"What do you mean my granddaughter is heartbroken?! This won't do; I'll travel to Japan and wring that boy's neck!" Ann's mother, Sophia, was dubbed the Diva of the Philippine Entertainment Industry.
Her grandchildren were her life, and learning that someone had made her little angel cry upset her.
"Mom... It's okay! We've got things under control. We've already decided to let it go for now because they're still young.
So there's no need to fly to Japan and wring the boy's neck. Hahaha!" Ann teases her mother, beckoning for Jeff to assist her in terminating the call.
Jeff agreed and delivered his 'Oscar-winning acting.'
"Sweetheart, we'll be late if you don't hurry!" He yelled at the threshold of their bedroom, making sure Sophia could hear. But, of course, it wasn't a complete falsehood because they actually had an engagement to attend.
"Mom, we have to leave already. We've got a dinner party to attend. One of Jeff's pals is hosting a party. I will chat with you again soon, okay? Love you! Bye!" She quickly hung up the phone.
"I swear! Every time my mom calls, there's never an end to it. She keeps going on and on--like the energizer battery."
Jeff helped Ann put on her shawl to cover her bare shoulders. She was wearing a strapless black evening dress that reached up to her knees, showing all the curves of her body in the right places.
Jeff was wearing a black Armani suit to match his wife.
The couple stopped at each of their children's rooms before leaving. Little Jeffrey had already fallen asleep, tired from his outing that day.
Ava was still awake playing computer games. It seemed she had already forgotten what had happened during the day. She was so engrossed with her games that she ignored her parents, who bid her goodbye.
Two-year-old Arria was having a fit, and she seemed to know her parents were going out.
When Ann saw this, she almost decided to let Jeff go by himself. However, Jeff quickly pulled her and ushered her out of Arria's room after kissing the baby goodbye.
"Sweetheart, her nanny will take care of her, alright? Don't worry; we will only stay for a little while. We only need to show up, greet the birthday celebrant, and then we'll leave immediately if that makes you feel better." Coaxed Jeff as they got inside the vehicle.
Ann only smiled timidly as they entered the vehicle. Once they were inside, she leaned her head on Jeff's shoulder for comfort.
It has been about six years already since the wedding of the century and three lovely children, but they're still as sweet with each other as if they were newlyweds.
***
Five years passed quickly. The incident about the first meeting was long forgotten, and everyone lived their lives, going about business as usual.
At the age of ten, Ava had long forgotten about the boy who used to tease her.
She had found solace in playing video games, immersing herself in the virtual world.
It was during this time that she met a kind-hearted individual online, who took on the role of a "big brother" to her.
He not only assisted her in advancing through the levels but also supported her and encouraged her every time they played together.
Meanwhile, thirteen-year-old James had been diligently focusing on his studies, channeling most of his time and energy into excelling academically.
However, whenever he found a moment of respite, he would engage in playing video games.
During one of his gaming sessions, he connected with a younger player who affectionately referred to him as her "big brother".
Over time, James had been guiding and helping her navigate the game, witnessing her humorous antics and playful nature, especially when she playfully addressed him as her big brother during their gaming sessions.
Ashton, on the other hand, was into show business. He loved to sing, dance, and act and constantly pleaded with his parents to let him try out for idol training.
"You don't need to join idol training if you really want to be an idol. We have our own entertainment company. How about I sign you up for classes instead." Said Ashley to the teary-eyed Ashton.
Tanaga scolded him for his poor grades and warned him that if his grades didn't improve, he would be sent to a school abroad and live in a dormitory far away from his family. That made Ashton bawl his heart out.
However, Ashton was determined to make a career in show business. No matter what Tanaga and Ashley did, he would skip school and hang out with other kids who were training to be idols.
Finally, the couple gave in and decided to let thirteen-year-old Ashton train to be an idol, and they also agreed to let him be homeschooled. They saw how determined Ashton was, and with his look and talent, they might as well let him use it.
He was sent to Korea to join the THJ Entertainment Korea branch training program.
***
Ashley and their daughter Akira visit her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gusman, in the Philippines every year. Tanaga comes once in a while, but not always.
While in the Philippines, she would visit her friend Ann, and whenever she went, she would bring her daughter Akira, who was the same age as Ava. Seeing each other so often led to the two girls becoming best friends, just like their mothers.
Meanwhile, Ashton was busy with his training and had never gone to the Philippines with his mother and sister.
James, however, always made sure to accompany his mother and sister whenever he had the time.
Despite this, he only stayed at his grandparents' house and never went with Ashley and Akira because he felt too ashamed to face Ava. As a result, the trio never had the chance to meet in person as they grew older.
Ava had a deep passion for acting and singing, much like her mother, grandmother, and aunt.
Whenever Ann starred in a movie or drama with a daughter, Ava was always included in the production.
Additionally, whenever her aunt had a fashion show featuring children's clothing, both Little Jeffrey and Ava would actively participate.
As a result of her family's strong involvement in show business, Ava's childhood was deeply intertwined with the entertainment industry...~~
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