RDD 152
"Wow! Is this for weal? Gwandma, these things are mine?"
"Yes, my sweetheart. These gifts are from your grandfather and great-grandfather. Now thank them."
I smiled looking at Sophia who having fun with her grandmother. My mom, Leah Castillo, was holding cooking toys and assisting Sophia with her endeavor of frying a plastic egg.
Sophia was shocked when she realized that she had so many toys these days. A small bike, cute dresses, a pair of baby shoes that have lights, and of course barbie dolls.
"... Um, Gwandma, do I weally have to talk to them? They are scawy..."
Sophia whispered into her grandmother's ear. Indeed, my father and grandfather's appearance are quite striking. Their sharp gazes alone are scary.
Hearing Sophia's whisper, my Mom giggled and kissed the little girl's forehead.
"It's alright, they are good people."
"Hm." Sophia reluctantly nodded. Then stared at the two old men who were nervously waiting for her response.
Sophia wobbly stood up, her grandmother helped her. Yet instead of approaching the old men, she approached me first.
"Dajjy, take me to Gwandpa and Gweat-Gwandpa."
"Baby, they are just five meters away from you."
I said and glanced at the two old men. They were clearly sweating right now.
"I know, but they are scawy."
Well, five meters is quite a long distance for an almost 2 years old baby.
I chuckled and carried Sophia. I approached my father and grandfather so that Sophia could say her gratitude.
With her small hands clutching my shirt, Sophia looked at the two old men.
"Thank you for giving me toys!"
"Hm, it's alright. As long as you are happy." Ernesto nodded. Satisfied with the outcome.
"Sophia, can you call me Great-Grandpa again?" My grandfather decided to take this chance to talk to Sophia.
"Yesh, Gweat-Gwandpa!"
Hearing the kid's response, my grandfather started laughing.
Sophia decided to extend her hands and Grandfather Bradley was confused at first.
"Cawwy!"
"Hm?"
"Grandpa, Sophia wants you to carry her. Her pronunciation is still not perfect considering that she's still a baby."
"Haha, of course of course!"
Grandfather Bradley agreed and accepted Sophia. Sophia was not afraid this time, she let her great-grandfather embrace her.
The two started talking about many things. Even though Grandfather Bradley didn't have a granddaughter before and this was his first time talking to a baby girl, he did his best to entertain Sophia.
Sophia started talking about her toys, about her 'pwincess Aria'. She talked about Charlotte as well. Grandfather Bradley just kept nodding his head, listening to the little girl's babbling. Still, the smile on his face was obvious.
As for my own father, I turned to him and I saw him smiling bitterly. Clearly, my father is jealous. However, he knew that his position in this situation was in peril. He just apologized to Penelope and he was not sure if their relationship was fixed in this outcome.
In fact, even I was not sure about my wife's feelings. I looked at the kitchen where my wife resides right now. I wanted to help her make dishes but she said that I had to stay and talk to my family.
In the end, I agreed with her decision. Penelope needed time to be alone and think about the situation.
"..."
Knowing that my father was jealous of Sophia and Grandfather Bradley having fun, I decided to lead him to Roman.
"Dad, how about you teach Roman how to ride a bike."
"That's a good thing."
My father realized that I was trying to help him. With that signal, he stood up and approached Roman. However, my son immediately turned him down.
"It's fine. I don't need someone to teach me. I know how to ride a bike."
Roman didn't bother talking and showed the truth. Roman approached the bike that my father gifted to him and rode it with no problem.
My father was standing sadly as he realized that his grandson didn't want to play with him. With a sigh, he turned around to leave.
"Grandpa..."
Roman stopped pedaling and called his grandfather.
My father looked at Roman.
"Thanks for the bike."
Roman returned to playing with his bike, acting like nothing happened.
My father looked at me before smiling. He shook his head and said.
"Your kids are just like you. Well, they are cute."
"Dad, I know what you're doing. You're trying to talk to me to fix our relationship. I know how you do things."
As if I will fall for his tricks.
"Ahem." My father coughed and felt embarrassed.
"Well, they are indeed cute."
I agreed with my father this time.
"Your grandfather is very shameless. He even said that half of the gifts are from him."
My father, Ernesto Castillo, was grumbling about grandfather Bradley, who was his father. Truly a terrifying father and son pair.
"Dad, you're just jealous that Grandpa is playing with Sophia."
"Me? Nah, I'm not that childish. I believe once the kids get used to me, they will let me play with them."
... His ambitions were quite low.
"Anyway Keith, what's your job this time? I think we need to talk about it. I have a new company, it's still in the initial stage but it has a good future. How about it--"
"Dad, it's alright. You don't have to worry about us. I'm doing fine."
"This kid... are you getting stubborn again?" He frowned.
"What? Of course not. What I'm trying to say is that my family is doing fine because we have a good business. My burger shop is doing well."
"Burger shop? That's not bad. Then why don't you make another shop? I know a good location."
RDD 153
Building another burger shop might be a good idea, considering that the burgers we sell are always sold out. It means that if we make another shop, there's a strong chance that our burgers would be sold well in the other locations as well.
I wanted to nod and agree with my father but I realized that I was being unreasonable.
"Dad, I think I'll do it myself. Maybe I can build another shop next year, haha." I scratched my head, I didn't want to ask for help from my parents. After all, I felt like I didn't deserve it. I was not a good son.
"This kid..." My father shook his head and sighed.
"Look at your children. Roman and Sophia are still young. Now that they are still young, it's the right time to build up your financial power."
"Indeed." I agreed with my father. We had the same idea. That's why I want to work hard and make sure that the business will go well.
"Keith, do you even understand me? You need another burger shop so that your family will have a better income. Don't worry about the funds, I'll take care of it."
"But my business is still not stable."
"Just like I said, don't worry about the funds. Besides, I'm your father. You can ask me for what you need."
"Dad... are you feeling guilty right now?"
"Ahem! You don't have to speak if you're only going to say nonsense. Just listen to me, the Mall that you're seeing in Pala-pala, I already signed a contract to rent four shops there. Once the Mall is done, you can open your shop there."
Every morning, I would travel to Pala-pala to buy meat and other ingredients. Of course I know about the mall. The grand opening would happen next month and some people were excited to explore the place. That Mall would be the first Mall in Dasmariñas.
As expected, my father already had an idea of acquiring location blocks in the Mall. Malls didn't sell shops, people were only allowed to rent the place.
Still, renting a shop in the Mall was already expensive. Yet my father had the guts to rent four.
While we were talking, I found my grandfather Bradley approaching us. It seemed that Sophia was done entertaining the old man, and the little girl returned to her Grandma Leah. Sophia was more used to Grandma Leah because she usually visited us every other day.
"What are you guys talking about?" Realizing that our expressions are serious, Grandfather Bradley asked us.
"Dad, talk to Keith and convince him that he needs to expand his business before the children become old. Or else Sophia and Roman's inheritance will only get small money from their parents."
My father opened the topic.
"Is that so? Keith, ambition is important but having too much ambition will be bad for you."
"I understand, Grandpa." I nodded.
"That's good to hear. Anyway, look at your children. Are you sure you want them to be poor and have no money?"
"Of course not. I'm going to work hard to give them a better future. A better choice in life."
The reason for my living was to give my family a better life.
"That's why it's better for you to have more business than only having one. You don't know what will happen in the future. What if a road widening happened and your burger shop is demolished? I know it's impossible for that to happen since your shop is quite far from the highway but there's still a very small chance that it will happen."
"..."
I became speechless because we just experienced the same situation early this year. The apartment where we lived for almost five years was going to be demolished because of a road-widening project. Penelope and I were restless about that problem.
Speaking of the apartment building, I'm wondering how Mrs. De Guzman is right now. There are still three months before the apartment will be demolished by the authority. Perhaps she already received her money.
If we had time in the future, we would visit Quezon City and ask about Mrs. De Guzman's situation.
"Hm, now that I remember, I signed a contract with the Mall in Pala-pala to rent five shops. I can let you use one. Don't worry about the rent, I will answer that for a year so that it will not affect your business in the initial stage."
For a moment, I realized that my father and grandfather had the same brain... Well, they are father and son after all.
"I'll think about it."
"You don't have to think about it. I'm forcing you right now. I don't want my great-grandchildren to have a father who only owns a burger shop. That's too pathetic. You should have at least 10 shops to make your children proud."
"That's right." Even my father agreed.
"...",
Damn, my ancestors are bullying me right now.
"For the record, Dad, Grandpa, I'm not against establishing a second shop. I just feel like it's not the right time--"
Ding--!
Before I could even finish my sentence, a notification from the system struck me.
[New Mission]
[Create 5 Burger Shops within a year]
[Rewards: The Golden Waving Cat will be listed in the store. The User can buy anytime as long as he has enough System Points.]
[Rewards: 25 System Points.]
[Punishment: The Grind System can't be used for three years if failed to accomplish the mission!]
Fuck! The Grind System is a scam! I was scammed!
I thought this System would only give me boons instead of punishment. I was confident because this system was gifted by the Goddess with good intentions.
But from the looks of it, the System intended to make me grind and work hard! How can I build 5 shops in just a year!? Even if I have enough budget, it will be hard for me to accomplish to have 5 burger shops in a year! Building a shop, designing the interior, buying the pieces of equipment, and even the distribution channels... everything is hard to accomplish.
RDD 154
Suddenly, I realized that my first missions were pretty mild compared to this. Even the mission of "earning 1 million pesos in 100 days" is incomparable!
I was scammed!
-- Hey System! Are you there? Why did you give me a difficult mission? Are you really on my side?
[System Remarks: The System wants to make the User a better person. The User's major dream is to give his family a better future and the System is only assisting him. Every mission that the System provides is within the User's capability.]
--Indeed, I can do that, but still...
[System Remarks: The System might have to increase the punishment so that the User will be motivated.]
-- Fuck no. Haha, I'm just kidding. Thank you Grind System. You really know my needs. I love you so much! Muah!
The System stopped responding and left me aggravated.
As expected, the missions would get complicated as time goes on. Perhaps the System might push me to become the next Bill Gates or something, but I hope not.
"So, what do you think Keith? Do you want to open another shop?"
Grandfather Bradley asked me again.
Now that the System wanted me to grind more. I guess I didn't have a choice.
Besides, opening another shop will help me complete the "1 million pesos" mission faster.
In the end, I decided to agree.
"Alright, I will open another shop. Thank you, Grandpa. You really care about me."
"That's good to hear. Don't worry, I will keep my promise. I will give you the investment, it's yours. I will never ask for something in return. I'm your Grandfather, and you can ask for my help."
"Thanks, Grandpa." I feel elated. In my situation, I'm short on money.
"Ahem, although I hope that you can let your kids visit us once in a while. You see, your Grandma is getting old and she can't travel far. I hope she will see the kids once in a while."
Grandfather Bradley had a fake laugh. As expected, he had his own intentions.
"Dad, that's not fair. I should be the one to help Keith, I'm his grandfather! Keith, son, I will help you open another shop-- It seems that your kid never went to Disneyland, as their good grandfather, it's my responsibility to take them to Disneyland and have fun."
Father, you're not making it better.
"Tch, Ernesto. I know that you're a busy person. Don't worry, I will take the children to Disneyland on your behalf."
The father and son started fighting.
"Hm, now that I think about it. Sophia will have her second birthday next week."
"What did you say!?"
This time, both old men became shocked when they heard what I said.
The way they raised their voices caught the attention of Sophia and Roman.
The two kids looked at their grandfather and great-grandfather at the same time.
The two old men coughed and acted like nothing happened. However, they are glaring at me.
"Why didn't you tell us that Sophia's birthday is next week!"
Grandfather Bradley was tapping his cane in a wild manner as he asked me.
"You didn't ask. Besides, we only met today."
"Tch, I can't believe that my great-granddaughter will have her birthday yet I didn't prepare a damn thing!"
"Don't worry Dad, I will take care of this. We have a huge ballroom near this place, we can use it to throw a big party for Sophia." My father, Ernesto Castillo, joined in.
"That's good to hear, son." Grandfather Bradley agreed.
It seemed that both of them were ready to spend money just to give Sophia a huge birthday party... However.
"Dad, Grandpa, we actually wanted to take the kids to the sea for Sophia's birthday. Sophia has been so eager to play on the beach."
"So let's go to the beach then." Grandfather Bradley immediately changed his opinion.
"Hm, I have a resort near the shore of Tarnate, Cavite. The beach there has white sand, I believe Sophia will like it."
My father quickly used his brain and chose the right location.
"The resort is big enough to throw a birthday party. I believe it can hold at least 500 people."
Throwing a party that can hold at least 500 people is already a big party. Like, damn, feeding 500 people is not simple... Imagine how much money you have to spend. As a simple man who didn't have much in his pocket, I know that I can't afford to throw a huge party.
Thankfully, looking at my father and grandfather, it seemed that problems regarding money were not a problem at all.
These two old men had more than 8 digits in their bank accounts!
"Dad, Grandpa, if we are going to throw a birthday party for Sophia, I just hope you guys will only invite a few people. Sophia is still a baby, she doesn't need too much introduction."
"Of course, I will only invite my friends. Hehe, I will show them how cute my great-granddaughter is!" Grandfather Bradley chuckled.
As for my father, he nodded and agreed.
"I will only invite your uncle and some of my friends... I'm gonna brag about my granddaughter!"
These two... they are definitely blood-related.
"Well, I don't have a problem, I guess."
Of course, I want to showcase my daughter as well! After all, Sophia is so cute!
While the three of us were thinking about the future, Penelope came out of the kitchen and informed us that the meal was ready.
My mother helped Penelope prepare the dishes. Sophia was excited about the food because she recalled that her grandfather and great-grandfather brought candies! After having a meal, Sophia is allowed to get a handful of candy! That is her reward after eating her meal.
RDD 155
Our meal was sumptuous, at least my rich family never said anything bad about our meal.
My wife cooked Bicol Express and Spicy Sisig... Erm, I'm not sure if my wife cooked them intentionally but the two main dishes were spicy food.
But looking at my grandfather and father, it seemed that they liked the food. They relish the spicy Bicol Express and Spicy Sisig.
Bicol Express was chopped meat, usually pork, with a generous amount of diced red chili peppers, added with coconut milk. This meal was very delicious yet spicy. But my grandfather and father were devouring them with no problem, even my grandfather casually ate a chili pepper and groaned in pleasure.
As for Sisig, my wife used chopped pork ears, chili peppers, onions, and calamansi. The spicy and sour flavors were so good in the mouth. The Spicy Sisig was very crunchy yet chewy.
Even my mother was having a great time.
As for me, of course I ate the spicy dishes with no problem. I will every dish that my wife will serve, no matter how unappetizing they are.
Unfortunately for the kids, their spice tolerance was too low and they didn't like eating spicy food. My wife especially fried chicken legs for them. My two kids like fried chicken, particularly the drumsticks.
For a moment, I realized that this was not bad. I couldn't control my tears and made a moan-like cry as I ate the food. Perhaps the spicy food affected my emotions. I stuffed my mouth with rice and more Bicol Express, not hesitating to drink the spicy broth of it.
My family sensed something wrong about me but they didn't say anything. They just continued eating.
I'm happy, very happy. The burden in my heart disappeared at this moment.
Of course I miss my family, I miss my father. What happened in the past made me depressed for a very long time.
I never thought that a chance would happen when I had a meal with my parents again. I thought our relationship already ended.
Yet now, my family accepted me again... Of course I'm happy.
I was so happy that my snot was coming out of my nose while I was eating.
Even Penelope looked at me worriedly and passed me a tissue.
Suddenly, I looked at my father and found his eyes teary and red. It seemed that I was not the only one affected by the emotions. My father was happy as well.
"Hm, let's eat." Grandfather Bradley coughed and said.
"Dajjy, here."
My cute daughter realized that I was having trouble eating so she passed me cold water. Perhaps she thought I couldn't tolerate the spicy dishes.
"Thanks, sweetheart." I chuckled and drank the cold water.
Then, I wiped my daughter's cheek since half of her face was dirty because of greasy food.
Sophia glanced at her grandfather(Ernesto) and concluded that he needed cold water as well.
"Gwandpa, here."
With her small hands, she gently pushed the glass of water to her grandfather. Even though Sophia is still young, she knows how to interact with people.
"Thanks, Sophia."
My father could not help but feel touched. His granddaughter actually cared about him. His opinion about his granddaughter became better.
He drank the cold water, he wanted to show that he appreciated Sophia's goodwill. After drinking the cold water, Sophia nodded in satisfaction and returned to munching her fried chicken.
The atmosphere became much better, at least everyone knew that Sophia was a very adorable child.
"Wuuwuuwuwu..."
Suddenly, my grandfather Bradley started faking his tears!
I- I can't believe my grandfather would resort to this method. For the record, my grandfather was over 80 years old yet he decided to cry just to get his great-granddaughter's attention! How cunning and pathetic!
"Tch!"
Both my father and I clicked our tongues in annoyance.
-- Old man, you are too old to act like a child!
We said to Grandfather Bradley, but the old man was stubborn as fuck!
-- Shut up. You guys should respect your elders!
He stubbornly 'whimpered' while savoring the spicy dishes!
Being a good child, Sophia realized that her great-grandfather was crying as well. She sighed like an adult and muttered.
"I can't bewieve that the adult men in this famiwy are a bunch of weakwings!"
She said in defeat and passed a glass of cold water to Grandfather Bradley.
Grandfather Bradley grinned and accepted the cold water with no shame at all! Damn, old man, you're too desperate!
After the meal, my parents and grandfather decided to end their visit. They knew that my wife and I needed time to converse.
"Keith, don't forget what I said. It's better to expand your business. You have two children I don't want to have a father who only has one burger shop! If we are talking about investment, just contact me. I'm too old to think about money."
Grandfather Bradley tapped my shoulder before leaving.
"Thanks, Grandpa. Take care of yourself and tell me Grandma that I miss her."
I said and put my forehead on the back of his hand as a sign of respect.
"Keith... I'm happy that you're back. You're free to return to the house whenever you want. Take care of yourself and your family."
My father returned to his normal demeanor. Now, he had this cold aura around him. Still, I know that my father means goodwill.
"Yes, Dad."
"Then, we will leave now. We will try to visit you if we have time."
My father is a really busy person, but why do I feel like he will start dropping his work just to visit my house?
Nah, probably just a conjecture.
Once my parents and grandfather were gone, the house returned to normalcy. The kids returned to playing.
I glanced at my wife who was slightly smiling at me. I approached her and kissed her forehead.
"Are you okay, Honey?" I combed her hair and her expression was that of pleasure.
RDD 156
"I'm fine. Keith, we are adults. I know that it's useless to hold grudges. I don't feel anything bad about your family. Although I'm not sure if my relationship with your father will be better. I'm still scared of him."
She muttered weakly and put her head against my chest.
"However, I know that our children need to meet their grandparents and great-grandparents. It's their right to do so... Another reason is because I'm afraid of the kids' future. I hope that your family will dote on our kids so that they will have a better future. We are just a simple couple and we are not rich. I know it's selfish but I hope your family will take care of the kids if something bad happens to us."
"..."
I understood what my wife was saying. Even though it might sound like we intend to use my rich family, we are doing this for the kids, not for us.
Roman and Sophia were young and they didn't know the reality of this world. Life was not easy.
If getting close to my rich family would give my kids a better future, then I would be glad to do so.
In my opinion, my wife was not selfish. In the first place she was not doing this for herself, but for our kids. She sacrificed her feelings and emotions for our kids.
I put my arms around her and hugged her. I kissed her head, knowing that I would always be on her side.
"Honey, hehe, you are very cunning." I teased her to make the atmosphere better.
"Keith, you're terrible at making things better. Just shut your mouth and hug me instead."
"As you wish, my beautiful lovely wife."
"Geez..."
The two of us left standing in the living room, embracing each other.
"Not fair! I want a hug too!"
Sophia showed up and pouted her lips as she ran to us. The little girl hugged our legs but her small arms could not do so.
Penelope and I laughed. We kneeled down and hugged our cute daughter.
Roman glanced at us but he didn't speak.
"Roman, come with us. Come give Mom a hug."
Penelope chuckled and extended her hand to him. Roman nodded and hugged us.
"Mom, Dad, I think my grandfather and great-grandfather are not that bad," Roman muttered, recalling the reunion earlier.
"So you do like them?"
"No, they are old but they seem childish."
We spent the night like that.
...
...
...
Once the kids were sleeping, the adults started their fun.
Penelope was laying her back on the bed, her head was on the edge of the bed, slightly hanging.
"Guh- glugh!! Gawwk--! Gawwk--!"
She gagged as I fucked her beautiful face. My wife's face was now covered in drool, her eyes shedding tears as they rolled to her forehead.
In this position, her throat was straight and tight, as if I was really fucking a pussy. She did her best to accommodate my cock and made her mouth wide open so that her teeth would not hurt me. On top of that, she was doing some tongue action despite the difficulty.
Earlier, my wife said that she wanted it rough and I gladly obeyed her wish.
Our sex life before marriage was very exciting. We rarely do vanilla sex back then. We used handcuffs, spanking, and gagging back then.
"Gaahhak--! Haawk--!"
My wife uttered a moan-like cry. My balls were slapping her face with no mercy. Her cheeks were red from blushing.
Her mouth stretched into an 'O' as I pumped in and out my cock. I loved it. The way my dick pounded her tight throat, feeling them tightening and gasping for air, was very hot and dominating. I felt like I was raping my wife's throat.
I let my cock rest in her throat, letting her suffocate for a few seconds before pulling it out.
"Mmm~"
A trail of white saliva was on the tip of my cock as I exited her throat. This saliva trail then landed on her nose and forehead.
With my gasping for air, yet in bliss, she smiled at me with her mouth red because of my doing. Her misty eyes, looking at me with satisfaction and love.
Damn, I fucked her throat recklessly yet she was happy. I truly married the best wife on the planet.
Penelope giggled softly while wiping her face with the bedsheet. We might have to change the bedsheet since it was getting dirty because of too much sex.
"You should have seen how red your face looked, Honey. How good was that?"
I asked her teasingly and slapped my cock against her cheek. My cock was still wrapped in saliva and I wet her face again.
"Stahp~ I just wiped my face." She giggled.
"Then, how about we try doing wheelbarrow?" She offered, it seemed that my wife wanted to spice things up.
I laughed and nodded. Of course, I would love to do so.
While her palms were on the bed, I grabbed her thighs and lifted them up. My wife laughed as she realized that she had to rely on her hands to keep her balance.
Then, I entered her while holding up her thighs.
"Mmm~"
I felt how her ass flexed in response to my thrusting.
She did her best and spread her legs, giving me more space inside of her. I couldn't resist and gripped her thighs stronger.
"Ah!" She moaned, her world literally rocking.
"More please~ Honey, fuck my pussy--! I need it baby~"
And I complied. Perhaps my wife needed to unwind after what happened earlier.
I kept thrusting, hitting her sweet spot. I could tell that my wife was enjoying it, moaning and begging me to go deeper. And, as I listened to her pleas, the feeling of being inside her grew stronger.
"Oh, Keith!" She groaned loudly. "I'm gonna cum~!"
The thighs that I was gripping kept flinching and Penelope reached her climax.
RDD 157
"So we are here in the house..."
Ernesto Castillo muttered, quite elated. As a man who was over 50 years old, he thought that his dreams of having a granddaughter would be impossible.
He knew that his lineage had trouble having a daughter, perhaps it was a curse.
'When Dad and his parents were poor, they were happy that they could have sons with 90% accuracy. Their lives back then were always about farming. More sons in the family means more helpers.'
That was right. Back then, the more kids you had, the better it would be. Of course, kids back then were unhealthy and malnourished because life was not better for everyone.
Anyway, now that the Castillo family has become rich, they never thought that this power would bite them back.
Sons are troublesome and stinky! They are not cute at all! Once the sons became adults, they were not pleasing to the eyes. How can Ernesto like them?
His three sons never listened to him at all! His first son was always in the office, always working! If Leah, his wife, didn't talk to Jeremy, perhaps that eldest would live in his office for eternity.
As for his second, he was the worst! He likes playing around. He usually passed his job to his secretary. Sean is a playboy and it was already a miracle that his relationship with Mari Mar lasted long.
As for Ernesto's youngest son... Sigh, he left the house for six years and never returned. If not for the fact that Sean convinced Keith to return to Cavite, perhaps their youngest son might never show up again.
Ernesto glanced at his wife who had a better expression. As if the burden in her heart disappeared. It was hard for Leah to keep the matter about Keith a secret from her husband.
"Wife... Let's have some fun later." Ernesto grinned and his hand reached his wife's butt!
"Geez, Ernesto! You are too old to act like this!" Leah yelped but she didn't stop her husband. She blushed and let her husband do what he wanted to do.
Ernesto chuckled and entered the house. Of course he stopped caressing his wife's ass before entering the house, they have a lot of time later.
"Sir, Ma'am, both Sean and Jeremy are in the mansion. Jeremy was with his wife and son."
"Is that so?" Ernesto was surprised to hear that. He rarely met his sons together. Sean and Jeremy had their own lives. They visited the house once in a while but they rarely visit at the same time.
Ernesto glanced at his wife and Leah shook her head. She was clueless.
'Well, them visiting the mansion together is rare but it's not impossible.'
Sean and Jeremy are complete opposites and they would start immature bickering whenever they meet.
Just as they expected, when the parents entered the living room, they saw their two sons bickering while playing chess.
"Checkmate." Sean grinned.
Jeremy touched his chin, he changed the position of his king. Sean tried to follow the king but he was trapped instead.
"Checkmate," Jeremy muttered and ended the match.
"Tch. As expected, I can't beat you in this game. How about we play Basketball instead? I'm cool with video games as well. You are good with Street Fighter, right? I'll beat you using your best pick."
"Sean, you lost. Just admit it." Jeremy nonchalantly said.
"Fuck!" Sean was angry about it.
"I prefer using my fists, how about we square one!?"
"Okay."
The two brothers stood up.
"What is happening here?" Ernesto frowned.
The two brothers stopped their childishness after knowing that their parents arrived.
"Dad, Mom."
They greeted Ernesto and Leah with a hug.
"You guys are too old to act like children. Stop this stupidity."
"Of course, Dad! Haha! I'm not that immature." Sean replied while Jeremy nodded.
"Tch, these kids..."
Leah hugged Ernesto's arm to calm him. Ernesto's anger dissipated and looked at his two sons.
Indeed, they grew older, they were taller and they didn't need Ernesto's protection. They could stand on their own feet. Ernesto was proud of them.
"Good evening, Father-in-law! Good evening, Mother-in-law! As always, Mother-in-law, your face is very beautiful!"
Isla Castillo showed up when she heard that her in-laws arrived.
Leah smiled at her daughter-in-law. Isla knew how to make her feel better.
"Grandpa! Grandma!"
"Oh look at my cute grandson!"
Kai Castillo ran to his grandparents and hugged them. Kai put his head against the back of their hands and greeted them. Leah smiled and kissed Kai.
"Now that the whole family is here, I have something to say."
Ernesto didn't expect to meet his sons tonight but it was a good thing.
"You better take a day off next week. Your niece will have a birthday next week."
"Huh? What do you mean niece?"
Sean was confused. He looked at his older brother, he realized that Jeremy was shocked.
Suddenly, Sean remembered that Keith had a daughter!
"Oh shit!"
"Yeah, that's right. You two, you have a lot to tell me! Be prepared because I'll grill you alive tonight!" Ernesto roared and grinned.
His two sons actually kept it a secret! They didn't tell him that Keith was in Cavite! Ernesto loves his wife so he will never blame her. But his two sons were different!
"As expected, having stinky sons is the worst! They never respect their parents!"
Sean and Jeremy realized that the secret was no more. They looked at their mother, hoping for an explanation.
Leah just smiled.
"Your father found out that Keith is living in Dasmariñas after he checked our house there."
"..."
So their mother didn't snitch...
"Prepare for your niece's birthday party!"
"Yes, Dad!" The two sons answered.
"Father-in-law, a party will happen. Can I invite some of my friends?" Isla Castillo asked.
"No problem. But we only intend to make a small birthday party so inform them about that."
Ernesto nodded. However, the term "small birthday party" to him might be different from the usual small birthday party...
"Okay." Isla smiled.
RDD 158
Old Bradley entered the mansion with much vigor and excitement. He didn't bother talking to the maid and immediately went to see his wife.
Matilda Castillo was currently watching a telenovela with the title of Slap-Soiled Woman. It was a cliche story about a poor woman meeting a prince charming and falling in love. However, there were many obstacles to their love and the female lead suffered many times but she persevered.
Even though the plot was overused, Matilda Castillo emerged from watching the show. She didn't sense her husband approaching her. Well, Matilda Castillo was already old and her sense of hearing was not good anymore.
"Wife,"
"Hm? Oh Bradley, why are you so late? I thought we were going to watch the telenovela together?"
Matilda Castillo glanced at her husband with confusion.
"Did something happen to the chips factory and Jeremy? Is that the reason why you're late?" She asked worriedly.
"No," Bradley sat next to her and held her hand.
"Wife, I have something to tell you." Bradley was smiling.
"Husband... Did you do something bad? Don't tell me your bowel movement is getting worse again!?" She became progressively worried. They were not young anymore. Even though they didn't have health complications, their bodies were not the same twenty years ago.
"Of course not!" Old Bradley immediately denied it. His bowel movement was not good sometimes but he was healthy overall. No, he had to be healthy and spend more time with his great-granddaughter!
'Hah, those old fogeys will stop making fun of me!'
Their mansion was within a community of wealthy people. People who had professions that brought a lot of money, such as businessmen, actors, lawyers, and politicians... Erm, politicians in the Philippines could get rich through corruption, a sad truth.
The politicians in this country were known to steal a lot of money from public projects. Their negotiation with rich businessmen was another method of getting money as well.
Anyway, most of Old Bradley's friends were retired people. These days, old people just love to brag about their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Old Bradley's grandchildren were all successful, even Keith and Maverick were having a good life.
However, three generations happened and no one in the family had a daughter!
If this was in the 50s or 60s when farming was a good lifestyle, then the Castillo had it good. But industrialization improved and farming became a not-so-good profession.
Anyway, Old Bradley didn't like that his friends were making fun of him because he didn't have a daughter/granddaughter/great-granddaughter!
At first he was not interested in this matter, but he was getting old and he knew that his life on this planet was going to end.
He became stubborn and his last wish was to have a granddaughter or great-granddaughter to pamper. The young boys in the family were not cute at all! All of the men inherited the black hair of the family! Being a stubborn old man, Bradley grew tired of his great-grandkids being boys with black hair.
Now, Bradley's dream was fulfilled! He had a great-granddaughter and she was very cute!
"Wife! We have a great-granddaughter!" Old Bradley excitedly said to his wife and held her hand.
"Yeah, and my name is Mother Teresa, a so-called Saint but actually a terrible person."
Matilda Jane couldn't help but click her tongue. She thought her husband was trying to prank her.
Old Bradley was stunned. He thought Matilda would be happy once she knew that they had a great-granddaughter.
"Husband... I know you want a great-granddaughter but you have to understand that it's very hard for our family to have a daughter. Bradley, I think we have to visit the hospital sometimes. You must not live in illusion. Come, let's visit a hospital."
Matilda thought her husband was having a mental illness. Worried about her husband's mental health, Matilda stood up and called the maid to help them go to the hospital.
"Huh? W- wait, wife! I'm not lying and I'm healthy! I am not senile! We have a great-granddaughter!"
"... Husband, please don't do this to me." Seeing that his husband was not getting better, Matilda's expression turned dark.
"Husband, you know that it's impossible for that to happen. Even your relatives in the province are all males."
"It's not impossible, it's just very rare."
His ancestor four generations ago was actually a woman.
"Listen to me first."
"Alright." Left with no choice, Matilda decided to understand her husband who was very active that night. She hoped that Bradley was fine.
"Do you remember our youngest grandson, Keith?"
"Of course I remember him. What do you think of me, someone who has weak memory? Keith is our youngest grandson and he eloped with his girlfriend."
"That's right. Actually, I met Keith earlier together with Ernesto."
"What do you mean?" Matilda frowned.
"I'm saying that Keith has a daughter! Ernesto and his wife confirmed that the little girl is our relative through a DNA test!"
"... You're not kidding, right?"
Matilda blushed.
"Wife, I will never lie to you."
"Husband, you lied to me so many times."
"A- Ahem! Anyway, I'm serious this time! We met Keith's family and they are doing well! Wife, I promise you, once you meet Sophia, you will love her."
"I see, so I have a great-granddaughter at last..." Matilda smiled. Just like her husband, she was dreaming of pampering a cute little girl. She was envious of her friends who had their granddaughter and great-granddaughter play with them.
Matilda's great-greatsons were too much for her to handle. Most of them love playing physical games.
"At last, I have someone to spend time with me taking care of the garden..."
Matilda immediately turned to her husband.
"Husband, I want to meet our great-granddaughter!"
"Haha, I know you will act like that. Don't worry, Keith will have a day off on Sunday. We can visit them that day and meet the kids. Keith and his wife have two children, Roman and Sophia."
"Sophia, what a cute name."
Matilda smiled, thinking about it.
RDD 159
Saturday was usually a day off for students. But it was different for adults. Saturday was a working day and people had to work to get money and buy food. A real and sad story.
Only Sunday was a paradise for the adults, but that single day of the week was not enough... Erm, of course, people could take an absence but they might lose their jobs.
So yeah, being an adult was not a fun thing at all. Sometimes I miss the times when I was still a child, innocent of the world, living my life free from stress and depression.
Anyway, since Saturday was still a working day for most Filipinos, our burger shop was open.
The line of customers was still ongoing and the four of us didn't stop just to give them their orders. Sometimes I'm amazed and scared at the power of the Grind System.
For 10 hours straight, all I did was grind at work. It would be a lie if I said that I was not mentally exhausted. My body was healthy and strong after taking the daily Energy Pill, but my mind was undergoing treatment...
I could see that even my three employees were tired as well. Thankfully, tomorrow was a day off for all of us. On top of that, today was payday!
So yeah, they were doing their best. Whenever it was payday, it was a good day.
After a day of working, the four of us announced that all of the burgers were sold out before 4 p.m.
The four started cleaning the shop for the Monday opening.
All of them had a salary of 320 pesos per day. Old Man Jim and Waylen already ended their training and they became official employees of the shop.
Each of them received an envelope from me. My wife counted the money and put the cash in the envelopes.
They received 1920 pesos. Waylen and Old Man Jim checked the cash and counted it. There was nothing wrong with that. I count my salary as well back when I was still a taxi driver.
Santiago thanked me and took a glance at the envelope before putting it in his pocket.
After they counted the money and found that the amount was right, they both grinned and thanked me.
Payday is a happy day. So both of them were smiling and happy when they received their salary.
They cleaned the shop with vigor this time, every nook and cranny was thoroughly cleaned. Making the interior of the shop smooth and pure, like a newborn baby... A bad metaphor.
After cleaning, Waylen and Old Man Jim bid farewell and left the shop.
"Santiago, are you interested in going somewhere tomorrow? I feel like you're spending most of your time inside the shop."
I said to Santiago. A shelf near the old television was filled with books related to engineering, particularly electric engineering. There were physics, mathematics, and algebra as well.
Seeing complicated books like that made my head hurt... I didn't know how my wife and my son could endure reading books like that. Reading physics and algebra was a method to torture! A testimony I can assure everyone!
"I have no plans tomorrow brother-in-law. Why are you asking?" Santiago was curious and his expression slightly brightened. He wanted to go to other places as well.
"About that, I'm going to take my wife and the kids to my grandparents' house. Perhaps you are interested in going with us."
"... On the second note, I think I'm going to stay and guard the shop."
"But there's nothing important in the shop. The equipment is heavy and the shop is locked and protected. I think you can have some fun tomorrow. Don't worry about the shop."
"No, it's alright brother-in-law. I- I want to stay here."
It seemed that Santiago was affected by my grandfather's dominating aura two days ago.
"Then, if you want, you can leave the shop and go somewhere you want. Just don't return before the night."
"Thanks, brother-in-law."
I left the shop after failing to convince Santiago to visit my grandparents' house with us.
Perhaps I was overstepping my boundaries but Santiago was part of the family. Besides, I wanted to take him with us because I knew that Penelope was kind of nervous to meet the family. I wanted someone to look at my wife in case I was gone or something.
When I reached the house, I sighed when I saw a car parked in front of our house.
I had no idea who the person might be because I didn't recognize the car. The car was quite big, almost ten people could fit in.
I stepped out of my Toyota Pickup truck, I couldn't enter the gate since it was blocked by the car.
"Dajjy!"
Before I could enter the house, my daughter already greeted me. I immediately smiled and opened the gate from the outside.
Sophia ran to me and hugged my legs. That was her usual greeting and I'm already used to it.
As always, I carried my daughter after she greeted me. Perhaps this was the reason why Sophia wanted to hug my legs because she knew that I would carry her after.
The little girl giggled and was happy that she was up in my arms. For a baby like her, the height was already too high and she liked the sensation of being carried high.
Then, as I walked, I recognized the person in front of me.
"Grandma..."
"Is that you, Keith?"
Grandma Matilda smiled at me. However, her eyes were a bit unfocused.
My mother had poor eyesight and it seemed that it became worse after six years of not seeing her.
"Grandma, you should wear your eyeglasses."
"I know, but even eyeglasses can't help me anymore." She smiled.
RDD 160
Suddenly, I felt my eyes getting blurry. I sniffed and held my emotions.
Sophia sensed that something was wrong with me and hugged my neck.
"Dajjy, I meet Gweat-gwandma Matilda and she is very sweet! She baked a donut for me and bwother Roman!"
I looked at my grandmother and she nodded.
"Your daughter is very cute, I can't help but pamper her. Too bad, my back is already weak and I can't carry her."
"Yes..." I said and wiped my tears. I really miss my grandma. I'm getting emotional, fuck!
"Let's go. Your grandfather is waiting for your arrival."
"Grandma, I thought we were going to visit your house tomorrow."
I felt bad because my grandparents were already old and they should not travel too far.
"About that..." Grandma Matilda just smiled and led me to the house. She then went to the garden. It seemed that she wanted to talk to my wife.
I found Penelope happily checking the plants in the garden. When she saw my grandma, she smiled and helped her walk.
I realized something important. Both Penelope and Grandma Matilda loved gardening. The two women easily became close. Based on my wife's sincere smile, it seemed that Grandma Matilda caught my wife's heart.
Then, I looked at the living room and found my son and Grandpa staring at each other... These two people were the serious type of people. It might be awkward for both of them.
"Oh, Keith you've arrived!"
"Grandpa, you shouldn't have taken a trip. We are going to see you tomorrow anyway."
"I know. But your Grandma said that she wanted to meet you eagerly. She insisted on visiting your house and taking your family to the mansion tonight. We are just waiting for you to arrive."
Now I realized why my Grandma paused when I asked her why they visited us. She was the reason why...
Anyway, as long as my Grandma was happy.
"Anyway, now that you're here. We can leave now. Torres is waiting in the car." Grandpa stood up and said.
"Yay! Adventuwe!" Sophia giggled, quite excited that she would leave the house. The kids spend their days in the house most of the time.
They would have some fun every weekend but the kids were active, especially Sophia.
I glanced at Roman and it seemed that my son was not against it either. For the record, my son had motion sickness and he didn't like traveling long distances. Yet it seemed that he was excited this time.
"Dad, Grandpa promised me that he would give me a Tamagotchi," Roman muttered next to me.
"And you let yourself be enticed just like that?" I was surprised. I knew that Roman was observant and he would easily fall for something like this.
"Dad, I'm not stupid... I just want the toys." His expression didn't change much but I saw that his crimson eyes were shining.
"Toys? You mean there are more?"
"That's right..." He didn't explain much.
I chuckled and let the kids do what they want. My grandparents were good people and I knew that the kids would start liking them. Although Grandfather Bradley was a bit strict.
Well, now that Sophia was here, the old man might change and become sympathetic.
Then, I turned to my wife and daughter.
Penelope was carrying Sophia in her right arm. In her left arm, she was holding a plastic bag filled with... Was that a tomato plant?
I looked at my wife, asking for an explanation.
Penelope smiled and passed me Sophia, who was getting active these days. Truly, my daughter was getting heavier. It seemed that her mother could not carry her for a long duration.
"Honey, Grandma Matilda said that she didn't have cherry tomatoes in her garden and I decided to give one of our plants." She smiled beautifully, so innocent and lovely.
"Indeed. Most of my plants in the garden are flowers, I feel like I have to start planting vegetables again. Your wife's garden is truly beautiful, it reminds me of my life in the province."
"Thanks, grandma." I nodded.
Hearing Grandma Matilda's response, Penelope was smiling ear to ear. As if she found someone who could understand her.
It seemed that my wife's chemistry with my grandmother was great. Penelope was acting carefree. I'm very happy for her.
Uncle Torres was already waiting for us. The car, or should I say van, was enough for six people to use.
Before leaving, we turned off every electronics except for the refrigerator. The lights were turned off except in the living room. We locked each room, door, window, and the entrance. This was the first time that we would leave the house for quite some time. Erm, although it was for one day.
Anyway, it was better than sorry.
Uncle Torres, the driver, started the van and left the subdivision. It would take at least an hour for us to reach Imus Cavite.
Roman was a bit pale and my wife knew that the kid was uncomfortable. She gave Roman candies to fight the motion sickness.
Fortunately, Roman didn't make a mess. Perhaps he didn't want to do something embarrassing in front of his great-grandparents.
As for Sophia, the little girl was very active and talkative as she looked out the window. She loved looking at the scenery, although most of the scenery was buildings and sometimes rice fields.
Sophia kept asking her mother about things she didn't know and Penelope did her best and answered her.
Grandmother Matilda was playing with Sophia as well, making the atmosphere better.
I suddenly glanced at my grandfather and confirmed that the old man was jealous. Still, he was satisfied with what he was seeing.
I hate to say it but my grandfather was quite scary. His eyes were always fierce and he had this serious aura around him.