Chapter 3 : Charity Encounter
977 Words
Celestine POV
Rise and shine!" I whispered to myself, stretching as I admired the breathtaking view from my room. My first morning back in the Philippines felt surreal. The sunlight gently poured through the windows, and I couldn't help but smile as I brewed my morning coffee. Ever since I can remember, coffee has been my little source of comfort.
After savoring my first sip, I quickly prepared the things I needed for my visit to the charity house. Boxes of clothes, toys, and food were neatly packed and ready to go. I was excited to spend time with the children and hoped to bring some joy to their day.
Heading downstairs, I greeted my parents, “Good morning, Mom and Dad! Pupunta ako ngayon sa charity house. Would you like to come with me?”
Dad sighed apologetically. “Sorry, anak, we’re busy with the business preparations. Next time, we promise.”
“That’s okay! By the way, Mom, the pasalubong I brought is in my room. I labeled everything para fair! Love you both!” I kissed them on the cheeks and smiled.
“We love you, too, sweetie. Ingat ka and have fun,” Mom replied warmly.
Before leaving, I headed to the kitchen, calling out to our helper, “Manang, what’s for breakfast today?”
“Bacon, egg, ham, and hotdog, Miss Beautiful,” she teased with a grin.
“Manang, nambola pa! By the way, don’t forget your pasalubong later, ha? Sabay na tayo kumain!” I said cheerfully.
“Oh, ija, busog pa ako,” she replied.
I pouted playfully. “Sige ka, Manang, magtatampo ako kapag tumanggi ka!”
Laughing, she joined me for breakfast, and we chatted casually while I ate. Afterward, I made sure everything was loaded into the van before heading out.
Third Person POV
The roads were bustling as Celestine’s van made its way to the charity house. Across the city, another vehicle—a sleek black car—was heading in the same direction. Inside sat Azrael Ziferano, his usually composed demeanor masking a strange anticipation he couldn’t quite understand.
At the charity house, Celestine arrived early, her car brimming with donations. She was warmly welcomed by the staff, and the children’s faces lit up with excitement. Wasting no time, she began handing out food and helping the kids try on new clothes.
Inside the hall, Celestine knelt beside a little girl, helping her zip up a dress. The girl twirled, giggling in delight.
“Miss Celestine, thank you! You’re so pretty!” the girl exclaimed.
Celestine smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Thank you, sweetheart. You’re even prettier.”
As she played with the children, the door opened, and Azrael stepped in. His towering frame and confident aura drew the attention of everyone in the room. The staff rushed to greet him.
“Sir Azrael! Welcome!” one of them said.
Hearing the name, Celestine froze, slowly turning her head.
It’s him.
Azrael’s sharp gaze swept the room until it landed on her. His breath hitched.
It’s her.
For a moment, neither moved. The air seemed charged with something unspoken, as if the universe itself had orchestrated this meeting.
“Miss Celestine, this is Mr. Azrael Ziferano. He’s one of our biggest donors,” a staff member said, breaking the silence.
“It’s...nice to meet you,” Celestine managed, forcing a steady voice.
“The pleasure is mine,” Azrael replied, his eyes locked on hers.
They shook hands, and an inexplicable spark passed between them. Neither spoke of it, but both felt the odd familiarity—the strange connection that seemed to have no logical explanation.
Azrael POV
I stepped outside, a book in hand, and sat under a tree to read to the children. The sound of their laughter filled the air, but my mind was elsewhere.
Shit. Is this real?
Seeing her in person—it felt too surreal. Celestine, the woman from my dream, was standing right in front of me earlier. What are the odds? Is fate playing tricks on me?
As I flipped through the pages of the book, a strange voice whispered in my mind: You are destined to be together.
I glanced around but saw no one. Destined? That’s ridiculous. Love has never been real to me, so why would destiny even bother?
Celestine POV
No way. This is not happening.
I couldn’t believe my eyes. The man from my dream—Azrael—was here, as real as the children laughing around us. But why? Was the dream trying to tell me something?
Stop overthinking, Celestine. Act professional.
I refocused my attention on the children, playing games and handing out food. But every time I glanced in his direction, I caught him looking at me. His intense stare sent shivers down my spine, making it hard to concentrate.
“Miss Celestine, laro tayo!” one of the kids tugged on my hand, snapping me out of my thoughts.
“Of course! Tara, taguan tayo!” I replied with a forced laugh, trying to shake off the unease.
Third Person POV
As the day went on, the charity house buzzed with activity. Celestine and Azrael stayed in their separate corners, interacting with the children but acutely aware of each other’s presence.
By the time the sun began to set, both had accomplished their missions. The children were smiling, the staff was grateful, and yet, something lingered in the air—an unanswered question, an unspoken connection.
As they prepared to leave, their paths crossed again near the entrance.
“Thank you for today,” Celestine said politely.
Azrael nodded. “Likewise.”
For a brief moment, their eyes met again, and the weight of their unspoken thoughts hung between them.
Fate had started its work, and neither could predict what lay ahead
- Writer
