The Billionaire's Daughter

“Saphira, we won’t be able to come home this week. Your father and I have a conference with the investors in Paris.”

“It’s okay Mom. I guess I just have to spend my birthday alone.”

“Birthday? Is it your birthday today? Beverly! What day is it today? How come you did not remind me that it’s my daughter’s birthday!”

I heard my mom scolding her personal assistant and I forced myself not to cry. She seriously forgot my birthday.

I thought when she called it was to greet me since they have promised to be home this week.

“Its alright mom. It’s my 17th birthday in a few minutes. You’re in a different time zone remember.”

“Saphira honey, just go out with your friends, have a party or book a restaurant. We just can’t go home for your birthday. We are really busy and we don’t have time to fly there. If you want a grand party we can do that when we return.”

“It’s okay mom. No need for a celebration. I will just stay at home and study we have exams next week.”

“Oh. That is better honey. You should study harder, you will be graduating soon and being Valedictorian is an honor. Your father and I were both Valedictorians on that school.”

“I’ll do my best mom.”

“Saphira, I really have to go. Have a happy birthday and we love you!”

“Love you too mom. Take care. Good. . .”

The line went dead before I can even say goodbye properly. I guess they were really very busy.

Oh well, I just have to sleep this sadness off. Even the maids forgot my birthday.

Ever since my old Filipina nanny died two years ago, I felt more alone than ever.

Even before my mother became a politician, they were always busy with the family business. They were

while we are away. Don’t let her go out the garden and play. She will get all dirty and we can’t let her be sick now. And her heart condition is very serious. Don’t

I will take care

why do they always leave me behind? Why can’t they bring me

are preparing for your good future. They need to work hard to provide and give you everything you

a weekend with them. Even eating a

bake a cake for your birthday! It’s your birthday

my

remembered, they planned a party for next week

always for grown ups. No kids my age even go and you know I don’t have

friend for now. I will always be with

like it was just yesterday when I last

went home to the Philippines

not came back, they told me that

my outlet whenever I am sad and now Nanay Elvira is not here to

gloomy and sad when the phone rang. Who could be

“Hello?”

you crying? What happened to your

I’m fine. Just a cold. Why are

you sure you’re fine? I can meet you if

I’m good now that you called. So what can I do for

for me when I greet you a very haaaaappppyy biiiiiiiirrrrttthhhhhdaaaaaaaaaay! Wait, ill sing for you. Ehem. . . Happy Birthday to youuuu. Happy Birthday to

can’t help but

He remembered my birthday!

course I remembered! How can I forget my

just say that out loud?