Chapter 4

• Jacob's secretary was quick to send her address. He drove by their village at this early hour only to stay inside his car and watch her house like a creep.
• If only the fate didn't screw up, he could've been coming home in that house to find Tatiana waiting for him.
• Or perhaps, the kids too.
• He smiled bitterly to himself.
• She owns a huge house. Does she live there alone? Or maybe some housemaids with her?
• Or maybe, her boyfriend.
• That thought didn't suit well on him.
• From one of the windows, a light flickered open. His eyes fixed there. Is she up this early?
• As far as he can remember, she wasn't a morning person.
• She remembered those times in the island. She'd always wake up late and he'll wake her up by showering her kisses.
• She loves to be tickled. It turns her on. He thought. Does her new lover do that to her?
• With a heavy heart, he turned on his engine and drove away.
• STRANGE. Tatiana uttered to herself. She woke up without her alarm even going off yet, and she's not even a morning person. She woke up with her heart beating so fast causing her to get up and drink some water. It's only four in the morning.
• S
• he was so bothered when she looked over window and she saw a car parked in there. It's as if someone was watching their home. She thought she saw Jacob. Which was impossible. Of course that guy could pull off things like that but he would never waste time just to watch her house like that. She knew him well.
• Maybe she was just over thinking.
• She couldn't sleep anymore so she went across her room to visit her sleeping son. His toy cars are on the floor and his sketchpad and pencils are sprawled on his little desk.  He's so good in Arts. Sketching, painting. You name it.
• She fixed his things and sat beside her son. Julian stirred in his sleep but relaxed when he embraced his mommy. Tatiana smiled, She'll never regret bringing him into this world while she's still so young. He's the greatest thing that happened in her life. She loves her son more than anything. She could only be grateful to Jerome who is such a hands on father, he stays up late to watch over their son when Julian was just a baby. A doting father.
• Way back in Italy, Jerome likes hanging out with their son even in the office. His mates would always say they look so much alike since they share the same eye color.
• Blue.
• Although of different shade, you can't even tell the difference they have. Usually, they even get the same haircut. Wears the same clothes too when they go out.
• Tatiana had so much time the next day she drove him to school and picked her up in the afternoon. She admired her son while he walked closer to her. Julian looked so cute in his uniform. Behind him was his stroller bag.
• Julian hugged her. "Hey, mom. You look beautiful." Julian eyed her mom who was wearing a red sundress. For him she was the most beautiful girl in the world.
• Tatiana smiled at her son's sweetness. She kissed his cheek. “Thank you, baby. Had fun today?”
• They headed straight to mall, to buy him some shoes and toys. She also bought a pair of heels for herself and some clothes for the nannies at home.
• Christian came around in his suit and tie. He looks clean and dapper.
• "Uncle!" Julian ran into his arms, he immediately carried him.
• "Hello, big boy. Did you miss me, huh?"
• Julian jerkily nodded his head.
• "Hello there, doctor." She greeted his brother, kissing his cheek.
• "I'm sorry, I took so long. I needed to finish a few rounds. Did I keep you guys waiting?”
• "It's okay, we had shopping.” she raised the paper bags she was carrying, his brother took it from her to carry it himself.
• They left the mall and went to an Italian Cuisine that his brother suggested. Honestly, Tatiana really misses Italian dish, she's sure her son does, too. He'd sometimes ask the nannies to cook carbonara for his dinner. She sat beside Julian, his brother across them.
• "Their pasta's good. Hmm." She complimented.
• "Do you miss living in Italy, Tati?"
• "Yeah, sometimes. There's so much difference but I'm glad to be back here.” she shrugged.
• "How about Jerome, then? Doesn't he plan on coming home?"
• Christian and Jerome were really close. Her brother would often visit them in Italy, it's Jerome who tours him around, brings him to pub and have a drink.
• "He's gonna take a vacation but I'm sure he wouldn't be here for long. His job was very stable. And he has a position."
• Christian nodded. "Julian misses his father."
• Her son butted in. "I do, uncle. He's my ultimate playmate.”
• Tatiana frowned. "Hey, we play sometimes?"
• "Mom, it's different." Julian raised his eyebrow.
• She remembered when they left for Philippines. At the airport, Julian clung to his dad so much, he cried too. Even Jerome teared up. It broke her heart watching such moment.
• “Tati, I heard from dad that you're their new corporate lawyer. How is it?”
• Oh you have no idea.
• "Have you met the CEO? Jacob Shaw?"
• "Y-yes--- I mean, of course. I've met him twice.”
• Christian frowned. His over protectiveness side kicked in. "Be careful around him. He's a fuckboy--- womanizer." He said quickly when he remembered his nephew are with them. I know he's professional but just be careful around that man, okay?"
• She could only nod.
• Was he that worst now? What is his reputation look like, was Jacob known to people for being like this?
• Somehow, the thought of him bedding whoever he likes stirred something inside her, which, she immediately shook away.
• "Speaking of the devil, and the devil shall appear." Christian mumbled. She raised her head only to see Jacob entering the restaurant.
• Her heart hammered, her eyes wide. Shit.
• Her eyes immediately darted towards her son. "Tian, go. Bring Julian at the restroom first. Don't leave until I tell you to do so, okay?" She said in a hurry. Her heart was beating so fast she was panicking.
• "What's going on---”
• She glared at him, Julian already stood up to go to his uncle. "Just go okay, I'll explain later."
• She was already pushing them and gladly they complied.
• Even with her back on him Jacob knew it was Tatiana. He cleared his throat to let her know about his presence.
• "Good evening, attorney." He said coolly.
• "Good evening, Shaw." She curtly greeted.
• "I see you had a dinner for three." His eyebrows shot up. "Did you third wheel? Who were you with?"
• "They're in the restroom. I'm with my brother and--- the son of our cousin."
• Jacob folded his arms across his chest. "Which cousin?"
• "Nigel, the one who married an american." She quickly answered.
• "I see." Jacob hummed. "I was here with my sister and brother in law, waiting outside."
• "Why are you here?”
• Jacob frowned at her question. "Because I saw you outside. I thought I'd say hi."
• "We were just leaving." She hoped Christian and Julian wouldn't get bored waiting for her. Christian shouldn't see her son and this man at the same time. Most importantly, Jacob shouldn't  see her son.
• She went out of the restaurant and he followed.
• "You look beautiful, Tati." He said, following her steps. She stopped on her tracks.
• He called her Tati.
• Emotions surged into her. She turned her heels and faced him. "Stop calling me names."
• "Why, it's your name.” he draw closer. He couldn't help it.
• "Stop calling me things that make me remind of the past.”
• "Why, Tatiana? Well, you have no choice because past--- or present, I'm still a part of it. You deny it , but I will always be a part of you!"
• Yes, he was. She knew she had lost the argument when he said that. Jacob will always be a part of her life. He was her first love. And everyday she is staring at the exact reflection of him.
• Her son.
• She can hide the truth for now, but she knew it will eventually come out soon. And she knew, Jacob would try his best to steal their son away.
• Her son would leave her like how his father left.
• She swallowed the lump on her throat before she spoke. "You don't deserve to be in this present, Jacob." She noted it was the first time she called his name again. "Hell, I never even want to cross paths with you again--- you left me, remember? That's why you don't deserve to be in my present. And if I could overwrite everything, you wouldn't even be one of the people I'd like to bump into!"
• What was she doing here in the Philippines, by the way? She knew there was a large possibility that she'd cross paths with him again. But still, she risked it.
• She should have resigned the moment she found out who she was working for.
• Tears started to brim her eyes, she lowered her head. The black, pointed shoes of him started to get blurry in her sight.
• Oh he can't see her crying!
• That sight tore him, reminding him that he wasnt made of a fucking rock.
• He took a step forward. But her voice made him stop.
• "Don't."
• He was completely aware that her sister and brother in law is probably watching, and it wouldn't be long before he starts answering questions.
• Nevertheless, he took another step closer.
• "I said, stop."
• "I--- I didn't want to make you cry, Tatiana--- I--- I didn't want to hurt you."
• "Before or now?" She raised her head again. This time, he saw anger. Pure anger.
• "If you don't want to hurt me, Jacob, for the love of god, just stay the hell away from me."