Chapter 52: A Family's Love
Two days had passed since the chaotic night of Flora's birthday. Slowly, she began to sink back into her routine as a student at a prestigious university in Manila. The memories of the battle at the City of Dreams remained etched in her mind; because of the destruction and the turmoil that followed, she had been excluded from General Romeo's new mission.
Despite her former status as a soldier and her divine role as a Diwata's envoy, she had no choice but to obey Romeo's orders: to focus entirely on her studies. Flora felt a gnawing discomfort playing the role of an ordinary student. Her conscience nagged at her, making her feel as though she were abandoning her sworn duty and her promise to stand by her General in any fight. Yet, his word was final.
On a Wednesday afternoon, Flora stood outside the university gates, waiting for a ride. The roar of traffic mingled with the lighthearted laughter of students heading home. Despite the fatigue of a long day, a small smile played on her lips, as if she were waiting for something special.
A few minutes later, a motorcycle pulled up in front of her. It was Andoy. His eyes lit up with warmth the moment he saw her.
"I'm glad you waited for me," he said, his voice light yet full of care. He handed her a pink helmet.
"Thank you so much for picking me up," Flora replied, her smile radiant with genuine gratitude. "I know how busy you are with work, but you still came." Her voice was soft, and the simple way she tucked her hair behind her ear before mounting the bike made Andoy's heart skip a beat.
"It's nothing," Andoy said, kicking the engine to life. "Wait, it's still early. Do you want to hit Starbucks? Let's grab a snack so you can relax."
Flora smiled but shook her head. "The traffic is exhausting, isn't it? Let's just stay by the roadside. There are plenty of fishball vendors nearby," she suggested, her eyes sparkling. Andoy was taken aback by her excitement for street food.
"Alright, you're the boss," he laughed.
Flora climbed onto the back, gripping Andoy's shoulders as they sped off. The city wind whipped against their faces, carrying the scent of exhaust and the city's noise, but between them, there was a comfortable, silent understanding.
They stopped at a street food stall where the neighborhood was teeming with life—children running around and vendors calling out. Sitting on a wooden bench with plates of fishballs and cold glasses of gulaman, Flora ate with such gusto that Andoy couldn't help but stare.
"Why are you looking at me?" Flora asked, suddenly shy. "Is there something on my face?"
"Hahaha, nothing," Andoy replied warmly. "I'm just happy you enjoy simple food like this. I thought that since you go to such a famous university, you'd only be used to expensive restaurants."
Flora laughed, the sound like music amidst the street noise. "Oh, come on, Andoy! I'm not like that. I didn't actually grow up in a wealthy family."
Flora realized that Andoy assumed she was rich because of her school and the high costs of a Nursing degree. She couldn't tell him she was a former soldier used to hardship, not luxury.
"The truth is, I'm an orphan," she continued softly. "But someone looks after me—he pays for my tuition and provided the house I stay in. He's younger than me, actually, but he's like a brother."
Andoy's eyes widened. "Wait, how did he adopt you if he's younger? And that university is incredibly expensive. Your guardian must be very wealthy."
Flora gave a mysterious smile. "He is. But I don't really know how rich. We don't talk about money. I just know I owe him everything. That's why I need to graduate—to repay him somehow."
"I know you can do it," Andoy said supportively. "You know, Flora, most students at that school—especially those 'honorary Spaniards'—don't talk to simple people like me. But you're different."
Flora's cheeks flushed. "Hey, do you think I'm a snob?" she teased.
"No!" Andoy laughed. "From the moment I saw you, I knew you were good. That's why I'm so grateful you let me court you, even if I'm just a poor guy and not some fancy honorary Spaniard."
Flora froze, her face turning a deeper shade of red. "A-about that... the courting..." she stammered. "I'm still a student, and I don't want my guardian to think poorly of me. He expects so much, and I'm afraid he'd be angry if he found out I had a boyfriend."
Andoy's expression fell. "Does that mean you want me to stop?"
"No!" Flora waved her hands frantically. "It's not that. I really enjoy being with you. But... I think I need to finish my studies first. It's important to my guardian, and I want to prove I can do it."
Andoy smiled with deep understanding. "I'm fine with just being your friend for now. I don't mind waiting, no matter how long it takes."
"Really? Are you sure?"
"Of course," Andoy said confidently. "Two years, three, even five—I can do that. I'm a patient man."
Flora giggled, though a hint of worry remained. "People get bored, Andoy. You might find someone else."
"Flora, I don't have time for anyone else. I'm busy with work, and besides, I'm lucky to have met someone as kind and beautiful as you. I'd be a fool to look elsewhere."
Flora quickly covered his mouth, her face burning. "Shh! Don't say that in front of people! It's embarrassing!"
"What's embarrassing? It's the truth!" Andoy protested loudly, laughing as onlookers glanced their way. "Even they can see how beautiful you are!"
"Andoy, stop it or I'll really get mad!" she said, playfully hitting his arm.
Despite the teasing, her heart felt full. Suddenly, she remembered something. "Andoy, let's go to the orphanage. I want to bring the kids some food."
"But you just got out of school. Aren't you tired?"
"No, I'd rather play with the kids than sit in my dorm. Let's buy some bread first."
Unable to resist her smile, Andoy agreed. They bought the bread and headed to the orphanage. He dropped her at the gate to park his bike around back. Flora walked in, clutching the bags of bread, her heart light—until she saw a familiar figure playing with the children.
"General Romeo?" she whispered, stunned.
She quickly covered her mouth, remembering she wasn't supposed to use his rank in public. Romeo turned, a faint, knowing smile on his face.
"You took your time getting here, Flora," he said calmly. "I've been waiting for three hours."
"W-why are you here, Romeo?" she asked, her heart racing with anxiety.
"Kuya Romeo," he corrected playfully. "Remember, I'm still your big brother."
"But I'm older than you!" Flora protested with a laugh.
Romeo's expression turned serious as he scanned her face. "Why are you so tense? Are you hiding something other than this orphanage?"
"W-what do you mean?" Flora stammered. She grabbed his hand and pulled him outside. "Why did you follow me here? How did you find this place?"
"I had my men look into it," Romeo replied. He explained that his secretary noticed a recurring 25,000-peso transfer from Flora's account every month.
"You investigated me?" Flora asked, a mix of disbelief and slight anger.
"It was a report, not an intention. But you never mentioned you were spending my money on this," Romeo said. "I told you the money was for you—to enjoy Manila, buy clothes, go out with friends. Why give it all away?"
"I'm not using it for anything bad!" Flora explained. "You said it was a bonus, so I gave it to the orphanage. It's for a good cause."
Romeo sighed. "I'm not mad about the charity, Flora. I just wanted you to have a normal life. I wanted you to enjoy the fruits of your hard work."
Flora looked down. "I'm sorry. I just felt like... I didn't need expensive things to be happy. Helping them makes me happy."
Romeo stared at her, then reached out and tapped her head playfully with a plastic toy hammer from the orphanage. "Fine. I'll provide for them from now on," he said. "So spend your own money on yourself."
Flora's eyes lit up. "Really? You'll support the orphanage?"
"If it's what makes you happy, I'll support it."
Overjoyed, Flora threw her arms around him. "You're the best, Romeo! Thank you!"
Romeo hugged her back, though his voice remained gruff. "Don't get used to it. I'm just in a good mood."
At that moment, Andoy arrived. "Flora?" he called out, stopping dead in his tracks as he saw her hugging Romeo.
Flora jumped back, blushing furiously. "A-Andoy! It's not what it looks like! This is Romeo, my guardian. He's the one I told you about."
Romeo stepped forward, his eyes sizing Andoy up like a lion inspecting an intruder. Flora began to sweat; the last thing she wanted was for Romeo to know about Andoy's intentions.
"Romeo, this is Andoy... he's a friend," she said nervously.
"A friend?" Romeo's voice was laced with skepticism.
"Yes! He helps me with charity work and... and he gives me rides home," she added quickly.
Romeo looked at her, then back at Andoy. "Are you sure you're just friends?"
They both nodded frantically. Andoy spoke up, his voice steady despite the nerves. "Yes, we've worked together in the community helping poor Filipinos for a long time."
Romeo stared at him for several long seconds. Flora, desperate to break the tension, grabbed Romeo's arm. "Romeo, Andoy is a good person. Don't look at him like he's a criminal."
Romeo smiled, but his eyes remained sharp. "As your guardian, I have to be sure. Andoy, do you have time to join us?"
Flora's heart sank. Romeo explained that he hated being lied to. "I want to see for myself if you're truly just friends."
He began walking away, calling for his car. "I need to take Flora somewhere important. You're welcome to come, Andoy."
"If it's okay with you, I'll come," Andoy replied respectfully. "I want to make sure she's safe, too."
Romeo seemed pleased with the answer. A black luxury car pulled up, and the men opened the doors. Andoy was stunned by the opulence, looking at Flora in disbelief.
Inside the car, the atmosphere was heavy. Romeo was busy on his phone, while Flora sat on edge.
"Andoy, right? How long have you known her?" Romeo asked suddenly.
"About a year. I see her often because I deliver water to her area."
"Andoy is a vocational student," Flora piped up proudly. "He works multiple jobs. He's very hardworking and even started a charity community."
Romeo looked at her. "Flora, are you his spokesperson? Why are you answering for him?"
Flora went quiet, embarrassed. Romeo turned back to Andoy. "I don't care about your job. I just care if you're taking advantage of her. I was annoyed to find out she was giving her allowance away—I thought someone was tricking her."
Andoy looked at Flora, shocked. "You gave your allowance to the orphanage?"
"Yes," Flora whispered. "They had no funding for the kids' school fees."
Flora insisted she did it of her own free will. Romeo sighed and looked at Andoy again. "Some Filipinos hate people like us—honorary Spaniards. Are you one of them?"
"Romeo!" Flora protested. "That's enough!"
"I need to know who is around my family," Romeo said with authority.
Andoy remained calm. "It's okay, Flora. I understand." He turned to Romeo. "To be honest, I used to hate honorary Spaniards. Most of the ones I meet are elitist. They look down on us, especially when we can't pay rent on time. But then I met Flora. She treated me like a human being. She'd smile, say thank you... it's rare to find that. Flora proved to me that not everyone is bad. I have no bad intentions; I only want to support her."
Romeo smiled, seemingly satisfied. "I understand your anger. The truth is, we are often caught in the middle. The true Spaniards are proud and don't like us mingling with poor Filipinos. Even with our wealth, they control the politics and the business. We follow their lead to survive."
"Will she be in danger for being my friend?" Andoy asked.
"Flora's situation is different. I've protected her from the city's politics. I will protect her from anyone who tries to hurt her—whether they are Spanish or Filipino. I am willing to get my hands bloody to keep my family safe."
The gravity of Romeo's words hung in the air. Soon, they arrived at a mall in Tondo.
"I knew it," Flora groaned as they walked toward an arcade.
"You said this was important!" she complained.
Romeo ignored her and turned to Andoy. "Do you know how to play these?"
"A little," Andoy laughed.
Romeo made Flora buy a mountain of tokens. "We're playing all day."
What followed was hours of laughter and fierce competition. Romeo, usually a stoic General, showed a surprisingly competitive side. Every time Andoy beat him at racing or basketball, Romeo demanded a rematch.
Flora watched them, her heart finally at ease. Seeing the two men she cared about acting like children brought her immense comfort.
Later, they ate at a fast-food joint. "I'm surprised a rich man like you eats here," Andoy remarked.
"Romeo hates fast food because of the crowds," Flora explained. "But it's my favorite, so he suffers through it for me."
"I believe it," Andoy joked. "She's definitely spoiled."
After dropping Andoy off to get his motorcycle, Romeo's car drove to a basement parking lot. Flora's curiosity finally peaked. "General, are we waiting for someone?"
"Did you know that rats come out at night?" Romeo said mysteriously.
Soon, another car arrived. Men carrying suitcases stepped out. Romeo explained they were rebels attempting to buy illegal weapons. His men had set up a sting operation.
"Are we going to catch them?" Flora asked, tense.
"No. We let them take the guns. They have GPS trackers. Reign and Abby are following them now to find their base."
Romeo explained that the rebels often used innocent, poor Filipinos as pawns. "It breaks my heart that they use the desperate for their crimes," Flora said.
"I brought you here to see the reality of the city," Romeo said. "The Viceroy, Magellan, is heartless. He won't care if those pawns are innocent when he catches them. He'll execute them all."
Romeo's phone rang—it was Reign. The rebels were moving out of Manila. Romeo ordered them to stay back and just observe, as many rebels were also Diwata envoys.
As they drove Flora home, she asked, "General, what is your true mission?"
"Classified. You're a civilian now."
"Civilian? I trained for five years!"
"I don't need the headache," Romeo countered. "The hotel damage from the explosion was ten million pesos. Who do you think caused that?"
Flora looked down, guilty. "I was just trying to save you. I saw you were hurt and I lost control."
"Excuses don't change mistakes, Flora. You have to think before you act. Civilians could have died."
"I know. I promise I won't be reckless again. I just want to be useful to the team."
"You're safer away from it. Just study."
"Why do you force me to study?" Flora asked sadly. "I only chose Nursing because you said it would help the team. I'm not even that smart."
Romeo's voice softened. "I don't care if you're 'useful' to me. I just want you safe."
"I've followed you since I was a child," Flora cried out. "I did the training, the missions... I did it all for you."
"That's the problem," Romeo said, shaking his head. "A soldier's life is full of suffering. It's not for you. I want you to have the normal life I couldn't give my sister. I want you to be free to choose your own happiness, away from my responsibilities."
Flora's eyes welled with tears. "But I am a soldier. And I am a Diwata's envoy. I feel selfish choosing a normal life."
"So what if you're selfish?" Romeo asked emotionally. "Who is there to judge you? Choose your own path, Flora. Not for me, but for you."
He realized he had raised his voice and immediately apologized. He didn't want his burden as a government official to make her life miserable. "Two years until you graduate. Then, we'll talk about what you really want. I'll support you—whether you want to move abroad or leave the military behind."
"I can't ever repay you, General," Flora whispered. "That's why I want to stand by you. Please, let me stay on the team."
Romeo didn't answer. He knew he was being selfish in a different way—protecting her so fiercely because he feared dying before he could ensure her peace. He was a man with many sins and many enemies, and he would do anything to keep the world from touching her, even if it meant destroying the rebels entirely.
When they reached her apartment, the car drove off, leaving Romeo standing there.
"Wait, where is the car going?" Flora asked.
Romeo didn't answer and walked toward her unit. "I ordered pizza for dinner," he said calmly.
Once inside, he kicked off his shoes and started unbuttoning his shirt.
"General! What are you doing? Don't you have somewhere to be?" Flora asked, panicked.
"Why? Am I not welcome?" Romeo teased.
"It's 10:00 PM! Men and women aren't allowed in the same unit this late. And besides, I'm a girl!"
"Tell them we're siblings."
"We aren't blood-related!" Flora's face was bright red.
"Are you worried I'll do something to you?" Romeo joked.
"No! But I'm a grown woman now, and you're a man. What will Abby and the others think?"
"I'll explain it to them," Romeo said, stepping closer. "Besides, to me, you're still the 'kid' of the group. I'm not interested in—"
He stopped when he saw Flora's hurt expression. She pouted. "Even if you think of me as a sister, you shouldn't say you aren't interested! My pride as a woman is hurt!"
Romeo blinked. "Of course, as a man, I think you're beautiful, I admire your—"
He stopped again when Flora instinctively covered herself. He sighed. "Women are hard to understand." He realized she was no longer the child who followed him everywhere; she was a woman who needed her own space.
Suddenly, Romeo scooped her up, making her scream. "Wait! General! What are you doing?!"
Ignoring her struggles, he carried her to her bedroom and tossed her onto the bed. Flora scrambled up, hands held out defensively. "What are your intentions?!"
"I-I'm not ready for this! Please, give me time to prepare my heart and mind!" she rambled.
Romeo threw a pillow at her face. "Don't be paranoid. We have separate rooms. Besides, you have powers—you could level this building if I tried anything."
Flora went quiet. "It's not that I'm afraid of you... it's just... I need privacy."
Romeo turned to leave. "If you don't want pizza, go to sleep." He shut the door behind him.
The next morning, Flora woke up early. She walked into the kitchen in her tank top, yawning, only to find Romeo already there.
"Good morning," he said.
Flora shrieked and covered herself. "General! Why are you still here?!"
"What kind of question is that? Get ready, or you'll be late."
"Don't you have work?"
"I have a lot to do, but I'm taking you to school first to make sure you get there."
Flora smiled, her heart full of warmth. Even in the small things, Romeo never failed to show his love and care. "Yes, General. Whatever you say."
Despite the battles and the weight of their duties, Romeo was determined to give her a normal life for as long as he could.
[End of Chapter]