I was so excited to wake up early for this day is special to me. I wouldn't need to worry about anything but to make this day more enjoyable with my family. I did my daily routine as I sing my favorite song.

"What a nice day."

I put some make-up on and perfume. I wasn't able to stop myself from giggling as I thought about finally meeting them after months. I picked up my things and drove off.

"I'm home..."

"Avi, my princess! You're here," my mom said, hugging me tightly.

"Easy, mom, I can't breath," I laughed. She obviously misses me so much.

"I'm sorry, dear, I just miss my little princess."

"Mom, I'm not your little princess anymore. God! I'm twenty-seven!" She let go of me and went back of her work on the sink, washing some vegetables.

"Still, you're my baby. My little precious princess, dear."

"Okay, you win. Where's dad?" I asked, placing my bag on the counter.

"He's in the office, dear. Busy."

"Is there a problem, mom?" I stared at my mom and saw a hint of sadness flashed in her eyes.

"Your dad can handle it, dear. Just take a rest and I will call you when everything's ready," she managed to smile.

"Are you serious? Today's his birthday but he's busy working. Why can't he relax for now and think of work tomorrow? Today's his special day anyway."

"Just let him be, Avi. He needs to fix it. You know your dad, he can't relax when there's a problem."

"Is it a serious one, mom? Can I help?"

"He can handle it. Besides, you don't know anything about business, dear. Let your father fix it." I sighed.

"Okay… I love you, mom. I'll head upstairs to settle my things and help you afterward."

"No dear, I can handle it. Also, Trina is here to help me. You better take a rest."

"Okay…" I walked up to my room feeling a little sad thinking of my choices in life. If I hadn't chosen to be a teacher, I'd be there to help them now.

I opened the door of my room, pulling the trolly I brought with me, and sat on the bed. It felt as if I hadn't left. The things stayed in where I left them… nothing changed.

"Avi, can you let me in?" the cute voice of my little brother made me stop at what I was doing. He's in Junior High and his voice still hadn't changed that much.

"Yes, the door is open, love." I heard the door of my room opened and his pissed face greeted me.

"I hate you. You never told me you'll come." That cute reaction, I miss it.

"I've been so busy, Reno, I forgot to text you. But you already know that I'll never be absent on dad's birthday, right?"

"I know… I was just a little upset that you forgot to tell me. I wish I was one of your students so I can have time to be with you. You're always busy."

"I'm sorry that I wasn't able to give you as much time, Reno. But I'm here now, we can do all things you want."

"Okay, fine. Where is my present?" He sat on my bed.

"As far as I know, it's not your birthday so why give you a gift?" I raised my brows.

"You're so mean. You can give me a present even though it's not my birthday," he pouted. I laughed.

"Open my bag. There might be something you'd like." I smiled and continued to arrange my things. I bought him some of his favorites because I know that he'd ask me when I come home.

"Your the best sister ever. I love you!" He ran to my bag and opened it. "Wow, I kept telling mom to buy me this one but she always says that it's a distraction for my studies."

"You, promise me, Reno, that you'll manage your time properly."

"Yeah, I know. I promise you, I'll always be at the top of our class."

"Fine..."

"Bye, Avi, I will go to my room to check it."

"Ok, bro..." He's not my little brother anymore… he grew so fast. He walked out of my room and I took a nap

"Dear, time for dinner." I was woken up by my mom's soft call.

Rubbing my eyes, I looked at my mom and asked, "Is dad home?"

"Yes, he already arrived a few minutes ago."

"I'll change first, mom, then I will go there."

"Okay dear, take your time. We will wait for you."

"Okay, mom." She smiled at me and left. I changed into another dress and went down, holding the present I have for dad when I noticed three more people with them. Ow… I didn't see that coming.

"Hi, Dad, Happy Birthday." I hugged him and handed my present to him.

"Thanks, Avi. I'm happy that you're here despite your busy schedule."

"It's your birthday, dad. How could I not come?" I sat beside my mom.

"It's good to hear that you haven't forgotten about my birthday. By the way, this is Mr. and Mrs. Montelfalcon, my business partners, and their son, Kalix."

"Hello, It's my pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Montelfalcon," I smiled at them. "And you, Mr—" I wasn't able to continue what I was about to say when I felt an intimidating aura the moment I looked into his eyes. The way he stared at me is cold and it brought chills to my spine. He's dead serious.

"It's also our pleasure to meet the beautiful daughter of Mr. Fernandez," Mr. Montefalcon cut the tension I felt. "You're a professor, right?"

"Indeed I am, Mister. I work at Middleton University."

"Wow! I am so amazed. That's a well-known University," Mrs. Montefalcon replied.

"Thank you, ma'am," I smiled and glanced at their son. He was looking at nowhere but his serious face stayed as he sat still, looking proud and scary. He's handsome, though.

"Just call me Auntie, dear."

"Okay, Auntie."

"Let's eat," mom intervened. I smiled at them and fixed the way I sat. Dad and Mr. Montefalcon continued to talk about business and I can't help but take little glances at their son.

"Stop staring at me, will you?" I froze when he spoke and our eyes met. My God! I'm so ashamed… what should I say? "So you don't know how to speak now?"

This jerk!

"What?" My brows arched.

"Nevermind..." he said. I silently rolled my eyes and kept my silence devouring my food.

"Was the problem fixed, Bert?" Mr. Montelfalcon asked his eyes on my dad.

"On the process. By the way, thank you for extending your help last time. I appreciated it," my dad smiled.

"No problem, Bert. In no time, our families will become one so no matter what problem you are facing, we'll be here, ready to help you."

Families become one? What does he mean by that?

I looked at Mr. Montelfalcon in confusion and turned to my dad after, who seemed suspicious at the way he reacted. Is he keeping a secret or something? He looked like there's something that he wanted to say but can't. The confusion they are inflicting on me had made my forehead crease. I looked at my mom and saw her sad face. What's happening?

"Thank you," that was the only word that my dad said and continued eating.

"By the way, Bert, have you told her about our plan yet?" Dad was taken aback at what Mr. Montelfalcon asked but immediately recovered from the shock. What are they talking about? What's that something that I need to know?

"Not yet. But I'll surely discuss it with her later privately."

"Okay, good. I'm so excited."

"Dad, why can't you tell me now? What are you talking about?"

"Let's talk after dinner," he said sternly.

"You can tell her, Bert. It's also a good idea that we are here," the wife beamed.

"I need to explain it other without her being upset. Let's enjoy this night first," he said, obviously trying to avoid the topic but I wasn't about to back down that easily. He looked problematic and that's not good. I'm worried and I'm persistent to know what's happening. What would make me upset? Was the problem that bad?

"Dad?" I called once more.

"Let's talk later, Avi. I will tell you everything---

"Why can't you just tell her that she's going to marry me? It's that simple. She's not a kid---

"Kalix!" his dad cut him off. W-what?!