He could be dying anytime soon, but Jason was still glad, because he still have time to arrange everything. Unlike those who just died suddenly, those who were not given a chance to accomplish everything while still alive, he considered himself lucky.

They could be living in low-cost housing but he's not poor. He has investments and savings, plus he's covered with life insurance. He's just not a fan of buying big houses when they only need one room to sleep, a kitchen to cook, and a living room where they could accept visitors and converse with friends.

As soon as Gabriella left for San Miguel, he immediately organized his files and read them. Mostly, his investments in VUL, has Gabriella's name as beneficiary. It was a sound decision back then, but it's different now. He's dying, and she's still young. Too young that she can be paired with his nephew, Jefferson, because they're almost in the same age bracket.

Yes, he has asked too much from Jefferson but he has no choice. He's still the best candidate to be Kelly's stepfather! And Jefferson was slightly infatuated with Gabriella. That infatuation could grow into something more beautiful and beneficial to him. If his nephew would fall in love with Gabriella, that'll be better. He just hoped that Gabriella would also fall for him.

He might sound crazy for doing this and that, but he couldn't bear to think that Gabriella would soon be in the hands of another man. Jefferson promised that he won't touch Gabriella intimately, but he's willing to give his name for her protection. Jason couldn’t think of any other solution. Jefferson was afraid of the possible scandal but he managed to sway his decision, and at last, he agreed.

Last night, he feigned to be asleep and ignored Gabriella's sexual advances. That was the beginning of his plan. From now on, he will ignore her. And there's more to his plan. He looked at his watch. By now, Gabriella must have met with Jefferson already.

A sound escape from his mouth when he clenched his teeth. He can't deny the fact that his nephew has the looks too-

“Jason! Sorry to keep you waiting, bro. Oh, is this for me?” Stephen sat immediately on the vacant chair and grabbed the coffee that was clearly intended for him.

“As always, you are late. If you're not my best buddy from college, I wouldn't bother to have you as my financial advisor.” Calmly, he took out the policies from his bag and handed it to Stephen. “I would like to change the beneficiary for all these policies.”

Stephen opened each folder and he looked at Jason, questioning silently. It's not part of his job to advise him about matters in the hearts but as a friend, it's his duty to talk to him. “Bro, think about it first, rushing things would do you no good, trust me. And in these policies, it's irrevocable! You will need her signature before you can change it. Just imagine, how would she feel about this?”

“I know. But, just do it. I'm asking you as your client, not your friend.” Jason didn’t listen to his friend's opinion.

“Of course,” Stephen answered, then he gave Jason the forms to be filled up and signed. “Just give me her address and I will mail it to her.” Gabriella has become his friend when Jason started dating her. They were star-crossed lovers back then, what happens to them?

“Good.”

“So, did you tell her already?” When Jason got his diagnosis, he was the first person to have knowledge about it. They talked about it in The Pyramid while drinking beer. He looked calm on the outside, but he knew better.

“If you are in my shoes, can you tell her?” Instead of answering directly, Jason asked his best friend instead.

“How can I relate to? I'm NGSB or no girlfriend since birth!” Sad but true. He hasn't met someone who's deserving his love. “Bro, what if the doctor was wrong? How about getting a second opinion?” For the nth time, he has suggested to Jason to be examined by a different doctor. And for the nth time, he said no.

“Do you know who my Doctor is? Bro, he's the best in his field. He couldn’t be wrong or his reputation will be ruined!” Working in Sales has allowed him to earn more, to earn unlimited income. At first, he couldn’t hit his quota but as time passed by, he became good, then better, and now, he’s the top earner in the company he has worked for. Then he was introduced by his Boss to Doctor Alvarez.

“In case you forget, nobody is perfect. Everyone is bound to make mistakes once, twice, or even more.” Jason was smart but he could be so stubborn at times.

“Bro, thank you for your concern. Anyway, more coffee?” Jason offered.

“No, I had enough….but I want to eat something hot and delicious!” Stephen blurted while staring at the beautiful woman in the counter who can't decide what coffee to order.

When she looked at their direction, Jason thought that she looked very familiar to him. “Good choice, bro. That one is really hot. Now, make a move.” Jason urged Stephen to stand up and introduced himself to the woman. Though he's NGSB, Stephen is no longer pure and innocent.

While Stephen was busy introducing himself to the woman, Jason filled up the forms Stephen gave him a while ago. His friend was right, Gabriella will be mad but Jason knew that she won't make it a big deal. In the first place, she didn’t know about the policies, and the new beneficiary will be their daughter. She will understand, and that's a fact.

When Stephen came back, the woman was with him. As always, he's really charming and can get any woman into his bed. Stephen asked him if the woman could sit with them, and he said yes.

“Bro, this is Noreen. Noreen, meet my best friend, Jason.” Stephen introduced the woman as they have known for ages.

Jason extended his right hand to Noreen and said. “Nice to meet, Noreen. But please be careful with Stephen.” He winked at her as a warning but the good for nothing woman just smiled at him sweetly.

“Bro, don't frighten her.” Stephen reacted and he enjoyed her various facial reactions. Just for a brief moment, he was really interested in Noreen. Aside from her beautiful appearance, there's someone beguiling about her. It could be her eyes who seemed sad even when she's smiling.

Jason didn’t answer. Once they're all seated, he glanced at her frequently. He couldn’t recall where and when, but he’s positive that they've met already.