He Chose Love

It was a bright new day in Sabang Village. The early morning sun warmed the small houses and dusty paths as life slowly stirred awake. Inside a modest kitchen, Amor and her mother were already up, preparing meals like they did every morning. These dishes were usually taken to the workers at the Burnacorp Mines, but today felt totally different. Amor sat up sleepily on her mat. “Mother,” she called, yawning, “where are we going this morning?” Her mother smiled as she stirred a pot on the stove. “Get ready, Amor. We’ve been invited to cook for the Bernardos—the political family. They’re holding a big event today.” Amor’s eyes widened with excitement. She jumped out of bed, stretching her arms. “The Bernardos? Really? This is it, Mother! Maybe this is how our dream starts. One day, we’ll own the biggest restaurant in the city.” She rushed into the kitchen, helping her mother slice vegetables and season meats. Her heart raced as her thoughts ran wild—Will they like the food? Will this change everything for us? By late morning, their dishes were packed and ready. Amor and her mother made their way to the grand Bernardo mansion at Courtenay avenue, nervous but hopeful. The event was already in full swing. Guests in suits and elegant dresses filled the wide halls. Inside, at a long table arranged in white linen, Peter Bernardo—the handsome, well-mannered heir—was seated among powerful men and women. He took one bite of Amor’s food and paused. “This is amazing,” he said aloud. “I haven’t tasted something this good in ages.” His mother raised an eyebrow with a teasing smile. “Better than my cooking?” Peter laughed. “Mum, you know you’re the best. But this… this is something else. I want to meet the chef.” He called for the cook, but by then, Amor had already left for her university classes. Her mother stepped forward instead. “Are you the chef?” Peter asked, still smiling. “Oh no, sir,” she replied, clearly proud. “My daughter Amor made the food. I only helped her. She had to leave for school.” Peter’s interest grew. “Amor… I hope I get to meet her someday.” Later that evening, Peter sat in the family’s sitting room, still thinking about the food—and the girl behind it. His thoughts were interrupted when his mother walked in. “Peter,” she said firmly. “You have a dinner date with Sandra Salameda. Don’t forget.” Peter groaned. “Mum, we’ve talked about this. I’ll marry when I’m ready—and when I choose the woman.” “This isn’t just about you,” she argued. “Sandra is a perfect match. Her family is influential. This union could strengthen our position politically. Please, son. Do it for the family.” Before Peter could respond, his younger brother Richard stumbled into the room, smelling of alcohol. His shirt was wrinkled, his steps unsteady. Their mother turned on him. “You useless boy,” she snapped. “You’re a disgrace! Is this how you want to be remembered? Clean yourself up—I have guests coming.” She stormed out, leaving Richard slouched on the couch, silent. Meanwhile, the next day, Amor was back at the Burnacorp building, delivering food as usual. As she stepped into the elevator, she found herself face-to-face with someone she recognized. She whispered to herself, “Isn’t that Peter Bernado?” Peter looked at her. “Did you say something?” Amor quickly replied, “No, I didn’t.” “I’m Peter,” he said with a gentle smile, offering his hand. “Amor,” she replied shyly, shaking it. Peter blinked. Amor… the chef? His eyes lit up. Her name clicked in. “You’re the one who cooked that incredible meal,” he said. Amor chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Guilty.” Peter looked at her, completely mesmerized. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Her presence was calm and bright, like the morning sun. For a moment, he was lost in her. “Hey!” Amor said, waving her hand in front of him. “Are you okay?” Peter snapped back to reality, laughing. “Sorry… I was just… lost in your cooking.” Starting from that day, Peter and Amor could not get enough of each other. Their bond only grew stronger after that. Peter kept finding excuses to see her. Amor tried to stay focused, but she felt it too—the spark. One day, Peter held her hand and said, “I want you to meet my family.” Amor froze. “What if they reject me?” she whispered. “I’m just a village girl. I don’t belong in your world.” Peter gently squeezed her hand. “All that matters is how we feel. Nothing else.” A week later, Peter brought her to dinner at the Bernardo mansion. Amor sat stiffly at the long table, surrounded by cold eyes and sharp suits. From the moment Amor stepped into Peter’s home, she felt the weight of judgment. Peter’s mother looked at her with a cold, unimpressed gaze. Without even offering a smile, she began questioning Amor about her background—where she came from, what her parents did, how she ended up cooking for a living. The questions were sharp, laced with quiet disapproval. Amor didn’t answer right away. Then she finally spoke. “Ma, cooking is my talent, and I truly enjoy it. But I’m also a student—I got admission and I’m studying Business Management.” Peter’s mother continued. “My son already has someone suited for him. Sandra comes from a good family. You… you come from nowhere.” Amor’s heart pounded. She could feel rejection settling in more than anything else. Her hands trembled slightly, but she did her best to stay composed. Peter noticed. Peter’s voice cut in, sharp and protective. “Mother, stop. If you say another word against her, I’ll leave this table.” Silence fell over the room. Amor looked down at her plate, her confidence slipping. She suddenly felt small, unwanted, and out of place. She had come with hope—but all she could feel now was fear. And from the hallway, hidden in the shadows, someone had been listening. Richard. Watching. Smiling.