CHAPTER 21

After the truth is revealed that day. I did nothing but cry and sulk in my room. Today is my third day; Papa came yesterday. Nana Roda told me that Papa was taking care of something, so he came just now.

Even now, he doesn't know what's going on between our family and the Hillarcas. Yesterday my aunt and uncle returned to Manila; they left without talking to me. They tried to talk to me. But it's just me being stubborn; what I know is that Papa doesn't know anything yet.

All he knows is that I'm pregnant, back at the hacienda, but no father is with me. I wiped the tears that escaped my eyes. Maybe what was coming into his mind was that maybe I should go home because he can't do it anymore. Now that I'm about to give birth, things like this happen, even though I have a problem. I don't neglect myself; I still sleep at the right time.

Even though I feel a lot of stress, I always stay calm. I'm standing near the window; the stable can be seen from my room. My eyes were fixed on Rezoir as he tried to enter the hacienda; that's what he was doing—begging me to see him. I immediately pulled the curtain so as not to see what was happening outside.

My cousins Dalea and Nashe are with me here at the hacienda. Dalea pushed him away at first, and I tried to approach him. But because of Dalea's words, I immediately retreated.

"You know the truth, Azeria; don't force the taboo."

They probably don't like me; yes, I won't deny that it never crossed my mind to walk away. Because who am I? I'm not related to them... but the plans are purely fictitious. Because I can't leave them... and just forget about them now that I know I'm not related to them, no matter what. I grew up with them being my family, so it's hard... It's hard for me to accept that they probably aren't my real family.

So I'm not sure how to face Papa; how can he... see me if I'm the result of Mama's mistake?

"She cheated on him."

"But he loves you so much that he forgets everything."That's why the two of you shouldn't be together... it's illegal."

Uncle Andrius' words to me that day were the day I learned the truth. The two of us were left in the library, and that's when I found out that... mama cheated. I couldn't accept what I found out because even though I grew up without a mother, I believed she couldn't do that. I have a habit of going back to their picture when mom's death anniversary comes. So how can they say that he did it, now that the eyes I see in the pictures of him and Papa are full of love?

"That's the truth, dear. Constantine cheated on Cessair with Horace," my grandfather says. Since it came directly from him, I believed his words. So no matter how much Rezoir begged outside, I had no strength. I didn't dare to confront him; I simply fell in love — but with the wrong person. I immediately walked back to my bed and lay down.

"Serena and Constantine have been best friends since they were children."So when I found out what your mother did," Grandfather shrugged."I can't believe it; I thought my son was just playing a trick on me. But when Constantine left without saying goodbye, Cegoodbyeok wondered where he had gone. A few years ago, he came back. He came back with you. and said that Constantine died when you were born; he was crying in front of me, saying that his wife had passed away. He didn't even leave anything. Only you."

I closed my eyes. Grandpa has left the country. But he told me the truth before he left.

"That's why he did that to Serena, despite their dislike."And why it was in Hillarca that our family thought it belonged to us."

I'm the result of a mistake... and then... I'm carrying another mistake.

Even though I love Rezoir, it's still not right in other people's eyes. So now that I know the truth, it's only right that I don't add to my sin. I heard a gentle knock on my door, and a few seconds later Dalea was calling me.

"Open the door, Azeria!"

I didn't move, but the next thing he said, I was immediately thrown back.

"Uncle already knows the truth, Azeria!"

When I opened it, Dalea's troubled face appeared to me.

"What do you mean?" I said It was breathing a little, and I could also hear the yelling below.

"He finds out that Hillarca is here at the hacienda, which is Rezoir! But he's not aware of—" He looked at my womb. I immediately passed him, and he followed behind me. "He thought he was one of your crazy suitors in the metro, so he told him to go back to Manila." I stopped walking and faced him.

"Did he?" he shook his head at me.

"I doubt it, but he left... I think Aunt Kia already told him. "He was what Uncle used to call him, and now he's looking for him." I closed my eyes and washed my face. I immediately returned to my room and immediately grabbed my phone. Rezoir was trying to call me on the phone. Sometimes I answer, sometimes I kill. And if I did answer, and every time he begged me, yelling at him on the other line was my defense. With trembling hands, I dialed his number; just one more ring, and he answered.

"B-baby..." I can hear her pleading voice again. I can't stop crying. "B-baby... how are you?" "Can I see you please... just for a moment... just for a moment, baby?" I was covered in blood. Dalea tried to grab the phone from me, but I immediately turned her back, and I held the phone tightly. "I-I m-miss you. "Azeria," she said, crying.

"W-where are you?" I heard Dalea sneeze behind me. Even so, I just want to tell him my decision. We should forget each other because that's the right thing to do. As hard as it is, that's what has to be done.

"I'm on the boundary." I immediately got what he meant. I wasted no time; I immediately turned off the phone.

"Are you crazy, Azeria?!" Dalea. I ignored him. But he still followed me; when we were in the office, I heard Nana Roda calling me. I continued walking, and I saw Nashe in the stable. It was afternoon, and I looked at the sky. Expecting rain, Dalea called Nashe. I didn't pay attention to that, because what was important to me was to be able to go to him and talk to him so that... it was over. But this is the outcome.

I am opening my eyes. Unlike what I expected, it was his face that opened my eyes. I rolled my eyes, and I was still in my room, so he didn't leave. Even if I showed him face to face, he is not my choice this time. He immediately supported me, but I immediately moved away when our skins touched. My eyes caught his clenched fist; his whole body was cold. I don't know if, at this time, he was still here when the heavy raindrops fell. Perhaps this is the reason, remembering what happened earlier.

I smiled bitterly. I remembered Papa's words earlier.

"W-why? "Why is Azeria still his?" He used to tell me, "Why don't you like him?" In time, I found out that I had no interest in my new lover. when I was still in college. I would never have thought that he would ask me these words. Of course, why did I like my goods? Why is it in the family that he doesn't like it? Even now that I know he is not my real father, I should have no right to interfere with him.

But even though we're not related by blood, he's still my father. He's still been, my father. So I will be hurt like this. I looked at him bravely.

"Why are you still here?" My voice is hoarse. I can't stop crying, so it's no wonder my voice is hoarse. Pain is written on his face; I'm not even used to seeing emotions on his face. I can't do anything because he and I can't.

"Why did—"

"D-don't…call me that. "You already knew... that you shouldn't call me that," I said, looking up at him, and he met my gaze."We’re related by blood." My tongue is full of bitterness.

"No. "We aren't," he insisted vehemently.

"Any behavior—"

"We are not babies!" Never!" I looked away from him or her. He immediately came to me and knelt in front of me.

"Why can't you believe me?"

"D-because, Rezoir, that's the truth... that's your older brother." that we are brothers!" I shouted. But he kept shaking his head, trying to touch my face, but I immediately slapped him. Until he gasped again and again. I watched him take out his phone; she called him, and my aunt Serena was crying in my room.

"Israel, come back home, son," he said, crying. I couldn't help but cry because of what I heard. There was a plea in his voice. I looked at Rezoir, who was currently bowing. His eyes are on the phone; he's been coming back here for a few days.

"M-ma," his voice croaked. "Don't I deserve to be happy?" I pinched my skin. The pain... the pain in the chest

"I-Israel…"

"Yeah, I admit, at first I'm making up for revenge." Because I can't understand... "Why are you continuously visiting the kid?"

Kid?

"You should spend your time with me, with your family... but you're spending far more time with her... with your best friend's daughter."My tears stopped at the words I heard from his mouth.

"Y-you know why I do that."

"Yeah, because you promised her, that you would also be a mother to her daughter, which is not just mine but ours."

"What are you talking about?" I whispered. I'm not sure if he heard, but he continued talking to his mom.

"But, Ma, I told you how angry I am with that boy. You spend all your time here; she's not your real daughter, which, even if it's true, you don't want to tell. But, Ma, now that I know why you can't give up on him, Now that I love him... why is it like this, ma? Why is this? Is it my karma? "Is it my karma because I know the truth?"

"R-Rezoi…"

"I love him very much, Ma and I, but he can't believe my words anymore." Mom, what should I do? "He's not my brother."

I cried. I want to believe him! I want to, but how? How come everyone here is saying that their words are true? So, how can I believe him? Whose word should I believe?

"W-can't we really, Ma?"

"Israel, please... return home, son."I'll fix it; I promise I'll fix everything. But first and foremost, go home... your grandfather Rezoir." Aunt Serena is crying. Holding his phone tightly, he suddenly stood up. He stared at me, and now I can see his tears falling right in front of me.

"B-believe me, baby, I'm telling the truth," he exhaled deeply."I don't want to leave you alone... but I need to." My grandfather needs us, but you know what? I need you. You're all I need at this time; you're always on my mind. There is no truth in the words you received, you or my son. But I just want you to know, baby. Even what we had is forbidden. "I will still love you until the end."

He left my room without saying a word. When I closed the door of my room, I started to cry, and at the same time as I cried, it was pouring heavily. I don't know where I'm going to end up; that's how I've been looking for some time. I was completely exhausted. Before I could fall asleep, I heard a knock on my door. A few minutes later, I felt the bed sinking when a kiss landed on my cheek. My eyes don't want to open; my lids are so heavy.

I know Papa is my companion.

Even before he left, I could feel his tears falling down my cheeks at the same time as he apologized. Tears welled up in my eyes again. I pray for nothing, but when the morning comes... I hope everything will be fine. I hope the truth comes out. I have no doubt.

And now... I'm back to this dream again.

"A-Azeria," the young Azeria said, looking at the person who called him. I looked at the person who had called the young Azeria, and what I saw surprised me.

Aunt Serena

Azeria's face brightened. Suddenly, he called Aunt Serena in a way that surprised me.

"Mommy!"

Why does she address her as... mommy?

In my question, it was like a cinema that showed pictures. where young Azeria and Aunt Serena always meet. Is this it? Is this what Rezoir is saying? Every summer, Serena Hillarca spends her time with me instead of her children. I cried and cried. Why? Why did I only dream about them? No, it's not a dream.

This picture is my memory—my forgotten memories.

"I don't know if you still remember this, but if things got out of control, I want you to look for your mother's letter."

"Mother?" the Azeria boy said in confusion. I remember now that I met Serena Hillarca when I was three years old.

"Yes," Tita Serena said, smiling."Do you still remember my favorite book?"

"Beauty and the wildest beast?" the young Azeria grinned.

"No, it should be beauty and the beast, baby." Aunt Serena laughed.

"No! "Beauty and the wildest beast are better," the young Azeria insisted.

Why did I forget this incident? If I could remember this incident, I wish the trouble between the Tacata and Hillarca would have ended a long time ago. In the dream, if that's my memory, I woke up and was still stunned for a few minutes. Until I got up and decided to go to the library. I found the book I remembered, and now I understand everything. I found several copies of the book I was looking for, so it took a long time before I found what I was looking for.

I immediately caressed the old paper. When I opened it, I immediately noticed mom's handwriting; it was beautiful. His handwriting was so beautiful that I took a deep breath. and read his letter completely.

"Dear Love, I don't want to say goodbye through this letter. But I need to; there is something you don't know about me. I know it's going to upset you but remember: whenever I'm with you, What you see beyond me is that I will tell you even the smallest details... that you were unaware of... through this letter. When I first saw you, I didn't find you attractive. It seems to me that you are the only person who is pure air. But when you save me that night, it's not. I made a huge mistake in judging you. I never thought we would become so close. Cessair, when you save me, I know you are wondering about those people. Who are they? But I didn't expect you wouldn't ask, which is what it should be. "You should ask me because you helped me, but even though we became so close together, you didn't ask."

Did Papa save her? For whom?

And then years passed; you courted me, and when I said yes, you were overjoyed. We become happy, and building a family upon graduating from college is not my plan at all. I plan to tell you that I am carrying your daughter.

I read the paper that I love because of my tears. I continued reading.

"After the ceremony, I never imagined that I would see them again. Those individuals... who attempted to rape meI want to tell you about it, but I'm afraid. They threatened me, now that our future child is in my womb. I'm only worried about his safety, I know... I'm probably too scared to approach my friend. My best friend’s boyfriend: It's not that you can't defend us. But knowing those evil people, I'm afraid... I'm afraid of involving you in my trouble. So I'm with him—come closer—as long as our son just clings to me. I can, I can... but I'm not sure they can get any closer to me. I was more afraid until I came up with this idea. It's an idea that's sure to make you angry, but God knows I've only ever loved you, Cessair—you and only you. I know how angry you will feel, but don't doubt my love. I'm so sorry, love. I couldn't have been braver. If you ever see this letter, I hope you can forgive me if something happens to me. Chaldene Azeria—this is the name of our daughter—take care of her, my love. "Take care of our daughter."

My hands were shaking as I placed the paper on the table. I punched my chest.

"M-mommy..." I called my mother crying. How did you do these things for my safety?"M-mommy... I'm sorry for doubting you. Mommy... I weakly sat on the floor and cried even more.

"W-Azeria?" Papa called me. My mouth trembled as I called him.

"P-papa..."