Sharlene and Lawrence now stood together—two childhood friends reunited under difficult circumstances. Lawrence had come to help, driven by something deeper than friendship. But within him, a secret remained—something he had never shared with Sharlene.
He watched her carefully, noting the hesitation in her eyes. He remained silent, waiting patiently for her to speak first.
"Lawrence, I just want to ask you something," Sharlene finally said.
He nodded. "Go ahead."
"Do you know Leah Martinez?" she asked softly.
Lawrence's brow furrowed at the familiar name. Even though he was surprised, he nodded.
"She's my closest family. Why are you asking about her?"
Sharlene nodded, carefully choosing her words. "I just wanted to ask because… my grandmother mentioned knowing her back in our hometown."
Leah—known for her kindness and beauty—was once beloved by the entire community.
"Were you two close?" Sharlene continued.
A nostalgic smile formed on Lawrence's face. "She was like an older sister to me. When my mom left me in her care, she looked after me like I was her real brother."
"Is she still alive?" Sharlene asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lawrence's expression turned somber. "I'm not sure. The last I heard, she married someone she loved, and they moved to the city. I was just ten back then. After that, we lost all contact. Her parents passed away, and their wealth supposedly went to her. But after that... nothing."
"Didn't you try to find her?" Sharlene pressed.
He let out a dry chuckle. "I did. My mom was deeply affected by what happened to Leah's family. But no matter how hard I searched, I couldn't find her."
"Do you know who she married?"
"They said she left with another man," he said with a shrug. "But I never believed that. Even as a kid, I knew how deeply Leah loved her husband."
Sharlene nodded thoughtfully.
"Why are you asking all this?" Lawrence asked. "Do you know something about her?"
"I just heard she was connected to someone... someone linked to Sheila's family," Sharlene answered vaguely.
"Sheila Atienza?" he asked.
She nodded. Lawrence said nothing more about Sheila. Then he changed the subject.
"By the way, where's your husband? I'd like to meet him."
At that moment, Lawrence had already accepted that Sharlene was married. He had always harbored feelings for her, but he would never let those feelings destroy their friendship. Back in school, he hadn't even known she had a boyfriend—let alone that she'd get married. Still, he only wished for her happiness.
He, himself, had never married. Many women were drawn to him because of his family name, Martinez. It felt like a curse—being loved only for wealth. But Sharlene was different. She never saw him for his status. That's what made her special.
Sharlene sighed deeply, sadness clouding her eyes.
Lawrence smiled gently. "You've been carrying this pain for a long time, haven't you?"
"We're done. He's filing divorce papers after what happened to our daughter." Her voice cracked. "He's been cheating on me. We were only holding on because of the child… I tried to build a family for her. But then the accident happened."
"I'm so sorry," Lawrence said, genuinely pained. "I had no idea you were going through this."
Sharlene laughed bitterly. "It's alright. I guess it's my fault too—for marrying him in the first place."
Lawrence didn't know what to say. But he offered the only thing he could.
"If you need anything, anything at all—I'm here."
She shook her head with a smile. "Thank you. And sorry for asking so much earlier. I was just curious about your cousin. But… would you like my help in looking for her?"
Lawrence smiled. "I know you, Sharlene. You wouldn't ask all that for no reason. But I won't push. When you're ready, you'll tell me."
"Thank you, Lawrence. You haven't changed at all. You still read me like a book—just like when we were kids."
He laughed. "Of course."
"Thank you again—for everything. And for caring about my daughter."
Lawrence nodded. "Maybe, in helping you, I'll also find the answers I've been searching for… especially about Leah. But first, let me help with your child."
Sharlene hesitated. She didn't want him to get involved in things that were beyond his understanding.
"Sharlene," Lawrence said, sensing her thoughts.
He sighed. She finally nodded, and he smiled, understanding she was reluctantly accepting his help.
"I'm not leaving the country just yet," he said. "I've got three weeks to stay here. I'll use that time to help you—and to find out the truth about Leah. I won't stop until I do."
Sharlene nodded once more. He needed to go now.
"Take care of your daughter, Sharlene. I know she's brave—she got it from you."
"Thank you, Lawrence."
Without another word, he left. As he walked through the hospital parking lot, his thoughts were heavy. What really happened to Leah? Where had she gone all those years ago?
He started his car. The truth was out there—he just needed to find it.