MARRY THE BILLIONAIRE MAN

Chapter 16: A Change of Heart

Alexander’s POV

Umaga na naman, at nakaupo ako sa living room habang nag-iisip tungkol kay Isabella at kay Aiden. Lately, napansin kong nag-iiba ang mood ng anak ko. Parang may dalang pasanin na hindi niya maipaliwanag. Sa mga nakaraang araw, hindi siya kasing masaya na tulad ng dati, at alam kong may kinalaman ito sa kanilang sitwasyon ni Aiden.

Naisip ko, bilang ama, kailangan kong makipag-usap sa kanya. Dapat ko siyang tulungan na makita ang mas malaking larawan. Tumayo ako at pumunta sa kwarto niya, knocking softly sa pinto. “Isabella, can I come in?”

“Sure, Dad,” sagot niya, at nang pumasok ako, nakita kong nakaupo siya sa kama, hawak ang phone niya.

“Anong nangyayari sa’yo? Mukhang may bumabagabag sa isip mo,” tanong ko, umupo sa tabi niya.

“Wala naman, Dad. Just school stuff,” sagot niya, pero alam kong hindi iyon totoo. “Okay lang ako.”

“Alam mo, anak, minsan kailangan mong pag-isipan ang mga bagay-bagay nang mas mabuti,” sabi ko, trying to gauge her feelings. “I’ve seen how you are with Aiden. He means a lot to you, di ba?”

“Yeah, he does,” sagot niya, pero napansin kong may lungkot sa boses niya. “Pero Dad, parang ang hirap na malaman kung anong talagang dapat gawin.”

“Anak, listen. I want you to think about what makes you truly happy. I know na may mga expectation ang pamilya mo at ang sarili mo, but you also need to consider what’s best for you,” I advised, hoping to help her sort through her emotions.

“Gusto ko kasi si Aiden, Dad. Pero natatakot akong masaktan. Paano kung hindi ito tama?” sabi niya, clearly torn between her feelings and her fears.

“Isabella, every relationship comes with risks. But you need to weigh those risks against the potential happiness it could bring you,” I explained, trying to be as supportive as I could. “Aiden seems like a good guy, and he genuinely cares for you. But it’s important na maging totoo ka sa sarili mo. You have to ask yourself if you’re willing to take that leap.”

“Pero paano kung hindi ko na kaya? Ang hirap maging vulnerable,” sagot niya, her eyes downcast. “What if I just end up hurting him or myself?”

“Sometimes, being vulnerable is part of growing up. It’s a chance to learn and find out more about yourself and what you want,” I said, hoping to encourage her. “But you also need to communicate. Talk to Aiden about your feelings. It’s better na malaman niya kung ano ang nasa isip mo kaysa sa magtago ka lang.”

Napaisip siya, at naghintay ako sa kanya na magsalita. “I don’t want to ruin our friendship if it doesn’t work out,” she said, her voice filled with uncertainty.

“Anak, relationships can be tricky. Pero if you two are honest with each other, mas madali kayong makaka-adjust,” I advised. “And if it’s meant to be, it will find a way to work itself out.”

“Do you really think so?” tanong niya, looking up at me with hope.

“Yes, I do. Just remember that you have to put yourself first, and don’t be afraid to follow your heart,” I encouraged her. “You are strong enough to handle whatever happens.”

“I’ll think about it, Dad,” sagot niya, with a small smile forming on her lips. “Thanks for always being there for me.”

“Always, Isabella. I just want what’s best for you. You deserve to be happy,” I said, feeling relieved na kahit papaano, nakatulong ako sa kanya. “Just remember that whatever you choose, I’m here to support you.”

Nang umalis ako sa kwarto, naisip ko na sa kabila ng mga pagsubok na dinaranas ni Isabella, mahalaga ang mga ganitong pag-uusap. I hope na makapagbigay ako sa kanya ng tamang gabay upang malaman kung anong makakabuti para sa kanya at kay Aiden.

Bilang isang magulang, ang pagtulong sa kanya na mag-isip nang mabuti ay isang mahalagang bahagi ng kanyang paglaki. Nais ko na maging masaya siya at malaman na kahit ano pa man ang mangyari, andiyan ako para sa kanya.