He simply followed Nathan's car, feeling grateful that everything was finally falling into place.
Damn, he thought, shaking his head, even children and students weren't spared. How could someone sink that low?
He wanted that man behind bars. After everything they had discovered about him today, there were enough charges to keep him there for good.
"Faith, are you sure you're okay with this? What if that man tries to retaliate? What if something bad happens to you?" he asked with concern.
"Let's just leave him be for now," she sighed.
"But Faith," he insisted, "if you ever get hurt by that man again, I won't hesitate to have him arrested—and he'll lose his license too."
"I—I understand, Zean," she nodded softly.
They didn't even notice that they had already arrived.
"This is their place?" he asked.
She smiled and nodded.
He smiled back. Nathan had bought the land and built a house here. It wasn't huge, but he could tell it was a happy home for the two of them.
There was even space for a car. Nathan signaled for him to park, and he understood right away, pulling in.
"Shoot! I didn't even buy anything to eat," he muttered with a sigh.
Mariely chuckled softly. "Me neither."
"Well, we'll just make it up to them next time we visit," he said.
She nodded while unbuckling her seatbelt. Nathan went in first.
"Come on?" Nathan was invited.
He followed behind Faith.
"Nadia!" Mariely called out.
Two children ran up to her.
"Tita!" the little girl squealed happily.
"Hello, Xyrel," Mariely greeted, scooping her into her arms.
Zean quietly watched them when a pair of young eyes turned to him—a little boy, watching curiously.
Zean grinned, remembering how he and Nathan had met as kids.
Wow, this one's a spitting image of his father, he thought, shaking his head in amusement.
The boy quickly hid behind Mariely. Zean understood; the boy was simply shy.
"Tita, who is he?" Xyrel asked, still in Mariely's arms.
"Ah, h—he's my boyfriend," Mariely admitted, cheeks turning pink.
"Boyfriend? What happened to Tito Edward?" the little girl asked.
"N—No, he's gone now. He won't hurt you anymore," she assured them.
"Is he a bad guy too, Tita?" the little boy asked.
"Rest assured, that man is not bad," Nathan answered, carrying the youngest girl.
"You're sure, Papa? He might pinch my two sisters… and say bad words," the boy said, tattling to his father.
"No, he's not like that. I'm sure, because I've known him for a long time."
The boy kept glancing between them, still wary. Zean understood—after everything, it was natural for a child to be cautious.
Finally, the boy stepped forward and looked at Mariely.
"Tita, what's his name?"
"I'm Zean Frank Montero. I'm not just your Tita's boyfriend—we've known each other for a long time," Zean said warmly.
The boy nodded. "I'm Xavier Gray Celestial. This is my sister, Xyrel Kate Celestial, and my youngest sister, Natalia Kaye Celestial."
Zean couldn't help but laugh, amused by the boy's straightforward introduction. "Nathan, that blunt honesty definitely runs in your blood," he joked, making Nathan laugh.
"Go on, Xyrel," Xavier told his sister. "He's not bad."
The little girl nodded, then reached for Zean.
"Nice to meet you. How old are the two of you?" Zean asked.
"I'm turning six, and Xyrel is four."
"Sorry, Zean, they're a bit too fond of English," Mariely apologized.
"No, it's fine," he said with a smile.
He looked at the two little girls and understood why someone as vile as Edward had targeted them—they were beautiful children. He shook his head.
He continued chatting with the boy, happy to see he was no longer afraid of him.
"Don't worry, I'll be your Tito from now on," Zean promised.
"Tito Zean, do you and Tita already have a baby?" Xyrel suddenly asked.
He laughed at the question.
"Xyrel," Mariely scolded.
"It's fine, hon. Your Tita isn't ready to have a baby yet, so for now, you three are her babies," he said warmly.
"Eh? But I want a cousin now," Xyrel pouted.
Faith's eyes widened while Zean burst out laughing.
"Hey, you two," Nathan called out.
"Don't talk to our guest like that," he chided.
"But, Dad, we need a cousin."
"Stop pestering your Tita Faith, or when she does have a baby, you'll be left out," Nadia teased her kids.
"Nadia!" Mariely protested.
"Who's having a baby—Faith?" Another voice chimed in. It was Veron, arriving with food in hand.
"Crazy!" Mariely shot back, laughing.
Zean just smiled. He was happy—not only because he and Mariely were back together, but because these people had welcomed him back into her life.
Well… not bad coming back to the Philippines, he thought.
"Zean, sorry about my nieces and nephew," Faith said later.
They were on the balcony now, enjoying the evening air and the view.
"Have those little troublemakers gone to sleep?" he asked.
"Yes, finally. They were asking you all sorts of questions earlier," she sighed.
"Well, they're kids—they're naturally curious," he chuckled.
"And… we will have a child, if you're ready. Right?" she asked shyly.
Her cheeks flushed, and she didn't answer.
"For now, we should enjoy life. And I still owe you so much," he said, pulling her gently into his arm.
"Zean, I'm already happy just being with you," she whispered.
"So, about that date I promised—when do you want it?" he asked with a grin.
"Zean…" She shook her head, smiling.
He kissed her cheek. "You don't get to refuse. I'll let you know the plan."
"You're not going back to the States?" she asked.
"Not for now. I'll only go back if it's necessary," he replied.
She nodded.
"Of course, you'll be with me," he added.
"I have work here, and I still have to pay you back."
"You need to relax sometimes, Faith," he teased.
"Relax, huh," she replied with a small laugh.
"Zean… Thank you for everything."
"No, I should be the one thanking you—for giving me this last chance and for coming back into my life. My heart is truly happy now," he said, looking at her deeply.
He brushed his fingers against her cheek.
"Damn, you're really beautiful," he murmured.
"Liar. You once said I wasn't," she laughed.
"No, Faith—you are truly beautiful," he said sincerely.
He had only now realized just how stunning she was. His mother was right—Mariely was a beautiful woman. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, gazing into her bright, happy eyes.
What honest eyes… She truly loves me. He pulled her into a tight embrace.
Faith, you're only mine, he thought.
"I want a cuddle now," he whispered.
He hugged her even tighter.
"Let's go to bed," she suggested.
"Together?" he teased.
"My brother will get mad."
"Oh?" he smirked.
She thought for a moment. "But… you can stay." Her cheeks turned red.
He kissed her lips, grinning as he hugged her again.
They went to the room, cuddling and kissing for a while before drifting to sleep.
"Goodnight," he whispered.
"Goodnight, I love you."
"I love you more."
She clung to him, and within minutes she was asleep in his arms. He held her close until he too fell into a peaceful sleep.