Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad Chapter 123
Luz was shocked to see that Maya and her family were living in a huge villa. Her gaze traveled across the white walls, the wide garden, and the tall, polished fences that framed the property. The enticing scent of food drifting from the annex only added to her disbelief and envy. Thankfully, Maya explained that the villa was not their property, or else Luz would have been even more speechless.
"By the way, I heard that Janice is doing well in Maynila. Her job is in a high-class private school, one of those prestigious institutions, and she seems to be earning 50,000 pesos per month."
When Luz said that, Vin and Minda stiffened slightly. Their eyes flicked toward Maya, waiting for her reaction. The atmosphere briefly grew heavy. All of them looked at Maya, but the woman merely maintained her calm, graceful smile.
"That's great for her. I truly mean it."
"Are you really fine with giving her the job quota? It was yours to begin with."
Back then, their college had invited local and international companies and organizations to recruit employees in a competitive event. When Maya gave her presentation, one of the well-known private schools from Maynila offered her a quota.
In truth, that event was a project initiated by the mayor for election purposes, a political move. Almost every company or organization that participated didn't really care and treated it as a formality. They were mostly there to give face to the vice governor who attended the event.
"I'm happy for her," Maya said, with nothing more to explain.
"..."
Luz was left speechless. Even Vin and Minda exchanged looks, unable to comprehend Maya's selflessness. To them, it felt illogical. Giving away such an opportunity seemed foolish. Maya and Janice weren't even that close, yet Maya had handed over a job quota that allowed Janice to work at a private school and earn 50,000 pesos a month, a life-changing amount.
For an average worker, 50,000 pesos monthly was huge, enough to elevate one's social status. It was even beyond what most middle-class workers earned.
"Are you really sure it was worth it?" Luz couldn't help but ask. Her brows furrowed as she leaned forward, seeking clarity. She was Maya's friend, but she couldn't understand why Maya chose to be with Karlos instead of going to the capital and living what Luz considered a better life.
"Thank you for your concern, Luz, but I'm living a better life," Maya replied softly. Her words were gentle yet firm, filled with conviction. She smiled genuinely, without a hint of regret, not even for a second.
"Mama!"
Suddenly, Arabella called out, breaking the tension. Her small arms stretched forward as she squirmed in someone else's arms, her lips curling into a pout as tears threatened to fall. She was tired of being passed around by people she didn't recognize. She only knew her uncles and aunties, which were Andres, Joseph, Reina, and Penelope. The others were strangers, and she felt uncomfortable with them.
Iñigo was even worse. He was more sensitive and refused to let any stranger carry him at all. He clung tightly to Penelope's neck like a lifeline, his little fingers gripping her blouse as his eyes glared at unfamiliar faces.
Who are you?
Do I know you?
You changed my diaper?
You met me when I was a baby? I'm still a baby now, so why can't I remember you?
His scrutinizing gaze conveyed all of that without a single word. The adults around him laughed, finding his seriousness amusing. The boy's intense stare was both adorable and charming.
Although the event was lively and enjoyable, the twins preferred to stay close to familiar people.
Naturally, the first person they called for was their mother, their anchor, the one who was always there, giving them warmth and comfort.
"Your daughter misses you," Jerry's wife said with a smile as she handed Arabella to Maya. She carefully passed the little girl into her arms, and Maya thanked her.
"Mama!" Arabella cried out as she hugged Maya tightly in relief. Her tiny arms wrapped around her mother's neck, and her soft giggle melted everyone's hearts.
"Did you miss me?" Maya asked gently.
"Hehe." Arabella laughed in response.
Iñigo didn't like that his sister was cuddling with Maya without him. His small face scrunched into a frown, jealousy clearly written all over it. Even though he felt safe with Penelope, he still reached out and called for his mother.
"Ma! Mama!"
At that moment, Luz, Vin, and Minda witnessed how truly radiant Maya was. The gentle warmth in her eyes as she looked at her children seemed to glow. They couldn't explain it, but they could clearly see the fulfillment reflected in her gaze. The love she had for her children was unmistakable.
Maya showered the twins with kisses without restraint, making them giggle in delight. Their laughter filled the villa like a melody, pure, innocent, and full of joy. Naturally, the twins returned the affection, clumsily kissing Maya back.
Luz couldn't believe it. Maya was genuinely happy.
'I don't understand. She doesn't have a job, and she married a broke guy. Her husband is nothing but a poor fisherman. How can she smile like that?'
That glowing smile didn't match Luz's definition of success.
Salmon and bluefin tuna season might bring prosperity to Una Town, but that didn't mean everyone benefited. Luck still played a role. To Luz, fishermen were a low profession that could never bring real fortune. She believed Maya had thrown away her potential, yet she couldn't deny that the woman sitting before her looked truly content.
As for Vin and Minda, they instantly fell in love with the adorable twins and gently pinched their cheeks. Their soft skin and round faces made them irresistible, and the twins' laughter echoed once more.
"Such cute little babies. They got your eyes," Minda said with a warm smile.
Maya and the twins shared striking crimson-red eyes, unusual, slightly intimidating, yet undeniably beautiful. Those eyes shimmered like rubies, captivating and impossible to ignore.
Karlos had loved Maya's crimson eyes from the very beginning, and he was happy that their children had inherited them as well.
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[Author's Note:]
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