FALLEN LEAF: EL FARMA 3 ( COMPLETED )

I don't know if that was a command from God or a punishment from my father. He called it a decision to "teach me a lesson." Well, if it's a lesson he wanted, I already got the diploma-graduated cum laude in the subject called "Reality of Life."

Me? I was sent to the province because I was apparently too into my barkada. Well, yes, I like parties. I like people. I like... options. But that doesn't mean I don't know right from wrong. I just don't vibe with the quiet life. And I especially don't vibe with the smell of milkfish in the morning.

That's where I worked as a janitress. Janitress, darling. From manicures to mops. From perfume to disinfectant. And that's where I met Pax. Paxsyano. A fisherman. Always sweaty. Always in a tank top. Always throwing pickup lines like old fishing nets-repetitive and full of holes.

He was annoying. Like, annoying to the bones. But you know that kind of irritation where, when you don't see him for a day, something feels missing? It's insane.

Until, of course, we reached peak craziness-I fell in love.

And naturally, nothing could be simple. Because really, why let fate rest when it could be the one throwing in a plot twist?

Turns out, he's my brother.

Yes. Pax is my brother.

And me? I'm in love with a man I'm not allowed to love. Not because it's wrong, but because it's even more wrong than a red flag showing up late.

So now, what do I do?

Do I erase what I feel just because of a last name? Or do I fight for a love that never should've taken root in the first place?

If the leaf has already fallen, do I just stand there staring at the ground-or do I walk away, like the woman I was raised to be?

I may be heartbroken in elegance, but that doesn't mean I'll remain a martyr.

I'm Ela, and this is my story.