Destined to Love You

Chapter 1

At the Narumi residence in Nueva Citta del Pieve, 6:00 AM, Jamie woke to the faint murmur of doves outside her window. The curtains were still drawn, but the light had begun to creep through in soft golden streaks. She sat before her dresser, comb in hand, her reflection staring back at her with that mixture of poise and exhaustion she'd grown used to these past six months.

One slow stroke, then another. She tugged her hair into place, set the comb down, and rose. The shower steamed the corners of the bathroom mirror, the scent of lavender soap clinging to the air as she dressed for the day—a crisp white blouse and navy skirt, the kind of outfit that said mayor without saying politician. She fastened the jade ring on her finger, not as ornament, but as reminder.

The smell of fried garlic drifted through the hallway as she descended.

In the dining area, Kako sat at the head of the long mahogany table, robe belted neat, reading glasses low on her nose. A broadsheet lay open before her, headlines glaring about new infrastructure programs and whispers of opposition strategies. Anthony leaned sideways in his chair, eyes locked on his phone, earbuds dangling around his neck. Jamie slid into her usual seat across from him, scrolling absently through her own notifications—half citizen complaints, half congratulatory remarks.

From the kitchen came the sound of plates. A moment later, Conrad emerged, sleeves rolled, carrying a steaming tray of sinangag, eggs, and longganisa. His apron was crooked, his grin easy.

"Breakfast is served," he announced like a man returning from a battlefield with spoils. He set the tray down and poured coffee into Kako's mug before taking his seat beside Jamie.

"It's been six months since you became mayor," Conrad said, his voice full of pride as he scooped rice onto Jamie's plate. "And you're doing a great job."

Jamie smiled, cheeks warming despite herself. "Thank you, Dad. I got it from you. Learned from the best."

"Oh, stop patronizing me," Conrad muttered, though his chest puffed slightly, betraying the flattery.

"Jamie," Kako cut in sharply, folding the newspaper closed. Her eyes flicked from Jamie to Conrad, then back again. "I hate to cut your jubilation, but when will you announce your engagement to Tetsuya?"

The clatter of Anthony's spoon against his plate filled the silence that followed. Jamie froze with her coffee halfway to her lips.

"I thought it was over?" Conrad asked, brows furrowing.

"It wasn't over," Kako said firmly, setting the paper aside. "I owe them much."

"You should marry Kaiden, then, instead of your daughter," Conrad shot back dryly.

Kako narrowed her eyes, unamused. "How about I let you marry a cactus? It would argue less. We'll be having dinner with them later tonight, so be there."

Conrad raised a brow, smirking. "Tita Connie will be there too, right?"

Kako's expression darkened, a shadow of old wars crossing her face. "Tita Connie was long gone when Rabe fell into the ravine. Don't mock me, Conrad. You'll go as yourself. No shadows."

Anthony chuckled under his breath, earning a sharp glance from Kako. "What? It's true. Dad pretending to be someone else at a dinner party would be... iconic."

Jamie placed her spoon down carefully. "Why are you so pressured about the engagement, Mom? We're not exactly scrambling for alliances anymore. You're richer than the Kaidens."

"Because we have commitments with them," Kako said, voice tight.

Conrad leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "No. You have commitments with them. Don't drag Jamie into that old mess. Besides, aren't you related to that financial institution already? The Kaidens can't hold you hostage over this."