Eternal Echoes (The Billionaire's Claim #1)

Kabanata 1

Kabanata 1
Eternal Echoes

"PLEASE, payagan mo na ako," I pleaded, my voice filled with desperation, para akong anak na nagpapa-alam sa magulang para gumala.

Xia stood before me, arms crossed, her gaze fixed on me, seemingly weighing the situation. I could see the struggle in her eyes, tila nagd-dalawang isip kung papayagan ako o hindi.

Nagpaalam kasi akong magt-trabaho bilang cook sa bayan.

For the past few weeks, since I had been staying with Xia's family, I felt like I hadn't been doing anything productive other than resting. Puros higa, tulog at kain, repeat. Kung may gagawin man ako 'yon ay ang magluto, which I love doing.

Kahit naman pakiramdam ko ay welcome na welcome ako sa bahay nila Xia hindi ko pa din maiwasan ns makaramdam ng hiya.

The Ruiz's, a kind couple with Xia as their only child, treated me as if I were their own, which fueled my eagerness to reciprocate their kindness. Naiintindihan ko na bakit napakabuting tao ni Xia, dahil ganoon din ang nagpalaki sa kaniya.

I couldn't bear the thought of being idle and relying on others, especially now that I needed to provide for my baby. Ayoko iasa sa iba ang responsibilidad na kaya ko namang punan.

Xia let out a sigh, the weight of the decision evident on her shoulders. It was a difficult choice for her to make, masyado kasi 'tong nagaalala sa'kin, sa'min ni baby. Lagi niya kasing iniisip ang kapakanan namin ni baby, which I'm really grateful for.

"Alam mo naman bawal ka mapagod. Okay lang naman kung dito ka lang. Diba na promote ako? Head nurse na ako ng department namin, mas kaya ko na kayo tulungan ni baby," Xia said, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and frustration. I couldn't help but be moved by her words.

Nanunibig ang aking mata.

Xia's eyebrows furrowed as she stared at me, but even in her sternness, there was a softness reserved for a friend. I wiped away my tears and moved closer to her, sitting on the sofa beside her.

"Okay lang naman ako, Xia. Promise hindi ako magpapakapagod! Exercise din sa amin 'yon ni baby, Please?" I pleaded, raising my right hand as if making a solemn promise.

Xia sighed and nodded, her resolve finally weakening. Alam kong marupok din 'tong kaibigan ko.

"Fine! Basta bawal ka sa mga strenuous activities! Ugh–maagang puputi buhok ko!" I could see her eyes roll at my persistence, but deep down, I knew she was supportive.

Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, I couldn't contain my happiness. I jumped up and down, clapping my hands in excitement. Sa wakas makakapag trabaho na din ako sa bayan at makakapag ipon kahit papa'no.

Xia picked up her bag, the one she always carried when going to the hospital, shaking her head slightly tila 'di makapaniwala sa kaninang pag payag niya sa'kin.

Dressed in her crisp white uniform, she was preparing to start her night shift duty once again.

I am beyond amazed at Xia's dedication to her profession, knowing how tirelessly she cared for others, often sacrificing her own rest. Despite the noticeable under-eye bags, she remained beautiful, both inside and out.