what he just said.
“Don’t tell me you’re starting to like me?”
Matias looked at Lirah for a few moments before bursting into laughter. Lirah furrowed her brows, feeling a bit embarrassed by his reaction.
“What’s so funny?” she asked, puzzled.
“Nothing. You are really funny, Lirah.” Matias stood up from the bed. “Anyway, I’m going to the other room now. If you need anything from me or...” He looked down at her chest, which she quickly covered with her hands. Matias smiled. It seemed he was enjoying teasing her. “You want us to move on to the next level. I’m easy to talk to,” he said meaningfully.
Lirah gasped. “Get out already!” She grabbed Matias’ arm and pulled him out of the room. Her ears were turning red because of the scandalous things he said. She wasn’t that innocent to not know about such matters, even if she hadn’t experienced them yet.
“Are you sure?” Matias asked with a chuckle.
Lirah pushed him and closed the door. She leaned against it and took a deep breath. She felt like she was going crazy, with her heart beating so fast.
“He’s driving me nuts,” she whispered. She quickly lay down on the bed and buried her face in the pillow.
The next day, Lirah woke up to a series of knocks on her door. Her eyes were still closed, as if she didn't want to wake up just yet.
"Just a moment!" she said, yawning as she opened the door. "Mom? Why?"
"Lirah, dear. We received a call from the hospital. Your father is awake!" her mother said.
Lirah suddenly felt wide awake and opened her eyes. "Really?"
"Yes! Hurry and get ready! I've prepared some food for your father."
"Alright!"
Lirah smiled broadly and quickly closed the bedroom door. She took a quick shower and dressed in a long-sleeved, flowy dress with floral patterns that covered her chest. She let her hair down and didn't bother putting on any makeup. Lirah may not be good at dressing up, but her natural beauty still shone through – with her round eyes, rosy lips, and slightly flushed cheeks, as if she already had blush on.
After Lirah finished preparing herself, she stepped out of her room. There, she saw Matias also coming out of his room. She paused for a moment and greeted him with a warm smile.
"Good morning!" she cheerfully greeted her husband.
"Good morning..." Matias replied hesitantly. He couldn't take his eyes off Lirah. He admitted that her dress seemed outdated, but he couldn't deny that his wife was beautiful. He cleared his throat. "Do you have plans?"
"Yes! My father is awake!" Lirah exclaimed.
"Really? Are you going there?"
"Yes, Matias. Sorry if I can't prepare breakfast for you."
Matias shook his head. "Ah, that's alright. Come on. I'll drive you there."
Lirah's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Matias!"
Matias smiled. He realized that his wife looked even more beautiful when she was happy.
They left the house together, with Myrna following them, carrying some fruits and food for Don Fernan. Matias used his car to drive them to the hospital where Don Fernan was confined.
When they arrived, Don Fernan was already in a VIP room, so they went straight there.
"Papa!" Lirah called out as soon as she saw her father. He was sitting up on the bed, still attached to an oxygen tank. Her mother and sister were by his side. Lirah immediately approached the bed and hugged her father. "Papa! Thank you for waking up!"
"Easy, Lirah. Your father is still weak!" Paulina scolded Lirah.
Don Fernan chuckled softly and waved his hand. He caressed his daughter's back while smiling. "I'm feeling better now that I've seen you, my child."
Liza rolled her eyes. Among the siblings, it was clear that Don Fernan favored Lirah the most, even though he never said it to them. Liza could always feel it.
Lirah sniffled and sat down properly. "Are you okay now? Do you feel any pain? Can you go home?"
"Gosh, Lirah! Papa just woke up, you know?" Liza snapped.
Lirah flinched. "S-Sorry, sis. I'm just really happy that Papa is awake."
"Why? Are you expecting that he won't wake up anymore?" Liza retorted.
Lirah's eyes widened. But before she could respond, the door of the room suddenly opened again. Myrna entered with some food. Don Fernan smiled at the sight, while Paulina and Liza scowled. However, Liza's face suddenly brightened when she saw Matias entering the room.
"Who is he?" Liza asked.
"Matias? What are you doing here?" Don Fernan asked, surprised to see Matias.
Matias approached the bed and stood beside Lirah. "It's a good thing you're awake, Uncle. Lirah was really worried about you."
The three of them exchanged confused glances at Lirah and Matias. "What do you mean?" Don Fernan asked.
"Haven't they told you, Uncle? Lirah and I got married," Matias said.
Liza and Paulina gasped in unison. "You're Matias Gomez?" they asked simultaneously.
But Don Fernan was more bewildered than the rest. He looked at his daughter and held her hand. "What does he mean, my child? You got married? Why?"
"Ah, Papa, because—" Lirah began.
"Dear," Paulina interrupted. "Yes, we did. We needed the money. Haven't you and your friend planned this for a long time? I'm sorry—"
"Why did you do this, Paulina?!" Don Fernan exclaimed.
Lirah felt her heart race as she watched her parents argue. "P-Papa, your heart!"
Don Fernan closed his eyes tightly. He couldn't believe that his wife arranged for Lirah to marry his friend's son for money. Yes, it was their long-time plan, but Lirah wasn't supposed to be the one marrying his friend's eldest son. He let out a sigh and looked at his wife.
"Let's talk, just the two of us."
Chapter 12
“Why did you do that, Paulina?” Don Fernan asked his wife. They were left alone in the room. He still couldn’t believe that his wife had arranged for their youngest daughter to get married. She was still too young to have her own family.
“I did it because we needed the money, Fernan. Wasn’t it the right thing to do?” Donya Paulina replied.
Don Fernan took a deep breath. “You married off Lirah! That was wrong!”
Donya Paulina gasped. “Why does it feel like I’m the one to blame for this? I only did what I thought would help our family, right? You’re only angry because Lirah is the one who got married. Why do you always side with her? Aren’t they both your children?! Would you react the same way if it were Liza who got married?” she asked, tears welling up in her eyes.
Fernan exhaled forcefully. He placed a hand on his chest, feeling as if a heavy burden had suddenly been placed on it. Paulina quickly panicked and approached her husband.
“Sorry. Do you feel any pain? Should I call the doctor?” she asked anxiously.
Fernan gently took her arm as she was about to stand up. He slowly pulled her back to sit on the bed and looked at her.
“I’m fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” Fernan exhaled again. “I’m sorry for my reaction. That’s not what I meant. I would feel the same way if Liza got married without me knowing, Paulina. I hope you understand.”
Donya Paulina backed away slightly. “Really? I know you love our youngest more. But please don’t forget our eldest, Fernan. She’s our firstborn,” she emphasized the word “firstborn.”
“I know. I know. It has already happened. There’s nothing more I can do. What did Manuel say?”
“Nothing. He settled it immediately. He’s helping us find the thief.”
Fernan nodded. “That’s good.”
Don Manuel was Don Fernan’s close friend. They had even made a promise to each other to marry their respective firstborn children to each other. That’s why he was so surprised when it turned out that his youngest daughter got married to Matias.
“Alright then. Call the kids,” Fernan said.
Outside the room, Lirah, Myrna, and Matias were waiting for the parents’ conversation to end. Liza was also there, sitting in front of Lirah and glaring at Matias. She couldn’t believe that her sister married such a handsome guy.
“Are you sure you are Matias Gomez?” Liza couldn’t help but ask.
Matias raised his head. “Yes. Why?”
“Nothing. I just expected you to be a bald, ugly man,” Liza bluntly said.
Lirah’s eyes widened. She felt embarrassed by her older sister’s words. She anxiously checked Matias’ reaction and was relieved to see him smile calmly.
“Really? I don’t think so.”
Liza rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Good luck with my sister. She’s too innocent and naive about things. She grew up in a hacienda.”
Lirah looked down, feeling ashamed once again. Her sister said those things in front of Matias.
Matias frowned slightly, looking at his wife who was now looking down. Then, he looked at Liza, who raised an eyebrow and stared at Lirah, with the corner of her mouth slightly upturned.
Lirah suddenly felt Matias put his arm around her, and she whispered to him, “What are you doing?” But he just smiled at her.
“I don’t think so,” Matias replied to Liza. “She’s good to me. And for me, that’s enough because I know she’s a kind person.”
Lirah’s cheeks blushed. She tried to hold back her smile and looked down again. She didn’t remove Matias’ hand and allowed it to stay on her shoulder. It felt like she suddenly had an ally.
Liza couldn’t hide her annoyance with Matias’ response. She crossed her arms and stood up. “Well, good luck. You’ll get bored with her,” she said, walking away from them.
“That’s just how she is, Matias. I’m sorry,” Kiray said, glancing at Liza disapprovingly.
“It’s fine. Is she a model?” Matias asked.
“Yes. Do you know my sister?” Lirah inquired.
Matias shook his head. “No, but she looks familiar to me. She might have been one of the models for our brand.”
“Oh, okay.”
“But why do you let your sister treat you like that?” Matias asked Lirah.
Lirah gave a sad smile. She looked at the chair her sister vacated. “My sister is kind. She’s just upset, and that’s why she treats me that way. I guess I should remember when she was nice to me. But no matter what I do, I can’t remember any.”
“You shouldn’t let her bully you, Lirah. I know she’s your older sister, but she should still respect you as a person.”
Kiray stood up and sat in front of Lirah. “That’s true, handsome! Do you know how many times I’ve told Lirah that? But she’s too soft-hearted, and that’s why she lets her sister treat her that way. Plus, Donya Paulina always takes her sister’s side.”
Myrna gave her daughter a stern look. She was about to say something to scold Kiray but then, the door of Don Fernan’s room opened. Kiray quickly covered her mouth and grinned, looking away. Lirah stood up and went to her mother.
“Are you done talking, Mama?”
“Where’s your sister?” Donya Paulina asked in return.
“Ah, she left.”
“Okay. We’re done. You can go inside now. And don’t tire your father, okay?”
“Yes, Mama.”
Lirah entered the room, followed by the household staff. Matias remained sitting in the waiting area. He couldn’t help but feel sorry for Lirah. Now, he understood why he ended up marrying the youngest Sarmiento instead of the eldest. At first, he didn’t care. He just wanted to finish the conversation with her father. But as time went on, he felt that it was right for him to marry Lirah. Now, he had a growing sense of wanting to protect her.
Chapter 13
“I hope everything is okay with my daughter, Matias,” Don Fernan said to Matias. They were left alone in the room. Lirah had escorted Paulina out of the hospital, as they were going home to rest.
Matias smiled. “Yes, Uncle. Don’t worry. I will take care of your daughter.”
Don Fernan sighed. “I still can’t believe that you two got married. But I trust you. I know that you’re a good child, Matias. My only wish is for you not to hurt my daughter. She knows nothing about these things. She grew up in the hacienda, and her whole life has been focused there.”
“I see that you are worried about her. I promise, Uncle, I will take care of her.”
“Thank you. But I have a question, why did you agree to marry her?”
Matias’ smile disappeared. He looked away and let out a soft breath of air. “I don’t really have a choice. You know, Dad.”
Don Fernan nodded understandingly. He was well aware of Matias’ situation, and that was what concerned him the most. He knew Matias was a good person. He had witnessed his growth. He followed all the orders of Don Manuel, his father, even though Matias often didn’t want to. So, he knew that Matias didn’t want to marry Lirah either. That’s why he had some difficulty trusting him.
“I’m just hoping that this won’t affect Lirah, Matias.”
“Sure, Uncle.” Matias forced a smile. At first, he really had no intention of having any relationship with Lirah, even though they were already married. But now, it seemed like something in Lirah was telling him that he needed to protect her.
After their conversation, Matias left. He had to go to his office. Meanwhile, Lirah stayed at the hospital to watch over Don Fernan.
“How are you, dear?”
“Papa, I’m fine. We should watch over your health.”
“Is Matias treating you well?”
Lirah paused for a moment. She gave a small smile and nodded to her father. “Yes, Pa. Matias is kind to me.”
“Is that true? Are you not hiding anything from me?”
“Yes, Pa! But I didn’t know that he’s such a big eater.”
Don Fernan furrowed his brow. “Why?”
“Well, it’s because... he always wants me to cook for him. Yesterday, he even came to the hacienda just to have lunch.”
“Really?” Don Fernan couldn’t believe it. He remembered Matias being aloof and distant from people, especially his father. He had never seen Matias join them at the dining table whenever he visited their compadre.
“Yes, Pa. I feel like that’s the only reason he chose to stay in our marriage.”
“I’m sorry, my child. I couldn’t do anything when your mother married you.”
“It’s okay. I did it for you, Pa. You don’t need to apologize.”
Don Fernan sighed. “But I know you didn’t want this, right?”
Lirah lowered her head. She couldn’t hide the truth from her father. However, she didn’t want to directly tell him, as she didn’t want to burden him with more worries.
“It’s really okay, Pa. Don’t worry about me. What’s important is that you get better, and we catch the culprit who sabotaged your business.”
A sad smile formed on Don Fernan’s face. He knew that his daughter wouldn’t deny anything her mother asked of her. It was disheartening to know that even though she didn’t want to get married, she still went through with it.
Don Fernan stayed at the hospital for a few more days before finally being discharged. He decided to live in the hacienda for a while to recuperate. Lirah also requested Matias to stay there until her father recovered.
“Hon, are you sure you want to stay here for now?” Paulina asked her husband.
“Yes. I will heal faster with the fresh air here.”
“I’ll take care of your father, Mama. Don’t worry,” Lirah said with a smile.
Liza rolled her eyes. “He might get even sicker because of you. What are you both doing here, and what’s that smell?”
Lirah’s smile quickly vanished, and she felt embarrassed. “They always clean, kuya, ate.”
“Oh, come on. That’s enough. I’ve made my decision. I will stay here for a while,” Don Fernan interrupted his two children.
Liza glared at Lirah, and Lirah felt even smaller with embarrassment. She had decided that the next day, she would clean the entire hacienda thoroughly to ensure her father’s stay would be comfortable. She didn’t want her mother to think she wasn’t taking care of the hacienda properly.
After a while, the family left the hacienda. Lirah took care of her father and accompanied him to the master’s bedroom.
“Stay here for now, Papa. Your personal nurse is on her way.” Lirah sighed. “I don’t understand why you even hired one. I can take care of you myself,” she said with a touch of annoyance.
Don Fernan smiled. “It’s alright, dear. I don’t want you to tire yourself because of me. I know you have other things to attend to here. Besides, the nurse knows better about my needs.”
“Okay, okay. Just take some time off work, alright? You need to rest. Don’t think about the company for now.”
“Yes, doc.”
Lirah chuckled. When she was sure her father was settled in his room, she left. She immediately asked their staff to clean the entire hacienda. She also relocated some animal pens near the mansion to prevent the smell from entering inside whenever the animals got dirty. She was sure her mother would visit again, and she didn’t want her to think she wasn’t taking good care of the hacienda.
Not long after, the personal nurse Don Fernan hired arrived. Lirah personally attended to her and showed her where she would be staying. She also explained her father’s needs based on his doctor’s instructions.
When Lirah finished, she cooked dinner for them. She was surprised when Matias suddenly arrived at the hacienda.
“Matias? What are you doing here? I already told you I can’t come home. Didn’t I say that earlier?”
Matias nodded. Lirah’s eyes widened when he placed a bag on the floor. She looked at her husband, feeling confused.
“Yes.”
“Well, what’s that?”
“I decided, I will stay here too for a while.”
Matias smiled broadly, and Lirah’s eyes almost popped out in surprise.
“W-What? Are you sure? Why? Can you live here?”
“Of course! As long as my wife is here, I’ll be there too. This is what all supportive husbands do.”
Lirah swallowed hard. She couldn’t find the right words to say and just stared at her husband. She didn’t know why her heart suddenly raced so fast. For the first time, she felt confused about her feelings.
'Calm down, Lirah! You’re not real lovers!'
Chapter 14
“It looks like I don’t need to talk to your Godfather anymore, Daughter,” Don Fernan said playfully.
Lirah paused in arranging the food on the small table. She looked at her father, who was smiling broadly as he gazed downstairs at Matias, currently feeding the dogs. Since Don Fernan couldn’t move around yet, Lirah brought his food to his room. He preferred to eat on the terrace, where he could oversee most of their hacienda.
“Why, Papa? What will you say to Ninong?”
“Matias seems happy. I’ve never seen him like this before.”
“Huh? How can you tell? He just seems to want to cause trouble. He just doesn’t like cooking for himself.” Lirah frowned.
Don Fernan chuckled. “Matias is an unusual boy, my dear. Among all of your Godfather’s children, he’s the only one who keeps his distance from people. But he’s very obedient. I rarely saw him before, and whenever I did, he was quiet and scowling.”
“I noticed that too. I didn’t recognize him when I first saw him.” Lirah sat across from Don Fernan. “You should eat, Papa. You still need to take your medicine.”
“Alright, alright. Seems like my doctor here at home is stricter.”
Lirah giggled. She let her father eat while she discreetly watched Matias. She didn’t know why she suddenly became interested in him after her father’s stories. He seemed mysterious to her.
After Don Fernan finished eating, Lirah let the personal nurse take care of him. She prepared their dinner and then went to check on the pigpen.
“Chuchay! You’re standing up!” Lirah said with a smile. She approached the large sow and gently patted its head. The piglets were crying as they clung to their mother’s teats. They immediately stood up when they heard Lirah’s voice. “Lie down again. Your babies need to nurse.”
The pig made a sound as if understanding Lirah. It laid back down, allowing the piglets to feed. Lirah smiled even more.
“They're done eating.”
“Lirah!”
“Matias? What happened to you?”
Matias took off his shirt, which was covered in mud along with his pants. Lirah momentarily stared at his stomach. It reminded her of their first night together. Her cheeks turned warm as she looked at their pet pig.
“I helped Mang Kanor in the rice field. Is there food ready?”
Lirah grinned. “Yes, Sir! It's been cooked since earlier!”
Matias wiped his neck down to his chest. "Good. I'm hungry."
Lirah shook her head. "I didn't know you knew how to work in the rice field."
"Of course. When I was younger, my mom always took me to the hacienda—" Matias' smile suddenly disappeared. "Um, I'll just take a shower. Join me for dinner, okay?"
Lirah felt curious about what just happened. She saw Matias' expression turn sad. He hurriedly turned away from her, as if embarrassed by what he said.
'I wonder what happened there?'
She exhaled, trying to dismiss her thoughts. She decided to go to the kitchen and prepare their dinner with Matias.
"Wow! That looks delicious!" Kiray suddenly appeared from the living room, carrying a basket full of fruits. "Let's eat!"
"Sure. Have a seat, and I'll prepare it."
"Thank you, bessy!" Kiray put down the basket under the table. "I heard your husband is here. Where is he?"
"He's taking a shower."
"Did you see him?"
Lirah's eyes widened. Kiray burst out laughing.
"Why are you so shocked? You've seen him, right?"
"Ugh, Kiray! Watch your mouth!"
"Aww! Looks like my best friend has been baptized!"
"Stop it! I won't feed you!"
Lirah turned away, not sure why she suddenly became sensitive about Matias.
Annoying! she thought.
After a while, Matias joined them at the dining table. They started eating together, and Myrna also arrived. Kiray was the only one making noise at their table, asking Matias all sorts of questions. Lirah felt embarrassed as Kiray seemed to be interviewing Matias.
"By the way, Matias. Do you have a girlfriend?" Kiray asked.
Matias suddenly coughed, and Lirah quickly gave him water. "W-What?"
"Girlfriend. Because your marriage with Lirah is arranged. Were you single back then? Or is it true that you already have a wife?"
"Really? Where did you hear that?" Matias asked, puzzled.
"Social media. So, what's the truth?"
"Oh, Kiray. What's the big deal if Sir Matias had a former girlfriend? He's married to Lirah now," Myrna interjected.
"Just curious, Mom!"
Lirah looked at Matias. She waited for him to deny it, but he suddenly nodded. Lirah felt a pang in her chest.
"Is it true that you're already married? But you had a girlfriend before?"
Matias gave a restrained smile. Lirah didn't know what she felt, as he didn't confirm Kiray's question. He quickly slowed down eating and avoided eye contact.
"Oh, okay," Kiray said. "You know my best friend here. She doesn't have a boyfriend. NBSB! So, she's still fresh."
"Kiray! What are you saying? Just eat!" Myrna scolded.
Kiray pouted. "I'm just explaining!"
Lirah sighed and continued eating. Matias didn't say anything either. She couldn't help but feel something strange after learning about it. Maybe that's why he seemed angry when they first met. Because he had a former girlfriend.
But he hasn't seen her for years, right?
Lirah winced. But they're still together!
It's been three years, so it doesn't matter!
"Oh well!" Lirah quickly stood up from her seat.
"Are you okay?" Matias asked, puzzled.
Lirah's eyes widened when she realized they were still at the dining table. She forced a smile and shook her head.
"Y-Yeah, I-I'm fine. I'm done. Okay, I'll just come back when you're finished!"
Lirah hurriedly walked away from the table and went to the kitchen. You're so embarrassing, Lirah!
Chapter 15
“You’ve been quiet for a while. Is something bothering you?”
Lirah was taken aback when she heard Matias’ voice. She cleared her throat and adjusted her sitting position. Matias moved closer and she closed the book she was reading.
“Why haven’t you slept yet? You have an early day tomorrow, don’t you?” she asked in return.
Matias shrugged. “I’m not sleepy yet.”
“You shouldn’t have followed me here. You might not be used to sleeping in this bed.”
Matias smiled. “It’s fine.” He leaned back. “The night here is beautiful.”
Lirah furrowed her brows. “Huh? Yes, because the air is still fresh?”
“Because it’s so peaceful at night. Unlike in the city. Here, even in complete darkness, you don’t feel scared.”
Lirah glanced around. Only the lights from their hacienda and a few animal pens provided illumination. Apart from that, all she could see was the darkness of the night. It was very quiet too, which was why Lirah chose this time to read.
“You’re right about that.” Lirah took a deep breath.
“Is it true what Kiray said? You haven’t had a boyfriend yet?”
“Yes. Is that bad?”
“No! It’s... actually interesting. It’s the first time I’ve met a girl who hasn’t had a boyfriend.”
Lirah chuckled lightly. “Really? Isn’t it like a serious crime to be NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth)?”
“You know, girls in the city are different. They’re very different from you.”
Lirah’s heart suddenly raced. “R-Really? Then you’re lucky. You already have a girlfriend. Does she know that you got married?”
“She doesn’t need to know. We haven’t been in contact for a long time.”
“What if she suddenly comes back? What will you do?”
“I don’t care.” Matias stood up. “I should sleep now. You should go inside too, it’s getting mosquito-infested out here. Good night.”
Lirah furrowed her brow again. She could clearly see Matias's unease in response to her question. She followed him with her gaze until he entered the mansion.
"What could be bothering him?" Lirah sighed and continued reading her book.
Several days passed before Don Fernan's condition improved. During those days, Lirah took good care of her father, and Matias stayed at the hacienda with her.
"Thank you, Hijo, for taking care of my daughter. Now I feel at ease knowing you're her husband," Don Fernan said with a smile as they were leaving the mansion.
"She's my wife now. She's my responsibility, Tito."
"You shouldn't call me Tito anymore then. Why not start practicing calling me Papa?"
Matias smiled. "Sure, Papa. Are you really sure that you're okay now?"
"Yes. I need to go back to my company. You know I can't rely on anyone else there, especially with the challenges the company is facing."
"Don't worry, Papa. We will help you."
"I'll be happy."
As they were leaving, two cars arrived in front of the mansion. Donya Paulina and Liza got out of the cars with smiles on their faces, seemingly happy that Don Fernan was doing well. It was evident that they hadn't visited the hacienda during his illness.
"Fernan! My love! How are you?"
"I'm happy to see that you're okay now, Papa."
Lirah cleared her throat. "Papa, your things are already prepared."
"Good." Donya Paulina raised an eyebrow. "Let's go, my love. We have a long journey ahead."
"Aren't you going inside to rest first?" Don Fernan asked.
"Yes, we should. I prepared some snacks for you, Mama, Ate," Lirah replied.
Liza rolled her eyes. "No need! You know I can't stand it here. It smells!"
Lirah felt embarrassed by her sister's words. Don Fernan frowned.
"Liza, don't be like that. You used to love it here when you were young. You and Lirah used to play near the chicken coop," Don Fernan explained with a smile.
"Eww! Papa! That was ages ago. Let's just forget about it. Besides, Lirah is the only one who enjoys being here. I don't even understand why you haven't sold this place yet."
"I agree, Fernan. Selling the hacienda would be a great help to the company," Donya Paulina added.
Lirah's eyes widened. She shook her head in protest, but Liza just raised an eyebrow at her.
"I won't allow it! I don't want to lose the hacienda! What about my pets? The people who depend on this place? It's not possible!" Lirah protested.
"That's enough!" Don Fernan said seriously. He looked at his wife and daughter. "You both know that I will never sell this land! We can lose everything, but I will never let go of this hacienda!"
"But, Fernan—"
"Stop it, Paulina. Let's go now."
Don Fernan walked ahead to the car. Liza followed, giving Lirah an angry look before leaving.
"We will talk about this soon, Lirah!" Donya Paulina called before turning away.
Lirah felt relieved as she watched the cars drive away. She exhaled and wiped away her sweat.
"Your sister and your mother are too much, Bessy! They even thought of selling the hacienda? It's older than all of us!" Kiray said.
Lirah clenched her fists. "I won't allow them to sell the hacienda. I agreed to marry against my will, but I won't let them take away the one thing that makes me happy!"
Tears welled up in Lirah's eyes. Yes, her family was facing a big problem. But she didn't want to lose this land. Not because of the money it brought but because it had become dear to her heart. It was almost like the place where she found herself. So even if she lost her voice, she would fight for her family to keep this land. She straightened up when someone embraced her.
"It's okay, Lirah. Don't worry. I won't let them take it away from you."
Lirah looked at Matias. He was smiling at her as if reassuring her. She didn't know why, but suddenly, she felt lighter because of his words. She also felt guilty for what she had said earlier.
"I-I'm sorry for what I said about our marriage."
"It's nothing." Matias took a deep breath. "Anyway, I just realized something. Do you want to go on a honeymoon?"
