I'm Legal Wife

Chapter 5 — A new chapter begins (POST-GRADUATION)

The morning air in Singapore was crisp, carrying the faint scent of the nearby sea and the hum of the city streets. Eryl Saeve sat at the breakfast table, the quiet clinking of cutlery filling the otherwise peaceful apartment. Her children had grown into remarkable young adults, and for the first time, she allowed herself to feel proud not just relieved, but genuinely proud.

Vhenn, dressed in a neatly pressed shirt and slacks, was scrolling through his tablet while sipping coffee. "Mama, I received the confirmation from my new office. They want me to start in two weeks. I think I'm ready," he said, a hint of nervousness betraying his calm demeanor.

Eryl smiled warmly. "I've watched you grow from a cautious boy to a man who can handle anything two weeks or two months, it won't matter. You'll thrive because you know how to think, and more importantly, how to lead."

Deyr, already in his medical scrubs for a brief morning rotation, paused in the doorway. "Mama, I'll be busy with the hospital this week, They're assigning me to the pediatric ward for training. I'm nervous."

Eryl reached across the table to squeeze his hand. "You were born for this, Deyr compassion runs in your veins, not coldness like your father's you'll touch lives without even trying, just by being yourself."

Vale, still in her high school uniform, perched on the edge of a chair, sketchbook in hand. "Mama, do you think I can get into my preferred design program? It's competitive."

Eryl looked at her youngest daughter and smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Vale, talent and perseverance can overcome competition, You've had both since the day we arrived in Singapore I believe in you, the rest is up to you."

Later that afternoon, the family gathered in the small rooftop garden of their apartment. The city skyline gleamed around them, lights beginning to twinkle as the sun dipped lower. Eryl had prepared a modest celebration: local dishes from Singapore, some pastries she had picked up earlier, and a bottle of sparkling juice for the children.

Vhenn raised his glass first. "To Mama," he said, his voice steady yet emotional.

"You gave us a home when we had nothing you showed us how to survive, how to think, how to grow. And now... you've given us a future, thank you."

Deyr followed, his voice quieter but just as heartfelt. "To Mama, you've been our strength through every fear, every nightmare we may not say it often, but we see everything you've done for us. And we will never forget it."

Vale, still shy, lifted her glass with a small smile. "To Mama, and to our new life. I...I love you, Mama."

Eryl felt tears prick her eyes, she set her glass down and pulled them all close. "I love you three more than anything and no matter what happens, remember—we survived the worst, and we will face the future together."

In the following weeks, each of the children settled into their respective paths.

Vhenn Dravos began his career in supply chain management at a multinational company. He spent long hours learning the ropes, negotiating contracts, and observing how businesses operated internationally. Eryl occasionally called him from the plantation to consult on shipments, proud of how naturally he applied lessons she had taught him about leadership and strategy.

Deyr Dravos dove into his medical residency at Changi General Hospital. The pediatric ward tested him in ways the textbooks never could, and he thrived. Compassionate and observant, he quickly became a favorite among patients and staff. Eryl often visited him after long days, bringing home-cooked meals and encouragement.

Vale Dravos began preparing her portfolio for design school applications. She spent hours sketching, learning software, and exploring the city for inspiration. Though quieter and more reserved than her brothers, she grew more confident each day, inspired by her mother's unwavering determination.

Eryl's plantation business continued to expand, the European distributor approved the organic certification, opening new markets. Workers admired her diligence and approachability. She met clients, negotiated deals, and occasionally traveled abroad to oversee new contracts, always ensuring the children were aware of how much effort went into building a secure life.

One afternoon, as she walked through the citrus grove, Oralie Velasquez approached. "Eryl, the shipment to Malaysia is ready. Do you want me to handle the export documents?"

Eryl shook her head, examining the leaves on a tree. "No, I'll do it myself. Every detail matters, Oralie It always has, this is not just a business it's a legacy."

Oralie smiled knowingly. "You've grown so far from the woman I first met in Manila. Eight years, and look at you. Strong, independent...unstoppable."

Eryl paused, thinking of Leyte and the life she had left behind. "We all survive our battles differently. This...this is how I survived. And I intend to keep thriving."

Even in Singapore, the past lingered like a faint shadow. Occasionally, Eryl caught herself staring at a news headline about Rhaen Dravos or hearing whispers of the family in Manila. Her heart tightened, but she reminded herself of one fact: the children and she were safe. For now, that was all that mattered.

One evening, Vhenn approached her while she reviewed export documents. "Mama... do you ever think about Papa?"

Eryl looked up, calm but firm. "Sometimes, but I don't dwell on him, what matters is what we've built, what we continue to build. You, Deyr, and Vale...that is my world now, everything else is history."

Vhenn nodded silently, understanding, he had grown into a man capable of discerning which battles to fight and which shadows to leave behind.

As the sun set over Singapore, Eryl watched her children, Vhenn discussing his work plans, Deyr organizing his schedule for the hospital, Vale sketching quietly in the corner. The hum of the city around them, the scent of the plantation filling her apartment, and the light of the setting sun created a rare moment of serenity.

She whispered softly to herself, "We've survived, we've grown. And no one...no one will take this from us."

Eryl Saeve, mother, survivor, and leader, finally allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. Eight years of fear, flight, and rebuilding had led to this: a family strong, independent, and ready to face whatever came next.

The future was theirs and Eryl would ensure that it stayed that way.

The sun rose over Singapore, bathing the city in a warm, golden hue. The streets below bustled with activity, a reminder that life moved fast, even faster than they could imagine. Inside the apartment, Vale Dravos sat cross-legged on her bed, laptop open, sketchbook balanced on her knees. Today was her first day of college.

"Mama, I'm nervous," Vale muttered, biting her lip.

Eryl Saeve, who was finishing up some export paperwork for her plantation business, looked over the top of her glasses. "Nervous is fine, Vale, It means you care but remember you've been preparing for this your entire life. You're ready."

Vale closed her sketchbook and gave a small smile. "I hope so. I don't want to mess up or get lost in the crowd."

Eryl stood and walked over, brushing a strand of hair from her daughter's face. "Vale, listen to me you're not lost, you're here because you worked hard and you're smart, talented, and capable, you belong here."

Vale nodded, feeling the courage she needed. "Thanks, Mama."

Meanwhile, in a sleek office in downtown Singapore, Vhenn Dravos stared at his computer screen, the weight of responsibility pressing on his shoulders. His first week as a supply chain manager had already tested him in ways he hadn't expected.

"Vhenn, have you reviewed the shipment discrepancies?" asked his manager, a woman in her forties with a sharp eye for detail.

"Yes, ma'am," he replied calmly, though his mind raced.

"I noticed the packaging errors came from the new supplier in Malaysia, I've already requested a quality review and a revised schedule for next week."

"Good, keep monitoring it. This is a high-profile client. One mistake and it's on us." she nodded.

Vhenn exhaled quietly as she left, the stakes were higher than anything he had imagined. He thought of Mama Eryl Saeve, and how she had managed the plantation with precision and care. If she could do that for thousands of shipments across continents, he could handle this, he just had to trust himself.

Later that evening, he called home.

"Mama, the first week was harder than I thought," he admitted, pacing his mansion.

"You'll adjust, Vhenn," Eryl reassured him.

"Every new challenge feels overwhelming at first remember, it's about persistence, observation, and learning from mistakes you have the ability, I know it."

Vhenn smiled, feeling the familiar calm of his mother's confidence. "Thanks, Mama I don't know what I'd do without your advice."

"You'll do fine, Vhenn and remember, you're not alone, I'll always be here." she said.

At Changi General Hospital, Deyr Dravos moved briskly down the corridors, clipboard in hand, observing a patient in the pediatric ward. The hospital was busy, chaotic even, but Deyr had grown used to the controlled chaos.

"Deyr, you need to check the dosage for this patient," a senior doctor called.

"Yes, Doctor," Deyr replied, carefully calculating the measurements. He paused, thinking of the lessons Mama had taught him: patience, attentiveness, empathy. Unlike his father, who measured everything coldly, Deyr measured with care.

Later, during a short break, he called home.

"Mama, today was...intense, but I think I'm learning how to handle it." Deyr said softly.

"You're doing exactly what you should, Deyr," Eryl said.

"You're listening, observing, and thinking critically and more importantly, you're treating people with care. That's what matters."

Deyr smiled, feeling the reassurance of her voice. "I hope I'm making a difference."

"You are," Eryl replied firmly.

"Every small decision you make here matters never underestimate the impact you have."

Back at the plantation, Eryl oversaw the workers as they prepared for a large shipment to Europe. The orange trees glistened under the sun, each branch heavy with ripe fruit. She moved among them, inspecting, questioning, and correcting when necessary.

"Ms. Saeve, the logistics team says they can ship everything by Friday," Oralie Velasquez reported.

"Good," Eryl said. "But double-check the containers. I don't want a repeat of last month's issue. Our reputation depends on quality."

Oralie smiled. "You never stop, do you?"

Eryl shook her head. "I can't. Not when everything I've built depends on it. Not when my children are counting on me to make sure they have a future."

The sun was setting when she finally stepped back to admire the orchard. Eight years ago, she had been running through the night, her children trembling in her arms. Now, they were safe, thriving, and she was finally in control of her destiny.

Eryl did not notice the man watching from a distance. Rhaen Dravos had learned of her new identity, her life in Singapore, and her successful business. Quiet, calculating, he observed the apartment from a nearby street, using subtle surveillance to watch his children grow from afar.

"Vhenn... Deyr... Vale," he muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing. "You're safe...but this family...this life... it belongs to me too."

He did not act yet, only observed. He had learned over the years that Eryl's independence, her careful planning, and her children's emotional strength made them nearly untouchable. But he would wait, plan, and find the moment when he could reclaim a presence in their lives if not as a father, at least as a shadow of influence.

That night, the family gathered in their living room. Vale showed her latest sketches to her brothers and Eryl, who praised her attention to detail. Vhenn discussed his first major project at work, sharing both challenges and excitement. Deyr spoke of a patient who had taught him the value of empathy in medicine.

Eryl listened quietly, absorbing every detail. The children were growing into remarkable adults strong, independent, and compassionate. And while the shadow of Rhaen Dravos lingered somewhere in the distance, inside their home, there was laughter, warmth, and the unspoken bond of survival and trust.

Eryl said softly, "Tomorrow, we take another step forward, one day at a time, and no one can take this away from us. Ever."

Her children nodded, feeling the strength of her words. In Singapore, in this apartment, and among the thriving plantations, they had found freedom, hope, and life beyond the past. And Eryl Saeve would ensure that no shadow could reach them not now, not ever.