Dream

“This is a plumeria flower. It represents spring, love, birth, and new beginnings. This is my favourite flower,” Luna said to Malcolm, gently turning the soft white petals between her fingers. Their faint, sweet fragrance lingered in the air.

Luna’s eyes shot open.

It’s time. Today I will go to Pacheco Village—and maybe I’ll finally find some more details about my past.

Rebeca came in after knocking on the bedroom door, the hinges creaking softly.

Rebeca: Miss T, are you awake? Shall I get the bath ready for you?

Luna: Yes, please. Malcolm will be here in an hour or two, so you both get ready as well. We mustn’t be late.

Malcolm arrived exactly at 10 a.m. The morning sun was already warm as Luna, Rebeca, and Teressa stepped outside, bags packed and anticipation humming quietly between them.

Malcolm: Hello, ladies. Are you all ready?

“Yes, we are,” they replied in chorus, their voices bright.

Malcolm: Wow! You’re excited.

(He smiled, amused by their energy.)

It’ll take around five hours to reach Pacheco, so make yourselves comfortable.

Tia, would you please join me in the front seat?

Luna: Sure.

The car pulled away smoothly, the road stretching ahead like an invitation.

Malcolm: It’s been quite a while since I last went there. I’m planning to show you all the places I used to visit.

Do you remember anything from when you lived there?

Luna: Not much… but I remember a few places—the high school, the plumeria garden, Madam Coco’s Café… oh, and the water tank. Most of these memories are from when I was nine or ten.

I also remember the rose garden and the narrow forest path—the shortcut to our university. I remember the crunch of dry leaves beneath our feet, walking there while holding your hand, Alex.

The rest of the journey passed with soft music, passing landscapes, and occasional laughter. They reached Pacheco Village around 4 p.m., the late afternoon air carrying the smell of earth and distant flowers after an hour-long break.

Malcolm: Welcome to Mandes Villa. This is our farmhouse. I lived here back when I was in college.

The villa stood quietly amid green fields, sunlight resting on its old walls.

Malcolm: The main mansion is undergoing repairs, so I brought you here instead.

Malcolm: This is Mr. James. He takes care of the villa.

James: Cavin James, at your service. You must be tired from your journey. Let me show you to your rooms. You can freshen up while my wife, Gabriella, prepares your early dinner.

If you need anything, just ring the bell—we’ll be right here.

Malcolm: Let’s freshen up quickly. I’m starving—aren’t you too? You barely ate during the break.

Luna: Umm… a little. Hehehe..

Coelho Hotels Office

The room felt heavy with silence.

Maria: Where did you say you sent her?

Jacob: Pacheco Village. With Malcolm.

Maria’s face stiffened.

Maria: Are you out of your mind, Jacob? How can you send her so far when she hasn’t even recovered completely?

Jacob: Relax. Malcolm is there—I’m sure he’ll take good care of her. Besides, she took the twins with her.

Maria: How many times have I told you I don’t trust that Malcolm boy? And why Pacheco Village of all places?

Jacob: Oh, come on, Maria. He’s Tia’s fiancé. Hasn’t he proven his love for her these past few months?

And why can’t she go there? Ever since we brought her back, you haven’t let her visit even once. What are you so worried about?

Maria’s hands trembled slightly as she clenched them.

Maria: You wouldn’t understand. You left for your business trip—it was me who stayed. Me who took care of her.

…I don’t want to hear anything else. Call Malcolm and tell him to bring her back. If he can’t, I’ll go myself.

Jacob: Don’t overreact. It’s only for two days.

Maria: Jaco—

Jacob: Enough.

Pacheco Village – Next Morning

At the dining table, during breakfast.

Sunlight streamed through the windows as the smell of fresh bread and butter filled the room.

Malcolm: Tell me, which place would you like to visit first? I’ll take you there after my meeting.

Luna: I don’t remember much, but I’d like to see the university.

Malcolm: The university? Oh right—you probably haven’t seen it from the inside.

My meeting is nearby, so why don’t you explore the inner premises while I attend it? After that, we can visit other places.

Luna: Yeah, that sounds great.

Umm… this scone tastes amazing. You have to give me the recipe.

Malcolm: (smiling) Sure. I’ll ask Gabriella. Here—have some more.

Coelho Hotels Office

Secretary: Sir, Mr. Lazarus Mandes is here to see you.

Jacob: What?

…Alright, send him in.

Welcome, my friend! How are you doing?

Lazarus: I’m doing well. And you?

Jacob: I’m doing well too. So, what gives me the pleasure of seeing you here?

Lazarus: I just missed you. Hahaha.

Jacob: Really? Hahaha.

Come, have a seat.

Lazarus: So, how’s your business going?

Jacob: It’s going as well as my old shoulder can handle the load.

I’m waiting for Tia to fully recover and take over the business. Once she’s better, I don’t want to waste any more time—I’ll start training her.

He glanced at Lazarus, sensing the eager gleam in his friend’s eyes, and felt the subtle weight of responsibility pressing on him even harder.

Lazarus: I hope she’s doing well. I can’t wait to formally welcome her into the family.

Jacob smiled or rather tried to smile, but a tightness lingered in his chest. Tia’s recovery was still fragile, and every decision felt like walking a tightrope.

Lazarus: You know, it’s been quite some time since our children got engaged. I was thinking—why don’t you send her to Mandes Estate for a few days?

That way, she’ll get a taste of what it feels like to be the lady of the house. It might also bring the two of them closer and help them decide when they want to get married.

To be honest, I’m quite greedy to have my grandchild sooner. I promise she won’t lack anything.

Jacob: I understand how you feel. I’m eager to see our children settle down too. But after the accident, Maria has been deeply worried about Tia. She’s already fussing over a two-day outing—I can’t imagine how she’d react if I brought this up.

He rubbed his temple, the subtle weight of responsibility pressing on him as he considered Lazarus’ eagerness.