My Love Pattern

Chapter 1 (The cruel brother)

CHAPTER 1

My sleep was interrupted when I awoke to a series of loud knocks on my bedroom door. Even though I couldn't open my eyes fully, I forced myself to speak.

"Argh! Who is it? My goodness," I groggily said, but the knocking didn't stop, in fact, it got worse.

I yawned my way out of my comfy bed, hurriedly putting on my cute panda fluffy slippers. I opened the door with a frown, and to my surprise, a strong blast of confetti hit my face.

"Happy birthday!" Adelaine shouted loudly as she scattered the confetti on my face. "Whoo! My birthday girl is still half-asleep!" She laughed while brushing the confetti off my hair.

My brain wasn't functioning properly at this moment. "What birthday?" I asked.

"It's your birthday! Silly!" She slapped me playfully.

"Adel, my god, it's so early..." I said, still half-asleep, rubbing my eyes.

"What do you mean early? Are you sleepless, girl?”

"Uh, yeah? Obviously. Give me 30 minutes, please, I'm still sleepy." I was about to close the door when she grabbed my arm.

"Ouch!" I exclaimed as she did that.

"No way, sleeping beauty! Get dressed quickly! I have a gift for you downstairs!" She said, and with that, she started descending the stairs.

Adelaine is one my best friends. Our bond strengthened during our second year of elementary school. My family and maids had become accustomed to Adelaine's frequent visits; she could drop by at any hour, including the early morning, insisting on a spontaneous sleepover because she couldn't sleep.

I groaned softly before giving in and preparing myself. When I went downstairs, I found her with a glass of tequila and several shopping bags beside her.

"What the heck, Adel? Tequila? At seven am? Are you kidding me?" I approached her, briefly smiling as I inspected the high-end brands of the shopping bags. This girl never changed.

While I do appreciate expensive brands, I sometimes prefer using affordable ones. Luxury brands, to me, seem overrated, and are often promoted by individuals with fake lives on the internet.

"Because tequila is better than tea!" Adelaine lifted her glass.

"You're just too much of an alcoholic."

She poured another glass for me and handed it over. "Oh, there you go."

"Really?" I asked disappointedly.

"Yes, it's your birthday, so drink with me! Come on!" She insisted.

"You're unbelievable." I took it anyway. "Anyway, thank you, Adel, for your gifts. You seem more excited about my birthday than I am." I sipped my tequila, frowning at the taste, thinking I was still too young to be an alcoholic.

"Of course! You're my most beautiful and beloved bestie! So, this day is special to me too!" She approached me briefly and hugged me, a loose embrace, she murmured. "I love you so much, girl."

I smiled a bit. Even though it was my birthday, deep in my heart, something felt lacking.

I avoided eye contact, my smile fading momentarily because I realized... the only person who remembered my birthday was like family to me, but not by blood. I wondered if Mom and Dad were still alive; maybe by 5 AM, I would already be awake because I knew they always prepared for my birthday.

But now... my birthday felt like an ordinary day, not because of adulting, but because it seemed there was nothing to celebrate, nothing special to me anymore.

"Are you okay, Margot?" Adel noticed my sudden silence.

"Did you see... My brother?" I wondered if he might still be downstairs.

Marshall is my brother, the only person remaining in my family, but for the past few years, I feel like… I already lost him too. He used to wait for me when I arrived at school. But now... Not anymore, and I understand why since we're no longer teenagers. But I hope that every now and then I can still feel that I still have a brother.

On the day of Mom and Dad's funeral, he swore that no matter what happened, he would never leave me and would complete our family even if they were not present. But… it seems he has since forgotten that promise.

She smiled in a restrained way. "You know your brother, he's probably already at work by 5 am."

I bit my lower lip. "He's always like that. I'm sure, like for the past five years, he hasn't remembered my birthday again," I pretended to open the shopping bags that Adel bought to distract myself from the sadness.

"Maybe he'll treat you to dinner when he comes home later?" I sensed Adel trying to cheer me up.

I shook my head. "That won't happen. The time for dinner is too late, and I'm sure he won't dedicate that time for me."

She placed her finger on her chin, appearing to be deep in thought. "You know, I used to have a crush on your brother, he’s just so hot! Eh… But now, I'm scared of him, he's always grumpy.”

"He has changed a lot since the day we lost Mom and Dad."

Adel stood up and approached me. "It must be hurt. I remembered before… You were so close, always together. The three of us used to play together when we were kids, remember?"

I sighed again.

"Visit him! Well... Maybe the reason you're not together is because you don't even want to visit him. Why not give it a try?"

"Adel, I don't want to disturb him. He might just get angry with me."

"Disturb? Girl, it's your birthday! Maybe he's just too busy and forgot. But if you remind him, he'll surely spend the rest of the day with you!"

I looked at her skeptically.

"Come on! Your brother may be busy, but I'm sure he can't resist you! He loves you so much!"

Her words suddenly energized me. I took another quick sip of my tequila before standing up hastily. "I'll go change!"

After getting dressed, I quickly made my way to my brother’s office. Despite the cold atmosphere, I felt my hands getting a bit sweaty from nervousness, clutching my bag.

I didn't bother to knock; I just opened the door. And when I saw him, I smiled. His impressive nameplate on his desk caught my attention.

Marshall Guilford Molina

Marshall's main dream was to become a professional golfer, but he finds himself in a different situation now. Since my childhood, he tried to teach me golf, expressing his desire to play the sport together. However, I consistently declined, perceiving golf as too dull.

Upon my arrival, I immediately noticed him. Initially hesitant, I observed him with a furrowed brow, engrossed in examining a set of papers while massaging his temple.

"I told you not to disturb me, Alyssa," he said without looking at me. Alyssa is his secretary.

I saw Alyssa earlier at the elevator, and she advised me not to disturb my brother since he's doubly busy today, unlike his usual days, but I didn't care.

"Hey... I-It’s me…"

He quickly faced me, just for a moment. Adjusting his office glasses, he then redirected his attention back to the papers in his hands.

"Margot, why did you visit? Don't you have class?"

"I won't go to school today, uh—"

"Reason?"

I took a step forward, still not getting too close to him. "Actually... Do you have any idea why I'm here?" I asked, hoping. "Like, is there some sort of celebration?"

He looked at me before shaking his head. "No, why?"

I briefly pursed my lips at his answer, but I smiled bitterly because I expected that, but... I still feel sad because deep inside, my heart hopes that he would at least remember.

As he sensed my silence, he momentarily set aside the papers he was holding and turned his gaze towards me. "Look, if you're here just to play the 'Guess why I'm here' game, then you better go, sweetheart. I'm busy, and I don't have time for that. Also, I'll be coming home late tonight."

"It's my birthday, kuya," I said firmly.

When I said that, he paused for a long time before cursing aggressively. "Oh, f**k," he muttered while wiping his face. "I forgot again. I'm sorry I..."

I didn't respond; I just looked at him with sadness on my face.

"Okay, look. If you want, tell me how much money you need, okay?" He glanced at me again before continuing. "I'll have Alyssa locate the proper organizer for you, at any hotel you want, invite your classmates and friends, and have a good time—"

"I don't want to celebrate my birthday like that; I just want to go out."

He nodded. "Okay, then. I'll send you money; just invite Adel and enjoy your day." He turned his attention back to the papers in front of him.

"That’s not what I want..."

"What else do you want, Margot? I told you I'll send you the money." I could hear a bit of frustration in his voice.

"I want to go out..." My voice gradually weakened. "...w-with you. Please, you come with me?"

His eyes closed firmly. "No. It's either you will take the money and celebrate it alone, or nothing at all."

"But—"

"Margot, leave; let's just talk later."

"Please..." I walked towards him to get his attention.

He glared at me. "Just do what I’ve said Margot. Leave.”

My lips slightly opened, about to speak, but it was cut off when someone called his phone. He quickly turned away from me and answered the call.

"Speaking."

He moved away so their conversation could be more private, not bothering to divert his attention back to me.

I bowed my head. Feeling the heaviness as I walked out of his office, slowly, without saying goodbye to him. I noticed that he glanced briefly in my direction when I was at the door, but that’s it.

It felt as if my heart had shattered into countless pieces. I knew it; I shouldn't have tried. I knew it would turn out like this. I felt almost weak as I left. I walked almost absentmindedly, feeling like nothing could make me happy today.

"Girl! Earlier, I talked with Sir Marshall; he's so handsome! I wonder when he'll notice me?" I overheard a couple of girls having a conversation. I know they all know me here, but they were too busy to notice my presence.

The side of my lips lifted slightly, with bitterness. If he doesn't pay attention to me, his own sister, how much more to them?

I kept moving slowly, and as I did, numerous thoughts crossed my mind.

How did he and I end up like this? Why did he undergo such a sudden change, especially since the passing of Mom and Dad? I find myself questioning the promise he made at their graves.

The Marshall I talked to earlier... he's not my brother, because my brother wouldn't do that to me. It's like he's not just changed; he's a damn different person now. And it seems like my old brother will never return.

What should I do?

As that thought crossed my mind, I stopped walking.

For some unknown reason, I felt filled, and I couldn't bear it anymore.

My face turned fierce as I quickly walked back to his office, almost running. Some greeted me, but they eventually fell silent when I ignored them as I usually did.

I entered his office abruptly, noticing that he was still on the phone. I quickly approached him, grabbed his phone, and ended the call.

With what I did, he appeared shocked. "What the hell is wrong with you, Margot?!"

I felt a bit scared due to his yelling. "I don't want your money. I want you to be with me on my birthday. So, come with me!" I insisted.

"Damn it, I told you I can't, right?! Why can't you understand that?!"

"You're the one who doesn't understand me! You just have to accompany me! Is that so difficult?! This isn't just a normal day! It's my birthday!"

He glared at me. "Oh hell... Birthday?! That pointless birthday is less essential than our business, Margot! Have you ever seen me having a birthday party? There's nothing to celebrate about having another year of your life!"

Tears welled up in my eyes at what he said. I clenched my fists for a moment before speaking. "Maybe you forget, w-we no longer have parents!"

"I know! That's why I'm doing this!" He pointed at the table. "I promised them that I won't neglect the business they worked hard for; this is what our parents want!"

"B-But it wasn't part of your promise to our parents to abandon me! Y-You promised, right?! That you won't leave me, but what are you doing? It's my birthday, and you're not here! What if a sudden incident happens, huh? What if I need your help? I can't count on you!"

He looked stunned, momentarily unable to respond.

"I just want to be with you on my birthday. Just for one day!"

"Tsk," He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples, showing how stressed he was with me. "Okay, it's your birthday! So, what do you want me to do, huh? Reschedule all of my appointments and meetings for your birthday? To take you out to a fancy restaurant and engage in pointless talk with you? Or perhaps take you to a theme park and get you some stupid cotton candy? Do you think that is way more important than the call I had earlier?!"

His words felt like an incessant needle, relentlessly stabbing me and subjecting my heart to unbearable pain.

"That potential investor is worth millions, not pesos but dollars! And you almost ruined it! For what?! For that damn birthday?!" He yelled at me, his face turning red with anger.

My body felt weak as I tried to approach him. "T-This is not you anymore.”

"You're grown up now, Margot. You should be able to handle yourself; stop acting like a child!"

My lips trembled as tears rolled down my face, and I cried in front of him. "I hate you! I hate you so much! I-I miss Mom and Dad! I-I miss my grandma! I-I have no family left, nothing at all!"

He paused.

With force, I wiped away my tears before facing him again. "Fine, if that's what you want, I'll never show myself to you again! Just stick with your millions of dollars since that's apparently more important than your sister!" I shouted angrily at him before running out of the office.

"I didn't say that! Margot!" I heard his call out to me, but he didn't chase after me.