CHAPTER 1

ANNIE CELINE's POV:

"Congratulations, Dad! You're in the news again. I keep seeing your interviews everywhere, Dad... You're such a brilliant entrepreneur... I'm so proud of you, Dad!" I gushed to my father as I arrived home at the mansion.

I gave Dad a kiss on the cheek after saying that. I found him in the garden with Mom, who was holding a newspaper. They seemed to be reading the news about themselves.

Dad's been a businessman for a long time. And his name always makes headlines because he's so hardworking and resourceful. It's nice that even at their age, they're still able to work. But for them, they don't really consider business work; they see it as a hobby to keep them from getting bored inside the mansion.

What more could we wish for? We're already very wealthy. In fact, we've provided jobs and livelihoods to almost everyone through the businesses we've built.

But despite my parents' kindness and helpfulness, the envy around us never disappears. Many people are angry, and many continue to badmouth us.

It's a good thing Dad doesn't engage with it. He knows it would lead nowhere and just stress him and Mom out.

My voice made Dad stop reading, and they both looked at me, standing right in front of them. Their reaction to my arrival was a bit surprised. They probably didn't expect me to come home. I hadn't told them I was vacationing in the Philippines, after all.

Yes, I live abroad. Dad made me study abroad for my safety. I received so many threats from different people. So my parents decided to keep me away from the Philippines because life here was supposedly dangerous. But because of my stubbornness, I came home without telling them.

There's no school now; it's our semester break. So I decided to be here. I prefer being with my family rather than staying in Canada. It's just a different kind of happiness when you see your parents every time you wake up.

"Annie? What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you not to come home yet until I was sure of your safety? You're not listening to me again, hija. You're so stubborn," Dad said, scolding me instead of being happy.

I just scratched my eyebrow. This was the first time I'd seen them, and he was already lecturing me. I'd been abroad for almost four years. So my longing for my parents was immense, especially for Dad.

Mom visits me in Canada when she has time. But Dad managed to endure not being with me for those four years.

"Are you not happy, Dad? Your reaction is so disappointing," I said, pouting.

"My princess, it's not that I'm not happy. I'm just worrying about your safety... It's not good for you to stay here long, in this country. Especially now that I've clashed with so many other businesspeople... Many are angry and envious of me," Papa explained his reason.

Even if he didn't say it, I already knew that was the reason.

"Dad, I won't be staying long. I just want to stay for five days. I won't even leave the mansion, I promise. I just really want to see you and Mom... Don't you miss me?" I said with a pout, which made him sigh deeply.

Even I forced a smile and sighed deeply too. Our life is so good, but I feel like we're lacking so much when it comes to family bonding.

It's always the same scene. Far apart and not talking. And if we do meet, I'm immediately pushed to go back abroad.

"You know what, Dad, I don't know how to feel after knowing and hearing those words coming from your mouth... I'm here because I'm proud of your achievements... But instead of being happy I'm here, I feel like you don't want to see me. Is business really that much more important to you than me? I can't even hear a simple word of appreciation from you," I said softly.

"Annie, don't say that... Your daddy is a businessman. And because of his business, he's able to send you to an expensive university in Canada. And whatever your dad's decision is, please don't be upset, hija. He just wants to protect you. That's why he keeps you away, because your life has been in danger several times. I think you remember that," Mom said, and I didn't argue back.

I just raised my two hands to signal that I surrendered the argument.

"Okay, fine... Alright. I'll leave tomorrow... But maybe I can rest first today. I'm already feeling dizzy, and I want to get my beauty rest," I said.

As I turned my back to them to go inside the mansion, I couldn't help but part my lips and whisper with a hint of exasperation.

"You're so hard to surprise... Instead of appreciating me, you just pushed me away... They seem to have no feelings," I muttered, only to myself.

I went into my room. My luggage had been brought in by our maid.

Once she left, I collapsed onto the soft bed. The journey was too long, so I was sleepy. I wanted to rest, but then I remembered I was only here in the Philippines for one day and would have to go back to Canada right away.

I know Dad; he's a man of his word, and once he makes a decision, I have no choice but to follow it.

"What if I go out tomorrow? Dad probably won't notice I'm going out since he'll think I'm going back to Canada," I mused, staring at my room's ceiling.

I'm thinking about it... Because it would be a waste of my trip here if I didn't make any memories.

If only Dad had let me stay for five days, the thought of going out wouldn't even cross my mind.

"You have such a bright mind, Annie... That's the right decision. Go out and have fun tomorrow so your trip to the Philippines will be worth it," I said with a smile after a few minutes of contemplation.

Whatever happens, happens. My outing tomorrow will remain a secret. I won't tell them I'm going to enjoy myself. It's probably not bad to lie, right?