S2 Chapter 49: The end

The Ace And the Four Kings

Xyrine Jean's POV

 AFTER 2 YEARS

"M-mi."

I looked down at the little child by my feet. I was about to smile, but I quickly stopped myself. Instead, I pointed my katana at his neck.

"You—do you wish to taste the sharpness of my blade?" I asked seriously.

"Ma-mmii," he replied, raising his hands with a wide grin.

Pfft. Hahaha!

I quickly composed myself. "Are you laughing at me, kid?" I asked.

"Mimii," he said again.

"That's enough reason for me to take your life. Now, can I have your head?"

"Maaa-mi!" he mumbled cutely, sucking his thumb.

I couldn't help but smile. Before I knew it, I had lowered my katana and scooped him up into my arms.

"Ace, didn't you just have your milk? We're still in training, you little troublemaker!" I playfully pinched his tiny nose. But then, I paused, staring at his face.

You really really look like him.

"Waaaaaaah! Aceeeeeee!"

A loud voice from the mansion's entrance caught my attention. I smiled when I saw who it was. She rushed toward me, completely ignoring my presence as she took Ace from my arms.

Wow. She really go to my son first.

"Waaaah! Ace, you're such a handsome boy! If only you weren't my nephew, I swear I'd wait for you to grow up! You're just too good-looking!" she squealed while playfully squeezing him.

"Ten, you should hurry up and marry your girlfriend before she does something to my son," I teased, turning to Ten, who was grinning at me.

"Haha! That's fine. I'll just marry you instead," he replied, flashing me a playful wink.

"Hey! Tennessee! I heard that!" Ella snapped, raising an eyebrow at him.

For some reason, I found myself smiling as I watched them. So much had happened in the past two years. The Three Kings were graduating this year, while Ella and I still had some time left in school. And if you're wondering whether Ella and Ten are together—well, yes. Haha! I saw it coming from a mile away.

"Aha, enjoying yourselves without me, huh?"

Hearing the familiar voice, I turned my gaze from Ella and Ten to another person—one of the most important people in my life.

"Ren Nagasa!" Ten exclaimed. "When did you get back from Japan, Senpai?" he asked with a grin.

"Just now," Ren answered casually, stepping closer to me.

"Oh wow, jet lag doesn't exist for you, huh, Master?"

"For a beautiful lady standing before me, jet lag is nothing," Ren said with a charming smile, his eyes locked on mine. "You're breathtaking, Miss. May I know your name?"

Hah. My name, huh?

I swiftly slid my katana from the floor, caught it mid-air, and pointed it at his throat. "My name in exchange for your head. Do we have a deal?" I said with a smirk.

"Hahahaha! Looks like my three months of training in Japan weren't enough to catch up to you, Master," he chuckled.

"Haha! Whatever, Ren," I replied, finally lowering my blade.

"Oh, by the way, what's in those bags?" Ella asked, noticing what Ren was carrying.

"Hm? This? Of course, it's for my son," Ren said before taking Ace from Ella's arms. "Alas, how have you been? You're starting to look more and more like y—"

He stopped mid-sentence.

"You're starting to look more like me! Hahaha!" he laughed, trying to cover up whatever he almost said.

I averted my gaze, my heart tightening for a brief moment.

"Sadness doesn't suit you."

We all turned toward the person who spoke.

"Louren?" I asked in shock.

"It's me," he confirmed, stepping closer before pulling me into a tight hug.

"I missed you, Xyrine," he murmured.

"Let go, Louren. You were only gone for five months," Ren complained.

That's right. He was only gone for five months. I gazed at him, my chest feeling strangely heavy.

If it weren't for him, I don't know where I'd be today.

That night, two years ago, I told him no. But he stayed anyway. He was with me when I gave birth. He was there for Ace's first birthday. In many ways, he had been more of a father to my son than anyone else.

"Thank you, Louren."

I felt him stiffen slightly as I hugged him back.

"I don't want your thanks. I want a wedding," he suddenly declared.

All of us froze.

"Hahahaha, just kidding," he quickly added with a laugh.

I shook my head at him.

"Wait a minute," I said, frowning. "Why are all of you suddenly back in the Philippines? And why are you all gathered here at the mansion?"

"Uhmm… you don't know?" Ella asked, looking surprised.

"Know what?" I asked.

"There's a Grand Reunion Ball at Montreal tomorrow night. Every student from Batch XXX is required to attend."

I wasn't sure how to react. "Isn't it a bit too early for a reunion? I thought those were held ten years after graduation?"

I looked around, but no one answered my question.

Wait… Batch XXX? That was our batch from two years ago. So that means—

My heartbeat quickened.

"You don't have to go if you're worried," Ella said gently, squeezing my hand.

"No, it's fine," I reassured her. "Besides, I own Montreal University now. It would be embarrassing if I skipped an event hosted by my own school."

"That's the spirit! Let's move on. The past is the past," Ren said with a grin.

I gave him a small smile. "Hold on, I'll prepare something for us to eat," I said before heading toward the kitchen.

As soon as I got there, I placed a hand over my chest, feeling the rapid beating of my heart.

A reunion, huh?

Montreal University Grand Reunion Ball

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, dressed in a blue cocktail dress with my long hair cascading down my shoulders.

Yes, my hair had grown long again.

"Wow. The woman in front of me is stunning. Wait, did you give birth? Do you have a child?" he asked, his jaw nearly dropping as he took in my entire appearance.

I burst into laughter. "Yes, and I won't ever deny my own child." My gaze shifted to Ace, who was comfortably seated on my dad's lap.

A smile touched my lips. Who would have thought that the president of the Montreal Group of Companies would be doting on his grandson?

"Are you sure you'll be the one watching over Ace tonight?" I asked, a hint of concern in my voice.

He let out a hearty laugh. "You know how much I adore my grandson. Even if I had to watch over him for several nights, I wouldn't mind at all. Right, Ace?" He chuckled while playing with him.

I studied him closely. Two years ago, he made the hardest decision a father could ever make for his daughter. He knew exactly who the father of my child was. He knew everything that had happened. But when I pleaded with him to leave the past behind, he did. At first, it was difficult for him to accept, but in the end, he relented—all for me.

I stepped closer. "Thank you, Daddy," I murmured, my voice laced with emotion as tears welled up and spilled down my cheeks.

"Oh, why are you crying? You'll ruin your makeup," he said, gently wiping my tears away. "My dear, you'll find happiness soon. It's just around the corner."

soon, huh? let see. 

"Excuse me, Ma'am Xyrine," our maid interrupted, holding out a box. "Someone left another gift at the gate for you."

I stared at it. Recently, there had been deliveries—gifts, toys, and other things for Ace. And now this.

What could it be this time?

I opened the box and froze at what I saw inside.

"Is this the one you were telling me about the other day? That's seriously creepy," Ella remarked from behind me.

I continued to stare at the contents of the box. Why would he send this? And for what purpose?

"Come on, let's go. We're going to be late. It's almost six," Ella reminded me.

I nodded, setting the box aside before turning to Ace. "Ace, Dada will take care of you, okay? Mommy has to go out for a bit. Be a good boy, alright? I love you." I kissed him on the cheek.

"Ba-bye," he waved at me, making my heart melt.

Then, to my surprise, he giggled and uttered, "M-mi."

Ugh! He's too adorable—it's almost unfair!

As I turned away, I steadied myself, taking a deep breath.

It was time to return to Montreal.

But what if he was there?

What if we crossed paths?

Could I face him?

Could I face the father of my child—the man who walked away from us two years ago?

As I entered the hall in Montreal, my heart pounded uncontrollably. I glanced around, taking in the sight of the students scattered throughout the room. Everyone seemed happy and excited about the event.

Why did it feel like I was the only one drowning in anxiety?

"Over here."

Ella and I turned toward the voice. Ren, Ten, and Louren were smiling at us, waiting at a table. Wasting no time, we made our way toward them.

"It's been a while since I last saw an angel," Ren said with a grin, and I responded with a small smile.

"I wish my girlfriend was as beautiful as you," Ten chimed in.

"Ow!" he yelped as Ella pinched him. I couldn't help but laugh. These two were hopeless.

"Here."

My gaze shifted to Louren, who was offering me the seat beside him.

"Thank you," I said, smiling. But as soon as he rested his chin on his hand and looked at me, I had to look away.

"What is it? Is there something on my face?"

"No, it's just... you look beautiful." He smiled, and I rolled my eyes playfully.

"Flatterer."

Before we could say anything more, the emcee emerged from backstage, holding a microphone.

"Good evening, everyone! Thank you for attending the Montreal University Grand Reunion Ball tonight! Some of you may be wondering why this grand reunion was arranged on such short notice. Well, tonight marks a historic moment for our university. Because on this very night, the owner of Montreal University and the son of the university's biggest shareholder have a special announcement to make."

The owner of Montreal University? That's me, isn't it? And the son of the biggest shareholder? That must be—

"Please give a warm welcome to Xyrine Jean Montreal and Spade Inigo Sy!"

The moment Monique and Spade entered the hall, my heartbeat quickened. It felt like the air around our table shifted in an instant.

"Are you okay?" Louren asked, his hand gently holding mine.

"I-I'm fine." I forced a smile, even though it felt like my heart was about to burst from my chest.

I turned my gaze back to the stage. Spade and Monique walked in hand-in-hand, and I froze, staring at him. I didn't know why, but at that moment, something deep inside me stirred—something I thought had long been buried over the past two years.

"Good evening, everyone! I'm truly grateful to all of you for attending this Grand Reunion Ball despite your busy schedules. I hope you don't mind, but we'd like to take this opportunity to share something very important with you."

Spade smiled warmly at Monique before she lowered her gaze slightly—as if avoiding looking at me.

Something important?

Even though I didn't want to be affected, an overwhelming sense of dread consumed me.

"I'm happy to share that Xyrine Jean Montreal and I are finally getting married after two years of engagement."

Before I could even process his words, I was already on my feet.

"Xyrine?" they all called out.

"I'm fine—I just need some air." I waved them off and quickly walked out of the hall.

The moment I stepped outside, my tears fell uncontrollably.

Two years had passed.

Two years… but why does it still feel like yesterday?

Why does everything still feel so fresh?

Why does it still hurt this much?

As I walked, memories from two years ago came rushing back.

The night of their engagement party—I had tried to talk to you backstage. At that moment, I wanted to remind you of everything because I had made up my mind. I wasn't going to let you go. I couldn't.

I stopped walking.

That night… you told me to stop. You told me to forget about you because you were leaving. You and Monique were leaving for America.

I accepted it, even though it shattered me completely. At that moment, I lost all sense of hope. There was nothing left for me. I had turned down Louren just to hold onto you, but in the end, you let me go. You walked away.

It hurt so much, Spade. I barely survived the days without you. I went through depression, emotional distress—postpartum depression. I endured it all when you left.

But I fought. I pushed through.

And yet… why?

Two years later, I thought I was okay.

I thought I had moved on.

I thought I was happy again.

I thought I had finally learned to live without you because I had Ace now.

But why? Why did you come back?

I collapsed to my knees, sobbing.

I survived the pain of losing you once.

so why did you come back only to break my heart all over again, Spade?

I looked up, trying to catch my breath through my tears.

I forced myself to stand, glancing around, and only then did I realize where I was. The pavilion.

Do you remember?

I clutched my chest tightly.

Do you remember?

This was where I first saw you two years ago—sitting there while Ella and Tong were being punished.

Back then, the thought of falling for someone like you never even crossed my mind. But in the end, I did. I fell for you so deeply that I loved you more than my own life.

A bitter smile crossed my lips as another memory surfaced. This was also where you told me you would try to avoid me—even though you knew you couldn't. But you would still try.

Do you remember that, Spade?

I felt like something was crushing me, suffocating me. I took a shaky step away from the pavilion, unable to bear standing there any longer. My tears continued to fall as I passed by the audio room.

And then, another wave of pain crashed over me.

Do you remember?

In front of this very room, we became official, Spade.

Do you remember that? Because I could never forget.

I clamped a hand over my mouth, barely holding back a sob. My knees almost gave way, but I forced myself to stay standing.

It hurts so much.

I kept walking, and my gaze landed on the parking lot. A faint, bitter smile appeared on my lips.

How many times did you wait for me there? How many times did you insist on picking me up? You probably don't even remember anymore, do you?

Finally, I reached the maze, and my legs gave out beneath me. I collapsed to the ground, my body trembling.

As painful as it was to admit, all those memories… I was the only one who still remembered them.

Why did you have to forget, Spade? Why?

I gripped my chest tightly, my sobs breaking through.

I survived losing you once. But now that you're back…

How am I supposed to survive losing you all over again?

"Monique?"

I froze at the sound of my name. I quickly covered my mouth, trying to stifle my sobs.

Wiping away my tears, I straightened up and turned to face him.

"Hey, what's up..."

My heart pounded in my chest as I took in the sight of him—so close after all these years. Two years. After two long years, here he was, standing right in front of me.

I stared at him, unable to put into words how breathtakingly handsome he still was. In this moment, all I wanted was to wrap my arms around him, to tell him how much I had missed him. But I couldn't. I shouldn't.

I lowered my gaze, reminding myself—just as I had done countless times before—that I had lost the right to be in his life. Especially now, when he was about to marry someone else.

"Why are you here alone?"

"Nothing, just getting some air," I answered, forcing myself to meet his gaze, though I felt like my knees could give out at any moment.

"How have you been?" he asked, smiling.

Spade...

I felt my throat tighten at the sight of that smile, but I held back my tears.

"I-I'm fine," I replied before sitting down on the grass, fearing my legs would betray me. My heart pounded even harder when, instead of leaving, he sat down beside me.

"It's been two years, Xyrine."

I snapped my head up to look at him.

"Xyrine?"

He smiled. "Yes, Xyrine."

"I'm Monique," I said firmly.

"You don't have to say that."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

He turned his gaze to the distance. "Because I remember everything now."

I held my breath.

Did I hear that right? He remembers everything?

My heart leaped at the thought, but something felt... off.

"If that's true, then why..."

He let out a bitter smile, picking up a small rock and tossing it into the distance.

"A year ago, I had an accident. After that, my memories started coming back gradually. But..." He paused, his smile fading. "By the time everything became clear, I had already spent a year living with Monique. At first, I wanted to go back to you, but then I realized it was too late because..."

"Too late?" I asked, my chest tightening with unease.

He exhaled sharply, still refusing to meet my eyes.

"She's pregnant. And..." He finally looked at me. "I've learned to love her."

The world seemed to collapse around me.

Tears spilled down my cheeks before I could stop them. I wanted to break down, to sob uncontrollably, but I forced myself to hold it in.

After a long deafening silence, I parted my lips to speak.

"Why does it feel like the universe is always against us?" My voice trembled. "Why does it feel like fate itself is pulling us apart?"

"I'm sorry, I—"

I raised a hand, stopping him before he could say another word. I couldn't bear to hear it.

"Spade..." I forced a small, bitter smile, tears still streaming down my face.

"I think this is really the end for us."

I stood up and began to walk away, but his voice stopped me once more.

When I turned around, he was holding out an envelope.

I hesitated before taking it, my fingers trembling as I read what was written on it.

A wedding invitation.

My heart shattered into pieces.

I swallowed hard, gripping the envelope as if it could somehow hold me together. I took a step forward, then stopped. There was still something I needed to say—something I should have said a long time ago.

"Spade..." I met his gaze, willing myself to stay strong.

Two years ago, I thought I still had time. I thought there was still a chance.

I was wrong.

I took a deep breath and gave him the warmest smile I could muster.

"Spade, you're finally free."

 End of Season 2.