University Series #1: The Rain in España (complete)

University Series #2: Safe Skies, Archer (complete)

University Series #3: Chasing in the Wild (complete)

University Series #4: Avenues of the Diamond

This story contains spoilers for University Series #1, #2, #3. 

DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

This story is not affiliated with UST/ADMU/FEU/DLSU/UP/other universities. 

Please be advised that this story contains TRIGGER WARNINGS, sensitive content, mature themes, and strong language that are not suitable for very young audiences. 

***

"Samantha Vera, can you do a pose for us, please?" 

I suddenly stopped walking to smile and look at the group of photographers waiting outside Chanel's fashion show for Paris Fashion Week. I took my shades off and put a hand inside my coat to do a pose for them before my personal assistant called me. I was already late for another fashion show. I waved at the photographers before walking again and getting inside the van. 

I had to make a quick change. I took my top off and wore a dark red dress before putting on a plastic coat with a black leather belt. My makeup artists were busy with my hair and makeup. When the van stopped, I immediately got off the van, holding my invitation. Photographers flocked again. I waved and smiled before walking inside the venue. 

"Samantha Vera, I'm so glad you came!" The famous designer gave me a kiss on both sides of my cheek. 

"Of course. How could I not?" I smiled at him. "I really like your collection. I just received the clothes you sent me yesterday, and I must say... What a good work!" 

That was my routine the whole week. Halos hindi na 'ko kumakain dahil wala nang time. Sa van na lang kung may oras pa. Madalas kasi sunod-sunod ang shows. On our last day, I only slept for three hours so we could catch our flight back to the Philippines. 

My personal assistant, Francine, informed me about the media after we landed. I didn't have any bodyguards with me. I thought it wasn't necessary anymore. Good thing the airport security helped me get rid of them. Tuloy-tuloy lang akong naglakad palabas habang tutok ang mga camera sa 'kin.

"Samantha Vera, how's Paris Fashion Week?" 

"Miss Samantha, ano hong masasabi n'yo sa lumalaganap na issue tungkol sa inyo ngayon?" 

"Miss Vera, totoo ho bang may anak ka na?" 

I bit my lower lip and went inside the van, refusing to answer any questions. They were too many and talking about the current issue would just make it bigger. Mawawala rin 'yan. Napasapo ako sa noo ko pagkasara ng van. Ang sakit sa ulo. 

"They really think Avi is my daughter?" nagtatakang tanong ko kay Francine. 

"Yes, Ma'am." She gave me a shy smile. "We can clear it out tomorrow-" 

"No, if you clear it out, what will you say? That she's the daughter of my friend? They will dig deeper into that for sure. In just a few days, si Yanna naman ang maiipit. I don't want the media to bother her too. Just let the issue die down for now." I covered my eyes using my arms. I hoped the issue wouldn't get worse.

It was a tiring day. Pagkauwi ko sa condo, naligo kaagad ako at natulog. The flight was long and I actually just slept the whole time but I still felt so sleepy. The next day, I woke up so early because of the doorbell. Inayos ko kaagad ang robe ko at binuksan ang pinto. 

"Itsura mo." Yanna, my best friend, laughed at my face. "Puyat na puyat, girl?" 

I rolled my eyes, ignoring her. I gave Avrielle a smile and gestured for her to come in. She was wearing a cute dress and a backpack on her shoulders. Yanna was wearing her flight attendant uniform. May flight siya kaya iiwan niya ulit sa 'kin si Avi, her daughter. 

"Be good, baby, ah," she reminded Avi before waving at us. 

I closed the door and went inside my room again. Avi was already on the bed, holding my iPad and searching for some cartoons. Humiga ako sa tabi niya at pumikit, sinusubukang ipagpatuloy ang tulog ko. 

I probably slept for two more hours before I went out of the bed to make breakfast. Avi was asleep when I woke up. Nakatulugan na niya 'yung pinapanood niya kaya kinuha ko ang iPad at pinatay bago lumabas sa bedroom. 

"Good morning, Ma'am! I hope you're finally awake. I'll go over our schedule for today. Is that okay?" Francine called me on FaceTime. 

"Yeah, sure!" I said while cooking. 

She went over my full-packed schedule for today, but I cancelled the meeting with the designer so I could bring Avrielle to the hospital for a check-up. I heard her coughing earlier. I just wanted to make sure that she was healthy. Monthly check-up na rin. 

"Baby..." I tapped Avi's shoulder lightly. "Tita-Ninang has a shoot today. You need to eat breakfast na so we can go." 

"Pictures?" Avi asked with her small voice. I saw the excitement in her eyes before she got up, smiling. "Yay! I'm going with Tita-Ninang!" 

"Come on, let's eat!" I held her hand and pulled her to the dining. 

After eating, I took a shower, did my morning skincare, brushed my teeth, and put on some makeup. I was wearing a pair of black high-waisted jeans partnered with a simple maroon tank top. I also put on my white cropped-top jacket and black ankle boots. Magpapalit naman ako ulit ng damit mamaya so hindi ko na kailangan mag-effort. 

"Hello, Avi!" Francine greeted her when we went inside the van. 

"Hi!" Avi waved her little hand at my assistant and my make-up artists at the back. 

I put on her seatbelt before browsing the internet for some news about me. Tama nga sila. Kalat nga na anak ko si Avi, lalo na ngayon na isasama ko na naman siya sa shoot. I sighed and massaged my head. 

"The great Samantha Vera!" The female director welcomed me with open arms. "Come on, guys! Move! Take care of her!" 

I gave her a small hug before I went inside the dressing room. Avrielle was walking around the studio, getting curious. Napapangiti ako tuwing nakikipaglaro sa kaniya 'yung mga staff sa studio. I could hear her cute giggles from where I was seated. 

"Ang cute ng anak mo, Ma'am," a staff told me. 

My brows furrowed a bit, and pursed my lips, thinking if I should deny it or just let her think that. I mean, wala naman akong pakialam kung iisipin nilang may anak ako or what but... I didn't want people to believe a lie. 

"She's not my daughter, but she's lovely, right?" I asked.

"Sus! Kunwari ka pa, Ma'am." She laughed. "Don't worry! I'm not judging you!" 

"Uh..." I gave her an awkward smile through the mirror. I didn't want to argue anymore. 

Avi was just quietly sitting there, holding Francine's hand and watching me while I was doing poses for the magazine. After that, like I said, I took her to one of the best hospitals in the country. Sinuot ko ang shades ko at naglakad papunta sa clinic ni Dr. Lana. 

"Samantha Vera," I told the lady so she could check my schedule. 

She looked at me with wide eyes, shocked, so I smiled at her. Bago siya rito, ah. What happened to the old lady last month? Retired na? 

"Samantha Vera," I repeated, smiling because she still didn't move. 

"Oh! Opo!" She panicked. "Pasok na po kayo! Hinihintay po kayo n-ni doktora! Hala, totoo ba 'to?"  

"Thank you," I said before holding Avi's hand again to take her with me. 

"Samantha! You're early, ah!" Dr. Lana stood up and gave me a hug. 

"You seem busy. Shall I just come back later?" I asked. May kausap kasi siya sa phone noong pumasok ako. 

"No, no! May problem lang with our patient, but I already sent someone to check. You can take your seat na. Hi, Avi!" She pinched Avi's cheeks. 

Avi sat on the chair with her hands on her legs, not moving an inch while Dr. Lana was checking her breathing. She asked her a few questions before jotting down on her notepad. 

"Last na. Open your mouth, baby," Dr. Lana told Avi. 

"Why po?" Avi asked. 

"Oh, I will just check your-" 

She stopped when she heard a knock on the door. Lumapit kaagad siya sa pinto at binuksan 'yon. Her eyes lit up, and gestured for the man to enter the room. 

"Doc, hinahanap kayo sa ward." I stiffened when I heard a familiar voice. 

He had the same reaction when our eyes met. The look on my face reflected his. The widened eyes... that longing feeling after not seeing or talking to each other for a long time. But that faded eventually. He immediately looked away and put his hand inside his white coat. 

"You... Uhm... have a patient. I'm sorry." He was about to leave the room when Dr. Lana stopped him. 

"Wait, I'll introduce you to her! This is Samantha Vera, the model! Do you recognize her?" Dr. Lana sounded excited. 

I was just sitting there on the couch like I saw a ghost. A ghost from the past, I guess. 

I slowly stood up, holding my bag. His dark eyes pierced into mine, closely watching my every move. He licked his lower lip and looked away again out of awkwardness. Phew, the air suddenly felt heavier. Ako yata ang lalagnatin, hindi si Avi. 

"Sam, this is Doctor Clyden Ramirez. He's a pediatric resident," Dr. Lana introduced.

I was breathing heavily, so I tried so hard to calm myself. Baka sabihin niya ay super affected ako. I glanced at Avi, who was just sitting there, looking around like a well-behaved kid. Dr. Ramirez also glanced at Avi with a confused look, but he still gave her a small smile. 

"This is Avrielle!" Dr. Lana introduced Avrielle this time. 

"Avrielle..." Dr. Ramirez sarcastically smiled, remembering something. 

"Come here, Sam! Say hello!" Dr. Lana gestured for me to come over. I awkwardly smiled at her before walking in their direction, feeling a little nervous. 

"We... know each other already, Doc." I gave her a smile. 

I saw how Clyden's brow shot up out of amusement. He probably didn't see that coming. Dapat ba ay nagkunwari na lang akong hindi kami magkakilala? I didn't know what to say! I couldn't lie in front of Dr. Lana. 

"Really?! How?!" She looked so amused. "What a small world, huh?!" 

"Hi, Maui." He looked at me and gave me a small smile. I didn't know if it was sarcastic or not. 

I bit my lower lip and looked away, feeling so awkward now. Dr. Lana's lips parted after hearing another version of my name. Pinabalik-balik niya ang tingin niya sa aming dalawa, naguguluhan na.

"Hello, Cy." I looked at him with the same intensity. 

"How do you guys know each other?" Dr. Lana asked. "Common friends? Or maybe sa social gatherings?" 

"She was my fiancée," Cy answered casually without taking his eyes off me.