MAXIMO POV
"Are you okay?" Rhian's voice startled me, and I turned to face her. The waiter had just taken our order, but her concern was evident in her eyes. She could sense that something was bothering me.
"I'm okay, so don't worry about me," I reassured her, mustering a smile to convey that everything was fine. However, instead of returning my smile, I noticed tears welling up in her eyes. Concerned, I gently wiped away her tears.

"I'm sorry, I didn't even realize I was crying," Rhian apologized, using her sleeve to wipe her tears away.
"I'm really sorry, Maxi. This is my fault," she continued, her voice filled with remorse. "If it weren't for me, none of this would have happened to the two of you. I hope you and Chiara are still together. I hope you didn't break up."
I could sense her emotions escalating, perhaps due to her pregnancy hormones. "Please don't cry," I urged, trying to console her. "It's not your fault, and our breakup wasn't solely because of you. We simply weren't meant to be."
But my words seemed to have the opposite effect, as her tears flowed even more freely. "No, it is my fault," Rhian insisted, her voice choked with sobs. "Don't worry, I'll explain everything to Chiara. I'll make sure she'll knows the truth, that you didn't cheat on her, and that I was the one..." Her sentence trailed off as her cries intensified.
"Please, don't dwell on that anymore," I interjected, attempting to ease her worries. "You're under a lot of stress, and the baby... Chiara's feelings toward me don't really matter now, Rhian. She never truly loved me, so your explanation would likely fall on deaf ears. I'm okay, please don't worry about me."
With a forced smile, I conveyed a sense of reassurance, hoping to alleviate her concerns. Deep down, however, I knew that I wasn't truly okay. It hurt seeing Mia with Alex, especially when I caught a glimpse of their daughter. The resemblance to Mia was undeniable, confirming the girl's parentage.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Mia sitting there, a mix of surprise and confusion on her face. It had been six long years since we last saw each other, and I never thought I would see her face again. But as she looked at me, a glimmer of recognition crossed her face, and she smiled. It was the same smile that used to make my heart race, the smile I thought I would never see again. As Mia's smile echoed in my mind, a distant memory of a time when she was mine, I silently battled the ache in my chest. For now, I would keep my pain hidden, concealed beneath a mask of reassurance. Perhaps one day, the wounds would heal, and I would truly be okay. But until then, I would carry the weight of my shattered love, my heart aching for what was no more.
But as I looked into her eyes, I couldn't ignore the flicker of anger that accompanied her smile. It was as if she was daring me to confront the pain she had caused six years ago. How could she smile at me as if she hadn't hurt me, as if everything was just a distant memory?
Despite the passing of time, my heart still beat for Mia. Deep down, I held onto the hope that what we had shared during our time together was real. I refused to believe that it was all just a facade, that she had been playing with my emotions, and that her love for me was never genuine. But seeing her now, doubts crept into my mind. Maybe it was all just a dare, a game for her entertainment. Maybe she truly loved Alex, and I was nothing more than a pawn in her elaborate plan.
The arrival of our food interrupted my thoughts, and Rhian and I started to eat. We shared moments of silence, the tension between us palpable. It was evident that we were here for a purpose beyond our unexpected reunion. We needed to go shopping for the baby, a reminder of the responsibilities that awaited us. With heavy hearts, we pushed our concerns aside and focused on the task at hand.

After we finished eating, we ventured into the shops to find items for the baby. As we picked out tiny clothes and adorable toys, I couldn't help but wonder if Mia felt the weight of our shared past. Did she understand the significance of this moment, or was she merely going through the motions, detached from the emotions that consumed me?
Once we completed our shopping, we headed home, each lost in our own thoughts. The day had been a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving me questioning everything I once believed. Would I ever find clarity amidst this tangled web of feelings? Only time would tell.
CHIARA POV
I am currently at my boutique, fully immersed in my work. Sarah, my dedicated secretary, has been faithfully assisting me, even during my stay in Italy. Despite being physically distant, I've made sure to stay connected and actively involved with my boutique here in the Philippines.
Today, I had brought Ximara along to the boutique since Xander had his own work commitments. While Ximara happily engrossed in her own activities, I seize the opportunity to step out of my office and meticulously inspect the collection of dresses and equipment displayed throughout the boutique. Every fabric, color, and design has been thoughtfully chosen to cater to the diverse tastes of our valued clientele.
As I walk through the racks of elegant garments, I can't help but admire the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into each and every piece. The exquisite dresses hang gracefully, promising to transform any wearer into a vision of beauty and sophistication. Accessories and complementary items are tastefully arranged, offering an impeccable ensemble for every occasion.
I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be immersed in an environment that allows me to showcase my passion and creativity. The bustling energy of the boutique serves as a constant reminder that here, amidst the racks of exquisite clothing and graceful displays, dreams are brought to life, and personal style is celebrated.
As I was perusing the shelves, I suddenly heard the chime of the boutique door. Curiosity piqued, I turned around and found myself taken aback by the unexpected visitor. A saleslady immediately attended to her, guiding her through the various displays and product offerings. Glancing at her, I noticed a similar surprise in her eyes as she recognized me.
"Chiara?" Rhian called out my name, her face filled with surprise. I couldn't help but smile as I regained my composure.
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Rhian walk into my boutique. She looked just as shocked to see me as I was to see her. I quickly composed myself, not wanting to appear rude or ruin my image in front of the saleslady who was assisting her.
"Rhian, what are you doing here?" I replied, my smile masking the astonishment I felt at her unexpected presence. I didn't want to seem impolite, especially considering I owned the boutique and didn't want to tarnish my professional reputation.
Confusion filled her eyes as she looked at me. "Isn't this a boutique? I come here sometimes to shop, like today. What about you? What brings you here?" Her surprise mirrored my own.
I realized then that she had no idea that I owned this boutique. "Actually, I'm the owner of this CMA fashion boutique," I said to her that make her even more surprised.
"Oh really?" Rhian asked with curiosity in her eyes, and I simply nodded in response. Just as the conversation began to deepen, her cell phone abruptly rang, interrupting our interaction.
Although unintentional, my reaction was instinctive as I caught sight of the name displayed on her phone's screen – it was Luis, the person who had dialed her. Without uttering a word, I swiftly excused myself from her presence and retreated into the sanctuary of my office.
Stepping into my office at the boutique, I couldn't help but be engulfed by the tranquil atmosphere that seemed to permeate the room. There, on the sofa, lay Ximara, peacefully slumbering, completely unaware of the world around her. My cellphone, still playing the video she had been engrossed in, lay beside her. Concerned that she might catch a chill, I went over and turned off my cellphone, gently making sure she was kept warm in the chilly room.
As I sat there, her soft hair between my fingers, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions overtook me. Should I inform Luis, her supposed father, about Ximara's existence? Would it disrupt their family dynamic irreparably? However, what about Ximara herself? Should she grow up without ever knowing who her true father is? The weight of these unanswerable questions bore down on my mind, leaving me bewildered and unsure of what path to take.
In the midst of my turmoil, Ximara remained blissfully unaware of the truth, too young to understand the intricacies of relationships and paternity. Yet, deep within me, a longing stirred, a desire for her to have the chance to meet her biological father. But what if Luis rejected her? The very thought of causing pain to my child tore at my heart, making me question whether pursuing this path was the right thing to do.
Trapped in this complicated dilemma, I found myself at a loss, unable to discern the correct course of action. Should I disrupt the delicate balance of their family life, potentially shattering their happiness? Or should I remain silent, keeping Ximara in the dark about her true origins? The uncertainty of my predicament left me feeling utterly lost, searching desperately for a solution that would protect both Ximara's well-being and her right to know her own story.