Chapter 145: The Hidden Truth

From behind the window, I looked outside. My eyes watched the people and vehicles passing by, all seeming busy with their own affairs even as the sky began to darken.

“Everyone looks like they have a purpose, while I’m just standing here doing nothing,” I murmured softly to my reflection on the glass surface.

My house is located by the roadside. Although it is not a main highway, this access road is wide enough for two cars to pass, so it is often used by public transportation and other vehicles that frequently cause noise. The sound of horns occasionally greeted my ears, breaking the silence of the room that was starting to feel stuffy.

Actually, I never minded the noise, because basically I prefer crowds to silence. However, for some reason, right now I wanted to be in a very quiet place, far away from the hustle and bustle around me. I wanted to merge with the silence, to dissolve into solitude.

“Maybe that way, I can hear my own heart without anyone’s interference,” I whispered to myself.

Grandma’s voice snapped me out of all the silence I wanted to embrace.

“Frel,” Grandma called softly.

I turned around and found Grandma and Grandpa already standing in front of me. Their footsteps had not been heard, as if they had been watching me for a long time.

I looked at their faces one by one. They smiled at me, but the smiles felt different. There were lines of sadness they tried to hide behind forced friendliness.

“What is it, Grandma, Grandpa? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Darling, how long are you going to keep acting like this?”

I gave Grandpa a questioning look. I understood their direction of conversation even less.

“What do you mean, Grandpa? I’m not doing anything. I’m just looking at the street,” I replied defensively.

This time, Grandma stepped forward. She suddenly hugged me, making me gasp. Her embrace felt warm, yet heavy with unspoken burdens.

“You shouldn’t be lying to yourself like this, Frel. From the beginning, your heart chose Kenn, not Kevan. You’re really foolish.”

Spontaneously, I released Grandma’s hug. I was startled. “What are you talking about, Grandma? I don’t understand why Kenn’s name is being brought into this matter,” I protested, my voice trembling slightly.

“Darling, forgive us. At that time, we happened to overhear your conversation in the living room. After hearing your decision to maintain that relationship, you have always looked sad and gloomy. Grandpa is afraid you will fall ill.” Grandpa stepped closer and gently stroked my hair. “You can’t keep lying in front of us. We know you better than anyone.”

I blinked slowly. Tears suddenly gathered at the corners of my eyes, leaving me silent and speechless.

“It is better for a truth to be spoken even if it feels painful. One lie will continuously create another lie. Without realizing it, we become trapped by our own fabrications. Grandpa just wants to see you breathe freely, return to being cheerful without having to carry the burden of sadness.”

“Grandpa is right, Frel. Besides, from the very beginning, Grandma strongly agreed with you being in a relationship with Kenn,” Grandma added. “He has a different sparkle in his eyes when he looks at you. So calm, with a strong desire to protect, yet not demanding.”

I rolled my eyes. “That’s because Grandma has liked Kenn from the start, right? You always defend him every time we argue.”

“It’s not because of that.” Grandma’s gaze drifted upward, as if she were thinking about something. “I don’t know. When I first saw that child, I was immediately sure that he would be more capable of taking care of you when we are no longer by your side.”

Reflexively, I shouted, “What are you talking about, Grandma! No! Grandma and Grandpa will always be with me forever. Period. Never talk as if you’re going to leave me alone.”

“Such a silly girl. Do you think we’re not human, whose age can increase?” Grandma chuckled at me. “We’re getting older, Frel. One day, we will surely be called by God.” Grandma let out a heavy sigh. “That is a law of nature that we cannot bargain with, even if we really want to.”

Before the discussion went any further, I decided to shift my attention to Grandpa. “But, Grandpa, I don’t have the heart to hurt Kevan. He’s too kind to be hurt. And I also,” I swallowed, “have grown very fond of Mr. Aditya and Mrs. Viona. I feel like I’ve found true parental figures when I’m with them. They give me the affection I’ve been hoping for in my life.”

I blinked several times when I saw Grandpa fall silent while staring at me. I forgot that I shouldn’t have mentioned the word “parents” in front of them.

The atmosphere suddenly became very stiff and heavy.

Slowly, Grandpa greeted me with his warm smile. “Your future is still long. Don’t trade your happiness for something uncertain. Kevan is a good person, but that doesn’t mean he is the right one for your heart. Everyone has been young, including us. We will always support whatever you choose, as long as it is the best for you. Besides—”

“Besides, your parents are most likely still alive, Frel,” Grandma cut in.

“What do you mean, Grandma? What do you mean by that?”

As if only realizing her words, Grandma suddenly covered her own mouth. I became even more suspicious that there was something they had been hiding all this time.

“Grandma? Answer me, who do you actually mean?”

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