Despite the gossip, Lance falls for Maya. She has a different burden to carry. When Lance fell ill with dengue and was hospitalized for two weeks, Maya never left his side. She was the one who cared for him, fed him, and watched over him. It was then that Lance saw the girl’s broken heart. “I don’t care if she has children,” Lance told himself. “I’ll love them just as much as I love her.”
Lance started to flirt with Maya. At first, she resisted. “Sir, you’re heaven, I’m earth. And… I have many responsibilities,” she said, her head lowered. But Lance was persistent. He felt ready to accept everything. Eventually, they gave in.
The relationship became a huge scandal. Lance’s mother, Doña Consuelo, was furious. “Lance! Are you out of your mind?! Are you going to take on three more children?! You’re going to have to support our family!” she screamed. Her friends mocked her. “Lance, you’re the father of three! Good luck with the expenses!”
But Lance stood firm in his support for Maya. They got married in a simple ceremony. Maya cried at the altar. “Sir… Lance… are you sure? You might regret it.”
“I will never regret it, Maya. I love you and your children,” Lance reassured her.
The wedding night came. Their honeymoon.
In the master bedroom, it was quiet. Maya was nervous. Slowly, she approached her husband. Lance was prepared to accept everything about her—her past scars, the stretch marks of motherhood, all the signs of sacrifice.
“Maya, don’t be embarrassed. I’m your husband,” Lance said gently, patting her shoulder.
