Andrew had heard from Veron that Mariely was now in a relationship.
Should I tell him about it? He wondered silently.
Suddenly, Andrew's phone vibrated. He glanced at the screen, frowning at the name flashing there.
Speak of the devil, he thought with a sigh before answering the call.
"Hey," he greeted.
"Yeah," came the reply. Frank's voice sounded distracted; he was probably still working.
Andrew could see the open laptop in front of him on the video call.
"What's with the sudden call?" Andrew asked.
"Nothing. So… Veron's a teacher now, huh?" Frank said casually.
Andrew sighed. "Frank, are you really interested in Veron… or in her friend?"
Frank's brow furrowed at the question, but he didn't answer right away. Andrew waited—he knew Frank would try to avoid it.
"How is she?" Frank asked instead.
"Who?" Andrew replied innocently.
Frank gave him a pointed glare through the screen.
"That woman."
"Oh, you mean Faith," Andrew said, feigning ignorance. "Why are you checking on her again, Frank?" He smirked, deciding to tease him first.
Frank exhaled sharply.
"You've been separated for a year, right?" Andrew pressed. "No, wait—a year and a half months. You haven't even been back to the Philippines since."
"And?" Frank prompted.
"Come on, admit it—you still love her, don't you?"
Frank stayed silent.
"If you didn't love her, you wouldn't be asking about her. But here you are, keeping tabs on her life and achievements."
"It's guilt," Frank muttered. "Not love."
"Really? There's a difference, Frank. You still love her—you just can't admit it because of your pride."
Frank breathed deeply and said nothing.
"I should get some rest. At least I was able to attend Nathan's baby baptism earlier," Andrew said.
"Yeah, I saw their little ones. Those two really love each other," Frank replied with a small laugh.
"Jealous? They're starting their own family," Andrew teased.
"Why are you questioning me? You could start a family with Veron too."
"In the right time. My fiancée isn't ready yet—but it will happen for us eventually."
Frank chuckled. "Damn, just don't leave me behind while you two settle down."
"You will be left behind if you don't straighten up, Frank."
"How is she?" Frank repeated.
"You won't stop until you hear it from me, will you?" Andrew said, shaking his head.
Frank stayed quiet, waiting.
"She's in a relationship now," Andrew said plainly.
He saw Frank's expression shift—shock flickered across his face. He stared at Andrew for a moment before nodding slowly.
I guess he's shocked, Andrew thought.
***
Something heavy stirred in Frank's chest. He felt… uncomfortable, hearing that Faith was with someone else.
Recovering from his initial surprise, he asked, "Is that so? Who is he?"
"Frank, are you seriously asking me that?" Andrew replied.
"I want to know."
Andrew sighed. "It's a new relationship—two or three months, maybe. Faith even introduced him to us, and I think Nathan knows him too."
"Is she happy with him?"
Andrew frowned. "She seems to beam whenever she's with him."
Frank leaned back in his office chair, lost in thought.
"If you don't have any more questions, I need to go. I have to sleep," Andrew said.
"Wait—what's his name?" Frank asked quickly.
"I'll send it to you," Andrew replied, too tired to spell it out.
"Hey, Andrew—observe that man," Frank said.
Andrew stared at him, chuckling lightly. "Are you kidding me? For what? Let her be—she's happy now, I guess."
"You're not sure. And I know you have a good eye for people. Send me his full name… and observe him."
Andrew sighed. "Frank, if you don't love her anymore, let her go."
"No. I'll decide for myself whether she's truly happy."
"And if she is? What then?"
"Then I won't bother her anymore."
"So… You'll come back here? Just to make sure?"
"Yes—but not now."
"You're really possessive of her," Andrew said, shaking his head. "Anyway, if that's all, I'm going to bed."
"Yeah. Thanks," Frank replied, ending the call.
He leaned back, exhaling deeply. The thought of Faith with someone else gnawed at him.
Are you really happy with him, Faith? he wondered.
A ping from Messenger broke his thoughts—Andrew had sent the man's name.
I'll make sure you're truly happy with him. If not, I'll take you back by all means. If I ever see you crying because of him, I'll give him hell, Frank vowed silently. No one will make you cry… except me.
He avoided answering Andrew's earlier question about Mariely—he couldn't admit the truth. He already knew what his father wanted him to realize.
He could never say out loud that he had loved her… that he still searched for her. In fact, he had planned to return to the Philippines this month, but upon learning she had a boyfriend, he decided to postpone. He couldn't let Mariely see him now.
One reason for coming back was Mariely—he wanted her back in his life. But because he had been gone too long, he now had to watch from a distance.
He needed to quietly observe that relationship. He didn't want to disturb her healing, not after the pain he'd caused before. For now, he would focus on work.
Still… there was something about her boyfriend that didn't sit right with him. The unease lingered the moment he read the man's name.
Frank sighed, shook his head, and tried to push the thought aside. Work came first—
But the moment he found something, he'd be back for her.