YLda's Mountpeak View
The sun cast a golden glow over the sprawling landscape of YLda's Mountpeak View. Standing atop the gentle slopes, Amy couldn't contain her excitement.
"Wow! It's amazing!" she exclaimed, arms outstretched, feeling the cool breeze brush against her skin.
The view truly was breathtaking. Below them stretched fields that shimmered under the sunlight, and beyond that, the sea sparkled, endless and inviting. Across from where they stood were two imposing mountains, their peaks shrouded in wisps of fog, as if a sleeping giant and his companion were lying in silent slumber. The wind carried a refreshing scent, almost as if the northern breeze had traveled across miles just to greet them.
Tourists wandered around, some taking photos, others hiking the trails. A few foreigners strolled leisurely, enjoying the serene atmosphere. Nearby cottages dotted the landscape, and a mini hotel offered rooms for those wishing to stay a few days. Complete dining options, from local dishes to wine and cocktails, were readily available.
Dianne, however, was lost in her own little world.
While admiring the panoramic view, her gaze drifted to the left, where a figure seated on a large boulder caught her attention. He was looking down, seemingly lost in thought, and the way he sat exuded an effortless charm. It was almost cinematic—a model in a dramatic pose, framed perfectly against the landscape.
She felt a strange curiosity stir within her. He wore light blue denim, fitted pants, and high-cut shoes. Two buttons of his shirt were undone, hinting at a relaxed yet stylish demeanor. Dianne's heart skipped a beat.
I know he's handsome, she admitted silently.
Even from the way he held himself, she could tell. The sunglasses concealed his eyes, yet somehow enhanced his mysterious allure. A neatly trimmed mustache added a rugged sophistication, making him all the more captivating.
Dianne's eyes lingered on him until, suddenly, he looked up and caught her staring. She blushed, quickly pretending to take a selfie with her phone. But when she dared to glance again, he was gone.
She searched the surrounding area, her heart fluttering, but he had vanished without a trace.
Maybe he sensed I was staring… she whispered to herself, smiling faintly.
Perhaps he's someone destined to cross my path.
Then, almost immediately, a sharp voice in her mind snapped her back.
Don't be ambitious, Dianne! There's no forever for someone as ugly as you!
Her thoughts always seemed split in two—the negative part tearing her down, the positive part trying to lift her up. It was maddening. Every time she claimed she was beautiful, her negative self would bark, reminding her of what she wasn't.
"I really love this place!" Dansel's voice broke her reverie.
"Yeah, it's so relaxing," Amy agreed.
"Girls, tonight we'll go to the disco. There's a mini-bar and a live band," Athena chimed in, emerging fresh from the shower, her wet hair glinting in the sunlight.
Dianne couldn't help but admire Athena's flawless features. Half Canadian, half Filipino, it wasn't surprising she turned heads wherever she went.
Later, at the disco bar, Dianne had arrived early, searching for a table for their group. She was distracted, reviewing the spectacular view of the mountains reflected in the bar's large windows, when—
"Oops…sorry!"
A tall figure collided with her, sending her momentarily off balance. She looked up and froze.
Gosh. She knew that face.
"Miss, are you okay?" the man asked, his voice calm, polite, yet carrying an edge of amusement.
"Dianne, you're here!" Dansel's familiar voice called from behind, and she turned to see her friends approaching.
"Kier, you're here too?" she asked, glancing between him and the newcomer.
"Actually—" she started, but Athena cut in with a radiant smile.
"I'm Athena. I saw you earlier," she said, extending her hand politely.
"Kier is a close friend of my cousin Engrid. We met at her wedding last Monday," Dansel explained.
The tall man merely nodded, his expression unreadable.
"He's here for a vacation from Germany," Dansel added.
"I've decided to stay in the Philippines," the man said quietly, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"That's DJ, my second cousin," Kier introduced. "DJ, this is Dansel, cousin of Engrid—yes, the wedding last Monday."
"I'm Dino John Asuncion. You can call me DJ," he said, shaking hands with Athena and Amy.
When DJ's eyes fell on Dianne, a teasing smile appeared on his lips.
"Assistant, huh? Didn't expect the beautiful ladies to have a helper," he remarked, making Dianne flush and tighten her grip on her bag.
Kier quickly intervened, chuckling, "Don't mind him. He likes to tease."
Dianne finally introduced herself. "I'm Dianne. Friends of Dansel, of course."
DJ's amused gaze lingered on her for a brief moment longer, enough to make her cheeks warm. She gritted her teeth slightly, annoyed at how effortless he seemed.
"Shall we find a seat?" Dansel suggested, breaking the tension.
DJ excused himself, and Kier followed to accompany him. Athena whispered under her breath, eyes sparkling, "Oh my…he's so handsome!"
Dianne rolled her eyes. She couldn't admit it aloud, but something about DJ made her heart skip. Even if he was infuriating, his presence had a strange pull.
Sunday afternoon arrived, and Dianne met with her aunt on her father's side, who had just traveled from the province. She embraced her warmly before inviting her to a nearby restaurant.
"How are you, dear? When will you get married?" her aunt asked casually.
Dianne suppressed an eye-roll, forcing a polite smile. "I've been busy with work, tita."
"Love comes on its own, don't worry. It will find you," her aunt reassured her.
They talked at length, and Dianne listened as her aunt recounted her past love story with Tito Albert. A history of separation, reunion, and enduring love. Tears welled in her aunt's eyes as she relived the emotions, gently reminding Dianne that timing, fate, and patience were the keys to true love.
Love is like a mango, her aunt said. Pick it too early, and it's sour. Wait for the right time, and it's sweet and worth savoring.
Dianne's heart ached and swelled all at once. The words resonated deeply, imprinting themselves onto her thoughts and dreams.
Later that night, back at home, she retrieved her most treasured possession: her pink personalized diary. Here, she poured out everything she could never share with her friends—the whirlwind of emotions she felt about DJ, Kier, and the lessons she learned from her aunt.
Her diary held her secrets, her hopes, and the quiet stirrings of her heart.
The following day was Amy's birthday. The three friends—Dianne, Athena, and Dansel—planned a surprise, picking out gifts carefully for their dearest friend. Athena chose earrings, Dansel a bracelet, and Dianne selected a necklace. They met at Amy & Dansel Delishop, where Amy had no clue about the surprises.
"Friend, we have something important to tell you," Athena began dramatically, causing Amy to panic slightly.
"Are you pregnant? Oh no!" she exclaimed, worry flashing across her face.
"No, silly," Athena laughed. "It's your birthday gift!"
Touched, Amy accepted the gifts with tears of joy. Dianne handed her a necklace with a heart-shaped pendant containing a group photo of the four friends. Amy hugged her tightly, overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness.
Later, as they parted ways, Athena noticed something on a chair—a pink notebook, Dianne's diary. Realizing Dianne had left it behind, she slipped it into her bag to return it the next day.
Some secrets are meant to stay hidden… but what if yours is about to be revealed by the one you least expect?