The Billionaire's Daughter novel Chapter 5

“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.

My parent’s were always busy. Even before my mother became a politician, they were always busy with the family business. They were always travelling and leaving me with the maids and my nanny.

“Elvira, take care of Saphira 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 forget that.”

“Yes madam, I will take care of her.”

“Nanay, why do they always leave me behind? Why can’t they bring me with them on their trips?”

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

“But I also need them Nanay. I can’t even spend a weekend with them. Even eating a meal together is very seldom.”

“Now now, don’t cry. Come on. We will bake a cake for your birthday! It’s your birthday tomorrow! Did you forget?”

“How can I celebrate if my parents did not even remember.”

“Of course they remembered, they planned a party for next week when they return.”

“A party for me again? But their parties were always for grown ups. No kids my age even go and you know I don’t have any friends.”

“Well, I’ll be your friend for now. I will always be with you Saphira. Don’t ever forget that.”

I remembered my nanny Elvira like it was just yesterday when I last hugged her.

Two years ago, she went home to the Philippines for a two months vacation.

When I reached out to her family when she did not came back, they told me that she suffered a heart attack that caused her sudden death.