Love over Desire

Chapter 4 Words That Transform

SADIE’S POV

“WHERE ARE YOU, COUSIN?” A message from my cousin Maria. I frowned. “I wonder why she remembered to text me,” I muttered to myself.

“On my way home from the city, why?” I replied. I had stopped over to rest, which is why I was able to read and reply to her message.

“Let’s have dinner at Aling Tasing’s! My treat,” she texted back.

“Why? What’s up?” I asked.

“No more questions, cousin. See you, bye!”

End of conversation. I climbed back into my van and started the engine. I needed to get going; it would be dangerous to be caught on the road after dark.

“Where are you now, cousin? I’ve been here a while,” another message from Maria. I could sense her impatience.

“I’m almost there, I’m in the town proper. I’ll be there in a few minutes,” I texted back.

A few minutes later, I arrived outside Aling Tasing’s. Aling Tasing's dinner is the famous diner in town. The diner's owner is a client of mine here in Santa Monica. After making sure my van was properly parked, I hopped out, grabbing my hooded jacket. Feeling the evening chill, I put it on and headed inside. Upon entering, I immediately spotted my cousin, frowning and constantly checking her watch, clearly impatient. Knowing her, she hated being kept waiting.

“Maria!” I called as I approached the table.

“Cousin!” she exclaimed brightly, jumping up to give me a tight hug. I hugged her back. “I miss you,” she said.

This girl’s mood changes so fast! I thought, amused.

“Whoa, easy,” I said, laughing. “Missed you too.”

We ate our food mostly in silence, focused on satisfying our hunger.

“Speak up, Maria. What’s the occasion? And why the sudden treat?” I asked, putting down my empty water glass.

Maria sighed, putting down her spoon and fork. She took a sip of water. “I’m going to the city the day after tomorrow,” she said, a hint of sadness in her voice. Knowing her, her life revolved around their hacienda. She loved the simple life here in Santa Monica.

“What? Why so sudden?” I asked, surprised.

“Papa said I’m going to manage our company,” Maria explained. “Papa’s company is big. I don’t know if I can handle it. I don’t even know my way around the city,” she added, fear evident in her voice. “I don’t want to fail Papa.”

“I know how you feel, how heavy the responsibility Tito is placing on you is. Tito isn't getting any younger, and as his sole heiress, you should take this to heart. Don't waste all your father's hard work. Do your best, as much as you can. I know Tito will be proud of you!” I said sincerely. I could empathize with her; I carried the burden and responsibility of the farm, my family, and our workers on my own shoulders. That’s why I worked so hard to keep the farm afloat. I didn't want to fail Papa either!

“You’re right!” Her spirits seemed to lighten.

I leaned forward, my eyes softening with understanding. "Listen, Maria," I said, my voice taking on a more serious tone. "Managing a big company isn't just about skills you already have. It's about growth, learning, and believing in yourself."

Maria looked at me, her eyes wide and attentive.

"I know Tito Alejandro is doing this for a reason. I continued. "He sees something in you that you might not see in yourself yet. Doubt is normal, but it shouldn't paralyze you. Every successful person started exactly where you are now - uncertain but willing to try."

I reached out and squeezed her hand. "The city might seem overwhelming, but you're not alone. You have resources, support, and most importantly, your own intelligence. Take it one day at a time. Ask questions, observe, learn from those around you. Your inexperience isn't a weakness - it's an opportunity to approach things with fresh eyes."

Maria's expression shifted from fear to determination. "How do you always know exactly what to say?" she asked, a small smile forming.

I chuckled. "Years of managing our family farm taught me that challenges are just opportunities in disguise. Remember, being scared doesn't mean you're not brave. Being brave means moving forward despite your fear."

"I want to make Papa proud," Maria said softly.

"And you will," I reassured her. "Not by being perfect, but by being persistent. Every mistake is a lesson, every challenge a chance to grow. Trust yourself, Maria. You're more capable than you know."

“Thank you so much! You’re the best cousin ever, not like Kuya Alex,” Maria said, pouting at the mention of my brother’s name. “Yes, that’s right. I won’t be like Kuya Alex,” she added with determination.

I chuckled. “That will never happen,” I said. But a sudden pang of pain hit me as I remembered Alex’s plan to sell the farm and farmhouse.

“Sadie?” My cousin called, noticing my silence.

“Y-yes?” I responded, trying to sound natural.

“You’ve gone quiet. Let’s go to the park and plaza. The lights are on,” she suggested.

“Okay, let’s go,” I replied.

We left the diner and headed towards the park and plaza. It was just a minute’s walk, so I didn’t bother getting the van.

“It’s so beautiful!” Maria exclaimed, amazed by the various lights.

“It’s a shame we missed the lighting ceremony,” I said as we stood under one of the centennial trees.

I noticed her expression change. “What’s with that face?” I asked, puzzled.

“I really wanted to go, but Papa wouldn’t let me unless I brought my bodyguards, so I just locked myself in my room,” she said, sulking.

“Bodyguards?” I asked, surprised.

“Yes, bodyguards. Papa assigned them for my safety,” she grumbled. “They really piss me off! They follow my every move…”

“Where are they?” I asked, looking around, but I couldn’t see anyone.

“I drugged them!” she replied bluntly.

“W-what? You drugged them?” I was in disbelief.

“My god, you and your impulsiveness! Tito’s going to be furious,” I said, but Maria just shrugged.

“Come on, let’s celebrate my freedom and relax,” she said, pulling my hand.

She need to relax too. The lights and the lively Christmas music filling the air helped her unwind a bit.

When we got tired, we sat on a bench near the giant Christmas tree in the middle of the plaza. While we were sitting there, I noticed a handsome man in a baseball cap, smoking a cigarette, looking in our direction—particularly at Maria—from not too far away. I nudged Maria’s shoulder; she was busy scrolling through the photos on her phone.

“There’s a handsome guy looking at you,” I told her, pointing discreetly toward where the man had been standing. But to my surprise, he was gone.

“Where?” Maria asked, looking up.

“I saw him over there,” I replied, pointing again. “But he suddenly disappeared. I must have imagined it,” I said, trying to dismiss it. “Should we head home? I’m getting tired.”

“Okay,” Maria agreed. “I’m tired too. I’ll ride with you.”

“Where’s your car? Don’t tell m—”

“Yes, I walked. But a local on a motorbike passed by, and I hitched a ride,” she confessed.

“You’re impossible, Maria!” I exclaimed.

HAPPY READING ♥️

_TAGAILOCOSNAK