A LOVE WE LEFT BEHIND

Chapter 9 When Families Meet Again

A love we left behind

Chapter 9 — When Families Meet Again

The next few days passed more quietly than Zielle expected.

The Batangas relocation agreement was finally beginning to take shape.

Every morning, there were new documents.

Every afternoon, there were meetings.

Every evening, there were revisions.

But unlike the first few weeks, there was no longer the same tension between the residents and Inigo Grand Hotels and Resorts.

There was progress.

Real progress.

And Zielle knew exactly who was responsible for making sure the company followed through.

Clert.

He never missed an inspection.

Never ignored a request.

Never delayed an answer when the residents needed clarification.

And whenever Zielle pointed out a problem, he listened.

He didn't always agree immediately, but he always considered it.

It was frustrating.

Because the more she worked with him, the harder it became to maintain the anger she had carefully carried for years.

She had wanted the Clert who left to be easy to hate.

Someone selfish.

Someone careless.

Someone who had simply decided that leaving her was easier than staying.

But the man standing in front of her now wasn't easy to hate.

He was patient.

Responsible.

Quiet.

And annoyingly considerate.

Zielle hated that.

She hated it because it made her question everything.

---

On Thursday morning, Zielle was reviewing the latest relocation agreement when her secretary entered.

“Ma'am?”

“Yes?”

“There are visitors.”

“Who?”

“Attorney Navarro and someone from Inigo Grand Hotels.”

Zielle looked at the clock.

“They're early.”

Her secretary smiled.

“Very early.”

“Send them in.”

A few seconds later, Olcen entered.

Behind him was a woman wearing a simple but elegant business suit.

Zielle stood.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning, Attorney Rivera.”

The woman smiled politely.

“I’m Elena Santos. I'm part of the development and community relations team of Inigo Grand Hotels.”

Zielle nodded.

“Nice to meet you.”

Elena handed her a folder.

“We prepared the updated household profiles.”

Zielle accepted it.

“Thank you.”

Olcen sat down.

Zielle opened the folder.

She went through each profile carefully.

Family size.

Current occupation.

Housing needs.

Accessibility concerns.

School requirements.

Livelihood concerns.

Everything was there.

She looked up.

“This is detailed.”

Olcen smiled.

“We listened.”

Zielle gave him a look.

“You're becoming like your boss.”

Olcen placed a hand over his chest.

“Is that a compliment?”

“No.”

“Okay.”

Elena laughed quietly.

Zielle shook her head.

“Let's continue.”

---

For almost two hours, they reviewed the documents.

There were twenty households.

Each had different needs.

One family needed additional space because they operated a small bakery from home.

Another needed a ground-floor bedroom because an elderly family member could not use stairs easily.

Another household needed transportation assistance because their children attended a school farther from the relocation site.

Zielle wrote everything down.

“This family needs a modification.”

Elena nodded.

“We already noted that.”

“And this one?”

“Livelihood assistance.”

“Correct.”

“And the Santos family?”

“Small commercial space.”

Zielle looked impressed.

“You've really prepared everything.”

Elena smiled.

“Mr. Del Rosso personally reviewed the household profiles.”

Zielle's pen stopped.

She looked down.

“Of course he did.”

Olcen noticed her reaction.

He said nothing.

But he smiled slightly.

---

After the meeting, Zielle went downstairs to the reception area.

She had another appointment.

Her brother.

Zane walked in carrying a folder.

“Busy?”

“Always.”

He smiled.

“I brought the documents from ANI.”

Zielle looked at the folder.

“What's this?”

“Partnership proposal.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“With Inigo?”

“Yes.”

Zielle's expression changed.

“Why?”

Zane sat down.

“Our company has been looking at several development opportunities in Batangas.”

She opened the folder.

“Since when?”

“Before the hotel project.”

She read the proposal.

Rivera Prime Land Greenfields “ANI” Corporation had several resources that could complement Inigo Grand Hotels and Resorts' development.

Land development.

Infrastructure.

Commercial planning.

Agricultural and greenfield projects.

It was a potentially valuable partnership.

But Zielle immediately noticed something.

“This isn't just about the Batangas project.”

“No.”

Zane leaned back.

“It's bigger.”

She looked at him.

“Dad wants to discuss a long-term partnership.”

Zielle closed the folder.

“And you think that's a good idea?”

“Yes.”

“Because of the companies?”

“Obviously.”

She gave him a look.

“And not because of Clert?”

Zane smiled.

“Definitely not because of Clert.”

“Good.”

“But…”

Zielle narrowed her eyes.

“There's always a but.”

Zane laughed.

“The Del Rossos are good business partners.”

She sighed.

“I know.”

“And Dad and Marco have known each other for years.”

“I know.”

“So there's no reason to make the personal situation interfere with business.”

Zielle nodded slowly.

“Agreed.”

Zane stood.

“Good.”

He started walking away.

Then he stopped.

“By the way.”

“What?”

“Mom invited the Del Rossos for dinner.”

Zielle froze.

“What?”

Zane smiled.

“Tomorrow night.”

“You're joking.”

“No.”

“Zane.”

“What?”

“Why?”

He shrugged.

“Mom says it's time.”

“Time for what?”

Zane gave her a knowing look.

“To stop pretending our families don't know each other anymore.”

Zielle stared at him.

“I am not going.”

“You are.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“Zane.”

“Zielle.”

“I have work.”

“Mom already knows.”

“I can cancel.”

“She already moved the dinner around your schedule.”

Zielle closed her eyes.

“Of course she did.”

Zane laughed.

“See you tomorrow.”

---

That evening, Zielle went home earlier than usual.

She wasn't looking forward to tomorrow.

She wasn't afraid of seeing Clert's parents.

She simply didn't know what to say.

Beatrice had always been kind to her.

Marco had always treated her like family.

But years had passed.

Too many years.

Would it be awkward?

Would they apologize?

Would they ask about Clert?

Would they talk about the past?

Zielle didn't know.

She walked upstairs and entered her bedroom.

Her eyes immediately went to the flowers.

There were now several vases around the house.

She had stopped counting.

Every time Clert sent flowers, she brought them upstairs.

Some were on the dining table.

Some were beside the living room window.

Some were in her bedroom.

It was becoming ridiculous.

She stared at the flowers.

“This is your fault.”

Of course, the flowers didn't answer.

Her phone vibrated.

Clert: Are you free tomorrow evening?

Zielle stared at the screen.

She typed.

Zielle: Why?

His response came quickly.

Clert: My parents were invited to dinner at your house.

She blinked.

She typed:

Zielle: You knew?

Clert: My mother told me.

Zielle sighed.

Zielle: This is going to be awkward.

There was a pause.

Then:

Clert: Probably.

She smiled.

At least he was honest.

Another message arrived.

Clert: But you don't have to worry.

Zielle: Easy for you to say.

Clert: You're right.

She stared at that.

He didn't argue.

He never did anymore.

Then another message appeared.

Clert: If you want, I can leave early.

Zielle's fingers stopped.

She thought for a moment.

Then typed:

Zielle: Don't.

She immediately regretted sending it.

But it was already delivered.

Clert read it.

His reply was simple.

Clert: Okay.

Zielle placed the phone down.

Her heart was beating slightly faster.

“Why did I say that?”

She covered her face with both hands.

“Zielle…”

---

The next evening, the Rivera house was unusually busy.

Celestine personally supervised dinner.

Zafra was arranging flowers.

Zane was helping their father with the drinks.

Zielle stood near the staircase.

She was wearing a simple elegant dress.

Nothing excessive.

Her mother looked at her.

“You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

“You're nervous.”

“No.”

Celestine smiled.

“You're a terrible liar.”

Zielle sighed.

“Mom.”

Before Celestine could respond, the doorbell rang.

Everyone became quiet.

Zielle looked toward the door.

Her father opened it.

Marco and Beatrice stood outside.

And behind them—

Clert.

For one second, Zielle couldn't breathe.

Clert looked at her.

His expression softened.

“Good evening.”

Zielle swallowed.

“Good evening.”

Beatrice immediately walked toward her.

“Zielle.”

And before Zielle could say anything else, Beatrice hugged her.

Zielle froze.

Then slowly hugged her back.

“It's good to see you,” Beatrice whispered.

Zielle closed her eyes.

“You too.”

When they separated, Beatrice held her hands.

“You've grown so beautiful.”

Zielle smiled awkwardly.

“Thank you.”

Marco stepped forward.

“You're finally a lawyer.”

Zielle laughed.

“Yes.”

“We're very proud of you.”

She looked at him.

“Thank you, Tito Marco.”

Clert stood a few steps away.

He was smiling.

Zafra noticed.

She leaned toward Zane.

“He's staring.”

Zane whispered back.

“Let him.”

---

Dinner began warmly.

The adults talked about business.

The old days.

Family friends.

The development project.

The proposed partnership.

Zielle remained mostly quiet.

She listened.

Then Marco looked at her.

“Zielle, your law chambers are impressive.”

“Thank you.”

“Clert told us about it.”

Zielle looked at Clert.

“You did?”

Clert shrugged.

“It's beautiful.”

Beatrice smiled.

“He wouldn't stop talking about how proud he was of you.”

Clert nearly choked on his water.

“Mom.”

Zafra laughed.

Zane tried not to smile.

Zielle looked down at her plate.

“That's…”

She searched for a word.

“Nice.”

Beatrice smiled.

“Only nice?”

Zielle laughed awkwardly.

“Thank you.”

Clert looked at his mother.

“Please.”

Beatrice laughed.

“Okay, okay.”

---

Later, the conversation shifted toward the proposed partnership.

Marco looked at Liam.

“I think this could work.”

Liam nodded.

“ANI can provide the land development and infrastructure expertise.”

Marco continued.

“And Inigo can handle the hospitality side.”

Zane added,

“We can structure it as a long-term partnership.”

Zielle listened carefully.

This wasn't a small deal.

It could potentially expand both companies' reach in Batangas.

Her father looked at her.

“What do you think?”

Zielle straightened.

“As a legal matter?”

“Yes.”

She reviewed the preliminary documents.

“I think it has potential.”

Clert looked at her.

“But?”

Zielle smiled.

“There's always a but.”

Everyone laughed.

She continued.

“We need clear corporate governance, liability provisions, land-use restrictions, environmental compliance, and dispute resolution clauses.”

Clert nodded.

“Agreed.”

“And transparency.”

“Absolutely.”

“And neither company should have unilateral authority over shared development decisions.”

Clert looked toward Marco.

“I agree.”

Zielle nodded.

“Then I don't see a problem.”

Her father smiled.

“Good.”

The two families continued discussing the partnership.

And for the first time, Zielle realized something.

Their families were sitting at the same table again.

Not because of her and Clert.

Not because they were trying to force anything.

But because they had always been connected.

The distance between the two of them had never erased the friendship between their parents.

It had simply made everyone cautious.

---

After dinner, Zielle went outside to the balcony.

She needed air.

A few minutes later, she heard footsteps.

She didn't need to turn around.

“It's beautiful here.”

Clert.

She smiled faintly.

“You've said that before.”

“I know.”

He stood beside her, keeping a respectful distance.

For a while, neither spoke.

Then Zielle said,

“Your parents are kind.”

“They always liked you.”

She looked at him.

“Even after everything?”

Clert nodded.

“Especially after everything.”

She looked away.

“Why?”

“My mother never blamed you.”

“And your father?”

“He never blamed you either.”

Zielle was quiet.

“Did they blame me?”

Clert looked at her.

“No.”

“Did they blame you?”

He took a breath.

“Sometimes.”

She turned toward him.

“What does that mean?”

Clert looked out toward the view.

“They were disappointed.”

“In you?”

“Yes.”

“Because you left?”

“Yes.”

Zielle stared at him.

She hadn't expected that.

“I thought…”

She stopped.

“What?”

“I thought everyone agreed with your decision.”

Clert shook his head.

“No.”

“Then why?”

He looked at her.

For a moment, she thought he would finally tell her.

But he didn't.

“It's complicated.”

Zielle's expression hardened slightly.

“That's always your answer.”

“I know.”

She looked away.

“I'm tired of hearing it.”

“I know.”

“Then tell me.”

Clert remained silent.

She turned toward him.

“Why did you leave?”

His eyes met hers.

There was pain there.

Real pain.

Not an excuse.

Not guilt performed for sympathy.

Something deeper.

“I will.”

“When?”

“Soon.”

She shook her head.

“You keep saying that.”

“I know.”

“What are you waiting for?”

Clert looked at her.

“For the right moment.”

“There is no right moment.”

“Maybe not.”

“Then why wait?”

He looked down.

“Because once I tell you, nothing will be the same.”

Zielle's voice softened.

“Nothing has been the same since you left.”

Clert closed his eyes for a moment.

“I know.”

She looked at him.

Then she whispered,

“Did you ever want to leave me?”

Clert immediately looked at her.

“No.”

The answer came too quickly to be rehearsed.

Zielle froze.

Clert continued.

“Never.”

She looked away before he could see the tears beginning to form.

“I don't know what to believe.”

“You don't have to.”

She looked at him.

“Then what do I do?”

“Take your time.”

She laughed softly, but there was sadness in it.

“Your favorite answer.”

“Because it's true.”

They stood in silence.

Then Clert stepped back.

“I'll go inside.”

Zielle nodded.

He turned.

“Clert.”

He stopped.

She hesitated.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For not forcing me.”

He smiled.

“Never.”

Then he went inside.

Zielle remained on the balcony.

She touched the railing.

Her heart felt strangely heavy.

But not in the same way it used to.

Before, the thought of Clert leaving had made her angry.

Now, the thought of him leaving again scared her.

And that frightened her even more.

---

Inside the house, Zafra was speaking with Beatrice.

“You know,” Zafra said, “I think they're both still in love.”

Beatrice smiled.

“I think so too.”

“But they're stubborn.”

“Very.”

Zafra laughed.

Then she glanced toward the hallway.

Olcen was standing there.

He had come to pick up some documents from Clert.

He raised an eyebrow.

“Talking about my boss?”

Zafra smiled.

“Maybe.”

Olcen walked over.

“I know exactly what you're talking about.”

“You do?”

“Unfortunately, I've been watching this for years.”

Zafra laughed.

“You're close to him?”

“Very.”

“What was he like before?”

Olcen smiled.

“Happy.”

Zafra's expression softened.

“And now?”

Olcen glanced toward the balcony.

“Trying to be.”

Zafra nodded.

She looked at him.

“You care about him.”

“Of course.”

“You're a good friend.”

Olcen smiled.

“Thank you.”

She smiled back.

“Don't get used to compliments.”

He laughed.

“Too late.”

---

Later that night, after the Del Rossos left, Zielle helped her mother clean the table.

Celestine looked at her daughter.

“You okay?”

“Yes.”

“Really?”

Zielle nodded.

“I think so.”

Celestine smiled.

“Beatrice still cares about you.”

“I know.”

“She always did.”

Zielle looked down.

“Mom.”

“Yes?”

“Were you really never angry with them?”

Celestine paused.

“I was hurt.”

“That's different.”

“Yes.”

She placed a glass on the counter.

“I was angry at the situation. I was angry that you were hurt. But I never wanted you to carry hatred.”

Zielle looked at her.

“Why?”

“Because hatred is heavy.”

Zielle became quiet.

Her mother continued.

“Mahaba pa ang buhay, anak.”

Zielle smiled faintly.

“Mahaba pa ang panahon.”

Celestine nodded.

“Exactly.”

Zielle looked toward the staircase.

“Do you think people can really find their way back?”

Celestine smiled.

“Sometimes.”

“And if they can't?”

“Then at least they tried honestly.”

Zielle nodded.

Her mother kissed her forehead.

“Don't be afraid of what you feel.”

Zielle whispered,

“I'm not.”

Celestine smiled.

“You are.”

Zielle laughed softly.

“Maybe.”

---

When Zielle finally went upstairs, she noticed something on the dining table.

A small bouquet.

White daisies.

She immediately knew.

She picked up the card.

For your home.

Because it feels warmer every time I visit.

— Clert

Zielle stared at it.

Her heart skipped.

She looked toward the door.

He was already gone.

She smiled despite herself.

“Clert…”

She carried the flowers toward the living room.

She found a vase.

Placed them carefully inside.

Then she stepped back.

The flowers looked beautiful.

Her home felt warmer.

She hated that he was right.

She looked toward the balcony.

The same place where he had stood beside her.

The same place where he had finally answered her question.

Did you ever want to leave me?

Never.

Zielle touched her chest.

The words had stayed with her.

She walked to her bedroom.

Opened the cabinet.

The wooden box was there.

She opened it.

The old flowers.

The old notes.

The old photographs.

And now—

new flowers were slowly becoming part of the same story.

Zielle smiled sadly.

“I'm not ready.”

She whispered.

“But maybe…”

She looked at the flowers.

“…I'm not as far away from you as I thought.”

She closed the box.

Not forever.

Just for tonight.

---

Across Batangas, Clert sat quietly in the back of his car.

Olcen was driving.

For several minutes, neither spoke.

Then Olcen glanced at him through the mirror.

“She asked?”

Clert looked out the window.

“Yes.”

“About why you left?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

“Not yet.”

Olcen nodded.

“You okay?”

Clert smiled faintly.

“She thanked me.”

“For what?”

“For not forcing her.”

Olcen smiled.

“That matters.”

Clert nodded.

“It does.”

He looked down at his phone.

There was no new message from Zielle.

But he wasn't disappointed.

He had learned something tonight.

Sometimes progress wasn't measured by how close someone came to you.

Sometimes it was measured by how comfortable they became letting you stay.

And tonight, Zielle had allowed him to stand beside her.

She had asked questions.

She had listened.

She had thanked him.

It wasn't forgiveness.

But it was a beginning.

---

The following morning, Zielle received an email from her father.

Subject: Rivera–Inigo Strategic Partnership

She opened it.

The preliminary meeting would take place the following week.

Both families would be present.

Zielle sighed.

More meetings.

More lawyers.

More documents.

And, inevitably—

Clert.

She leaned back in her chair.

Then smiled.

For some reason, the thought didn't bother her anymore.

Not as much.

She looked toward the flowers sitting on the corner of her desk.

White daisies.

A simple gift.

Nothing extravagant.

Nothing demanding.

Just a quiet reminder.

Someone was still there.

Someone was still waiting.

And maybe—

just maybe—

Zielle was beginning to stop running from the possibility that the person waiting for her had never truly stopped loving her.

The problem was no longer whether Clert still loved her.

She already knew the answer.

The problem was whether she could allow herself to love him again.

And that answer…

would take time.