Chapter 11

Everyone was busy preparing food at the table. So, I also helped the housemates with the supplies for later. As I put the cutlery on the table I was stunned.

Someone hugged me from behind. It had small hands only up to my thighs. It clung to me as if terrified.

I knew who it was. And it felt like my heart was breaking because I also knew that there was nothing I could do to embrace it

I gasped as it released me. I looked at it immediately. I saw the most beautiful creature right in front of me. Its eyes were gray. While the hair was very curly.

"Aunt Sofia. There are worms out there." The child pointed to that part of the garden. I looked at it immediately.

"Why did you go there?"

It even pouted before answering. I smiled at myself. Funny how this angel touched my heart. It didn't do anything, but it still made me happy like this.

"We want to play. Icarus was there too. But he is not afraid of the worms. Why are girls afraid of worms, Tita?" she asked.

I couldn't answer either. My feelings were overwhelming. Is it possible that there was a feeling like this? My heart ached for too much happiness.

And I wanted to cry.

For almost six years I did not even hug my children. For almost six years I did not take care of them.

I turned around first. I was checking if Fausto was here. Maybe he could still see me. He still strictly instructed me not to talk to my children. I took a deep breath when I made sure that Fausto was gone.

"Come on, big girl. Let's go to your brother." I held the baby.

I was holding her little hand. I savored the feeling it brought to me. How magical this tiny little hand could give into me. All the pain and anxiety here in my heart was gone.

Icarus and Athena were their names. Knowing how much Don Fausto loathed me for his son. I was happy because somehow, he gave them names. That was all and the consequences, they had to stay away from me.

I was still holding Athena's hand when we saw Icarus talking to a man. And I am not blind to know who it was.

It was Zeus. He was eyeing the little boy. He didn't even blink anymore. He just listened as my son talked.

Yes! They were my kids. But do I deserve to be called their mother?

The thought of it pained me.

Looks like didn't deserve to be called a mother. Because until now, I still couldn't fight for them.

When Zeus noticed us, he immediately stood from kneeling. Icarus also looked at us. The boy was all smiles. Athena immediately approached him and held his hand.

"Don't ever tease me like that! I'm scared!" Athena said and even shook her brother's shoulder.

Icarus was still smiling. My son's smile was so beautiful. He was his father’s spitting image and Athena was mine. A carbon copy, to be exact. It was just crazy not to notice that thing. And Zeus, he was one crazy asshole.

I shook my head. I needed to get out of here. Fausto might even see me approaching the children. But before I could make a step, Zeus grabbed my hand.

"What's with the look in your eyes? Why'd you seem fond of the kids?" he asked me.

I walked away from him. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction this time. I flattered my appearance and stared at him wickedly.

"If I'm concerned about them. You don't care. Remember what you told me the other day Zeus? I guess you already forgot," I said sarcastically.

I glanced at the kids one last time, before turning my back on them. And when I turned my back, I found Aria was there. She was eyeing us, and she was eyeing me deadly. I continued my pace and after reaching her side, she whispered softly.

"Stay away from him, Sofia. He's mine now. And he's in love with me."

I ignored her. I wanted to laugh at what she said. I also wanted to slap her. I wanted to make her look like she was the reason why Zeus and I broke up.

Aria and Don Fausto When Zeus left, he was with Aria. The woman seemed to be studying in the US. It took her six months to return to the Philippines. I am happy because of that. Hoping that she would tell Zeus about me and my pregnancy.

Yes, she knew. I waited. But their worker gave me a letter. It was a letter from Zeus. He didn't want me anymore. He was already in a relationship with Aria, and he was just playing with me and my feelings.

It used to be very painful for me. And when I gave birth. Aria was there at the hospital. She visited me to confirm everything. I still remember the last thing she said to me.

"You're so desperate, Sofia. Do you think Zeus is serious about you? I've seen him in the US. He has a lot of girls. But I was his favorite."

She smiled as she said those things to me. I remembered crying so much after that. Nanny Belen was worried about me too that I might get sick.

Amidst all that happened to me, Don Fausto asked my hand for marriage. And, I said no. But the scandal came. It was reported throughout the town that we had a relationship. A video of him hugging me in the kitchen was captured. And because of that, here I am, trapped in this hellish situation that I'm in.

I sighed and continued to the kitchen. I was planning to get something to drink when I got Ate Myla there. She was kind to me, so I trust her too.

"Your kids are getting bigger."

I smiled at Ate Myla. Earlier I wanted to choke but I just restrained myself. Earlier, my chest was heavy with everything that was happening.

"Thank you," I told her.

She grabbed my hands and patted me gently. We both sat in front of the table. "What are you? I love your children. They are kind and tender to me. That's why I feel sad when they ask where their real mommy and daddy are."

My eyes widened. I did not know that this was what was happening to my children. I also did not know what to say to Ate Myla.

"I need them to know while it's still early, Sofia. Someday, when you think of leaving Fausto your children are ready."

I nodded. I had nothing else to say but gratitude to Ate Myla. I wiped away my tears. I was crying with joy.

"Thank you—"

"What did you say, Auntie?"

Myla and I were both shocked. We both stood up and looked at Zeus. He was there. Standing just right beside the door. And he was looking deadly.

"Say it again, auntie? This woman has a child?" he said as he approached us. He even pointed at me. "But where?"

He was confused, I knew. But he had no right to know that matter. He abandoned me, a long time ago. That reason was enough to keep my children secret from him.

"Dead," I snapped to him. "Nothing. So, stop this! Stop acting like you care. Because we know the truth! You're selfish, Zeus!" I shouted at him.

I pointed at him too. How could he act as if he cared? He did not know what my life had been like. He had ruined our relationship for a long time since he left me without saying goodbye.

He shook his head. Forced to calm himself. Ate Myla helped me to settle. My knees were shaking with nervousness and anger.

Zeus just did. He just opened my unhealed wound. That even during the time I tried to hide the wound, I still could not soothe it.

"What is happening here?" Fausto's voice came out of nowhere.

I quickly wiped away my tears. I knew very well when Fausto was like this. He was angry. I looked at him. I knew he had been looking at me too.

While Zeus on the other hand, seemed appalled. I did not know what he was thinking of. And I didn't even care about that anymore.

Ate Myla left my side and moved. Fausto immediately joined me. As soon as he approached me, he held my elbow tightly. He seemed to be supporting me, but he was actually hurting me. His grip hurts. But I needed to endure. Because I know it was my fault too.

Zeus stood up straight. Her Dad looked at us. He has this certain angry expression on his eyes.

"Did Sofia lose her baby? You would have had a child?" He shook his head as he said those things. Perhaps he could not believe it. Maybe he thought he was right. That I am a whore.

"Yes, Son. Sorry to inform you late."

I wanted to resent what came out of Fausto's mouth. I hated all his lies. I hated his control over my life. I hated it because the truth was too late for me to know. It was too late for me to know that Don Fausto liked me.

"You're impossible!" Zeus said before he walked out. He disgusts us. He disgusts me even more. I know. Because I feel that.

When Zeus left, Fausto tightened his grip on me. And when it was completely gone, he slapped me after throwing me somewhere. He moved away from me slightly and pointed at me.

"What the hell did you do? Zeus is getting married. Don't bother him anymore. Do you understand?"

I nodded. I would accept all the pain as long as I knew my children were well.

"Talk about her, Myla!" he shouted. He looked at Ate first before leaving. He slammed the kitchen door shut.

When he finally left, I just let my tears flow. I would let myself loosen now. I wanted to cry. I wanted to get lost.

Myla hugged me while I was crying. But I stopped when someone spoke to my side.

"Tita Sofia, why are you crying?"

Athena and Icarus were here. And they saw me in tears. I knelt down to align our faces. I grabbed their faces and kissed it. I kissed them one by one.

Athena looked at me worried. Even Icarus seems to want to cry. Maybe, they felt my pain too.

"I will protect you from bad guys, Tita Sofia. I will protect you, Mommy. Please, don't cry..." Icarus utter. He embraced me tightly and Athena followed after. I embrace them tight too.

I looked at ate Myla. She nodded and smiled. I kissed my kids’ cheeks again. This time, I didn't care even if Fausto gets angry and hurts me.

I just wanted to ease the pain. I wanted to be out here with my kids.

I hoped I could.