YEAR 2009
Mixed nervousness and excitement filled the heart of a 16-year old child named John Paulo Nase. While watching the trees and buildings inside the car, he couldn't contain his overwhelming feelings because finally, he will meet his true family after 16 years of being away from them.
"Sir Paulo, we're almost there. Can you see that?"asked the Nase family's driver, Dante Dela Paz.
Paulo nodded in response but couldn't hide his amazement at what he saw.
Dante immediately parked in front of the mansion. He opened the car door for Paulo, while the young man was even more amazed by the size of the mansion.
"Sir Paulo, I'll park this in the garage and bring your stuff up. Stay here for now. I'll be right back."Dante said and Paulo smiled.
"Okay. Thank you, Brother..."
"Dante. Just call me Dante."Dante answered and then got back into the car.
Paulo was left alone in front of the mansion. It still feels surreal that he is the long-lost second grandson of the Nase family. He was just a simple 16-year old guy back then, but now his life began to change.
His thoughts were interrupted as two men in plain clothes opened the door wide, revealing a tall man sipping a cold drink. He is Stellvester Nase Ajero, the third oldest grandson of the Nase family.
The two Nases exchanged glances at each other, making Stell curious about Paulo.
"Are you my cousin?" Stell asked with a poker face.
Paulo just nods in fear, as Stell's presence intimidates him too much.
"Welcome. Enjoy while it lasts, cousin." Stell said and walked past him.
Paulo could only watch Stell walking away until they rode the car and drove away.
"Sir Paulo, let's go inside."Dante said who has just arrived at the scene.
With a deep breath, Paulo took a step inside the mansion. His eyes widened even more upon seeing that the mansion is even bigger than what it looks outside.
"I-I'm going to live here, Kuya Dante?"Paulo said almost stammering and Dante only responded with a smile and a nod.
"I told you to just call me Dante, Sir Paulo. But it seems like you're more comfortable calling me that."Dante thought.
Paulo couldn't help but gape as he walked towards the mansion's courtyard.
"Close your mouth. You're drooling, cousin." a man spoke suddenly.
Paulo glanced towards his right side, only to find out a guy sitting at the corner. He is the eldest grandson of the Nase family, Josh Cullen Nase Santos.
"Good day, Sir Josh. This is John Paulo Nase, your cousin. Sir Paulo, this is Josh Cullen Santos, your elder cousin." Dante said.
"H-hello." Paulo shyly greeted. Josh stood up and walk towards him with a mischievous smile.
"Welcome to the Nase family, cousin. Did you already meet Stell? Did she just get out?"Josh asked.
"Just got out? Is that the guy in the black polo?"Paulo asked in his mind.
"Based on your reaction, I think you've seen him already. Yes, the guy with strawberry drink, that's Stellvester Ajero, our younger cousin." Josh said and Paulo just nodded.
"Thank you for welcoming me." Paulo said and smiled.
"No worries, I'm being lenient today because it's your first day." Josh said that Paulo surprised him.
"What---"Paulo couldn't continue asking questions because Dante spoke up.
"By the way, where are Sir Ken and Sir Justin?"Dante asked.
"Justin's still asleep. Ken's in the mini museum area. "Go see them. I'm going to the office first because Grandpa is having something fixed."Josh said and walked away.
"It seems that this new cousin of mine will be a threat to my throne." Josh thought while walking away.