I shared why and how I purchased this property, including how I was unaware that this was the construction I had initiated five months ago. I had only provided a landscape, but because my best friend acted as the negotiator on my behalf, the outcome was truly beautiful even without my supervision.

"I love flowers, trees, animals, and everything in nature. In nature, you can relax and have a peaceful mind to erase all your worries, even for a shortened period. The joy of gardening lies in getting your hands dirty, your head in the sun, and your heart in nature. To tend a garden is to feed both the spirit and the body. Gardens are not made by sitting in the shade and humming, 'Oh, how beautiful'. The most important lesson a garden can teach is that there's no need for an unfavorable connection between humans and the environment. As long as there is light and people can still plan, plant, think, and act, we can find ways to meet our needs without harming the environment. If only we would bother to try. We are here to bring you the happiness of gardening, picking, harvesting, camping, cooking, fresh foods, and much more. Everyone is invited to our two-day free tour here at Casa Louisiana with a free meal next month. Thank you, everyone, and let's enjoy the rest of the night."

At the end of my speech, I was overwhelmed by their applause. Meanwhile, my attention was captured because I thought I saw a familiar figure. Is he really here, or is it just my imagination? I was about to go down to confirm but was stopped when the emcee spoke.

"Could you, please, sit here on your throne, madam?" referring to the chair on the stage fit for royalties. "There is something we want to give to you."

As I sat down, a popular song played, followed by loud applause.

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday,

happy birthday,

Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday, Ma'am Louisa!

I am so overwhelmed, drowning in immense happiness. I thought Fatima had forgotten my birthday. It's a pity my relatives are not here today, especially the father of my children. I couldn't wish for anything more.

The simultaneous and excited greetings from the people brought me back to reality. Then, a rolling round table was brought into the hall.

---

"Hurry up, we're going to be late for the party," Migs rushed his friends while buckling his belt.

"Do we really have to go?" Gab commented reluctantly as he put on a flowered polo, in line with the Hawaiian theme of the event they were attending.

"My mom was supposed to go, but since I just arrived from Japan and am jet-lagged and she has the flu, she asked me to go instead. She heard Casa Louisiana is beautiful and wanted me to pick some ideas," Migs explained.

"It should have been Meisha who was sent," Dwayne suddenly said out of nowhere, confusing Migs and Gab, who exchanged glances. "And besides, it's Meisha's birthday, so maybe that's why your aunt is feeling down. She always wants to be with her youngest, especially on her birthday, right, Migs?"

"You have a point, Dwayne. Plus, Meisha is always out of coverage area. We only communicate through Gmail," Migs remarked.

"It's her loss. She'll regret it if that's the case," said Gab.

"Exactly. But who knows, maybe that girl got there before us. She's like a mushroom," Dwayne added, prompting Gab to lose his patience.

"Dude, do you hear what you're saying? You've been going on and on, and you seem to know her routine very well."

"Is there something odd about that?" Dwayne asked.

"Of course there is. It's for you to find out. You've been caring too much."

"What are you talking about?" Dwayne asked, puzzled.

"Knock it off, you two. We're in a hurry because we're getting late. Let's go; we still have a drive ahead. You can continue your business in the car."

"Have you guys been to where we're going today?" asked Gab while they were on the road, heading to the launch of a resort in the tourism industry, which coincidentally was also the birthday celebration of the owner.

"Nope. That's why we're going to see the much-praised beauty of that resort," answered Migs, looking at the road.

"Is it really that beautiful?" Gab asked, still puzzled.

"Most likely, because think about it, the resort hasn't even opened yet, but it's already making waves in the market. That business is bound to go far; the owner is really lucky," Dwayne chimed in, who also follows the movements of agribusinesses in the market, both domestic and international, as his family's business is in husbandry and dairy farming.

"It's getting buzz, indeed, because this resort practices diversified farming," added Migs, whose family is also known to be engaged in agribusiness.

"Aye aye, captain," Dwayne replied as he left his room, carrying the masks.

"What I'm wondering is why you guys even dragged me here; I might just feel out of place."

"Out of place, you? Just bump into some chicks and you'll be all set," Dwayne said with a laugh.

"What do you take me for, someone easy to drag around?" Gab asked with a grimace.

"Why not?" Migs asked in return.

"You guys are mean to me, ganging up on me like this. I'll tell on you to Daddy," Gab responded with a pout, pretending to cry and even blinking his eyes rapidly.

"Don't worry, Gab; I heard that farm is GAAP certified, so you might find it interesting."

"What are you on about now? How would that make me interested?" he asked again, scratching his head. 

"Tssss... You know, Gab, if I wasn't driving, I would've smacked you on the head already. Are you really the CEO of your company? You shouldn't have gone into the restaurant business; you don't know anything about food. You probably don't even know how to cook anything."