Chapter 2

"Bestie! Bukas na ang binyag ni baby Ethan," Pat said with a smile as she visited her friend's house.

Jake had their house constructed for the future, so when baby Ethan grows up, he can play in the garden. They moved here after Shelly gave birth, and their son is now almost two months old.

Baby Ethan is currently napping, so the two friends find themselves in the kitchen. Despite having a nanny to assist Shelly, she prefers taking care of her son herself.

Sipping on vegetable juice, Shelly remarked, "Kim is really helpful. She takes care of everything. It's a good thing she enjoys organizing parties. It's a big relief for Jake and me."

Shelly gazed at Pat. "You've really changed a lot, Pat."

"Oh, come on, bestie. I'm still the same," Pat pouted.

"You even look sexier than me," Shelly said, scrutinizing her own body.

"Stop it, bestie! Your boobs got bigger, making you even sexier. You've become more beautiful," Pat winked.

"How's Papa Jake? Is he still jealous of baby Ethan?"

Shelly sighed. "Sometimes, he still gets jealous. I pump milk because when he's around, he doesn't want to see me breastfeeding Ethan."

Pat nodded.

"By the way, Pat, I have news for you!" Shelly said excitedly.

"What is it? Are you trying to set me up again?" Pat raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, please. You're too much. Jake's cousin really likes you. Why don't you give Alvin a chance? He has a stable job."

Pat stood up, got an apple, washed it, and started munching.

"Bestie! You're so boring to talk to. All he talks about are his achievements," Pat complained.

Shelly rolled her eyes. "Maybe that's because you're already with Matt?"

"No, bestie. Matt and I are just friends. I'll tell you if he starts courting me," Pat grinned.

"So, is there a chance?" Shelly asked curiously.

Pat sat back down and said, "I don't know, bestie. I'm enjoying my current status. I can do what I want. I'm just starting to embrace my womanhood, hahaha."

"Flattered, huh? You have a lot of admirers now. I'm happy for you, Pat," Shelly said sincerely. "Just enjoy for now. The guy who will change your perspective will come."

Pat lowered the apple. "Bestie, it seems like there's depth in what you're saying, hmm."

"By the way, what are you going to wear?" Shelly asked.

"Leave it to me. I'll be the most beautiful godmother!" Pat laughed.

Suddenly, they heard Pat's phone receive a message alert.

"Wait, bestie. I'll just answer this," Pat said with a furrowed brow.

Shelly watched her friend as she responded to the text.

Pat looked at Shelly. "Bestie, what's up?" she asked, curious about Shelly's expression.

"It's a secret!" Shelly teased, winking.

Pat raised an eyebrow. "By the way, what were you going to say earlier?"

"Forget about it. It's a surprise! You'll find out tomorrow!" Shelly said with a playful smile.

Pat rolled her eyes.

"But make sure you look stunning tomorrow! Wear something super sexy!"

"Of course, bestie! I want to be the best godmother!" Pat replied with a laugh.

After an hour, Pat excused herself. There was an issue at the office, and her secretary informed her. Even on a Saturday, if there's an emergency like this, she needs to be there. It's a good thing she now knows how to drive; commuting is difficult.

When she arrived at the office, her secretary said, "Ma'am, Architect Ocampo is in your office."

"Has he been here long?"

"About 10 minutes, ma'am. I've already given him coffee."

"Thanks, Arianne," she said to her secretary.

Pat was in dark denim jeans and a gray tank top with a black cardigan. Her beautiful figure was evident.

She planned to go to the gym after visiting Shelly, so she wore a tank top and intended to change into leggings later.

Well, whoever this Architect Ocampo is, she apologized for her casual wear. She wasn't supposed to be here.

When she entered, a tall man stood up. Pat was slightly surprised. If he weren't so tall, she would have thought he was Dennis Trillo.

"Good morning, Miss Sandoval. I'm Jude Ocampo," he offered his hand.

"Good morning, Architect Ocampo," Pat shook hands with him. "Please sit down," she pointed to the seat in front.

If it were the old Pat, she might have been thrilled to the core. The guy in front of her is extremely handsome. Good thing he's also dressed casually. He has a great physique, but not as hunky as Alex. (Oh no! Why did Alex suddenly come into her thoughts? Shake off thoughts about him!)

Now, even if an incredibly handsome guy is in front of her, she has learned how to handle her emotions. She didn't invest a considerable amount in a personality development program for nothing.

He sat down. "Please call me Jude. And can I call you Patrice?" he asked with a smile.

Pat almost choked. Thank goodness it's not Patricia. Only one person calls her that. (Well, well! Erase that!)

"Sure, Jude. You can call me Patrice," she gave him her million-dollar smile.

The guy also smiled sweetly.

"So let's talk about business?" the lady asked.

"Only if you'll have coffee with me after?" he asked.

Pat hesitated for a moment. But then she thought, why not? She doesn't have a boyfriend to disapprove, anyway. Besides, the guy inviting her is incredibly handsome, and he seems okay.

"We'll see," she said with a smile.

---

Alex sat down on his old couch, surveying his former unit. Nothing much has changed. He has it cleaned weekly, even when he's in America.

He felt a bit tired from the journey, despite it being a supposedly non-stop flight. He first sorted out the work he left in America. He estimated his stay in the Philippines to be at least a month. Maybe during that time, he could settle everything here. Maybe his fate is really in America.

Deciding to freshen up, he thought of visiting the coffee shop in the lobby where Jake's condo unit used to be. He needed to talk to Ron first.

He realized he needed to call Jake. He needed to confirm the time of the baptism tomorrow.

---

"Alex!" Shelly answered.

"Hey, Shelly. How are you? Is Jake around?" he asked in a friendly tone.

The excitement Alex used to feel upon hearing Shelly's voice was gone. Now, it's more of fondness for a friend. He smiled to himself.

"He's taking a shower. Are you already in the Philippines?" she asked curiously.

"Yeah, just arrived. I just wanted to confirm the baptism tomorrow. 10:00 AM, right?" he inquired.

"Yes, at St. Joseph Cathedral. I'll text Jake the directions later," Shelly said.

"Okay, thanks. By the way, Shelly, can I get Patricia's number? I brought chocolates for her. I was planning to visit her. Are they still living in their old place?" he asked.

Shelly bit her lip. A little white lie wouldn't hurt. She didn't want Alex to just show up at Pat's place. She preferred they meet at the baptism. That would be a great surprise for both of them.

"Well, Alex, sometimes Pat doesn't go home there anymore. You might not catch her. Just bring it tomorrow at the baptism. Anyway, Pat is the godmother," Shelly happily suggested.

"Ah, okay. That works. I'm sure she'll be thrilled with the chocolates I brought for her," Alex said.

Shelly almost laughed. If only Alex knew. Her beautiful and incredibly sexy friend is now into healthy living. She can't wait to see Alex's reaction when he sees Pat.