To [Sonna]:

u ok?

The message was left unread.

Andrew heard his name mentioned from the back seat. he tore his eyes away from his phone to listen.

"Save your praises for Secretary Andrew, father. He did all the heavy lifting."

Mr. Lopez hummed in agreement as he read Andrew's report on a tablet with rapt attention. "These lenders are obviously targeting us and based here on dear Andrew's analysis. Proximity to their head office gives them a goldmine of opportunity to funnel our low-income and contractual employees. And it is pretty accurate. It has a chart and everything."

"Father, you're starting to sound like Alfonso," remarked Sir Allen. "Everything in report is sound, logical. But what I want to know is what secretary Andrew thinks is the exact reason why our employees are so enticed by the ridiculous offer. Alfonso, you've had conversations with Secretary Andrew. Have you heard anything from him?"

Andrew fiddled with his phone. "Maybe he didn't tell you because you would probably shout at him and get angry as usual."

Mrs. Lopez slapped Sir Allen's arm. "Why are you shouting at little Andrew. He's doing his best at work, and before you say anything bad about him. Though he has never once approached us, we do recognize his talents and efforts for the company."

"I do know he's talented." Sir Allen groaned. "That's why I bring him everywhere I go."

That was new.

"Hehe," came Andrew's muffled chuckle. He hid a grin behind his hand. Andrew did love being acknowledged. For the record, being at his boss' side every freaking hour wasn't in the job description. Andrew was supposed to be just a desk secretary handling logistics and that's how he started six years ago. A fish-out-of-water graduate. He wondered at what point in time did Sir Allen begin to trust him.

He looked out the window as they arrived at the Lopez estate. He would've never even thought he would visit this place, but a lot of impossible things have happened lately. The gates swung wide, and they entered on a road of cut-stone with a flourishing garden on each side. The car rode up to a roundabout and the Lopez family home was in full display. It wasn't what Andrew had expected a millionaire's house would be. He was astonished by the simplicity of their home. It was a sprawling bungalow in the colors of maple wood surrounded by an abundance of flora. Even the panels of floor-to-ceiling windows gave the illusion of extensive space. Sonna was right: Being rich does smell and look good.

"Holy shit," Andrew cursed out as He slid out of the car in his running shoes, white shirt, and navy slacks. "This is house is the bomb! I could probably franchise five restaurants with the money for this house."

"Why thank you, Alfonso." Mrs. Lopez preened at the unusual praise. "It may not seem like it, but our pride and joy is not Lopez Co, it is our children and the humble home we've built together. "

Andrew cringed at the sentimental spiel, but Sir Allen's pink cheeks were a balm to it. Andrew gave a discreet thumbs up to Mr. Lopez. Ever since their talk at the prison, the parents have been improving their communication skills. They even reached out to a professional on how to go about it. It was a steep learning curve for Andrew and Mr. and Mrs. Lopez, but they had to do it on a weekend against Andrew's will.

They headed inside and the spacious living room designed with earth tones came into view. The floors were made with varnished wood panels, potted plants lined the walls, and art pieces that Andrew had no clue of were on display on shelves.

"It's your first time here, right?" asked Sir Allen. "Go ahead and look around mother's peculiar taste in décor."

"Yes, dear," a delighted Mrs. Lopez added. "Go ahead and smell the flowers. I'll go ahead and prepare the kitchen." The husband and wife left. Andrew was left behind with a scowling Sir Allen.

Andrew sighed. "Why don't you go check on your mom's cooking? I'm sure she'll appreciate the guidance. I promise not to break anything. On purpose."

"Alright, if you insist." Sir Allen didn't even put up a fight. He left Andrew in the living room and headed to his parents.

All alone, Andrew made his way to a shelf of framed photos. He took his time gazing at each one and noticed that all the family photos were old. Both sons were still little brats and the parents looked cold with no trace of warmth on their faces. Someone clicked their tongue behind Andrew. He spun around and a Luiz in casual clothes, shorts, and a white shirt, stood with his hands on his hip with knitted eyebrows.

"Luiz! Congrats for winning, Com'er." Andrew hopped to Luiz and locked Luiz's head in his arm and ruffled his hair. "Not only did you receive an award for having a gender-equal employee ratio, but you also won for best HR practice. That's balls deep amazing. You're hot, smart, rich, and now a recipient of an international award. You're going to jump the corporate ladder all the way to the top, or you could do porn. Whatever floats your boat."

Luiz protested the horseplay and manhandled his way out of Andrew's headlock. He burst out in protest, but Andrew knew the younger man was struggling to fight a smile. Also, the faint red in his cheeks was a giveaway. Andrew stopped Luiz's tirade by clutching Luiz's hand in his own.

"Think of it as a token from me, the amazing Alfonso, to help you with your goals." Andrew winked at him and slipped a USB in Luiz's hands. "This has Lopez Co's digitalization blueprint and pipeline with little footnotes to help you out, some trade secrets you just have to know, reports and analysis on the company's manpower, and reports that honeybunch Allen has compiled over the years. These are all confidential and encrypted mind you."

And every time the files are fiddles or duplicated, Andrew gets notified. But Luiz didn't have to know that.

"Oh, wow," replied an astonished Luiz, caressing the USB. Creepy, but whatever. "Thank you. This means a lot. Um, how. How did you come up with this or rather where did you get this?"

"Think nothing of it. "Andrew gave a curt wave of his hand and a boastful shrug. "You said you wanted to fight for the CEO position. Thought you might need a little helping hand."

"Is that alright?" Asked Luiz. "He is your boyfriend after all."

"And you're his brother. You two shouldn't be fighting at all."

Luiz chucked. "Noted. Good point. I'll review this now if that's alright with you."

Andrew gave him a little nudge. "Go ahead, just don't think of me when you orgasm because of all the data. Oh, we'll be having dinner in a few. Toodles!" Andrew left a flustered Luiz and headed back to the kitchen. It looked like the kitchen of an employee rather than someone who cooked for a hobby. On the left was the adjoined dining area. Through the crack of the door, Andrew only saw the long dinner table that could fit a feast.

Mrs. Lopez was scanning the kitchen for the ingredients of a Sinigang, a sour and savory soup, while the two men propped themselves against the counter and watched. Sir Allen's scowl was present. She bent over a cabinet and took out a packet of instant Sinigang powder. Sir Allen's scowl got heavier and fiercer.

"Here it is," she said. "The last ingredient. With this, it's sure to be delicious. The internet said so itself."

Sir Allen groaned. He stomped his way to his mom and swiped the sachet away from her hands. "Who told you to use this abomination? This is unhealthy and not real cooking. Do you even know how to cook Sinigang?"

"No, but Secretary Andrew told me that it would be easier to use this instant powder instead of making one from scratch. He also told me that children will always love their mom's cooking."

Sir Allen glared at Andrew, who gave a non-committed shrug. "Why don't you just help her out? You keep saying you're a good cook, maybe you can teach Mrs. Lopez some tricks around the kitchen."

Mrs. Lopez lit up with joy, she put her hand on Sir Allen's arm. A warm yet unsure gesture from one mother to her son. "Can you help me out, son?"

He huffed and rolled his eyes but took out an apron for himself. He asked Mrs. Lopez to tie it from the back, who happily did so. Sir Allen started taking out ingredients from their pantry and mumbled out instructions to Mrs. Lopez.

Snap! Mr. Lopez had taken out his phone to capture the moment.

Andrew thought the same and took out his phone. That's when he noticed a lengthy message from Sonna: indicating his ex-boyfriend might have been involved with Torch Lending. Says she's afraid because she doesn't want to get involved with loan sharks.

Maybe the guy Andrew saw Sonna fighting with was this ex.

Andrew's fingers hovered over the keyboard. He didn't know how to comfort people. Mike, on the other hand, was an expert at it. So, he sent a text to Mike: Please comfort Sonna or something. If she needs anything, contact me asap. Alright?

Andrew glanced at his side at Mr. Lopez. He was enthralled by watching his wife and son do a task you would usually see in a common household, but in here—in this household—it was as rare as the blue moon. Every member of this household has expressed the coldness of growing up by different accounts...He's been spending too much time with this family already. It was a little early, but the present is always the fucking best time.

Andrew inched closer to Mr. Lopez, he asked in hushed tones, "Don't you wonder how different it would be if everyone was honest from the start? If this was a regular sight."

"It's a lingering thought," replied Mr. Lopez, matched with a sigh. "But I try not to dwell on it. What do you think?"

Andrew hummed. "Maybe everyone would chase their dreams. What were their dreams growing up? What did they want to be?"

After a held pause, Mr. Lopez shook his head. "I don't know. We don't even know what our sons like, much less their childhood dreams. But it's something we want to fix."

"Then how about you Mr. Lopez, what was your dream?"

He looked to his wife, and a soft smile appeared on his lips. "To build a house with a beautiful garden for my wife."

"That's romantic," sighed Andrew. It was an unexpected answer, but Andrew's script still matched. "Then you achieved your dreams, congratulations. One of the lucky ones."

"Thank you, Alfonso. What about you?"

"What about me?"

"What is your dream?"

"Ah," came Mr. Lopez's reaction. Was he hoping for something grand from the boyfriend of his son? Something that could maybe cover up the messy attributes of Alfonso. In your dreams old man, I'm going to get that five million.

Another pause stilted but not awkward. Looks like silence was a family trait.

"Then what are you doing to find your dream?" Mr. Lopez inquired.

Andrew laid back with his elbows on the counter. "All dreams are fulfilling, Mr. Lopez. But dreams are expensive, and the Philippines is not the greatest place to be for an orphan. Fulfilling one's dream is a privilege not many can afford. That's why those who can, should."

Mr. Lopez chuckled. "You are right, once again. Then here's my offer to you. Why don't you go back to college? Finish your degree. If money is the issue. It's a good thing you have a boyfriend with a multi-million business."

"Are you asking me to leave your boyfriend in exchange for money?"

"Oh gosh no. I'm telling you to use your wealthy boyfriend. You said so yourself, dreams are expensive. Why don't you use the money my son keeps giving out and use it to find your dream? Scan through the courses offered at a university and choose the one you like best."

Andrew's eyebrows went sky-high. He turned to Mr. Lopez and asked, confused by the sentiment. "No offense, but aren't you supposed to stop me from using your son's money?"

Mr. Lopez patted him in the back and laughed heartedly. "You watch too much television, son. Alright, if you don't want to use the money. Why don't you apply for a scholarship?"

"A scholarship?"

"Our company has a scholarship for people who wants to finish their degree. Just pass that dreadful exam, the requirements, you're good to go. We've had over a hundred successful applicants, some even worked for us."

"That's great, congratulations."

"Oh, I had nothing to do with it. It was all Allen and his excellent secretary, Andrew."

Andrew brimmed with pride at the mention of his name from the president's mouth. What an honor. A huge grin came upon his face. He crashed it down immediately. Alfonso shouldn't be flattered so much for praise meant for Secretary Andrew.

"But you know Alfonso," Mr. Lopez continued, his eyes following Sir Allen's movement. "Your past and the scholarship program made me recognize that people who do have the resources should pursue their dreams."

Andrew scanned Mr. Lopez's expression for a hint that he was allowing Sir Allen to step down, but Mr. Lopez only offered up a smile and a pat on the shoulder. "Thank you for setting this up for us. Giving us the idea of Allen cooking a home-cooked meal and for reaching out to Secretary Andrew so we could know when Allen was free."

"It was no problem at all," replied Andrew with a fake grin. "I bet you didn't even know your son loved to cook."

Mr. Lopez shook his head. "I don't know. We don't know anything about our children... I can't even know his free unless I reach out to his secretary. Do you have any more ideas for future activities?"

"How 'bout a new family photo? I've noticed the ones on display are dated."

Mr. Lopez's eyes shined at the idea.

Andrew smirked. If tonight goes well, Mr. Lopez and Mrs. Lopez should talk to Sir Allen and Luiz. Andrew just needs to sprinkle in some more anecdotes about happiness and dreams, and that five million's practically in his hands. His phone vibrated again in his pocket but ignored it.

-~-~-

Andrew suggested that they eat on the small table inside the living room instead of that long-ass table in the dining area where they would have had to shout just to have a conversation. They all sat snuggly around the table. Being his usual self, Luiz expressed his doubt at the meaning, or lack thereof, of the homecooked meal, spread across the table. "Am I missing something?" he asked, placing rice on his plate, and grabbing a bowl of soup. "Are we the kind of family that enjoys home-cooked food now? What happened to chef Lou? You did not fire him, did you?"

"Yes, we are, my youngest heir," replied Mrs. Lopez. Her expectant eyes had befallen on Luiz. "Is it delicious?"

Luiz, under the expectant stare of his mother and the discreet observation of sir Allen, took a sip of the Sinigang. He swallowed down the spoonful and licked his lip. His eyebrows rose and he displayed a look of surprise on his face. He cleared his throat and took another spoonful to start eating in earnest. Sir Allen breathed out a sigh of relief.

"It's delicious, isn't it?" Mr. Lopez asked with a hearty laugh. "Just admit it."

Luiz kept on chowing down, but in a more dignified manner compared to Andrew's mess of a plate. Pre-peeled shrimps were always the best. Luiz couldn't be bothered to answer Mr. Lopez, instead, he asked, "Who made this?"

As a response, Mr. Lopez sent a flying kiss to his wife.

"Stop, dear. You're making me blush," cooed Mrs. Lopez who wasn't blushing. "I had a little help from my little chef son."

Mr. Lopez patted Sir Allen on his back, and whispered with a smile, "My little chef."

Sir Allen mouthed a shy 'thank you' to his dad while trying to restrain himself from grinning too much. Andrew found the good atmosphere to be a good sign for their plan.

"Huh," Luiz grunted. He stared at his big brother for a moment before resuming his dinner. "This is the first time I've eaten one of your meals, big brother."

"This is my first time chowing on Sir Allen's Sinigang," announced Andrew after swallowing a mouthful. He waved his spoon at Sir Allen, making big gestures as he spoke. "At first, I thought it was only your big ego and pride that made you confident about your cooking, I mean I've only tasted your omelets, but this Sinigang is the bomb! You should leave corporate and be a househusband. Oh, you should make my lunches from now on."

Andrew laughed, partly because of his genius move. The whole quitting part was a subtle message to Sir Allen's parents, but Sir Allen just had to ruin it by getting flattered. This son of a bitch. When Andrew had praised him before, the reply he always got was 'I know'.

Sir Allen cleared his throat. He scratched his cheek, shyly. "If you want me to cook for you, just say so. There's no need for a marriage proposal." He mumbled the last part.

This was not the reaction Andrew expected. He was horrified at the marriage prospect. He wanted to stomp down the parent's sliver of hope of pretending to get engaged. But he didn't want to kill their glittering eyes... He just sighed and joined Luiz in their silent appreciation of the meal. Andrew and Sir Allen wouldn't go as far as a fake engagement, right? Andrew should get this whole fake boyfriend thing done and get his five million already. He glanced between Mr. Lopez across the table and Sir Allen.

He edged closed to Sir Allen. "So, what's the fuss with using Sinigang powder? I mean it's easier and somewhat tasty."

Sir Allen dropped his forked and directed his scowl at Andrew. "You heathen. Of course, there will always be a difference between natural ingredients and artificial ones—"

Gotcha. With one simple statement, Andrew could make Sir Allen launch in a tirade of explanation about whatever ingredients he was spouting about. But somehow, Andrew wasn't annoyed. He found joy in listening to Sir Allen discuss something he was passionate about. But he couldn't help but make fun of Sir Allen. He even elbowed Luiz so they can secretly laugh at his big brother. If he could continue this great atmosphere, it would be completely possible to

Andrew wouldn't deny that he had a good time, but he wondered how long this would go on.

After dinner, just as the plates were being cleared up. Andrew's phone rung inside his pocket. He pulled it out and got taken aback by the flood of messages Sonna had sent. The caller ID was also Sonna's. He rushed to excuse himself out into the garden and answered the call.

"Sonna," he exclaimed. "Are you alright? I—"