Amore’s Hidden Identity(English)

Chapter 4

Liam and Gusting were happy while fishing—they quickly grew close, and their catch was excellent. They decided to head home as noon approached.

"Toto Liam, you must be my lucky charm! I used to catch less than half this amount, but look at all these fish—Amie will be so happy when she sees them!"

"Of course—though I only helped a little. Maybe you weren't pulling the net properly before, so a lot of fish got away."

"Ah, that must be it! I'm getting old. It's good to have an assistant now—thank you."

"It's nothing at all."

Gusting’s boat docked quickly, and Amore rushed over to meet them, carrying two towels. She gave one to her uncle, then used the other to wipe Liam’s face. He didn’t object and let her do it.

"Honey, are you tired?"

"I’m fine, honey! Look—we caught so much fish!"

"Wow, that’s a lot!" she said excitedly.

"Uncle Gusting, are you tired? Come on—I made a delicious lunch, you two will love it."

"Wonderful, Amie! You go ahead with your husband first. I’ll sell half the catch and bring the other half home for you to cook tomorrow."

"All right—we’ll go on ahead. Be careful, Uncle."

Amore took Liam by the arm, and they looked sweet together—though it would have been better if it were real instead of just a show.

"Hey Am, do we really need to hold arms? Isn’t this too much?"

"Yes—we need everyone to believe us. Someone could notice and get suspicious at any time. Think of it like a movie—we’re the stars, so we have to act well and not ruin the scene."

They passed by several people who stared at them curiously.

"Good afternoon!" Amore greeted them warmly.

"Good afternoon, Amie! Is this your husband? He’s so handsome!"

"Yes—this is my husband, Yam," Amore said, wrapping her arm around his waist. Liam put his arm around her shoulders, and they looked like the perfect couple.

"What a lovely pair! We’ll be on our way now—goodbye!"

"Goodbye!"

Amore didn’t let go of Liam’s waist until they reached the house. Only when they went inside did they separate.

"Honey, sit down—I’ll get you something to eat. I know you must be hungry. How was fishing? It looks hard work. If you went back to where you came from, your job would be easier there," she said seriously. "Here you go—do you like it? I cooked it myself, so I hope you enjoy it."

"Amie, come here for a minute!" her uncle called out.

"Just a second!" she replied. "Eat up—I’ll be right back after helping Uncle."

Instead of eating, Liam stood up and followed her.

"Why?"

"Did you go to town this morning? Help me wash the remaining fish first—put them in the freezer. I’m hungry, so I’ll eat now," Gusting said.

"All right," she answered. "Tsk—Uncle can be so annoying. He asks for help but goes off to eat first."

"Don’t complain—let’s go. It’ll be quick since there aren’t many left."

"Okay, honey," she said with a smile.

"Can I call you Am? Please stop calling me ‘honey’ when it’s just us—it feels weird," he said.

"Hmm. I’m just getting used to it so I don’t slip up. Don’t worry—I talked to my friend Dindo earlier. He’s working on a way for me to get back to Manila in about three months. Just hang in there with the act—you wanted to come with me, so you’ll have to be patient."

"Okay—we’re done. Let’s go eat now. I’m starving, so please stop nagging me, okay?"

"Fine."

They went inside and ate. Liam loved the food—Amore’s cooking skills were so good, she could have been a professional chef.

"This is delicious! Fried chicken is my favorite—thank goodness you made it," he said as he ate. "By the way, what else did you do in town besides shopping at the market?"

"I bought two cell phones—I’ll give one to you later so you have something to use. I also got plenty of SIM cards. If someone traces our number, we can switch right away. Tomorrow I’ll call Dindo again for an update on our plans."

"Really? Thanks so much—for the food and the new phone."

"No problem—just keep up the act. Here, eat more. Later I’m going boating—I want to visit my old hangout spot. You probably saw the small island earlier—it’s about a kilometer from here. It’s beautiful there, so I might stay overnight and bring a tent. Would you like to come? It’s okay if you don’t want to."

"Yeah—I noticed it earlier. Your uncle told me you go there a lot when you’re here on vacation."

"I want to buy it someday. I already plan to talk to the island manager tomorrow about purchasing it. It’s perfect—we could build a castle there, and I’d be the princess who lives in it. Doesn’t that sound fun?"

"Wow—big plans! Wanting to be a princess is something only kids usually dream about."

"Tsk—mind your own business. Lysander once told me he’d make me his princess one day, and we’d build a castle where we could live with our children. Isn’t that special?" she said happily. "But… I haven’t seen him since he left. Do you think we’ll ever meet again, Yam? Will that day ever come?" Her face grew sad as she thought about him.

"I don’t know if he’ll come back or not. It’s up to you whether you keep hoping—just follow your heart."

"I believe he will return. When he does, I’ll introduce you two—I hope you get along."

"I hope so too. I’m done eating now."

Liam groaned a little from eating too much.

"Here’s your new phone with a loaded SIM card. Use it only with people you trust, and never tell anyone where we are if they ask. Got it?"

"Is there even a signal here? I need to contact a friend to send me some money—I have plans of my own for after three months. You’re not the only one with things to do. Even if it’s hard, I still want to bring my brother down."

"Don’t do it—I’ll handle him. You won’t be able to go through with it. He’s still your brother, and fighting him would hurt you. Blood is thicker than water."

"So what? I need to get revenge. He tried to kill me just because we’re brothers."

"That’s where you’re wrong—he doesn’t care about blood or family. He’ll kill anyone who gets in his way. Just stay here and help my uncle—can you promise me that?"

"Okay, I promise. I don’t want to argue anymore. Let’s go to that island like you planned. You said you might buy it tomorrow—have you thought of a name for it?"

"Not yet. I can’t think of one right now. I just want my prince to be there with me one day."

"Tsk—‘prince’ my foot! I hope he never comes back," he teased.

"What? Are you making fun of me? Come here—you’ll regret that!"

They ran and chased each other on the sand, looking like kids at play. From a distance, Gusting watched them with a smile.

Suddenly, Amore tripped and almost fell—but Liam caught her just in time. They froze in place, staring into each other’s eyes. A strange feeling passed between them.

"Ahem! You two are so lovey-dovey! I remember how sweet couples are in the first year of marriage—they won’t even let a mosquito touch each other. But some end up fighting like cats and dogs later on. I hope that never happens to you two."

Liam let go of Amore suddenly, and she fell onto the sand.

"Ouch! Why did you let go? You’re going to pay for this—I won’t forgive you!"

"Enough of that! Stop fighting and come home," Gusting called out.

"Uncle, I’m leaving—I need to go to the island to clear my head. I’m mad at my husband!"

"Hey, it was just a small thing! Don’t go alone—it’s already five in the afternoon. Take him with you so you can talk things out. Please?"

"But Uncle…"

"No ‘buts’!" Gusting said firmly. "Yam, go with your wife. Fix this between you two—don’t come back until you’ve made up. Understand?"

"All right—I’ll go with her. Don’t worry, we’ll be fine. We’re leaving now—she already packed everything we need. Take care of yourself, Uncle. What about fishing tomorrow? Should we take the boat?"

"I’ll take a break—I’ll start cooking for the cafeteria instead. Just come back when you’re both happy again. Be careful!"

Liam caught up with Amore on the beach. She wasn’t saying a word—she was clearly upset, whether about what he’d said or about falling in the sand.

He paddled the boat to the small island while Amore remained silent. Liam carried all their things by himself.

They arrived just as the sun was setting. Liam pulled out his phone and took a photo—the view was beautiful, and even better when shared with someone special.

Amore also took pictures with her phone. She usually used a camera, but she’d left it behind. She loved scenic views and photography—her father had taught her to appreciate beauty and never harm others.

She started setting up the tent, and Liam helped her.

"Am, I’m sorry. What did I do wrong?"

"Nothing—forget it."

They didn’t speak again, communicating only through their actions and glances. Liam kept his distance and made a hammock to sleep in later.

He watched Amore wading in the water, laughing as she splashed around like a child. He sat down by the roots of a tree and found himself smiling.

"Come here and swim with me, Liam! The water’s great—hurry up. If you join me, I’ll forgive you, I promise!" she shouted.

Without hesitation, he went over to her.

"Are you sure, honey?"

"Huh!? What did you say?" Amore gasped. Liam had called her ‘honey’ in a deep, warm voice that made her heart flutter.

"Nothing—I’m just practicing so I sound more convincing next time. You said we’re the main characters, so we need to act well to convince the audience," he said with a smile.

"You’re absolutely crazy! Let’s swim out to the deeper part!" she said, and dove into the water.

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