Amore’s Hidden Identity(English)

Chapter 7

Gusting hummed a tune as he hammered a sign outside his home, announcing the opening of their new cafeteria. He’d already spread the word among his friends, but a visible marker would draw more passersby—theirs would be the first small eatery in the area, and he hoped it would thrive.

He’d spent the morning tidying the grounds around the hut, which was far larger than it appeared from the road—spacious enough to seat ten diners comfortably, with sturdy wooden chairs arranged neatly inside. It was the first time he’d opened the space to guests, and he’d been imagining all the new dishes Amore and Liam might create to bring in even more customers.

“Everything’s set to go… Hmm. Amie and Yam should be back soon to help. I suppose they’re still enjoying the island—can’t blame them, it’s beautiful there. But still… playing like kids without me? Tsk. What am I even thinking?” Gusting muttered, picturing the pair laughing and splashing in the waves as he worked alone.

He felt a pang of frustration—they’d been gone longer than expected, and he’d need extra hands to manage the day’s rush.

“Gusting! A cafeteria—how wonderful! This place will be packed once word gets out. I’ll tell everyone I know to come by,” his neighbor called out, approaching the sign with a smile.

“What can I get for you?” Gusting asked.

She pointed to a tray of stew. “This looks perfect. How did you manage to open so quickly?”

“Ah, my husband saw your sign and sent me over. Whose idea was this—yours or Amie’s?”

“It’s Amie’s venture. I keep telling her to stay here instead of going back to Manila—life there’s far too complicated. Out here, we live simply and survive well enough.”

“You’re right about that. My daughter Lita keeps begging to move to the city, saying money comes faster there. I’ve tried talking her out of it, but she won’t listen.”

“Huh—don’t let her go. Manila’s dangerous. She could work here with us instead—Amie would be happy to pay her when she hears about it.”

“Thank you! I’ll speak to her tonight.”

“Good. That way, when Amie’s ‘husband’ and I go out fishing, she’ll have company here—and won’t get restless thinking about the city.”

After their chat, the neighbor left with her order, and Gusting’s morning rush began in earnest. Customers streamed in—families, farmers, and travelers passing through—and he barely had a moment to catch his breath. He juggled roles as cook, waiter, and dishwasher, his legs aching and his back sore from standing for hours.

Why did I let them run off to that island? he grumbled to himself, wiping sweat from his brow. Now I’m stuck doing all this alone. Maybe they’ve forgotten about coming back entirely.

Just as he’d managed to sit for a few minutes, a group of fishermen arrived, laughing and calling out their orders.

“Lord help me… What are they doing out there, anyway? Don’t they feel bad leaving an old man to handle all this? But no—I’m the one who let them go. I’ll manage,” he muttered, pushing himself to his feet once more.

“Here you go, boys—how was the catch?” he asked as he served their food.

“Great haul today, Gusting! We wish you’d come with us—we’re running low on good fishermen like you. But this place suits you too—your cooking’s better than any restaurant in the city!” one young fisherman joked, nudging his father.

“Ha! Me, a good fisherman? Not anymore. My knees give out if I stand too long on a boat—serving food’s tiring enough as it is.”

“Nonsense—you’re as strong as a carabao! You’ll be fine.”

“I just wish my niece and her husband would get here so I can rest. This business is harder than hauling nets—I cook, I serve, I wash dishes… I never thought I’d say this, but fishing was easier.”

“Where are they, anyway?”

“Out on the hidden island—you know how much she loves that place.”

“Ah! Speaking of which—look who’s coming down the shore now. They’re just docking at the port. You can finally take a break, Mang Gusting! And Amie’s husband—he’s as handsome as everyone says!”

“Thank you, son. He is a good-looking lad—and hardworking too. He’s my new fishing partner when he’s not helping out here.”

“Lucky you—handsome and dependable. You’ve got a good one there.”

Moments later, Amore and Liam walked up to the cafeteria, grinning and carrying woven bags of shells and fruit they’d collected.

“Good day to all of you!” Amore called out to the diners, who waved and greeted her warmly.

“Good day, Amie!” they replied in unison.

“Welcome back,” Liam added with a nod.

Once the last customers had finished their meals and left, Gusting ushered the pair inside and told them to freshen up. They took quick baths, changed into clean clothes, and immediately took over serving duties while Gusting settled into a chair to rest his tired bones.

Amore got to work cooking more food—Gusting’s earlier batches had sold out completely—and newcomers to the cafeteria praised her hearty, flavorful dishes.

“Honey, I’m going to find a signal to call my friend Dindo. It might take a while—can you handle things here?” Amore said to Liam.

“Of course.”

Liam pulled out his own phone, frowning when he saw the blank contacts list. He’d lost all his numbers during the escape, and now he couldn’t remember how to reach his friends in the States—friends who could help him access the money he’d left behind. He racked his brain for their digits, but nothing came to mind. With a sigh, he slipped the phone back into his pocket and turned to help the next group of customers.

MEANWHILE, Amore had trekked to a small hill where cell service occasionally reached—the island’s remote location made reliable connectivity a constant struggle. If only they’d build a cell tower here, she thought, scanning the horizon until she finally saw signal bars flicker to life.

She dialed Dindo first, but his phone went straight to voicemail. Remembering Scarlett’s number by heart, she sent a quick text instead—it would be their only way to finalize plans for confronting Regor once she returned to Manila.

When she headed back to the cafeteria, she found Liam watching her with a tight expression. Concerned, she walked over to him, ready to ask what was wrong—but when she saw Gusting emerging from his room, she wrapped her arms around Liam’s waist instead.

Liam stiffened in surprise. “Hey—what are you doing?” he whispered.

“Nothing,” she murmured back. “Uncle’s watching. We have to keep up the act, remember?”

“Right… whatever. I don’t care. Go handle the customers—I’m going to try calling my friend again.”

He stepped away and spent the next thirty minutes pacing the shore, trying to find a signal of his own. When he returned, his mood was darker than before.

“Took you long enough,” he said sharply. “No signal out there, or were you just talking to Lysander?”

“What? I was calling Dindo—he’s just a friend. And yes, there’s barely any signal here. You could’ve tried looking yourself if you don’t believe me.”

“Fine. I’m going to take a nap. My bed’s looking pretty good right now—especially with no one crowding me.”

“Tsk. Annoying,” Amore muttered, turning to greet a new group of diners.

As the afternoon wore on, Gusting approached Amore while she was plating food. “So—how was your trip to the island? Did you two have a good time?”

“It was lovely. We really connected,” she said, hoping her smile looked convincing.

“Connected? You two seemed to be arguing when you got back.”

“Just joking around—we’re fine, I promise.”

“Good. Couples need to know how to have fun together. Speaking of which… I hope you and Yam start thinking about kids soon. You’re twenty-five now—time flies! I never got to hold my own grandchild, so I’m counting on you. I’d love to see little ones running around here—they’d be as beautiful as their parents.”

“Uncle! Of all things to ask… Yam and I aren’t planning on children yet. We want to enjoy life first, and things are so uncertain right now. It’s hard enough to get by—having a baby would make it worse.”

“Ah… I understand. But please, think about it. I’m not getting any younger, and I’d love to see my great-nieces or nephews before I’m too old to play with them.”

“Maybe in five years?” Amore offered quickly, scrambling for an excuse. She’d never felt more cornered—if Gusting kept pushing, he might start to suspect their marriage was a lie.

Thankfully, a customer called out for more rice, and Gusting turned to help, giving her a chance to slip away to her room.

“Argh! Uncle Gusting, what is wrong with you? Grandchildren—really? You know I don’t have any plans for that, and it’s not like we’re actually married!” she muttered under her breath as she closed the door.

Inside, she found Liam fast asleep on the bed. Seeing him there made her bristle—if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be lying to Uncle like this, she thought. But as she stepped closer, she noticed something on his cheek and leaned in to look.

Her face was just inches from his when his eyes snapped open, and their gazes locked.

“Hey there, sweetheart. Were you about to steal a kiss? Did you—”

“Mosquito!” Amore blurted, cutting him off. She swatted at his cheek and forced a smile. “Sorry—there was a mosquito on your face. I had to get it.”

“Mosquito? I don’t feel a thing. You’re not fooling me—are you starting to fall for me?” Liam teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

“What?” was all she could manage before turning and hurrying out of the room, her cheeks burning bright red.

She fled to the beach, finding a quiet spot to sit and collect her thoughts.

“Argh! Did he see how red my face was? What is wrong with me? I’m the one who said no falling in love—this is just pretend!” she scolded herself, burying her face in her hands as her mind raced with confused feelings.