Mother's Daughter, Daughter's Home

Chapter 9: Triumph and Tears

The day Elara had been dreaming of finally arrived. After years of suffering, years of working while studying, years of crying and enduring pain, she stood in front of the university building wearing her graduation gown.

Graduation Day.

The sun was shining brightly, as if the heavens themselves were celebrating her victory. Elara looked at the mirror one last time. She saw a young woman with eyes full of wisdom and strength. She was no longer the scared little girl who ran away from bullies. She was now a graduate.

"I did it, Mama. I did it, Papa," Elara whispered, touching her medal. "I made it."

When she walked down the stage to get her diploma, she looked at the audience. There, in the front row, sat her family.

Lina was wearing her best dress, crying uncontrollably. She held her hands to her chest, unable to believe that her daughter had achieved this.

(Lina’s POV)

That is my child, Lina thought, tears flowing freely. My Elara. She survived hunger, bullying, and pain. And now she is standing there so beautiful and smart. I am the proudest mother in the world.

Manuel was sitting beside her, looking weak but his face was beaming with pride. He clapped his hands slowly but forcefully.

"That is my daughter! That is my Elara!" he said loudly, forgetting his sickness for a moment.

And beside them stood Julian, smiling proudly. He looked at her with so much love.

(Julian’s POV)

I knew you could do it, he thought happily. You are the strongest woman I know. I will spend my life making sure you are always happy.

After the ceremony, they met outside. The hugs were tight, the cries were loud.

"Anak! You are so amazing!" Lina hugged her.

"Congratulations, my daughter," Manuel kissed her forehead. "You made us proud."

"Thank you, Papa. Thank you, Mama," Elara cried. "This diploma is for you. I owe everything to you."

It was a moment of pure happiness. The pain of the past seemed so far away now.

But life is full of surprises. Just when they thought they had closed the door on their history, someone knocked again.

A few days after graduation, Elara was resting at home. A car stopped in front of their gate. A woman stepped out. She looked old, tired, and sad.

Elara recognized her immediately. It was Rico’s sister, Marites. The woman who bullied her mother, the woman who called her names.

Elara’s body tensed up. She stood up to protect her home.

"What are you doing here?" Elara asked coldly. "Did you come to bully us again? Or do you want money?"

Marites did not shout. She just looked down, ashamed.

"Elara..." Marites voice was weak. "I... I came to ask for forgiveness."

Elara was shocked. "Forgiveness?"

"Yes," Marites sighed deeply. "Rico is dead. Our family is destroyed. We have nothing now. I realized how bad we were to you and your mother. We treated you like trash when you were the only good thing left in this family."

She looked at Elara with teary eyes. "I am sorry, Elara. I am sorry for everything. Please forgive us."

(Marites’ POV)

Life punished us, she thought sadly. We were rich and arrogant before, but now we are poor and lonely. I see Elara successful and beautiful. I feel so ashamed of what I did.

Elara stood there silently. The anger inside her wanted to shout and kick her out. But then she remembered what Manuel taught her.

Do not repay evil with evil.

"Okay," Elara said softly. "I forgive you. But please, don't come back again. We want peace."

"Thank you," Marites cried. "God bless you, Elara. You are truly a saint."

When Marites left, Elara felt a heavy stone lifted from her chest. The past was finally, truly closed.

With her diploma in hand, Elara started looking for a job. Because she was smart and had a good record, it did not take long for a big company to accept her.

"Welcome to the team, Miss Dizon," the manager said. "We are happy to have you."

Elara started working. Her first salary came quickly. It was a big amount, more than she ever imagined.

She held the envelope with trembling hands. She ran home.

"Mama! Papa! Look!" she shouted happily. "I got paid! We have money now!"

She gave most of the money to her mother. She bought medicine for Manuel. She bought good food for the family.

"Now, Mother, you can rest," Elara said gently. "I will work now. I will provide for everything."

"Really, anak?" Lina smiled, holding the money. "You will take care of us now?"

"Yes," Elara nodded proudly. "You suffered enough. It is my turn to take care of you."

But being successful also brought new challenges. In her workplace, Elara was beautiful and intelligent. She caught the attention of the boss’s son, a rich and arrogant man named Richmond.

"Hey, new girl," Richmond called her one day in the office. "What is your name? Elara? Pretty name."

"Good afternoon, Sir," Elara answered politely, not wanting trouble.

"Come with me tonight," Richmond smirked. "I will give you everything you want. Just be nice to me."

"I am sorry, Sir. I have a boyfriend," Elara refused firmly.

"Boyfriend? Pfft," Richmond laughed. "He is probably poor. I can give you luxury. Don't be stupid."

He started harassing her. He would touch her arm, he would call her late at night, he would give her impossible tasks just to annoy her.

Elara was stressed again. She told Julian.

"Julian, he is bothering me," Elara said one evening. "He wants me to be his mistress. He thinks I am cheap."

Julian’s face turned red with anger.

"What? He dares to touch my woman?" Julian stood up. "I will go there and talk to him."

"No, Julian," Elara held him back. "I will handle it. I am strong. I will not let him win."

(Elara’s POV)

I am not the same girl anymore, she thought determinedly. I have a degree. I have dignity. No one can bully me again. I will show him that I am here to work, not to play.

The next day, Richmond called Elara to his office. He locked the door.

"You are really hard to get, Elara," he said, walking closer to her. "But I like it. Be mine, and I will promote you."

He tried to touch her face. But Elara was fast. She slapped him hard across the cheek.

SLAP!

The sound echoed in the room.

"Do not touch me!" Elara shouted with authority. "I am an employee here, not your toy! I have dignity! And if you do this again, I will report you to the board! I will tell everyone what kind of person you are!"

Richmond held his cheek, shocked and angry.

"You... you dared to slap me?"

"Yes!" Elara looked straight into his eyes. "I am Elara Dizon. And I am not afraid of you."