INTRODUCTION Ryza had a one-night stand with her first love, Wilson. Two months later, she found out she was pregnant with his child. After five months, she moved to Manila to find a job and started working as a waitress at a restaurant there. When Wilson learned that Ryza had gone to Manila, he followed her, hoping they might cross paths since they had completely lost contact with each other. He searched everywhere for her, but he can't find ryza. Nine months passed, and Ryza gave birth to a baby girl in Morong, Rizal. The only person by her side was her gay uncle, Jopay. Wilson had no idea that Ryza had already given birth. A few months later, the baby—named Azumi—was baptized at a church in Morong, Rizal, with Wilson still completely unaware of his daughter's baptism. Eventually, Ryza meet Sir Michael, a regular customer at the restaurant where she worked. Sir Michael worked as a baggage checker for an airline in Manila. Having been a loyal customer for a long time, it wasn't long before he started courting Ryza. Jopay: "Ryza, where on earth is that child's father?" Ryza: "Don't worry about that anymore, Tito," she replied with a smile. Jopay: "Does he even know you got pregnant?" Ryza: "I think he knows, Tito. But I intentionally kept my child away from them because his aunts and uncles are very toxic people. Jopay: You got pregnant at just 17 years old, and now the baby has no father. Well, who is going to be the dad then? Me?" Tito Jopay laughed. Ryza: "Why not, Tito? After all, she is your grandniece anyway," Ryza joked back, laughing along. "A few months passed, and my other uncle, Tito Alemar, came to visit" Tito Alemar: "Ryza, I will take my grandniece back to the province with me so you can focus on your work." Ryza: "Yes, please, Tito." Tito Alemar: "Alright, I'm heading back to the province next week and I'll bring Azumi with me. This baby is so beautiful and fair-skinned just like you." "A week later, Tito Alemar left for the province, taking my daughter with him." "I returned to the restaurant where I worked as a waitress. Boss: "Ryza, our regular customer, Sir Michael, is here." Ryza: "Hello, Sir! Good afternoon. What would you like to order?" I asked him. Michael: "Oh, Ryza, just my usual favorite—adobo and bulalo." Ryza: "Alright, Sir. Please give me a moment, I'll get your order." "I served Sir Michael his food." Ryza: "Here is your order, Sir." Michael: "Thank you, Ryza. How have you been? Your boss mentioned that you already gave birth." Ryza: "I'm doing well, Sir. It's been a few months now." 'Sir Michael had been courting me since I was still pregnant, and he is still pursuing me until now." Michael: Ryza, are you available this Sunday? Ryza: Why do you ask, Sir? Michael: I was hoping to ask you out on a date, if that's okay with you? Ryza: Oh... that’s a bit embarrassing, Sir. Michael: Don’t be embarrassed. You already know that I’ve liked you for a long time. "Ryza smiled and said, "Yes, Sir, I’m free this Sunday. Michael: Alright, I’ll just message you. Ryza: Okay, Sir. I’ll get back to work now. "Ryza left with a smile on her face." (Ryza's thoughts: I wonder why Sir Michael likes me? I’m just a waitress, while he is a professional.) "Ryza’s phone rings." Ryza: Hello, Sir. Good evening. Michael: Good evening, Ryza. Let’s just meet tomorrow at the plaza around 11:00 AM. We’ll have lunch at your favorite restaurant—wherever you want to eat. Ryza: Okay, Sir. See you tomorrow. "Sunday, 11:00 AM. Michael is waiting for Ryza. Ryza: Hi, Sir! I'm so sorry to keep you waiting. Michael: That’s okay, I just got here myself. By the way, where would you like to eat? Ryza: Oh, let's just eat here, Sir. I always eat here because their desserts are so delicious. Michael: Oh, is that so? What’s your favorite food here? Ryza: Ah, the calamaris and their buttered oysters. Those are really good. Michael: I see. And what about dessert, what’s your favorite? Ryza: Ah, their cassava cake! That’s my favorite, it’s incredibly delicious "Sir Michael smiled." Michael: Wow, looks like you come here a lot. I can see it on your face how much you love it. "Ryza smiled and replied:" Ryza: Yes, that’s why this is my favorite restaurant. "Our orders arrived." Staff: Excuse me, Sir and Ma'am. I'll just set down your orders. Ryza: Thank you. Michael: By the way, Ryza, what is your child's name again? Is it a girl or a boy? Have they been baptized yet? (Ryza's thoughts: Sir Michael is asking so many questions... I haven't even answered the first one yet and he's already asking more.) Michael: Did you say something, Ryza? Ryza: Ahhhh, my child's name is Azumi. She’s a girl, and she was actually baptized just last month. Michael: Oh, I see. I didn't even know you had her baptized already. I wasn't even able to go. "Sir Michael's eyes looked as if he was about to cry." Ryza: I'm so sorry, Sir. I was just so busy, and I didn't have your num