When We Almost Were

The First Day

Liam’s Point of View

8:00 AM – Alarm rings

I turned off the alarm on my phone and stretched a little. Today’s going to be a long day.

I’m Liam Madrid, 22 years old, and today is the day of my first-ever job interview. After I graduated from college, I immediately searched for a job — and surprisingly, I got accepted pretty easily. Don’t ask how or why, because honestly, I don’t even know either.

I walked out of my room and headed downstairs, only to find my dad already prepping my white polo shirt and pants.

“Dad, you've been ironing that since last night. It might get burned already.” I asked, laughing at the sight. He was ironing my polo again — even though I clearly saw him doing it last night.

“No matter how many times I iron this, you’ll still come home messy. And this polo of yours? It’ll be all wrinkled again when you get back.” he replied.

“Go ahead and eat your breakfast.” he added with a teasing smile. That’s his way of showing love — teasing me every chance he gets. I just smiled mischievously and sat down at the table to eat my breakfast.

I forgot to properly introduce my dad. He’s Leo Madrid, single and very gay (yes, for real). He adopted me when I was just a newborn. My biological parents left me, and believe me, we tried to find them — but they’re already gone. Dead. Either in heaven or… hell. (Just kidding.)

Why did he adopt me?

Because of his partner.

Yes, I had two dads. Had.

But I don’t know where my other dad is — and Dad Leo doesn’t know either. Or maybe… he just won’t say.

“He left us. And don’t you ever try to look for him, Liam.”

That’s all he ever said.

Every time I try to bring him up, my other dad — he changes the topic faster than lightning.

Maybe he’s too hurt to talk about it. Maybe he’s ashamed. But whatever the reason is...

I still have the right to know.

When I was still a student, I wasn’t capable enough to find him — my other dad. But now that I’m a grown man, I’ll do whatever it takes to finally look for him.

Why?

Because I love Dad Leo.

And sometimes, there are problems only a partner, a husband, a boyfriend — can truly understand. Not a son. I want him to have someone again. Someone who can take care of him the way he always took care of me.

I know a lot of people will probably say,

“Why don’t you just find someone new for him?” or

“Just set him up with someone else.”

Believe it or not, I’ve already tried that. But he always, ALWAYS — rejects them. He keeps showing me that he’s fine being single forever. But I know that deep down... he’s not. Especially when it comes to the needs only a man, a partner can truly fill.

You know what I mean.

I grabbed my phone and opened a chat with my best friend — Ace, who also got accepted into the same company as me. We’ve been best friends since junior high and stayed close ever since.

“Let’s just meet at the entrance, Li” Ace messaged.

“Alright. See you.” I replied.

I took a moment to look at myself in the mirror.

And for the first time in a while, I felt proud. Proud of who I’ve become. I survived the toughest years of my life — and now, I’m ready to face whatever challenges come my way.

“Take care, Liam. Your lunch is there too.” Dad Leo said as I grabbed my bag. I nodded and smiled, “Thank you, Dad.”

We weren’t even done talking when there was a knock at the door.

“Good morning, Leo. Liam,” said a man with a wide, weird smile — Nathan, my dad’s ever-persistent suitor. In his hands was a fresh bouquet of flowers.

I swear, I don’t even remember how many times Dad Leo has rejected this man, but Nathan just won’t give up. Dad keeps saying he’ll eventually stop. At this rate? I think Nathan might just become my dad’s forever suitor.

I looked at my dad and smirked.

“Well, what now, Dad? Tito Nathan's here and he even brought flowers.” I said with a wink and chuckled, teasing him as always.

Dad gave me a warning look, clearly annoyed but too polite to say anything in front of Nathan.

“I’m leaving my Dad to you, Tito Nathan.” I added as I passed by, leaving the poor man blushing and Dad Leo silently screaming inside.

I glanced back one last time and saw my dad forcing an awkward smile. He looked tired. Tired of dealing with Nathan every single day. But he doesn’t really have a choice.

Third-Person Omniscient

Crescentic — a globally renowned fashion company is involved in the design, production, marketing, and sale of clothing and accessories across international markets.

At the helm of its main branch in the Philippines is Aries Griego Jr., the only son of Aries Griego Sr. While his father spends most of his time abroad, working with international partners and expanding the company’s global reach, Aries Jr. is entrusted with managing the company’s headquarters back home.

Aries Jr. is widely known for his sharp intellect, particularly in marketing strategy. He has an uncanny ability to sense exactly what the market wants — what’s trending, what’s dying, and what’s about to rise. He thrives under pressure, often solving last-minute problems with ease and precision. More impressively, he can design a full dress from scratch, making him one of the top designers the company proudly boasts.

Despite being one of the most famous fashion brands in the industry, Crescentic was not without its controversies.

“JUST IN: Aries Griego Jr. spotted at a Metro Manila bar with a man” read the headlines that quickly circulated online.

“What’s this, Aries? Didn’t I tell you to be careful about what you do in public?” his father scolded, voice cold and sharp. Aries stood silently, head down, eyes fixed on the floor. He shouldn’t feel guilty... should he?

“Yes, I know you’re gay,” his father continued, “but don’t flaunt it in public.”

Aries voice cracked as he replied, his eyes starting to well up. “It’s not wrong to be gay, right, Dad?

It’s not like I chose to be this way..”

“But it’s worse if the public finds out! It will ruin the company’s reputation.”

Aries didn’t respond. He didn’t need to. Because in his father’s world—in the world of corporate image, public opinion, and reputation being himself was always going to be the problem.

Now, as Crescentic continued to grow, the company had begun hiring new employees. Despite whispers online accusing the company of having a toxic work culture and rumors about the people at the top, Liam and Ace still decided to give it a shot.

After all, they were about to be interviewed today.

Liam’s Point of View

The silence in the hallway, paired with the freezing aircon, was making my skin crawl all the way to my bones. Ace went in first for the interview, and guess what? It’s Mr. Aries Griego Jr. himself—the CEO, who’s going to interview us. Now I’m getting nervous. The coffee I drank earlier was starting to mess with my stomach.

"Sh*t, I feel like I need to poop." I muttered under my breath.

A few minutes later, Ace walked out of the CEO’s office, eyes downcast, not saying a word.

"Well? Did you pass?" I asked, trying not to sound too tense. He didn’t answer. I reached out and tapped his shoulder. “It’s okay.” I said to comfort him.

Then, out of nowhere, he started laughing and jumped like he just won a raffle. "I got hired!" he shouted.

I couldn’t help but laugh too. We jumped around like kids in the hallway until the celebration was cut short by the secretary’s voice.

"Mr. Madrid? You may now go inside."

And just like that, my stomach did a full flip.

I turned to Ace before heading in. He nodded at me, like saying "You can do it!” I nodded back and took a deep breath before stepping into the room.

The moment I entered, it was way too quiet—the kind of silence where you could hear your own heartbeat and your nervous breathing. The office was wide, cold, and spotless. In front of me was a large chair facing the opposite direction. Whoever was sitting in it hadn’t turned around yet.

Then a calm, low voice filled the room.

"Have a seat."

I quickly sat down. His voice alone gave me goosebumps. I could still feel the chill from the aircon, but now it was mixing with the tension building in my chest. I seriously thought I was going to pass out.

Then the chair turned around, slowly, deliberately, and I saw him.

Aries Griego Jr.

I almost forgot how to breathe.

He looked unreal. Like a vampire who walked straight out of a fashion spread. Thick eyebrows. Deep, sharp brown eyes. A nose so tall and defined it could cast its own shadow. His skin was fair—almost glowing under the cold lights of the office.

And when his eyes met mine, it felt like he was staring straight through me. Like he was peeling off every layer and reading everything I’d ever tried to hide.

“Mr. Liam Madrid, am I right?” Mr. Aries asked, his eyes skimming through my documents. “Yes, Mr. Aries,” I replied, as confidently and quickly as I could.

“Don’t be nervous,” he said, his tone cool but calm. “Just be yourself. Shall we begin?”

I nodded with a small smile. “Yes, sir.”

And just like that, the interview began. It was going smoothly—better than I expected. Until Mr. Aries leaned forward slightly and asked,

“You mentioned being raised by a single parent, your dad?”

I smiled politely. The question made me feel at ease—because talking about Dad Leo always did.

“Yes, sir. Leo Madrid. I was adopted when I was a baby. My dad’s raised me ever since. It’s always just been the two of us.”

Mr. Aries didn’t say anything right away. He simply nodded and turned another page of my file, then asked,

“How would you describe your father?”

I couldn’t help but smile wider. “He’s strong-willed. A little overprotective, honestly” I chuckled. “But he’s always been there. I owe everything to him. He’s the type who’ll iron your polo twice before a job interview and still say it’s not good enough.”

I laughed a little, then quickly realized where I was. “Sorry, sir” I said, sitting up straighter. “I got carried away.”

But Mr. Aries only smiled—a strange, unreadable smile.

I smiled back politely. Maybe he likes the way I tell it? Or, maybe I’m just naturally funny?

“I’d like to meet your father sometime” he said casually, “Maybe he can iron my suits, too.”

I blinked in surprise, then chuckled awkwardly. I wasn’t sure if he was joking or if there was something else behind that line—but I smiled anyway.

Third-person Omniscient

And just like that, all the newly hired employees were officially part of Crescentic. They would begin their duties and be assigned to their designated departments first thing tomorrow morning.

8:47 PM — Conference Room, Crescentic Main Office

The textile designer stood confidently at the head of the table, surrounded by department heads and senior staff. Swatches of fabric were spread across the glass table, accompanied by charts showing quantity estimates, pricing breakdowns, and supplier options for the upcoming Showcase Event in Manila. Everyone had something to say. Voices overlapped with opinions—debates about texture, durability, and sourcing costs. It was a typical high-stakes production meeting.

Except for Mr. Aries Griego Jr.

He sat silently at the end of the table, his mind somewhere else.

“Leo Madrid…”

The name echoed again in his thoughts—clear, intrusive, unforgettable. He hadn’t heard that name in years. It used to be a name he whispered before falling asleep.

A name he fought for.

A name that once meant home.

"Mr. Aries? Mr. Aries..." his secretary's voice pierced through the haze as she gently tapped his shoulder. He blinked back to the present, "What’s your opinion on this, Mr. Aries?"

He straightened his posture, glancing briefly at the swatches before delivering his verdict with precision.

“The fabric lineup sounds solid,” he began, his voice cool and composed. “But cut the imported silk by 30%. The local supplier’s quality has improved, and it’ll save us a significant amount. Reallocate the extra funds to embroidery detailing—we need to stand out on the runway.”

A few heads nodded in agreement, impressed by how quickly he re-engaged. The rest of the meeting flowed smoothly after that, ending without much pushback. As everyone began packing up, Aries turned to his secretary.

“Ms. Ezra,” he said sharply.

“Yes, sir?”

“I need the information folder of Liam Madrid.”

She blinked, surprised by the sudden request.

“Sure, sir. I’ll send it to your email right away.”

“No.” His tone dropped.

“I need it now. Hard copy. Immediately.”

The urgency in his tone surprised her. She didn’t question it. Within minutes, she returned and placed the folder in front of him.