The rain had stopped that morning, and so did Wendy's tears. After everything that happened the day before—the failed interview, the snatching incident and the humiliation of crying in front of her best friend—Wendy felt strangely lighter. Maybe it was the warmth of Jace's presence, or maybe it was just Antique's sunshine that had found its way back into her soul, even in Makati.
"You shouldn't sulk. You know it's not easy to start a life here in the city," Jace said gently as he served her a plate of pandesal and scrambled eggs. They were in his Tita Kristine's apartment in Pasay—a modest but cozy unit above their family-run cafe.
Wendy offered him a grateful smile, her eyes still puffy but her spirit calmer. "Thank you so much, Jace. I don't know what would've happened yesterday if you weren't there."
"What else could I do? We're childhood friends, right?" he grinned, his eyes glinting with their familiar charm.
They both chuckled. It felt like home, like back when they used to share snacks under the mango tree beside Wendy's childhood home in San Jose. Life in Antique had been simpler. She missed the scent of baked bread from their family bakery, the wide rice fields and even the tricycle rides that felt like rollercoasters in the streets.
"I hope I can help you out in your business," Wendy said, chewing slowly. "As a way of paying you back for all your help. Even if it's just temporary, maybe I can help at Tita Kristine's cafe."
"That's actually a good idea. We have a vacant spot at the cashier. We can try it out for a few weeks. It'll help with your food and commute expenses too."
Tita Kristine walked into the small kitchen holding a tray of brownies, her silver-streaked hair tied in a bun, wearing an apron stained with flour.
"So you're Wendy? I was wondering who this lovely girl from the province was," she said with a warm smile. "You know, Jace, she could even be a model for our cafe posters."
Wendy flushed. "Oh no, I'm not that pretty, Tita."
"Ah, she doesn't know. But she is beautiful, Tita," Jace chimed in, eyes twinkling.
She swatted his arm playfully, but inside, her heart fluttered. Jace always had this way of making her feel seen—not just for her looks, but for who she was: the breadwinner who carried her siblings' dreams on her shoulders.
As she wiped the counter and handed over orders for the next two days, Wendy felt a quiet joy. For now, she was content to help out at the cafe, surrounded by people who treated her like family. For once, things were steady.
Until her phone rang.
"Good morning. Is this Ma. Rowena Naredo?" the voice on the other line asked. Wendy stepped outside the cafe, her hands slightly trembling.
"Yes, speaking," Wendy answered, her heart racing.
"Hi, this is from Rivera Clothing. We apologize for the late notice, but we'd like to inform you that you're being considered for a temporary assistant position under a special project with the CEO's office. We would like you to come in tomorrow at 9:00 AM if you're still available."
Wendy froze, eyes wide. She had to stop herself from screaming.
"Y-Yes! Of course, I'm available. Thank you so much! Thank you!"
She hung up and burst back into the cafe, eyes shining like they held a thousand stars.
"Jace! I got the job! Rivera Clothing just called me!"
Tita Kristine looked up from her measuring cups. "Oh, that's that famous brand, right? Celebrities love them. Oh, I'm so happy for you, dear!"
Jace's smile slowly faded into something more complex—a mix of pride, surprise and a quiet ache.
"That's amazing. You really deserve this. But be careful, okay? The fashion world isn't like ours. This has been your dream, but don't lose yourself."
Wendy noticed the concern beneath his smile. "I know you're always there for me, Jace."
"Yeah, but I can't always be with you," he said softly.
Wendy tilted her head, sensing something deeper but not yet ready to name it. She stepped closer, gave him a hug, and whispered, "Thank you so much. Even if you're not with me all the time, I know you're there."
And in that moment, as the morning sun pierced through the cafe window and her dreams brushed up against reality, Wendy looked like someone new. Not because she wore anything glamorous. But because she was glowing—with hope, with fire, and with the quiet beauty of someone about to step into the world she had always imagined.
And someone else—watching from the shadows of his own destiny—was about to notice her too.