Chapter 65: The Heart Behind the Trust
Adelina's Point of View
Three days have passed since Romeo helped us with Lola's treatment. We are still staying at his condo—a place far more comfortable than our cramped, dilapidated apartment in Kawit.
I don't want to abuse his kindness, but it's true that Lola is much better off here. The air is clean, the bed is soft, and the air conditioning cools her weary body. In our old apartment, she was always drenched in sweat and exhausted from the heat and lack of space.
Romeo's driver takes her to the hospital for her check-ups and treatments. Even though it goes against my pride, I can't refuse his offer to stay. I know this setup is safer and better for her recovery.
Today, I left the hospital early to head to the market. I wanted to buy ingredients for a special dinner for Lola and Aries when they returned. I got so caught up in shopping that I lost track of time. Romeo hasn't been home for three days either. He hasn't mentioned when he'll return, and he hasn't replied to any of my messages.
His driver, Mang Tony, is tight-lipped, always saying he isn't allowed to speak about Romeo or his work. The man is a mystery. As much as I want to know what he really does, I feel like I have no right to pry. I have my doubts, but he's helping us and hasn't done anything wrong, so I try not to overthink his true identity.
When I got back to the condo, I went straight to the kitchen to start cooking Lola's favorite sinigang, along with some fried fish. While waiting for the broth to boil, I heard the front door open. I frowned. It couldn't be Lola and the others yet; they don't have a key, and it was too early for them to be back.
I cautiously stepped out of the kitchen, still holding the knife I was using for the vegetables, and peeked into the living room. There was Romeo, dropping his bag on the sofa. He was wearing a wrinkled black polo and looked utterly exhausted. His hair was messy, and beads of sweat lined his forehead.
"Oh, you're here," I said, unable to stop myself from raising an eyebrow. "You didn't even reply to my messages."
He looked at me, slightly surprised, before offering a weary smile. "Messages? Ah, I only saw them late last night. Besides, I couldn't think of anything to say back."
I nodded, deciding not to push it. He mentioned that he rarely comes home because he often sleeps at the office when he's busy. I don't know what kind of job earns that much money for someone our age, but judging by this modern, expensive condo, he's clearly wealthy.
As he sat there, he suddenly looked me up and down. I felt his eyes scanning me, and I couldn't help but feel self-conscious. I was wearing an old t-shirt, denim shorts, and an apron I'd borrowed from his kitchen.
I instinctively crossed my arms, embarrassed by his gaze. "Stop staring at me!" I snapped, feeling annoyed.
He just smiled teasingly. "I didn't expect to see you in an apron. Even if you're a bit boyish, that look actually suits you. You don't look like a tomboy right now."
My cheeks flushed with irritation. "What's wrong with my apron? It's like you've never seen one before!" I defended. "For your information, I wear an apron all the time because I worked at a karinderya. So stop teasing."
He laughed, but it was a soft, gentle sound—not like the guys who laugh just to be insulting. "So you actually know how to cook? I thought all you knew how to do was fight," he joked, though there was a hint of admiration in his voice.
"You really love teasing me, don't you?" I replied, but I couldn't help but smile a little. "I can do a lot of things, especially cooking. I'm the one who cooks for my family."
I was feeling proud, but then I remembered the stove. "Wait, my sinigang!" I rushed back into the kitchen in a panic.
He followed me and leaned against the doorframe, watching me work. As I waited for the soup to boil, I noticed the dark circles under his eyes again. His shoulders looked like they were about to collapse under a heavy weight. I wanted to ask if he was okay or if he had eaten, but I hesitated.
"I forgot to give you a budget for food while you're here," he said. "Sorry, I've just been so busy with work."
I looked at him with concern. "Do you even sleep? You look like a zombie," I blurted out. "And you don't need to give us money for food. We can afford to eat. You've already done more than enough for Lola."
He smiled, though his expression was tinged with bitterness. "It's only normal to provide for my guests. I want to help as much as I can. Just think of it as something that makes me happy."
I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Not too long ago, you said you didn't want to get involved in other people's problems."
He smiled briefly. "I'm not sure what I really want to do either. But life is short, Adelina. While I'm still here, I want to help."
He turned to leave but paused. "I'll have dinner with you all tonight. Just call me when it's ready."
I stood there in the kitchen, ladle in hand, staring at the doorway. I don't know why, but his words sent a strange warmth through my chest. Part of me wanted to keep talking to him, but I still had my doubts. My pride and my resentment toward people like him—the honorary Spaniards—made me hesitate to get too comfortable.
A few minutes later, Lola and Aries arrived. I set the table with sinigang, fried fish, rice, and a bowl of tomato salad. I knocked on Romeo's door, and he came out looking a bit more refreshed. He joined us, and while we ate, he asked about Lola.
"Lola, how are you feeling?" he asked.
Lola smiled, her eyes full of gratitude. "Thank God, and thank you, son. I feel much better because of the medicine and the therapy sessions you arranged. I don't know how I could ever repay your kindness."
Romeo smiled, but before he could respond, Aries piped up. "Kuya Romeo, I have a question. Why do you always have bodyguards? And why aren't we allowed to talk to them? What exactly is your job? You seem like a real big-time guy."
I shot Aries a warning look. "Aries, stop it! We have no right to interfere in Romeo's business."
But Aries wouldn't back down. "Ate, it's normal to want to know about your boyfriend, right? I mean, he's your boyfriend, but you seem to know nothing about him. Don't you wonder where he sleeps or what he's doing?"
I winced at the mention of our "relationship." It's embarrassing and frustrating that they think we're actually a couple just because of the lie I told. "Aries, stop! You don't need to ask that!" I said, though deep down, I knew he had a point. I didn't even know why I was still pretending, especially since we barely know each other.
Aries continued to pry. "Honestly, Ate, I don't get how you two are even together. You know nothing about him, and you act like you don't care. If you were his girlfriend, you'd be sweet, right? But you act like you don't care about his well-being at all!"
"What do you mean I don't care?" I snapped. "Isn't cooking dinner enough care? What else do you want?"
Aries smirked. "Ate, you cooked because you were hungry too. I mean being sweet—showing him affection. Like waiting for him to come home, or at least worrying about him."
"Last night you went to sleep before we did," Aries added. "Aren't people in love supposed to be unable to sleep?"
I couldn't find an answer. How could I be sweet to Romeo when we aren't even together? But before I could stumble through a reply, Romeo spoke up, his voice calm but firm.
"I'm sorry, Aries," he said. "This is my fault too. I wanted to keep my work and identity a secret for your safety. But the truth is, I really like Adelina. I feel comfortable when I'm with her."
A shiver ran through me. It felt like something had flicked my heart, and I couldn't stop myself from blushing. "W-wh-what are you saying?" I whispered, but loud enough for him to hear.
He explained that the men who accompany him aren't exactly bodyguards but his staff, and they can't be spoken to because it's part of their protocol. "I'm used to being followed and respected because my family is wealthy and influential in the government," he said truthfully. "But because of that, I find it hard to bond with people, especially when they're too formal. I just try to live up to the expectations people have of someone like me."
He added, "And I didn't want Adelina's treatment of me to change once she found out who I really am."
"But don't worry, I'm not a bad person, a syndicate member, or a criminal. Just think of me as someone helping you," he concluded.
I couldn't help but toss a barb his way. "Listen to you, talking like you're royalty," I teased. "I bet you're just another puppet for the Spaniards, so you're not any more important to this country than we are."
He laughed, a hint of arrogance in his tone. "That's an insult, Adelina. If you only knew how the Spaniards look at me and bow when I pass by, you might actually scream in admiration."
"Dream on!" I snapped. "I'm not impressed by people like you. I know you're rich, but no Filipino is higher than the Spaniards."
He sighed and looked at Aries. "That's exactly why I didn't want her to know," he said. "Many people hate me because they assume I'm a lapdog for the Spaniards. It's hard to explain that I'm not a bad guy. Your sister would just get angry, and everything would get complicated."
Aries spoke up, seemingly wanting to defend Romeo. "Kuya, for me, you're not a bad person. Adelina is just really judgmental. Ever since before, she thinks every man is bad."
"I am not judgmental!" I defended. "It's normal to be suspicious so people don't take advantage of you. That's not a bad thing!"
Romeo just smiled with understanding. "I get what you're saying, Adelina. I don't want to force you to trust me either."
Aries groaned. "I seriously don't get you two! I know my tomboy sister is weird, but I didn't expect her to get into such a weird relationship!"
I smacked Aries upside the head for calling me weird. "Shut up! You're embarrassing us!" I said, glancing at Lola, who was quietly listening. I couldn't admit the truth—that Romeo and I aren't actually together—because Lola would surely scold me.
During the meal, Romeo asked Aries why he wasn't in school. "I can have one of my men take Lola to the hospital," he said. "Why don't you go back to school for now?"
"It's okay, Kuya," Aries replied, his voice a bit sad. "I don't go to school anymore. We all stopped after elementary to work."
Romeo looked shocked. "Even if the Spaniards are strict, they allow free education for Filipinos. Why didn't you take that?"
Aries explained that we tried, but it felt pointless. "The truth is, Kuya, the teaching in free government schools for Filipinos isn't good. It's not about progress; it's about making us more useful as slaves. They only teach certain things, and half of it is just training to be servants or lies about history."
He added, "Besides, we don't have money for food or fare. We're more help if we just work and find ways to earn."
Romeo sighed, his face full of sympathy. "It's true that education for Filipinos is limited by the Spaniards. But I believe you need knowledge. Many Filipinos are taken advantage of because they don't know any better. You'll get further in life if you learn more."
He looked at Aries seriously. "I'll help you get into a good school. Don't worry, I'll cover everything—from tuition to your daily allowance."
Lola and I were stunned. I couldn't believe it, so I laughed and insulted him. "Don't go bragging just to show off to us!" I said, but inside, I was worried he was serious.
Instead of joking back, he stared at me intently. "I'm not joking, Adelina. I really want to help, not just Aries, but your whole family. Even you, if you want."
Lola was incredibly grateful, nearly in tears. "Is that true, son? I don't know how to repay your kindness. I've always wanted my grandkids to stay in school, but I could do nothing to support them."
Aries scratched his head, looking hesitant and shy. "Kuya, I don't know if I can refuse this. I want to study, but I also need to earn for our expenses."
"I don't understand why you need to earn," Romeo said. "You're only twelve, right? You're too young to be working. What do you even do for money?"
Aries explained he didn't have a real job. "I just hustle, Kuya. I go to houses or people who need chores done—laundry, deliveries, cleaning, or being a helper. The pay is small, but I have no choice."
Hearing that made me sad because Aries was going through exactly what I went through just to survive.
Romeo sighed and looked at me. "You've influenced Aries with your working habits," he said, not as an accusation, but with concern. "You can't live a good life that way, Adelina. You'll stay stuck in those chores forever if you don't make a move."
He offered to arrange schooling for my siblings, and me too. But I stood my ground. "I don't need to study," I said firmly. "I don't see any better opportunities for Filipinos like me in a country occupied by Spaniards."
Romeo stopped eating and looked down, deep in thought. "I know you wouldn't agree if I offered to make you an honorary Spaniard like me, and I respect your decision," he said sincerely. "But the truth is, the reason the Spaniards look down on us is because of our ignorance. We don't know anything, so we can't defend ourselves."
He shared that many Filipinos became honorary Spaniards but remained loyal to their countrymen. "It doesn't sound good that they renounced being Filipino, but it was the only way to beat poverty and help others," he said. "When I accepted it, I was given the chance to study in good schools and gain connections. If I had stayed closed-minded and let my pride as a Filipino win, I wouldn't be able to help those in need, like your Lola."
He added, "I know you hate the Spaniards. The truth is, I hate them ten times more. Even in the afterlife, I won't forgive those who killed my countrymen. But no matter how strong my anger is, I can't do anything if I only show rage."
He explained that if he just stayed angry in a corner, nothing would change. If he rebelled and killed a Spaniard, it wouldn't fix the problem. "I could kill ten, a hundred, or a thousand, but the problem wouldn't end. The dark system of abuse would remain for the next generations," he said. "I chose to use the Spaniards to help Filipinos. I took the opportunity as an honorary Spaniard to help my own."
He looked at us seriously. "Let me prove myself. Use me to move up in life. So that not a single Spaniard can ever take advantage of or hurt you again."
I understood his point, and I believed he had good intentions. But I find it hard to accept help, especially since I've always cursed honorary Spaniards. I looked down, unsure of what to say, but I was startled when he suddenly took my hands.
"I know it's hard," he said softly. "If you can't trust the Spaniards, I don't blame you. But you're not doing this for them. You're doing this for your family."
I didn't understand what I was feeling. I'm a proud person, but there was a warmth in my chest that desperately wanted to trust the man in front of me. Romeo sighed and let go of my hands. "You don't have to answer now," he said. "Think about it. I'm ready to help whenever you're ready."
That night ended with my mind in a whirl. I couldn't decide right away, but I felt like I had nothing to fear from Romeo. I believed he was different from the Spanish animals who cheated and hurt my family.
The next morning, I woke up early, as I usually do when looking for work. But since I had no plans, I decided to cook breakfast for Lola. As I walked out of my room, I heard a groan from the living room. There was Romeo, sleeping on the sofa, looking restless. He was drenched in sweat and whispering a name with tears in his eyes.
"Flora..." he whispered, his voice full of fear as if he were chasing someone.
I got worried and rushed to wake him. "Romeo, wake up! Hey! Romeo!" I said, grabbing his arms. But when I touched him, he suddenly bolted upright and screamed.
"Flora!" I froze, stunned by his reaction.
For a few seconds, he stared blankly, looking terrified, then he suddenly hugged me tightly—a desperate hug, as if he were afraid I would disappear.
I couldn't believe it. I felt the strength of his grip. "Hey! What are you doing? Let me go!" I shouted, shocked and angry. In my panic, I pushed him away and slapped him hard across the face.
A few minutes later, I went back to my chores in the kitchen while Romeo washed his face at the sink. I prepared breakfast—dried fish, eggs, and rice. He was looking at his face in the mirror, which was red from my slap.
"You didn't have to be so violent," he said, sounding a bit annoyed. "I think my jaw is dislocated."
"Who told you to hug me?" I snapped. "If you didn't suddenly grab me, I wouldn't have slapped you so hard!"
Instead of apologizing, he made an excuse. "I didn't know what was happening. I was dreaming, so how was I supposed to know you were the one in front of me?"
"What do you want me to do? You think I'll believe that? For all I know, you just did that to get a free hug!" I yelled. "Pervert!"
He smirked and looked me up and down again, as if inspecting me. "I'm not exactly interested in hugging you," he said mockingly. "I didn't realize you were so delusional."
"What?!" I screamed, insulted. "The nerve of you! You think I want some guy hugging me?"
He chuckled softly, pressing an ice bag to his cheek. "I can't face my staff with a face like this," he said, still smiling. He looked at me again, making me feel uneasy. "Stop staring at me!" I said, pointing the knife at him as a threat.
"I'm just wondering," he said, unfazed. "You said you're a tomboy, right? So why do you seem so shy about a man touching you? I have a tomboy sister too, but she's fine with me touching her or being together."
I turned red. "Who said I was shy?" I defended. "I just don't want guys being perverts. And even if I act like a tomboy, I'm still a woman, and I won't let someone like you take advantage of me."
"Oh... You know, my sister became a tomboy because she always loved fighting and testing her strength. What about you? Why did you choose to be a tomboy?" he asked.
I paused at the question and shook my head. I wondered if I should answer, but deep down, I wanted him to know who I was—as if I wanted him to really see me.
I sighed and eventually explained that I cut my hair and dressed like a man to avoid the creeps in our neighborhood. Since I was a kid, that was ingrained in my mind to avoid being taken advantage of. I told him our place was full of perverts, which is why there were so many nightclubs and prostitution houses there.
"If the Spaniards take a liking to you, they force you to work in a nightclub or they just abuse you," I said, my voice thick with anger. "You know nothing of what we've been through with those Spanish animals. Anyone would rather be a tomboy than a toy for those disgusting pigs."
"No one will take an interest in me if I keep this up," I added.
But instead of the response I expected, he suddenly stepped closer and brushed my bangs aside to see my face. Our eyes met as he said, "You know, you're way too beautiful to be a tomboy."
I froze in my tracks, nearly dropping what I was holding. My cheeks burned with intense embarrassment, but I quickly slapped his hand away.
"S-st-stop it! Wh-wh-what kind of nonsense are you talking about?"
He repeated himself, insisting my face was beautiful and still very feminine, but then he teased me, saying the only reason no one would be interested is because of my attitude—that I was too loud and aggressive for a girl.
"Stop it! Do you really want to get hurt? That's harassment!" I said, pointing a fork at him. My hand was shaking from the tension.
He sighed and after a moment asked, "If the situation is that bad in your neighborhood, why don't you leave Kawit?"
I looked down, overcome with sadness. He spoke again, reminding me that we could leave if things weren't right.
I slammed my hand on the table in anger. "We have no choice! Even if I hate our place, I can't leave because of the people there. I was gone for five years, but when I came back, life was even worse. Lola and the kids she adopted had a huge problem—because of poverty, they got into debt with a wealthy Spaniard, and they're being forced to pay it back by any means."
"It's frustrating because my siblings are tied to those animals."
I explained to him, "If we run away, where would we go? To the province? To Manila? What if we get caught and jailed? There's even more abuse and rape in prison. And we have no money, so we'd just end up back on the streets, letting people use us just to earn."
As I stood there with my head down, he slowly approached and placed the ice bag he was holding on my head. "That's enough. Cool your head first." He smiled, but his eyes were deep.
"We can't change the past. I'm also chained to a tragedy from my past, and I suffer through my trauma every night. All we can do is move forward and act for a better future."
I brushed his hand away, annoyed. "Let me go! What trauma are you talking about? Does it have to do with that nightmare? I noticed you were really scared," I said, unable to hide my curiosity.
He shook his head, looking embarrassed. "Forget what you saw. I've had many bad experiences before, and I'm afraid they'll happen again to my loved ones, especially my siblings—they're my reason for living."
He stopped the conversation about negative things, saying we might just end up self-pitying. But I didn't agree.
"Lola says when there's a problem or resentment, we need to tell someone. It's important to have an outlet for our hurts and worries. You're just making it harder on yourself by keeping it inside. That's why when my siblings cry, we're always by their side, listening to them."
I asked him, "You said you're alone and far from your siblings. Do you still tell them your problems? Isn't your secrecy the reason you have nightmares?"
He didn't answer right away and sighed. Then he smiled at me. "Maybe," he said. "But it's impossible for me to tell my siblings. They experienced abuse before, and like me, they have their own traumas. I used to tell them to be strong, like me. How can I face them if I admit I'm weak too?"
I gave him a light kick on the leg for talking like he was still showing off. "You're so arrogant! You said I'm proud, but you're the same—you let your pride rule instead of doing what's best for you. We're exactly the same."
After breakfast, Romeo suddenly suggested we go out. "Come with me to the mall," he said. "My condo is missing a lot of things; I want to make it feel like a real home."
I didn't quite understand why, but I had no choice but to follow. To be honest, this is why I hate being indebted—we're here because of his kindness, so I felt obligated to do what he said.
Aries came along too. At the mall, we immediately started shopping for things—from pillows and blankets to clothes. It was embarrassing that he was buying our clothes, but I couldn't do anything because Aries was so excited, accepting everything without shame.
While looking for clothes, Aries suddenly dragged me to the women's section, which was full of fancy dresses. He tried to make me try them on. "Hey, Aries, stop! We're not buying that. Just normal clothes for everyday use!" I said, annoyed.
"But Kuya Romeo said we could get whatever we want! He's rich, this is nothing to him," he replied, grinning.
I was annoyed by that. "You can't abuse his kindness! He has no responsibility toward us!" I explained it wasn't right to take everything we wanted just because he was being nice.
Later, Romeo bought a PS5 and some games so he'd have entertainment at the condo. He said it was better than being stuck in traffic on his days off. We also ate at an expensive restaurant, and even though I wanted to refuse, he kept granting Aries' requests.
After handing over the purchases to his men outside, we went back into the mall to watch a movie. I didn't know if this was right anymore. I asked him, "Are you serious about giving Aries everything he wants? If not, I'll tell that brat to stop."
He smiled, his eyes soft. "Don't worry about what I spend. I had a brother like Aries before, and it makes me happy to see him happy with things I can provide."
He shared that they used to go out once a week with his siblings. Since they're separated now, he misses those moments. "Even when I was young, I had a lot of money, but the happiness I felt from it was temporary, especially since I was alone. Money can't compare to the joy of seeing my siblings happy because of something I did."
As we walked, I realized how much he loves his siblings, even if they aren't related by blood. Like me, he's willing to do anything for those he considers family. I don't know why, but as time goes on, I'm getting to know the real him. Every day, I feel more like I can trust him.
When we got home, we immediately tested the new things and played Romeo's PS5. We both got so caught up in playing that we didn't notice the time. I have many problems and worries about my family's future, but I forget them for a while when I'm with him. I feel comfortable being with him—not because of what he gives us, but because my heart feels lighter having someone like him enter our lives.
End of Chapter