My First Love's Son

Chapter 40

THE CLOCK struck midnight. The team had packed up hours ago, and the house was completely silent. Sapphire stood in her dimly lit studio, gently tracing the intricate beadwork on one of her showstopper piece.

Footsteps padded softly behind her. Derek slipped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"Tulog na ba si Drake?" Sapphire whispered, leaning back into his warm chest.

"Out like a light," Derek murmured, his voice low and husky. "He played hard today. Pero I think his mom worked even harder."

Sapphire turned around in his arms, looping her hands around his neck. The exhaustion in her eyes was replaced by a deep, fiery appreciation.

"I couldn't have done today without you, Derek. Seryoso. You. Giving me this team. Taking over the house. Taking care of Drake. I owe you everything."

Derek shook his head, pulling her closer until there was no space between them. "You don't owe me anything, baby. We're partners. Pangarap mo ito, kaya pangarap ko rin ito. Besides..." His hand trailed down her spine, making her shiver. "...sabi ko sa'yo, sa umaga you belong to the world. Pero sa gabi, akin ka lang."

Sapphire's breath hitched as Derek leaned in, their lips meeting in a slow, passionate kiss that carried all the unspoken love and pride between them. The stress of the upcoming Couture Week completely faded away, leaving only the warmth of the man who believed in her the most.

The passionate kiss slowed down, but Derek didn't let her go. Instead, he gently took her hand and led her to the soft couch in the living room. He poured two glasses of red wine, handing one to Sapphire before reaching into his briefcase on the coffee table.

He pulled out a sleek, black leather folder and placed it gently on her lap.

"Babe, ano ito?" Sapphire asked, laughing softly as she wiped a smudge of lipstick from his lower lip. "Don't tell me kumuha ka pa ng mas maraming seamstresses? My home studio is already packed."

Derek leaned back, a confident, proud smile playing on his lips. "That's exactly the problem. Masyado na kayong masikip sa studio mo," nanunudyong wika ng kasintahan. " Go on. Open it." Then he obliged her to open the folder he handed over.

Sapphire set her wine glass down and opened it. Inside were thick documents, architectural blueprints, and glossy photos of a stunning, modern glass structure. Her eyes scanned the first page, her breath hitching as she read the legal jargon.

"Deed of Sale? Commercial property sa Vigan City?" Sapphire looked up, her eyes wide with shock. "Derek, wait. I don't understand. Are we renting a floor here?"

"I bought it," Derek said casually, taking a sip of his wine. "The entire building. Five floors, all yours."

"What?!" Sapphire dropped the folder, standing up. "Derek, are you crazy?! Isang buong building? This is too much! Hindi ko ito matatanggap, it's millions of pesos!"

Derek stood up and closed the distance between them, gently cupping her face. "Hey, breathe, baby. Relax. Look at me."

"P-Pero babe, ang laki nito," she stammered, tears of overwhelming disbelief pooling in her eyes. "Paano kung hindi mag-sell out ang Paris collection ko? What if I fail? Nakakahiya sa'yo, this is such a huge investment—"

"Shh," Derek interrupted, kissing her forehead. "First of all, money is not an issue, you know that. Barya lang iyan compared to what you're about to achieve. Second, as a businessman, I know a brilliant investment when I see one. And as your man, I know my brilliant girlfriend deserves the absolute best."

Sapphire sniffled, leaning into his touch. "Pero five floors, Derek? Ano'ng gagawin ko sa five floors?"

"You are going to build an empire, Sapphire. That's what you'll do."

Derek picked up the blueprints, pointing at the different levels to show her his vision. "The top floor, that is your private sanctuary. Massive windows, natural light. Dito ka mag-i-sketch. Walang pwedeng pumasok unless you say so. Fourth floor, a dedicated production floor. No more cramping your seamstresses in a tiny room. They'll have top-of-the-line machines and infinite space to move and drape. Third floor, the VIP Showroom. Dito mo i-e-entertain ang mga international buyers and celebrities na pipila sa'yo after Couture Week. Second floor, offices for your future PR and marketing team."

"And finally the ground Floor, a customized daycare suite for Drake and a private lounge for me, so we can wait for you comfortably while you conquer the fashion world." Nakangisi pa nitong pagtatapos sa naiisip na plano para sa bawat palapag.

Hindi nito isinantabi na kasama pa rin silang mag-ama niya sa kanyang priorities sa buhay.

Sapphire covered her face, sobbing as the magnitude of his gesture finally sank in. It wasn't just about the money; it was about how deeply he believed in her dreams.

"Derek... grabe ka," she cried, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him with everything she had. "I don't even know what to say. Wala akong masabi kundi thank you. Thank you for seeing me."

Derek held her tight, burying his face in her hair. "You don't need to thank me, baby. Binili ko ito kasi nakita ko kanina kung gaano ka ka-stressed sa liit ng space mo. You're about to make history in Paris. Pagbalik mo, you need a headquarters worthy of the first Filipina international couture designer after the Filipino designer Michael Cinco. I want you to have all the space you need to create your magic without any worries."

He pulled back just enough to look directly into her tear-filled eyes, his tone turning fiercely protective. “Wala nang 'what ifs', okay? You are not going to fail. And even if you stumble, sasaluhin kita. I will always be your biggest safety net. Now, dry those tears. The future CEO of Sapphire Atelier needs her beauty rest."

Sapphire didn't held back. Siya na mismo ang humila sa leeg ni Derek at mapusok itong hinalikan. Dito na lamang niya ipaparating kung gaano siya nito napapasaya ngayon at ang sobrang pasasalamat niya.