My First Love's Son

Chapter 39

THE STUDIO at Sapphire's house was a war zone of tulle, silk, and crumpled sketch papers. She sat on the floor, her hands buried in her hair, staring at the blank mannequin in front of her.

"Babe, I'm drowning," Sapphire whispered, her voice cracking as Derek walked in with a mug of coffee. "Baka kailangan ko mag-pull out. Hindi aabot ang sketches sa physical forms. It's too much work for one person."

Derek set the mug down, sitting on the floor beside her. He gently pulled her hands away from her face, wiping a rogue tear from her cheek. "Hey, look at me. You are not pulling out. You're going to be the first Filipina designer to headline Paris Couture Week. History ito, baby. Hindi kita hahayaang sumuko."

"Pero the deadlines, Derek! Paano ko gagawin ito all while taking care of Drake? I feel like I'm failing as a designer and as a mom."

Derek smiled, a mischievous glint in his eye. He stood up and pulled her to her feet. "Which is exactly why I made some calls. Buksan mo ang pinto."

Sapphire frowned in confusion. She opened her studio doors, and her jaw dropped. Standing in the hallway were four women and two men, all carrying sewing kits, measuring tapes, and fabrics.

"Sapphire, meet your new production team," Derek announced proudly. "These are the best pattern makers and seamstresses in the country. Sila ang bahalang mag-translate ng sketches mo to the mannequins."

"Oh my god," Sapphire gasped, covering her mouth as fresh tears fell. "Derek... how did you—"

"I handled the budget and the contracts," Derek interrupted softly, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. "Your only job now is to direct them, design, and be the genius that you are. I'll take care of everything else."

BY LATE AFTERNOON, the studio was transformed into a highly efficient atelier. The sound of sewing machines buzzed like music to Sapphire's ears.

"Ate Marie, paki-adjust ang draping sa waist line, please? It needs to look more fluid, parang water," Sapphire instructed, pointing at a stunning midnight-blue gown.

"Yes, Ma'am Saph. Gagawa po ako ng bias cut para mas bumagsak ng maganda," the head seamstress replied, instantly pinning the fabric.

Sapphire beamed. For the first time in months, she felt like she could breathe.

Suddenly, the studio door nudged open. Derek peeked in, carrying their son, Drake, on his shoulders. Both of them were wearing matching aprons covered in flour.

"Mommy!" Drake giggled, reaching his hands out.

"Hi, my baby!" Sapphire laughed, walking over to kiss Drake's cheek, making sure not to get flour on her designer clothes. "Bakit amoy cookies ang mag-ama ko?"

"We've been baking," Derek grinned, kissing Sapphire's forehead. "Or rather, I baked, and Drake ate all the chocolate chips. And don't worry about dinner, I already cooked. Focus ka lang dito."

"Good luck, Mama!" Drake shouted in full support for her. "Daddy, huwag mo naman akong isumbong kay Mama about sa cookies," medyo nairita pang baling ng anak nila sa ama nito.

"It's okay, my boy. Just make sure to brush your teeth later before going to bed." Sapphire let her son off this time. Ayaw niya sana itong masobrahan sa sugar intake at baka magkasakit. She softly combed her son's hair to soothe his building temper.

Then their son smiled, his annoyance is gone. "Okay, Mama. Gagawin ko iyan," he even saluted to her.

Sapphire melted. "Thank you, you two. You're my lifesavers. I love you both so much."

"We love you too." Derek replied and kissed her forehead again. "Sige na, balik na kami sa kitchen. The boys will handle the house, the Queen handles Paris." Nagpaalam na ito at iniwan na ulit siya sa trabaho.