After Angela's first session with the psychiatrist as part of her assessment, Daniel and Yvette wasted no time in learning their niece's true condition. Her depression and PTSD were severe—serious enough that she needed to stay in a mental health institution. It was the only way to closely monitor her therapy and prevent any potential self-harm, especially since she had already tried to take her own life once.
Though it pained them deeply, they knew this was the right decision for Angela's well-being. Yvette couldn't hold back her tears as she watched her niece—the once cheerful child full of energy and love—now just a shadow of her former self.
Angela sat in the corner of the room, hugging her knees. She wouldn't look at anyone. When Yvette tried speaking to her, Angela didn't even glance in her direction. When she tried to hold her hand, Angela pulled away violently and stepped back, as if even the slightest touch terrified her. Those reactions broke Yvette's heart even more. Angela had been through so much: losing her child, the sudden deaths of her parents and younger sibling—all while unaware that she was already pregnant. She hadn't even managed to tell Darius, the father of her child. Not because she didn't want to, but because she simply couldn't face anyone.
Meanwhile, Darius had begun to lose his way. Once a diligent student, he started veering off course. He was no longer on the Dean's List; instead, he was often seen drinking and smoking at bars with his blockmates. He stopped going home to the condo he once shared with his cousin Lance. He also stopped showing up around Lance, as if he had deliberately cut ties with everything and everyone connected to Angela.
One morning, he woke up in bed next to a woman—Jenna, the girl who had long made her feelings for him clear. He slowly got up and began dressing. Jenna stirred and quickly clutched the comforter to cover her naked body.
"Darius… about last night—"
He didn't let her finish. "This is what you wanted, right? Now you can leave me alone since you already got what you wanted," Darius replied coldly, his voice sharp and disgusted as he looked at her.
Jenna lowered her gaze, stunned. The man who had shown her affection the night before was gone. In his place was a stranger filled with rage and hatred—not just toward her, but toward himself.
Despite the pain and confusion, Jenna felt a dull ache in every part of her body. As she slowly got up, she tried to piece together what had happened the night before—she had made the first move, trying to take advantage of Darius's extreme drunkenness. She couldn't blame him for being consumed with hatred and bitterness toward her. She'd known all along that Darius didn't like her—that he loved someone else. But her strong feelings had pushed her to find ways to get his attention.
Eventually, Darius distanced himself from his old friends, especially Lance—his cousin and best friend. He could no longer bear staying in the condo where he and Angela once dreamt of a future together. His family chose not to interfere, as long as he continued attending school. But deep down, they knew—he was no longer the same Darius.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Clark was surprised when he called Angela and it was Daniel who answered. He had heard from his parents about the passing of Angela's mother and wanted to check on her. But the news Daniel shared was even more heartbreaking than he expected.
Daniel recognized Clark, especially since he had once been a big help to their family. So, he didn't hesitate to tell him the truth about Angela's situation. Clark wanted nothing more than to fly to the U.S. immediately to see her, but he couldn't—his grandmother was hospitalized with a fever and cough. And it wasn't just a minor illness. The doctors decided she needed to be confined for closer monitoring, especially given her age.
Only two days passed, but her condition worsened. She was diagnosed with pneumonia and had to be transferred to the ICU. The doctors did everything they could, but after two weeks, she passed away. Fortunately, Clark's father arrived in time to say goodbye before she took her last breath.
At that point, nothing was holding Clark back from leaving the Philippines. His grandmother had been the only reason he stayed behind even though his parents lived in California. Now that she was gone, there was no reason not to follow Angela. He finished the last two months of his current semester and finally agreed to his parents' wish for him to continue his studies in the U.S.
"Dude, seriously? You're leaving me this fast?" Andres said dramatically, leaning against Clark's bedroom door as he watched him pack.
Clark just shook his head. He knew Andres was joking, but he could still feel the sadness underneath. Unlike Andres, who had many friends, Clark was more reserved—Andres was the only person he truly considered a best friend. He was also the only one who knew everything about what happened to Angela.
"Ugh, it's hard when your best friend falls in love. One day you just wake up and you're alone," Andres continued to whine, arms crossed.
"Stop it," Clark said while neatly folding a polo shirt. "And besides, I know you won't be sad. You have so many other friends. If you want, you can visit me anytime in the U.S."
"It's different when you're here. But sure, LDR it is," Andres joked, picking up a pillow and tossing it at him.
Clark laughed. "You're disgusting. If someone hears us, they might think we're a couple."
"Oh please! You're the one leaving!" Andres laughed back.
On the day of Clark's departure, Andres took him to the airport. He tried to keep the mood light, but the sadness between them was undeniable.
"You've got all the ladies' attention now," Clark teased as he grabbed his backpack and arranged his ticket.
Andres pouted. "It's just different when you're around, bro. But fine, LDR it is."
Clark shook his head and patted his friend on the shoulder. "Crazy!"
But just before he walked away to check in, Andres suddenly hugged him. Tightly.
"Seriously, bro. I'm going to miss you," Andres said, clearly trying to hold back his emotions.
Clark paused, surprised, but returned the hug. "I'll miss you too, even though you're always mischievous and playful."
Andres let go and forced a smile, his eyes slightly red. "Don't forget to come back, okay?"
Clark smiled before turning toward the departure area. "Never."
As he walked away, he felt a heaviness in his chest. He knew a lot was about to change, but one thing was certain—he wouldn't give up on the chance to see Angela again. Even if she didn't remember him, even if he was no longer first in her heart, he was ready to wait for a new beginning.