The Billionaire's Daughter

Rob

Acceptance is key to happiness.

When I first realized that Saphira will always belong to Franco, my heart felt like being cut into million pieces. But I know that time will come when the greatest love of my life will come and we will have our own love story.

For now, I am happy to be part of Franco and Saphira’s journey.

If anyone could see Saphira now, they would think her loneliness was caused by heart break from someone’s death. But I know better.

After the accident that almost took the life of two of my best friends, Franco and Saphira, the three of us realized that life is too short to be taken for granted.

Four months ago, Franco would have sacrificed his life for Saphira. He intercepted the knife intended for her and used his own body to shield her. This act of pure love and selflessness woke me up from my fantasy that someday I will be worthy to be with her.

Everything was blurred after my fight with Agent Trey when he tried to take the gun from me but one thing I remember was before Franco passed out from his fall, he glanced at Saphira first.

The knife luckily did not hit any vital organs but his fall left a concussion on his head. He was in the hospital for two weeks because of that.

During those days, Saphira never left his side except to go to school. She would get all of Franco’s home works and projects so they can work on it in the hospital while he recuperates. They also overcame Franco’s problem with Madeleine, which Saphira bravely faced once she learned what happened while she was away.

Saphira confronted Madeleine and the other girl ended up dropping out of school because of that supposed "heartbreak and failure".

Now, Franco traveled to Germany for a student’s symposium for Honorary students. He is vying for Valedictorian alongside with Saphira but she ended up staying behind. She was still traumatized by what happened to her previously. Franco wanted me to go on his behalf but the school board did not allow for it.

And so here is my girl best friend sulking just because she misses her other best friend who will just be away for a week.

They still haven’t admitted how they feel but there is an understanding between them that they are exclusively for each other.

And here I am in the sidelines, waiting for that moment to happen.

-0-0-0-0-0-

High School graduation came, the first turning point of our lives.

“And now our Valedictory Speech from Franco Briones!”

“Good evening parents, fellow students, faculty and distinguished guests. I stand here before you not as the Valedictorian but as the second best, for I know that I have done my best to earn this title but someone else is more deserving to be here.”

Murmurs. . . they were looking at me with pity. Gosh Franco, why do you have to include me on your speech. This is your special day. I tried to sit lower on my seat but then he looked at me and I was mesmerized by the emotions from his eyes.

“Someone who has endured so much pain and hardship, sacrificed her happiness to achieve her goals in life. I could not have lasted a day on this prestigious school without her. She was my rock. My inspiration to work harder. When I met her, my only goal was to graduate here so that I will have a better chance in pursuing the good schools and ensure a brighter future.

Well, for a less fortunate guy like me, who went through school because of the numerous scholarships I acquired and by working daily to provide for my school needs, you must think that I have had a hard life and this should have been my moment to be proud of myself. That I will soon leave this academe with head held up high as I can take on any challenges in my college life because I graduated Valedictorian. But I am not proud of myself because of that.

This school has prepared me for the future but more so, this school gave me the special gift of meeting someone who inspired me to be better. She changed my outlook in life.

Before, I thought only poor people suffer. But I learned that I am lucky to have a normal life. To have experienced playing with friends on the streets, spending time with my family, eating with them daily and discuss anything under the sun without regard for time. I grew up without acknowledging in my achievements. I know my parents were proud of me but I have never felt the need to prove to anyone that I am good. I just tried to do my best. I still had my share of fun and I don’t care what others will think. I am just a ‘nobody’ anyways.

But to most of you, who I never really gotten to know, but knew at the back of my mind were sons, daughters or grandchildren of famous, rich and powerful people, you had a harder life than me. Why? Because, you have a name and reputation to uphold. And for me, that is a very arduous thing to overcome. To be at par or better and to fit the family name at the expense of your own dreams and happiness is very difficult.

My friend here was bullied, sorry school admins, I just have to say this for your awareness as well. She was not treated fairly just because she wanted to be the best for her parents. To be always number one, she had to study and work harder. She did not have the time to make friends and nobody even tried to be one to her. “

More murmurs and the school admins are looking at each other with fear. Oh Franco, why did you have to bring this up.

several years alone because no one tried to help her. I have heard some of the things that were said to her and I can attest that none of them were true. She is

of the bullies looking at each other with fear on their eyes. Maybe they thought Franco would spill their

is real and simple despite her status in life, she does her chores at home. If she is a snob, why would she even befriend a nobody like me. Even her PE class exemption was an issue for some. But nobody asked the reason for that, but since I’m already at a roll here, she had a heart operation and yes, she

ways because she is the most brilliant

helped me with my lessons. She is not selfish to keep her knowledge and strategies in studying.

deal of your school life not being able to get to know her and you might even think more of her now that

I am really starting to cry.

all my heart for

you keep your mouth

and confident that I will not earn the Valedictorian slot since she was always ahead of me on this school. I am always proud of her

and shook his head

the exam that will determine our ranking is really unlikely and absurd. She knew those questions and can answer them even if her eyes were closed. So

looked at me with gratitude and tears on

I know why, and I will forever be thankful to you for this. I may not be happy you did this but I appreciate the gesture.

we are just the only person in the crowded hall.

he looked away, he addressed the

for the long speech I hope some

success. I hope the knowledge and values

power but values and good attitude is also a factor to be successful.

forget that not everyone is successful like

you and others in the process. Lessen expectation from others but expect more from yourself.

you once again and Congratulations to all

the crowd stood up, some even have tears on their

briefly hugged me. Maybe it was just my imagination but I felt some kind of spark when

graduation ceremony, the faculty and some students approached us and congratulated us. That was a surprise since both of us were outcasts. We always just spend time together away from the rest of the students to avoid any trouble. Since Franco always fights back whenever

“Congratulations Darling!”

see them since my mother vowed to boycott my graduation after not being able to change the details of my ranking. I came here alone and was really sad when I learned they were out of the country

and approached

“Good evening Sir, Senator.”

you were the one who called us

understatement if you saw my open mouthed

But I cannot have this

hands and then my mother hugged him with

you for enlightening us. We arrived just in time for your speech. It was a very good speech I might

“Thank you Sir.”

hugged me tightly as my father was speaking with Franco and I am very surprised that they seem

for being so hard on you. I may not say this often but we are

you crying mom? Its okay. . .

forgiven myself if we missed this day in your life. I almost missed your graduation baby just because of my

I’m fine. I am really happy

didn’t know you were bullied. I will talk to the

Please just let it go. I’m sure they will look

for just a friend.” My mother

are. Why would you even ask. I just told you he’s my

looked at me and smile then hugged me once

didn’t have us. I promise you everything will change

mom. Just having you here hugging me is more than enough. Thank you for

“My two favorite girls.”