Raider Monteverde's POV
“Lito… why are you like that?” I said, laughing at my old friend. “We’ve known each other for years, yet you’re still shy around me?”
Lito and I had been friends since high school. He was naturally brilliant, the kind of student who stood out without even trying. I wasn’t stupid—I understood our lessons well enough—but his intelligence was on another level. He became my classmate because he was a scholar, and we stayed together until graduation. After high school, he didn’t go to college. Life had other plans, and he had to work instead.
Even so, distance never erased him from my life. We didn’t see each other often, but I never forgot him. In fact, I always made an effort to keep him close.
Among all the people I called friends, Lito was the only one who truly deserved the word. He was poor, yet he never asked anything from me. That was why I always made it a point to help him—quietly, willingly—checking on what he needed because I knew he would never ask. He showed me what real friendship felt like.
The others? They turned friendship into competition. My success made them bitter, even hostile. Somewhere along the way, I became their enemy simply for moving forward in life. That was why Lito meant so much to me. He was the one person I trusted without doubt.
Lito scratched the back of his head, clearly uncomfortable. “You know I’m not used to you helping me like this. Honestly, you’ve already given me so much—more than I can count. You don’t have to give me anything. I’m just your friend. I’m not your responsibility. And… it’s embarrassing.”
I nudged his shoulder playfully. “Stop saying that, Lito. If you keep talking like that, I might forget we’re even friends,” I teased, half-threatening.
His eyes widened before he laughed softly. “That’s too much. Don’t be like that, Raider.”
I laughed along with him. “You’re the stubborn one. Just don’t be shy around me anymore. And don’t ever say you’re embarrassed or refuse my help. I’ll really get mad at you.”
He shook his head, still smiling. “Thank you, Raider. You’ve never treated me any differently. Sometimes, it feels like you see me as family.”
“That’s because I do,” I said, meeting his gaze. “You’re my best friend—like a brother to me. I’m an only child, and I’ve always felt alone. So I’m grateful I met you.”
There was a brief pause before Lito spoke again. “By the way… how old are you now? I forgot.”
“I’m turning forty this August,” I answered. “Why?”
He cleared his throat, hesitant. “I was just wondering… why haven’t you gotten married yet? Why haven’t you started your own family? You’re getting older. Don’t you want children? Life can be hard when you’re alone. And who’ll inherit everything you’ve worked for? Having children—it feels good. It gives life meaning.”
I let out a long sigh. “I can’t seem to find a decent woman. Every time I get to know someone, it becomes obvious—they’re only after my money. It’s hard to find someone faithful these days. I’m struggling to meet a woman who fits my standards, someone who truly loves me. Everyone seems hungry for what I have, not who I am.”
Lito chuckled softly. “Maybe it’s harder for you because you’re surrounded by beautiful, sexy women—and most of them are flirts. They don’t know how to be content with just one man. But I believe you’ll find someone who truly loves you. Still, you can’t just wait. You need to take action. At this rate, you might turn fifty and still be single.”
I laughed. “I hope it never gets to that point. I did have a fling recently, but I ended it right away when she started asking for all sorts of things. It became obvious—she was treating me like a sugar daddy. Pesky women.”
Lito burst into laughter as I told him about my experiences. I couldn’t deny it—I didn’t turn everyone down. Most of the time, they were the ones who made the first move. Even without me saying a word, they offered themselves freely, and I didn’t refuse. I gave them what they wanted, and they satisfied my desires.
“Still, don’t lose hope, Raider,” Lito said between laughs. “With your looks, it’s impossible not to find a woman who truly loves you—one who isn’t after your money. Just don’t give up.”
“Mama? Papa?”
Lito and I both turned toward the door at the sound of a woman’s voice. My eyes widened when I saw her—a young woman with a beautiful face and a striking figure. Her fitted clothes accentuated her curves, and it took me a second to realize who she was.
“Avannah, my daughter!” Lito exclaimed, rushing toward her.
“Papa!” Avannah cried as she hugged him tightly.
I swallowed hard. Avannah? Avannah? I could hardly believe it. She was all grown up now, nothing like the thin, awkward child I remembered. She looked poised and confident, with a graceful figure and an undeniable presence. I couldn’t understand why I was suddenly so aware of her.
“Where’s Mama and my siblings?” Avannah asked.
“They just stepped out for a while. I don’t even know where,” Lito replied. “I’m just waiting for them. Look at you—you’ve grown so much. You’ve changed a lot. It was the right decision to let you stay with your Aunt Elen. She gave you a good life, and I’m happy for you, my child.”
“I’m doing well, Papa,” Avannah said with a smile. “Aunt Elen has been very kind to me. Now it’s my turn to give back. I’ve already found a job and an apartment near my workplace. Aunt Elen’s fine with me moving out—she has a new boyfriend now, and they’re planning to live abroad.”
“I’ve missed you so much,” Lito said, pulling her into another hug. “I’m proud of everything you’ve achieved. Thank you for not forgetting us.”
“I could never forget you,” Avannah replied softly. “You, Mama, and my siblings. I’ll work hard so you can all live comfortably.”
Then she turned to me.
For a moment, I froze. Her gaze held mine, and I felt strangely unsettled, as if she could see straight through me. I swallowed, trying to steady myself.
“This is your godfather, Raider,” Lito said. “He came to visit me. He hasn’t changed—still a good friend, always there when needed.”
Avannah smiled at me, and for some reason, it took my breath away.
“Hi, Raider!” she greeted cheerfully as she walked closer.
I stiffened when she hugged me, my body reacting before my mind could catch up. Heat rushed through me, and panic followed. What’s wrong with me? I thought. Why am I feeling this way?
“How are you, Godfather?” she asked gently.
“I—I’m fine,” I replied awkwardly. “S-still single, as you can see.”
My eyes flickered to her lips before I quickly looked away and shut my eyes for a brief second, willing myself to calm down.
“Godfather, are you okay?” she asked, lightly holding my arm.
I subtly pulled away, her touch lingering longer than it should have. “I’m fine, Avannah. Don’t worry about me,” I said with a strained smile.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for my family,” she said sincerely. “We’ll find a way to repay your kindness.”
“There’s no need,” I replied, avoiding her gaze. “I’m just glad I could help.”
I discreetly pinched myself, trying to snap out of whatever haze I was in.
“Lito, I—I have to go,” I said suddenly. “I have something important to attend to.”
I forced a polite smile. “It was good seeing you again, Avannah. Your godfather should get going.”
I left their house in a hurry.
Even after getting into my car, my breathing hadn’t steadied. I glanced down, startled to find a very obvious reminder of just how shaken I was.
"f**k!"
I felt a surge of arousal from Avannah's hug.