Some Kind of Love

Chapter 2

She was desperate to leave the house as soon as possible. Especially now that it looked like Atlas was going to stay there again. It was time—past time, really—for her to find her own place. That thought alone filled her chest with a quiet ache. But she was resolute. She decided to tell her mom immediately.

“Ma, remember the company where I did my internship?” she asked gently, her fingers nervously playing with the hem of her shirt.

Her mother looked up from folding laundry, curiosity in her eyes. “Yes, sweetie. What about it?”

“They called earlier,” she said, voice shaking slightly. “They’ve accepted my application. I think... I think it’s a really good opportunity for me.”

Her mother’s brows furrowed. “You applied?”

She didn’t hide her surprise. She hadn't told her anything about this.

“Yes, Ma,” she said, trying to keep her voice calm. “I’ve already graduated. I need to start practicing my course. I need to live my own life.”

Her mother let out a long, deep sigh—the kind that carried weight. Her shoulders sank slightly, as if something invisible had pressed down on her.

“Are you struggling, sweetheart?” she asked softly. “We can always leave if you want to. I love Ernesto, but I know he’ll understand.”

“Ma, no,” she said quickly, her voice firm yet trembling. She reached out to hold her mom’s hand. “For ten years, I’ve seen you at your happiest. That made me happy too. I’d never ask you to leave Tito Ernest.”

“But sweetheart—”

“No buts and ifs.” Her tone hardened with resolve. “I’m not a little girl anymore. I can do this.”

Her mom’s eyes glistened with guilt. “I’m sorry, anak. Because of me... you gave up on the things you dreamed about.”

Zia could feel the regret in every word. Her mother knew that it had always been her dream to work at El Fabian Corporation. She grew up watching it rise from the ground. She admired the way Tito Ernesto poured his whole soul into building it. But she also knew what people would say—that they were after money, influence, a legacy that wasn’t theirs. So she let that dream go.

“Ma, please,” she said softly. “It’s okay. This opportunity is good too. And El Fabian Corp isn’t the only successful business in the country. There are many others.”

Her mom looked at her, lips trembling. “Are you really okay? You know I’d give up everything for you. I love you more than anything.”

Zia smiled through the heaviness in her heart. “Ma, that’s exactly what you shouldn’t do. I love you too, and I know how hard you fought for your first love. You always told me—love only comes once in a lifetime. So we treasure it. Don’t lose it again. Once I’m settled, everything will be okay. I’m the only threat in Atlas’ eyes. I just... I just need to leave. And it’s time I did.”

Her mother froze at her last sentence, her face clouding with concern.

“Has something happened between you and Atlas?” she asked, her tone suddenly sharper.

Zia swallowed hard, her throat tightening. “N-no. Of course not, Ma. I’m just saying... he doesn’t seem to care about you anymore. It’s just me. Maybe he’s worried Tito Ernest will choose me as his heir or something.”

She looked away, guilt twisting her gut. That was a lie. She couldn’t bring herself to say what really happened—that Atlas had threatened her. That he’d stolen her first kiss. Her mom would drag her out of that mansion in an instant if she knew.

“Will you be okay?” her mom asked again, now more gently.

“Of course,” Zia said, flashing a reassuring smile. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll just be working. That’s all. I promise.”

Her mother pulled her into a tight embrace. Zia closed her eyes, inhaling the warmth and safety of her mom’s arms. Yes, she thought. Everything is worth it. I’ll endure it all—for her. After everything her mom had suffered because of her father, this was the least she could do. Her mom endured for her. Now it was her turn.

“Will you tell your Tito Ernest?” her mother asked after a moment. “I’m sure he’ll be sad.”

Zia grew quiet at the mention of Tito Ernest. For ten years, he had treated her like his own. He once tried to legally adopt her, but she and her mom refused. They didn’t want to ruin his already fragile bond with Atlas. Atlas had made it clear—if his father married her mom, he’d disown him.

Despite all that, Tito Ernest never stopped caring for them. He was kind, generous, and deeply sincere. He wanted her to work in his company. She was the one who kept saying no.

“I’ll tell him later,” she whispered.

“Okay, anak. Just be sweet about it, so he doesn’t feel too bad.”

She nodded. She knew her affection always softened him. He had always wanted a daughter. In many ways, he found one in her.

After dinner, Zia approached the lanai where her mom and Tito Ernesto sat, talking quietly in the warm evening air. They looked so peaceful together, wrapped in their own little world of love.

“Ma. Tito,” she called out gently.

They turned to her with warm smiles.

“Hija, join us,” said Tito Ernesto.

She sat down across from them, steadying her breath.

“Tito Ernesto,” she began carefully, “I wanted to tell you something.”

He raised a brow. “What is it? You seem serious.”

“Not too much,” she said with a smile. “You know I see you like a father. I just want you to know that I’ll be working at the company where I did my internship. So... I’ll have to officially decline your offer.”

Silence fell. His eyes searched hers, trying to read deeper.

“Is this... because of Atlas?” he asked, suddenly blunt.

The mere mention of the name sent a chill through her. Her hands instantly grew cold.

“O-oh no, Tito,” she lied smoothly. “This is my decision. Please, let me do this for myself.”

Her mother placed a hand on his. “Ernest, maybe it’s better for Zia to start somewhere far from your name. She’s old enough to decide now.”

At her mother’s touch, the tension in his face melted. Zia felt warmth swell in her chest. Love. That was it. That’s what did this. Her eyes stung slightly. I want to have this with someone too. Then, without warning, Atlas’ face flashed in her mind.

She shook her head quickly. No. Never. Not that devil.

Tito Ernesto finally sighed in defeat. “I just can’t stop worrying about you, Zia. I know how much your mom loves you. That’s why I want to protect you too.”

She smiled, touched. “I know, Tito. And I respect you for it.”

A pause.

“Anyway,” he added casually, “are you dating someone now?”

She blinked. That caught her off guard. “No, Tito.”

“You’re old enough,” he said, nodding thoughtfully. “And if you’re going to date, I want it to be with a good man. I actually have someone in mind—my best friend’s son. I think he’d be a great match.”

She was about to politely decline, but suddenly Atlas’ angry face flashed again. Would he finally leave her alone if he thought she was seeing someone? A bold idea formed in her head.

“I’d love to meet him, Tito,” she said sweetly. “You know I trust your judgment.”

“Wait, how did this conversation turn into matchmaking?” her mom cut in, clearly alarmed.

“Ma, I want to date too. You and Tito aren’t the only ones allowed to have a good love life,” she teased, trying to lighten the mood.

“But sweetheart,” her mom said, worried, “love isn’t something you chase. It just... comes naturally. Sometimes when you least expect it.”

“Well, this is both natural and unexpected,” Zia said with a wink. “And I’m not marrying the guy tomorrow, Ma. I just want to get to know him.”

“What if he turns out to be a bad guy?”

“Do you really think Tito Ernesto would introduce me to someone like that? Trust us.”

Her mom groaned playfully. “Why do I feel like you two are ganging up on me?”

“Ma, I’m not a teenager anymore. I can take care of myself. I promise. And Tito will keep an eye on me—right, Tito?”

“Always,” he said with a proud smile.

“See? No need to worry. So, who is he, Tito?”

“His name is Simon Rodriguez. The only son of my best friend. I’ve known him since he was young. He’s a good man.”

“See, Ma? He’s a good man,” she said with a grin.

Her mother could only shake her head and laugh.

“When should I meet him?” Zia asked excitedly. Yes, excited. This might be her ticket out of this house. This could be her escape.

“You can meet him this weekend. I’ll talk to his dad.”

“That’s a date, then.”