I rummaged through my cabinet to find something decent and nice to wear for Tita Lisa, Luke's mom's birthday dinner.

Thankfully, her special day fell on a weekend so I don't have to worry about being late and giving their family a bad impression.

"Hey, Love. You look wonderful." Shannon Castillejo, his cousin, complimented me as soon as I stepped foot on their spacious abode.

I refrained myself to blurt out something offensive and faked a smile at her.

"Thanks, Shan. You look equally wonderful as well!" I pecked on her cheek and leveled her with a stare.
She was the one who tore off her eyes and I hid a smile behind my hand when I cleared my throat.

"Oh, thanks. Food is everywhere. Feel at home. Saw someone I know, help yourself, love." She remarked and left me alone at the wide living room. She made her way to the small crowd and chatted with a family member.

I sighed and let my hand fell on my wrist. Her fingers left a mark on it and I frowned at how delicate my skin is.

"Reese!" Yuan Jacobo, Luke's half-brother, greeted me and my eyes lit up automatically.

Yuan is a year older than Luke and both are in good spirits with each other.

"Hey! How are you?" I asked and he led me to where the food is at.

"Been busy with legal stuff." He simply said and I was about to get myself a dessert plate when I remembered I haven't greeted Tita Lucia yet. "That was fast!" He chuckled and I blushed.

"Hindi ko pa na-greet si Tita Lucia! Have you seen her around?" I asked and he nodded. He told me where she is at and I excused myself first.

True enough, Tita Lucia is at the center of the crowd of their closely-knitted family. She was laughing over something her sister said.

"Hi, Tita Lucia." I grinned at her and her lips curved up when she saw me. I handed her a small envelope which I had pulled out from my clutch bag. "Happy birthday po!"

"Oh, dear Caryl! Thank you!" She said and stood up to give me a hug. "Everybody, this is Caryl, Luke's girlfriend. She's a very kind and nice person."

I blushed and gave them a polite smile. I received compliments and when things began to get awkward with their questions, I felt the need to look for him.

"Hey, hey! What's going on in here!" A cheerful Troy Maximus Oliveros entered the scene.

"Maxie!" Tita Sherly squealed and went to her favorite son. "Where the hell have you been! I have been calling you for almost everyday and you were not returning my calls!"

"Give your 23 year old son a break, Sher." Tita Alice scolded her sister. "Give me a beso, Maximus. Let's talk outside." She said and winked at him.

"Precisely, Tita A!" Troy agreed and enveloped his aunties and cousins into a brief hug.

"Excuse us, I want to mingle and talk with Caye-Caye." When I heard that familiar voice, I knew I'm finally safe. He gently led me out of the group and we went to the porch. His hands went back to his side pockets and met my eyes. "It has been a while, Caryl. How are you?"

I was startled at his stare and I knew at that moment, there is no turning back.