CHAPTER 5

"Why are you working so hard?" The young boy, dressed in a waiter's uniform, inquired as Al changed out of his work clothes into something more casual.

The boy's curiosity was evident, but Al barely registered his words. His gaze remained fixed on his cell phone, scrolling through messages and notifications that demanded his attention.

With a momentary pause, Al finally responded, his voice steady and straightforward. "I have a family that I need to provide for."

The weight of his responsibilities hung heavily in the air, and he wasn't ashamed of the truth; he had children who relied on him.

At that moment, a flicker of confusion brushed through Al's mind. He was all too aware of the disbelief others harbored about the nature of his situation if they figured it out.

After all, it was hard to imagine that a man like him could give birth, especially in a world where such a phenomenon was relegated to myth. He often felt as though he had slipped into a Parallel World, a place where the boundaries of gender were blurred, and every individual could bear children. Yet, that wasn't the reality he faced.

Despite this societal disbelief, Al held a sense of gratitude within him. He didn't need to elaborate on his situation; people would likely assume that he had a partner—someone who was the mother of his children—without requiring further explanation. It served him well to maintain that ambiguity.

Furthermore, Al had learned how to navigate conversations surrounding his family life. He could swiftly brush aside any speculative comments about infidelity, asserting instead that the children's mother was simply much older than him. Or died from unknown reason like; illness.

"Great! I like you, Riel," Al's colleague said with an approving nod. "You're still young, yet you're already putting in such hard work just to provide for your family. It's admirable. Unlike some young fathers I've come across, who seem to offer little help to the family they built. It's supposed to be the responsibility of the father to work hard for their family, but so many fathers I know are of the right age but still choose to be lazy, and let their child work for them." He admired Al.

"Whenever you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to me or anyone else for support. We admire people like you. Just keep being yourself, Riel." With that, Al simply nodded his appreciation in response.

"Alright then, I'll be heading out," Al replied, offering a quick goodbye before stepping out of the employee changing room.

His first stop was to see the restaurant manager. He approached the manager's office, exchanged a few words, and received a quick 'OK' sign of approval for leaving. Relieved, he made his way towards the restaurant exit.

Before he left, the manager, noticing Al's situation, handed him a take-out bag filled with some prepared food. Being grateful for the kindness, he thanked the manager before reaching the outside of the restaurant.

The restaurant was well-known among the affluent, its reputation upheld by its impeccable service and diverse menu. They offered a variety of exquisite Western dishes, seafood, and other culinary delights that promised an unforgettable dining experience.

The owner took pride in hiring professional chefs from various countries, each bringing their culinary expertise to the table. Their commitment to maintaining a stellar reputation meant that only highly skilled cooks would do.

In addition to the food, the bar served an extensive selection of wines, some so pricey that only the wealthiest person could afford to get it.

On occasion, Al took on bartending shifts to make extra money, but he was careful to balance that job with his responsibilities at home. He only worked those late hours once a month, whenever his financial situation became tight, as he didn't want to leave his young twins alone in their small apartment night after night.

The twins, despite their tender age, were not particularly picky eaters. There were moments when they expressed a desire to help their father with his work, wanting to pitch in and support their small family during tough times.

This early maturity tugged at Al's heart; it made him feel a deep sense of pity for his children. He often wished he could apologize for being such a poor father in their eyes, burdening them with the weight of their circumstances.

Yet, to his surprise, the twins would get somewhat upset when he voiced those feelings.

"We love you so much, Daddy!" they would reply, their eyes shining with affection.

"Don't think like that again!" Their unwavering support warmed his heart, reminding him that they were his greatest motivation to work diligently.

All Al could do was strive to work hard, putting in long hours to ensure his children had what they needed.

He was accustomed to carrying his wallet and cell phone in his pocket, always on him, an ingrained habit that helped him stay organized amidst the chaos of daily life.

As he rummaged through his wallet, he found his bank card nestled among other papers. With a flicker of apprehension, he checked his account balance and sighed with relief. His heart lightened as he saw that there was 30,000 Yon—his country's currency, with 1 Yon being equivalent to 1 Peso.

This amount was just enough to secure temporary housing, buy food for the month, make a down payment on his twins' kindergarten tuition, and perhaps even set aside a little for a rainy day.

While his children were studying in the morning and afternoon, he worked at this restaurant that he found because it was quite close to the direction of his apartment.

When they got free from that isolated mansion, he start to find a job, and he's lucky when he saw this restaurant.

It was just hiring for waiter so he took it right away.

He doesn't know why he was accepted immediately even without an interview.

Al didn't think that it was because he was a good-looking man who was sure to be popular with women. And even for men.

The manager of the restaurant just took one look at Al when he was observing outside the restaurant, something in his heart made him want to pull the young man inside, and offered him a job because it would be a waste if he didn't use it.

It is also true that there is currently a noticeable shortage of staff in the restaurant, making the atmosphere somewhat tense as they struggle to keep up with the demands of their customers.

However, amidst this chaos, he remained calm and composed, choosing not to rush. Instead, he patiently observed the entrance, silently hoping that the young man he had been anticipating would step inside.

A small, hopeful part of his mind was convinced that Al would eventually make an appearance. He hope.

To his little surprise, Al entered the restaurant with determination, clearly on a mission to find employment. Recognizing the potential that lay before him, he didn't waste any time in making a decision. Without the formality of a lengthy interview, he welcomed Al aboard, sensing that this young man's presence would bring a refreshing energy to the team.

He was confident that the restaurant owner would share his sentiment. After all, it would be a regrettable oversight to let someone as striking and charismatic as Alrich slip through their fingers—he looked every bit the part of a model or actor, and such talent was not something they could afford to lose.

Since the day the manager decided to hire Al, the atmosphere in the restaurant transformed remarkably. Diners began to pour in, filling tables that previously sat empty for too long. The shift in business was unmistakable, and it was clear that Al's presence had sparked a newfound energy that resonated with customers. The buzz of laughter and conversation that filled the space contrasted sharply with the quiet hum that had characterized the restaurant before Al arrived.

The manager soon realized that taking a chance on this young man had been a wise decision. As profits soared, he discreetly rewarded Al for his contributions with a red envelope, a traditional gesture of appreciation in many cultures. Inside, it was filled with cash—a small token of recognition for Al's hard work and dedication. The manager understood the challenges of fatherhood, and he admired the way Al balanced his job with the responsibilities of raising a child.

Initially, the manager was skeptical upon learning that Al was not just a young employee but also a father. He had assumed Al was a single man navigating the dating scene, searching for companionship.

However, life had taken unexpected turns for Al in ways that few could understand.

What many people in the restaurant did not know was that Al's journey was more complex than it appeared. He had given birth himself, a fact shrouded in secrecy.

He had also chosen to adopt the nickname "Riel," short for his second name 'Cyriel'. He created a new identity that allowed him to shield himself from prying eyes, or he's just using his real name because that's truly him, and not Cyll Dreiz Reiger.

Yet, deep down, Al grappled with a notion that lingered like a shadow in his heart—if he used that name it would lead to his husbands finding their children.

But even though he used his real name, his face can't be change.

The thought haunted him, instilling a sense of vigilance in his daily life. He was constantly aware of the potential dangers of exposure. The years had slipped by without a trace of his husbands, but the unease remained, a reminder of the life he had left behind.

What if they were to discover his true identity?

What if they recognized him from the past?

These questions loomed large in Al's mind, compelling him to tread carefully in every interaction and to guard his secrets like treasured pearls.