The Billionaire's Adopted

Chapter 1

The next day, he was here at the resort with Aling Martha and was sweeping up the scattered leaves and equipment that had been used last night at his son's wedding reception.

Even though he was busy sweeping, his mind was wandering about what happened last night. He never expected something like that to happen to him. It was the first scary thing he had ever experienced that someone would do that to him. He was very scared, but he was so relieved that someone saved him. A man who is very tall and very strong. He saw how it lifted the man so that those on the ground no longer glowed. He couldn't see her face or part of it because of the little light on the road. He wanted to, but because of the speed of the incident and fear, he immediately left and went home.

It's just frustrating because I didn't even understand what it said. He sighed. If only he had been able to continue his studies, he would have understood what the man who saved him said.

Hopefully, he will recognize it and appreciate it. I hope so.

"Alana!"

"Which Mar!" he was surprised and dropped the broom when he heard ALing Martha. "Why?"

"Why? I've been calling you for a while. What's happening to you, why are you so stupid?"

Oh? He didn't notice anymore. "I'm sorry, Aling Mar."

"Did something happen to your Mom?"

"Nothing. Mama is fine. What happened last night?"

"It's good. What happened last night?"

"Someone saved me last night."

"Saved?"

He told the whole story of last night. Very shocked and worried to hear what happened to him.

"I just didn't understand what he was telling me so I left immediately and said I didn't even see his face."

"Does your mom know this?"

He shook his head. "I didn't tell him because he might get worried and get worse. Don't tell him Aling Mar, please!"

"Yes. I think your mom's condition will worsen when she finds out. I wish I would have taken you home if that's what happened to you. It's good that someone helped you. So next time, go home early . That might happen again."

"Maybe not, Aling Mar."

"No. You'll be at the store until four in the afternoon."

"But, Which Mar---"

"It's a tough time right now, Alana. Even though we can say this place is safe, there are still people who will do bad things to others. It's better to be doubly careful, especially you. You and your mom are the only two here. Do you understand me, hija?"

"Yes." He couldn't do anything else. He will just follow Aling Martha. All he wants is to meet the person who saved him.

[Roman Manicci]

"He's been doing that for three years and you just found out?! Are you really working or just hanging out? I've been away for a week and this is what you're going to greet me with when I come back? Give me the reports! Now! "

He had just returned to the office after a week of business trips and attending the wedding of an acquaintance at a resort. After the wedding he attended, he immediately went home and was suddenly told that one of his administrators was making embarrassing news to the audience. News that even his name and what he has worked for for several years may suddenly disappear and he will never be able to get over it!

He was born into a rich family but that doesn't mean he won't make his own fortune. Everything he has today, he worked hard to build without any help from anyone until now at the age of thirty-two.

Then, this Francisco Caprio is the first person to do something stupid in his company?!

[Roman]

He threw the newspaper in his face that contained the news that he had hired a pro^^titute and was photographed entering a hotel. "I don't care how many paid women you sleep with but don't be fooled that you have a high position here in my company!"

"I apologize to you, Sir Macini. I didn't think there were photographers following me."

"That means you are stupid! Look, our enemy here is not only the media but also other business competitors. For sure they are very happy that you, me and the company have been scandalized. I hope you think! Use your brain, he doesn't bring you!"

"I'm really sorry. This will not happen again. If you insist that I resign from the position and the company, I will not stop you"

He shook his head and laughed. "Oh, no. I don't believe that sh^t. Didn't you remember that you owe me a huge unpaid debt? How are you going to resign?"

"I'll pay for it all. Don't worry. I'll find a way."

"I'll accept your resignation until the debt you owe me is paid in full. Make sure Francisco, don't ever run away from me."

"Yes, sir."

Even though he was older than her, she didn't care. He already knows what responsibility is hanging on his shoulders, but he seems to be acting like a child between the two of them.

[Alana POV]

"Mom, you have to eat the food." He begged his mother.

He shook his head and lowered his hand holding the spoon. "I'm full, son."

"But you just have a little bite, eh."

"Later, son. I just want to go back to bed."

He supported her and laid her on the bed. He notices that it is page by page and that he prefers to lie down rather than leave the house.

"By the way Alana, what do you want us to do for your birthday? You'll be eighteen years old next week."

Yes it is. "Nothing. Don't worry about my birthday. We will prioritize your health first."

"Alana, it's your birthday so we should make it a priority. We'll only celebrate it once and make sure, you're not a child anymore."

"Mom, I'm not a child."

"Alana, listen. When you reach the age of twenty-eight, you will become a woman. That means, you can be yourself and you will decide what you want to do with your life."

"Is that so, mom? Well, when I'm eighteen, will you agree to get checked up?"

"Why?" it was a surprising question.

"You said I can do whatever I want when I turn eighteen."

"Oh, you." It laughed. "Alright, what do you want for your birthday? Do you want us to prepare a party?"

"I don't want to, mom. I don't want to do anything on my birthday."

"That's not right, son. It's your birthday and then we won't get ready?"

"That's not really up to me, mom. If you really want it, maybe just have a little party with Aling Martha and Ate Julia."

"Alright, we'll do that and the ones we'll prepare are your favorite foods."

"Thank you, mom."

"Alana, listen to me. When you're at the right age, you should stand up and know whatever you want to be and decide in life. If you know you're not stepping on anyone, do what you think is right. And wherever you go, remember that mom loves you very much. Take good care of yourself."

"Mom, I'm really doing that. And I love you too. I promise I'll remember what you said. But mom, I want a present."

"What is that son and I will give it."

"After my birthday, let's check up, huh?" he said smiling.

"It's you. Go ahead."

"Yehey! Thanks, mom!"

Good thing his mom agreed. Honestly, he doesn't think about doing things that will change his life. He is doing well here. Life is quiet here on the beautiful island and with his mother and people he trusts wholeheartedly. That's it. he is happy, quiet and content with his life, he can only wish on his birthday that his mother's health will be good.

[Theresa (Mother/Parent) POV]

"It's very rare that you call me, Theresa."

Before he called her, he waited for Alana to leave the house. He meant that with the amount of time, he only now decided to talk to Alana's ex-husband and father. He already knows that he will not be with his son for much longer, so even if it is against his heart to do this, it is also for his son's future.

"If you hadn't forced yourself to leave with our son and live there, you wouldn't have experienced the hardships now---"

"If you didn't put your gambling addiction first, maybe we would still be together. It's good that I made up my mind to leave you and live in the quiet life of your son."

"Did you just call because you're going to scold me again? It's been so many years Theresa. Do you think I'm still like this until now?"

"No, Francisco. I know and feel that you have changed. I have one last request and I hope you do it."

"What do you mean?"

He took a deep breath. It's heavy inside but if this is the only way to make Alana's life easier. "Alana, I will entrust her to you."

"What?"

"I know that I won't be able to take care of him much longer. I don't want him to be an innocent in the world. I want him to experience the life that should be for him. Somehow, I've raised him to be a good boy. I'm begging you Francisco, you take care of our son."

He waited for her answer. "Alright, I'll agree. I'll take care of him."

"Thank you. I will give you all my trust. Love Alana. Provide her with her needs and finish her education."

"I will."

"Thank you." He can't tell his son the reality that he will disappear from his side. Even if he goes to the doctor, there is no cure for his pain. Hopefully, she will be strong and she prays that she will find someone who will truly love her.

His birthday. A day of fun with his loved ones because one of the most important people is gone. His mother is gone. It happened suddenly. He thought he was just sleeping so he just let it go but it was already noon, he still didn't wake up. He didn't think it would be the last.

Aling Martha and her daughter Ate Julia are helping him well in taking care of his mother's hill. He has no money and doesn't know what to do. He didn't even know if he cried as long as he didn't feel anything. His whole body felt numb from the speed of the incident.

"Are you alright, Alana?" asked his Sister Julia. He stood next to her while observing her mother's coffin.

"It's okay, Sister."

"Mama and I asked you to stay. Don't worry, you'll be fine with us---"

"I might just be a burden to you, sister."

"No! Alana, we consider you a member of our family. We love you as well as your mother so we will not leave you."

"I never thought this would happen."

"Alana, we feel the pain that Auntie Theresa is gone, but understand what she wants, that she doesn't want you to be sad. Even if she leaves you, no matter where you go, she's right next to you and watching over you. I want of your mom that you dream. Fulfill what you want in life."

That's what his mom always told him. But, how will he do that without her by his side? Who can he tell his problem to? He is her only inspiration in life.

"Alana, you have a visitor." Aling Martha called him.

When he turned around, an old man wearing salamat and formal clothes. He walked towards his mother's coffin. He watched his mother for a few minutes. When it was over, he approached her.

"Alana, can I talk to you?"

"W-why? Who are you?"

"I'm your dad."

"Will you take Alana?!"

The man introduced himself as his father. After a long time, he also recognized her. When he asks his mother about his father, she ignores his question until he stops asking. His mother is still alive, she never showed up to the two of them but only now that her mother is gone. He didn't know what he would feel when they both met for the first time. This man in front of him was like a stranger.

"Yes. His mother is gone and he is alone here, I decided to take him and he will live with me."

"Wait a minute. Well, there's no way you're going to take Alana from us right away." Aling Martha immediately objected. "Alana's whole life, she's grown up here and made up her mind and then, you just found out that her mom just died, you have the right to take her?!"

"Her mother herself spoke to me." This is the answer.

"W-what?" did he talk to his mom? when?

"He told me before he disappeared that he would entrust Alana to me. Our daughter. Please give Alana what she deserves, especially Alana's education."

"How can we trust you? And if you really are Alana's father, do you have any evidence?" Aling Martha's challenge to the old man.

"Mom! Calm down." Julia weaned her mother.

"No! I need proof! What if it's just an introduction but it turns out to be a liar."

He took out a big envelope and gave it to Aling Martha. When they opened it they were surprised. There is a birth certificate and a baptismal certificate attesting that this is indeed the father!

"If you don't believe me yet, I have more to show you."

"Hi-no. It's okay. You say that you can teach Alana to provide for her needs? What is your job and why did her mother break up?"

"I am one of the shareholders of a company. When Theresa gave birth to Alana, because I was too focused on work for the needs of both of them, Theresa left with our daughter. I begged her to come back but Theresa's decision was made up to be far away from each other. The only thing I can help my mother and daughter with is support."

"But why did you come here to see your mother and daughter?"

"Because if I do that, he himself said that he will go away again and I will lose communication with him. You don't have to worry about Alana because she is in good condition with me. I will do everything as her father and fill the void I will give him clothes, shoes, education and a comfortable life that he wants."

"But, Alana..."

"I know you're very worried about her but Alana is eighteen. I'm not saying that I'm forcing her to come with me, it's just that her mother talked to me. The final decision is up to her if she stays here or he will come with me."

"Alana, what's your decision?"

"Huh?" he? He decides? What will he answer? He is happy here with Aling Martha and Ate Jula but his father is here because of his mother. This is the one who said that his father will take care of him. So, what will he choose?

He could not speak. He was confused about what he wanted. He likes it here but his mom is heavier. When he goes with his father, he will help him especially in his studies.

"Alana, hija? What do you want?"

He has made up his mind. "Yes. I'll come with you."

To Be Continued...