CHAPTER 2
1306 Words
Viel's POV.
“Dad!” My five-year-old daughter’s voice rang through the room.
She jumped onto the bed, yanking my comforter off. “Wake up, Dad! I have something to tell you, wake up!”
I groaned. I had only slept four hours, coming home early from the disco bar. Still, there was no stopping her.
I rubbed my eyes and frowned at her. “Bea… your dad is still sleepy. What is it this time?”
She grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I’ve seen my future mommy!”
I froze. “Bea… you’re too young to be looking for a mommy. She’ll come along when the time is right. How many times have I told you that?”
How many times had she tried to set me up? She’d even asked her aunts, uncles, and grandma for help. I had only agreed to a blind date because I knew she wanted to feel like she had a mommy. After all, she was only five months old when her mom left, and I caught her with another man.
Bea’s tiny hand covered my face as she stared at me seriously. “Daddy… this is the last one. I can’t find a new wife for you anymore. Just say yes.”
I sighed. “Okay… who am I going to date?
“Nanny!” she called.
At the doorway stood Nanny Marie, holding an iPad. “Yes, Bea?”
“Come here,” Bea said.
I frowned. Don’t tell me… Nanny Marie?
“Nanny, lend me my iPod,” Bea said. She opened it and scrolled. “This one, Daddy.”
She showed me a picture of a woman, smiling brightly. She was fair-skinned and beautiful, though with photo editing these days, appearances can be deceiving.
“What is this?” I asked.
“She’s looking for a boyfriend, and I think you should meet her, Daddy.”
I blinked. “Bea… women like that are usually after money. No sensible woman posts online looking for a billionaire boyfriend.”
“But I already chatted with her,” Bea said, proudly showing me their conversation. “I told her you’d meet her tomorrow.”
I muttered under my breath, “Fuck.”
The woman expected her boyfriend to pay fifteen thousand pesos for her house rent. And of course, Bea had agreed.
“Bea… this could be a scam or worse. Who taught you to use a dating site? You’re five years old! Where did you even learn that?”
She pointed at Nanny Marie. “I saw Nanny Marie talking to a man. She said he was her boyfriend, so I asked her to make an account for you.”
I buried my face in my hands. “Geez, Nanny… don’t show Bea your chats with men. She’s imitating you.”
Nanny Marie nodded. “Sorry, sir.”
“Daddy, you’ll meet her tomorrow morning at the mall. Don’t forget!” Bea said, bouncing on her toes.
“Okay, okay… just leave it. I want to sleep again,” I said, already drifting back to the comfort of my bed.
Bea smiled and kissed my cheek. “Sweet dreams, Daddy,” she whispered before skipping out of the room. I shook my head, watching her go.
“You’re really growing up, Bea,” I murmured, a small smile tugging at my lips.
Then I finally let sleep claim me again.
***
When I woke up at three o’clock in the afternoon, I immediately got out of bed to start my daily routine. I brushed my teeth, took a quick shower, and then exercised for an hour. It’s the same routine I follow every morning because my day doesn’t feel complete without meditation and a bit of exercise.
Afterward, I left my room and headed to my office to check my emails. Moments later, a soft knock came at the door.
“Come in,” I called.
One of the maids entered, carrying a tray of food. Instead of rice, I had prepared bread and a vegetable salad.
“Thank you,” I said as she set the tray on the table. She nodded and left quietly.
Just as I was scanning through my emails, my cellphone rang. I saw my mother’s name flash on the screen.
“Hello, Mom?” I answered.
“I’m glad you picked up. I thought you were still asleep.”
“Did Bea tell you I came home drunk last night?” I asked.
Mommy laughed. “Your daughter really is something. She’s so smart and thoughtful for her age.”
I sighed. She was right. Bea had already been thinking about my date again.
Mommy chuckled. “Why don’t you focus on finding a future wife? You’re so busy with work that you don’t even take your child to parks or malls.”
I fell silent. She was right. I hadn’t noticed how fast Bea was growing up because I’d been so consumed with work.
“We’re going to the mall tomorrow,” she said brightly.
“That sounds great,” I replied.
That evening, I went to Bea’s room. I knocked lightly and opened the door to see her nanny combing her hair.
“Dad!” Bea exclaimed.
I walked over. “Are you going to sleep soon?”
“Yes, Dad. I’m not allowed to stay up late.”
I ruffled her hair playfully. “Good girl.”
“What do you need, Dad?” she asked.
“I just wanted to tell you that tomorrow, we’re going on a little date of my own. You’ll be meeting the woman I’ve been seeing. I want you to see if she can be your mommy.”
Bea hugged me tightly, her face lighting up. “Yay! Thank you, Daddy!”
“You’re welcome,” I said, kissing her cheek.
“I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too,” I replied.
“Will you read me a story so I can fall asleep?” she asked.
“Of course,” I said. I stood, picked up a book from her shelf, and read until her eyes finally closed, her little chest rising and falling in sleep.
The next day, Thor, one of my closest friends and a 30% partner in the company, called out as I left.
“Where are you going, Viel?”
“After my meeting with the investor, I’m heading home,” I said.
Thor raised an eyebrow. “Planning a father-daughter date?”
I smiled. “Exactly. I’ll be back later.”
“Good luck!” he said, waving as I got into my car.
When I arrived at the mansion, Bhea was already dressed, her excitement practically radiating from her.
“I’m so excited, Daddy!” she squealed.
A few minutes later, we arrived at the mall and went straight to a fast-food restaurant. I placed our order while Bea waited impatiently.
“Daddy! She’s here!” Bea suddenly shouted.
“What is she wearing? What color is her dress?” I asked.
“She’s in jeans and a red t-shirt. She has long hair too!”
We both turned to the entrance, eyes scanning every person coming in. And then she appeared matching Bea’s description perfectly.
“She’s cute. That’s probably her,” I said.
I stood and walked toward her. She had long lashes, narrow lips, and an effortless beauty. No makeup, yet she radiated charm. I found myself even more impressed as I approached.
I tapped her shoulder. She turned.
“Yes?” she asked.
“Are you Xheree?”
She raised an eyebrow. “Yes… do I know you?”
I held out my hand, meeting her gaze. “My name is Viel Domingo.”
Her eyes widened. “V-Viel Domingo?” she muttered, clearly surprised.
- Writer
