CHASING MY EX, THE FARMER

A SON

The morning sun slowly rose above the rolling hills of Calinan, Davao City,

In the vast fields of coconut trees and farmland, roosters around the area clucked loudly, crowed from distant backyards while farmers prepared their tools for another long day of work. The peaceful countryside was waking up, but for twenty-year-old Erwen Sanchez, the day had already begun hours earlier.

With sweat dripping down his forehead, Erwen pushed a wheelbarrow loaded with sacks of animal feed across the muddy grounds of their small hog farm. His clothes were stained with dirt, and his hands were rough from years of hard labor. Yet despite the exhausting work, he continued without complaint.

The farm was not much to look at. The fences were old, several roofs needed repairs, and the pigpens constantly required cleaning. Still, Erwen treated the place with care because it was the only source of income for the Sanchez family.

"Erwen!"

A sharp voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked up and saw his father, Rogelio Sanchez, standing near the entrance of the pigpens.

"Yes, Pa?" Erwen answered.

Rogelio snapped. "Move faster. The buyers will arrive this afternoon. Finish feeding the pigs and clean the back pens."

Erwen nodded.

"I'll do it right away."

Without another word, Rogelio turned his back and walked away.

Erwen sighed quietly before returning to work. He was used to this treatment. Since childhood, nothing he did seemed good enough for his father. No matter how hard he worked, Rogelio always found faults in him.

Unfortunately, things became even more painful because Erwen had a twin brother. It is Elmar Sanchez.

Although they shared the same birthday, the same blood, and even similar faces, the way people treated them could not have been more different.

Elmar was the pride of the family. Handsome, confident, and outgoing, he excelled at everything he touched. Teachers praised him. Neighbors admired him. Relatives constantly talked about his potential. Most importantly, their parents adored him. Whenever Elmar achieved something, the family celebrated. Whenever Erwen achieved something, nobody noticed.

That reality had followed Erwen throughout his entire life.

As he finished feeding the pigs, Erwen heard laughter coming from the house. Curious, he glanced toward the open window.

Inside, Elmar sat comfortably at the dining table while their mother, Luz Sanchez, served him breakfast.

"You'll be late for your business seminar," Luz said warmly.

Elmar smiled. "Don't worry, Ma. I'll leave in a few minutes."

Rogelio entered carrying a folder.

"Son, I spoke with my friend from Davao City, He wants to introduce you to some investors." he said proudly.

Elmar's eyes brightened. "Really?"

"Of course. People see potential in you."

The three laughed together.

Outside the window, Erwen quietly returned to work. Nobody had invited him inside. Nobody had asked if he had eaten breakfast. It had always been that way. Still, Erwen refused to allow bitterness to consume him.

But deep inside, he carried a dream. A simple dream, that one day, he would build something of his own. A people would recognize his worth. And one day, he would create a future that nobody could take away from him.

Later that afternoon, after completing his chores, Erwen rode his old motorcycle toward downtown of Calinan. Unlike the busy streets of Davao City, Calinan remained as the most peaceful place. Small stores lined the roads. Children played basketball near the barangay hall. Vendors sold fruits and vegetables beneath colorful umbrellas.

As he parked near a local bakery, a smile finally appeared on his face. Because he knew she would be there.

Fiona Villanueva.

The moment he entered the bakery, he saw her. She stood behind the counter arranging pastries, her long dark hair falling over her shoulders.

For a second, the noise around him disappeared. No matter how many times he saw her, the feeling remained the same.

Fiona looked up, but the moment when their eyes met, her face brightened. "Erwen!"

A genuine smile spread across her lips. "What are you doing here?" she asked.

Erwen laughed. "I think that's a funny question."

"Why?"

"Because you already know the answer."

Fiona rolled her eyes playfully. "You came to see me."

"Exactly."

Her cheeks turned slightly red. Although they had known each other for years, moments like this still made her nervous. Unlike most people, Fiona never judged Erwen for being poor. She never cared that he spent his days working on a hog farm. She never compared him to Elmar. She saw something that others failed to see.

His kindness. His loyalty and his determination. Those qualities had slowly captured her heart.

"You look tired," Fiona said softly.

"I worked since before sunrise."

"You should rest more."

Erwen smiled. "If I rest too much, who will feed the pigs?"

They both laughed. For the next hour, they talked about everything and nothing. Their dreams, worries and their future. With Fiona, Erwen felt understood. For the first time in his life, he felt important.

As the afternoon sun began to set, Fiona walked outside with him. They stood beneath a large acacia tree near the bakery. The golden light painted the sky.

"It’s beautiful," Fiona whispered.

Erwen nodded. "It is."

But he wasn't looking at the sunset. He was looking at her.

Fiona Noticed and laughed. "What?"

"Nothing."

"You're staring again."

"Maybe."

She shook her head. Then her smile slowly faded. "Erwen..."

His expression became serious. "What?"

"My father has been asking questions."

The happiness in Erwen's eyes disappeared.

"What kind of questions?"

"About us."

A heavy silence followed. Both of them understood what that meant. Antonio Villanueva was one of the most respected businessmen in Davao City. He had high expectations for his daughter.

Erwn doubted that he would approve of a struggling hog farmer.

"Are you afraid?" Fiona asked.

Erwen thought carefully before answering. "Honestly?"

"Yes."

"A little."

Fiona reached for his hand.

"I don't care what anyone says." Her words warmed his heart.

For years, she had remained his source of strength.

"No matter what happens, I won't leave you." she continued

Erwen squeezed her hand gently. "And I won't stop fighting for us."

The two stood together beneath the fading sunlight, unaware that difficult days were approaching. At that moment, they were simply two young people in love. Dreaming. Hoping. Believing that love alone would be enough.