Chapter 42 Shocking Truth For Her
JECOB'S POV
Two weeks pass by. Time slowly begins to show its effect. Aria is now much more stable than before. The deep exhaustion and fear that once covered her face start to fade, though there are still questions and confusion hidden in her eyes. I notice all of this, which is why I treat her with even more gentleness and patience.
She is staying in my house now. Everything happens slowly and carefully her medicines, her meals, her rest. I don’t put any pressure on her. I don’t talk much either, only when it’s necessary. Sometimes, when she sits quietly near the window, staring outside, I watch her from a distance. In those moments, it feels like she is healing not just physically, but from within as well.
I have told Mom and Dad everything. The truth, without any twists. I tell them that I have started liking Aria. Mom accepts it without many questions, perhaps because she herself has seen the pain hidden in Aria’s eyes. Dad remains serious, but silent. Maybe he is trying to understand the situation in his own way.
I still can’t say anything to Aria. Every time I think I’ll speak today, my heart hesitates. I’m afraid that my words might reopen her wounds. So I stay quiet. I try to make her feel safe through my actions instead.
But as the days pass, Aria’s nature slowly starts to change. She becomes stubborn. The girl who once got scared at everything now begins to insist on small things. And the strange part is the more I listen to her, the more stubborn she becomes. Sometimes she wants to delay her medicine, sometimes she wants something different to eat, sometimes she suddenly wants to sit in the balcony. I can’t say no… because her happiness matters more to me.
Mom and Aria build a world of their own. They sit together for hours, talking endlessly sometimes in the kitchen, sometimes in the lounge, sometimes in the garden. Laughter, old stories, Aria quietly listening to Mom it all gives me a strange sense of peace. Mom treats her like a daughter, and Aria slowly becomes comfortable with her.
Because of their nonstop conversations, Dad and I both get irritated at times. Sometimes the TV volume is drowned out, sometimes laughter fills the house when we’re trying to work. Dad occasionally looks at me and says with his eyes, “These two will take the house over.” I just smile softly and nod.
The truth is, despite the irritation… I am happy.
Because Aria is happy, Her smile, her stubbornness, her becoming a little normal again none of this feels less than a victory to me.
Today is Ira’s birthday. Since morning, the house is filled with a unique sense of excitement. Every year, Ira comes to meet everyone on her birthday, and today is no different this tradition continues. Mom and Aria are planning a surprise for her. They have decorated the living area beautifully colorful balloons, streamers, fairy lights, and a small cake table adorned with fresh flowers and candles. Every tiny detail has been carefully arranged to make Ira’s birthday truly memorable.
Dad, however, shows no interest in any of this. He is so engrossed in his work that his eyes never leave the laptop screen. Perhaps, for him, it’s just another normal day. But all the preparations in the house are complete.
Ira looks stunning today. Her dress is simple yet elegant, her face carries a soft smile, and her eyes sparkle with excitement. As soon as she enters the living area, Mom’s face lights up with an excited smile. She whispers, “Today, at least once… just once… talk to the girl nicely. It’s her birthday, after all.”
Dad, on the other hand, trembles slightly with anger and says, “What’s your problem, Sara? How many times have I told you—don’t speak to me about that girl. You may have raised her, but that doesn’t mean she’s my daughter. My son is only Jacob. That girl is nothing to me, no blood of mine runs in her veins, and she has no relation to me.”
The harshness in his words freezes the atmosphere in the room. Mom and I stand silently, caught between his anger and clarity, both of us confused and shocked. Mom’s face clearly shows her astonishment and slight worry.
And then… all of a sudden, Dad stops mid sentence. His words falter, and the flow comes to an abrupt halt. I look at him, stunned, and notice the confusion and inner turmoil in his eyes. Slowly, I follow his gaze… and at that moment, a scene unfolds before Mom and me.
At the gate stand Ira and Jack. Ira’s eyes are filled with tears, yet she tries to smile. Jack’s face shows a mix of surprise and tension. Both of them have heard everything the moment they arrived Dad’s harsh words, Mom’s silent reactions, and my own stunned state.
Mom and I are completely taken aback. Mom’s hands freeze mid-motion, as if she cannot move for a moment. I just stand there, heart pounding rapidly, watching the scene before me, trying to process it all.
The room is thick with emotion surprise, tension, and an unspoken awareness of what has just happened.
Ira, with her tear-filled eyes, asks softly, trembling, “What…? Am I not your daughter?”
Everyone falls silent as her words echo in the room. My heart starts to ache, a sharp pang of pain running through me.
I had always known this moment might come. I had never told her the truth before, even though I love her deeply, because I wanted to protect her. And now… today, she has realized it on her own.
Mom tries to calm the situation and speaks gently, “Listen to me, Ira…”
But Ira, voice breaking with emotion, shouts, “No…! Just tell me… am I your daughter or not?”
Her question pierces the silence. Every eye in the room is on her. The room feels heavy with tension, and my chest tightens with the weight of guilt, love, and fear all at once.
TO BE COUNTINUE...!!!