He Chose Love

Chapter4

Amor returned to her mansion, her heels echoing softly in the grand hallway. Her mind was restless, filled with the memories of earlier that day. Seeing Peter again had shaken her more than she expected. She had told herself she was ready, that she could face him without pain—but she was wrong.

Of course she knew Peter would be at the event. It was a major gathering for Filipinos, and he was an important figure in the community. But still, nothing had prepared her for the rush of emotions.

As she sat on the edge of her bed, memories from the past flooded in—her struggles, the heartbreak, the betrayal. And worst of all, Richard. He must pay for what he did. She lay down, her heart heavy, filled with thoughts of revenge and justice. Slowly, sleep took over.

Meanwhile, in the grand Bernardo mansion, Sandra paced her room in frustration. She couldn’t believe her eyes—Amor was back. Not just back, but rich and powerful. Introduced as Amor Powers. Powers? Is she married now? How did she become so wealthy? So many questions spun in Sandra’s mind.

She stepped out of the bathroom and saw Peter staring blankly into space.

“You’re thinking about her, aren’t you?” Sandra said sharply. “Your ex is back. So what now? Are you going to run back to her?”

Peter snapped. “Sandra! Can I have some peace in this house for once? I’m just as shocked as you are!”

But Sandra wouldn’t stop. She continued nagging, her voice rising.

Just then, Angelo knocked and walked into the room. He had overheard everything.

“Mum? Dad?” he said gently, noticing the tension. Sandra was crying, Peter looked frustrated.

“I overheard what you were saying… Amor Powers… was your ex?”

Peter looked away. “Son… it’s a long story.”

“He’s still in love with her,” Sandra cut in bitterly.

Ignoring the tension, Angelo said, “I actually came to tell you—I’m inviting Kathryn to the launch of the Castor resort project.”

“What?” Sandra snapped. “I’m still dealing with one chef from the past, and now you’re bringing another? She doesn’t even come from a rich family. She doesn’t belong in our world!”

“Mum, she doesn’t need to be rich,” Angelo replied firmly. “I love her. I’m a better man today because of her. She helped me build the resort. Please, try to understand.”

“I won’t,” Sandra said coldly, and walked out.

Peter turned to his son. “Invite her. If she makes you happy, that’s all that matters. I support you.”

They embraced tightly.

“Dad,” Angelo asked, “was Amor Powers really your ex?”

Peter paused, pain in his eyes. “Son, some things are better left unsaid. I made a terrible mistake in the past… but I intend to fix it.”

Angelo nodded slowly, sensing the weight his father carried. The past had returned, and it was no longer staying silent.

Angelo sat on the edge of his bed, scrolling through his phone, his mind buzzing with anticipation. He hesitated for a moment before dialing his uncle’s number.

“Hello, Uncle,” he greeted warmly when Richard picked up. “I’m calling to invite you to my resort’s grand opening.”

There was a pause on the other end.

“Angelo,” Richard’s voice was careful, hesistant. “You know your father will be there. I don’t want any trouble.”

Angelo’s grip on the phone tightened. “Uncle, I’m the one inviting you. This is a big moment for me.”

Richard sighed, the resistance in his tone softening. “Alright… I’ll be there.”

A broad smile spread across Angelo’s face. “Thank you, Uncle.”

The day of the grand opening arrived in a burst of color and anticipation. Angelo stood tall, dressed immaculately, with Kathryn beside him, her presence a quiet source of strength. Guests mingled under the bright sun, the air filled with the hum of conversation and the scent of fresh flowers.

Sandra had arrived early, making sure everyone saw her as Angelo’s mother. She was determined to hold her place in the spotlight, especially knowing Amor was on the guest list.

Richard arrived next, moving slowly, almost cautiously. The moment he stepped into the crowd, he felt a strange hollowness — a sense of not belonging. He scanned the faces, trying to find his place among them, but before he could, the room seemed to shift.

Amor walked in. She was a vision of elegance, her presence commanding attention without effort. The sight of her hit Richard like a blow. Fear flickered in his eyes, followed by regret and frustration. Peter, standing nearby, looked at her too — his gaze clouded with guilt.

The ceremony began, speeches were made, ribbons cut, and applause echoed across the venue. When it ended, the atmosphere relaxed into music, food, and mingling. Kathryn, brimming with pride for Angelo, moved through the crowd with a light step — until she accidentally bumped into Sandra, spilling a drink onto her designer handbag.

Sandra froze, staring at the dark stain. Her face twisted with outrage.

“Do you know how much this bag costs?” she snapped, before her hand flew and landed across Kathryn’s cheek. “How dare you ruin it?”

Kathryn’s eyes filled with tears, the sting on her face nothing compared to the humiliation. Amor, who had been watching from across the room, stepped forward quickly. She placed a protective arm around Kathryn, glaring at Sandra.

Before Sandra could speak again, Angelo appeared, his voice firm. “Mum, it’s just a bag. You don’t have to be rude to her.”

Amor’s gaze lingered on Kathryn. Something about the girl tugged at her heart, stirring memories of her own daughter — the one she had lost so many years ago.

Richard slipped away quietly, his chest heavy with guilt. He thought about the damage his choices had caused — to Amor, to his brother, to everyone involved. That night, he wept alone.

The following morning, unable to bear the weight any longer, Richard called Peter. “I need to speak with you,” he said.

Sandra, overhearing the conversation, stiffened. She drove to Richard’s home before he could meet up with Peter.

“Richard,” she said sharply, “do you want to go to jail? I saw what you did that day, I’m fully aware but you can’t tell Peter or Amor. We’ve all moved on.”

“No, Sandra,” Richard said firmly. “I’m meeting Peter this evening. I’m telling him everything. I’ve carried this burden for too long.”

Sandra’s desperation sharpened into panic. “Think about Angelo — he loves you. Think about me, my family—”

But Richard wouldn’t bend.

In a moment of frenzy, Sandra grabbed a glass frame from the table and swung it. The sharp c***k of impact filled the air. Richard collapsed, blood pooling beneath his head. Sandra stood frozen, the frame trembling in her hand.

Her breath came in shallow bursts. “Oh my God… what have I done?”

Thoughts raced through her mind — prison, scandal, losing everything. Shaking, she grabbed her phone and dialed.

“Hello, Christian,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I need your help. Please… I don’t know what I’ve done.”

Meanwhile, Amor sat in her room, troubled by Sandra’s treatment to Kathryn. The next day, she invited the young woman over. Kathryn accepted the invite. In the mansion, Amor beckoned Kathryn. Hello Mrs Amor with so much joy in her face. Please have a chair. Thank you Mrs Amor for defending me at the event. Ma, I admire you so much because you survived everything. I’m also a survivor of the Sabang village landslide. My adoptive father, his name is Francisco, he is a retired policeman, had found me crying and taken me home. Amor couldn’t stop staring as she was talking —Kathryn looked so much like her lost daughter.

That night, Peter received a devastating call: Richard Bernardo had been found dead. The news of Richard’s death spread, Amor was furious; he had died without admitting his crimes.

During Amor’s regular visit to Sabang village, Amor met Margaret, who also comes to visit the village. She started telling Amor of what happened that day. She recalled rescuing a little girl wearing a necklace engraved “Ina” before a policeman took her away. Amor’s heart pounded—her daughter might still be alive.

Holding a baby picture, she asked, “Is this Kathryn?”

“Yes,” came the answer. Amor burst into tears of joy.