Chapter 46 46

Chapter 46 46
Chapter 46

"Was it really just an accident?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. We were speaking to Manager Jomari’s friend, a police officer.

"The truck driver was drunk. He died on the spot. According to the responding officers and the team that assessed the scene, all signs point to a genuine accident," the officer replied.

I frowned. "What kind of truck rammed into the police station?"

The officer handed over a photo. "It was a logging truck carrying massive timber logs."

I took the photo and examined it, still frowning. "Why were the casualties so high?"

"Because of the logs," the officer added. "It was a heavy-duty truck, and it lost control."

"That’s strange," France suddenly said from the carpet, where he and Vladimir were playing chess.

"What is it, honey?" I asked, glancing at the two boys.

"Why was a logging truck in the city?" France asked, brows furrowed. The officer turned slightly, now paying closer attention.

"That area is far from the mountains," Vladimir chimed in. "There are four cities that truck could’ve passed through. Why take a longer route through City D to get to the factory in City A?"

France giggled. "Have you traveled around the province already?"

Vladimir shook his head. "No, but I like geography, and Daddy Fabian has lots of books and a new map in his office."

France looked impressed. The officer chuckled.

"Are those two your kids?" he asked Fabian and me.

I just smiled. Fabian laughed.

"Don’t ask us why they’re so smart," he joked, putting an arm around me.

It was obvious who they took after.

The officer promised to re-check the case and said he’d call if they found anything suspicious.

As we left, I turned to Vladimir. "What were you doing in your dad’s office, hmm?"

Vladimir paused, looking innocent. I crossed my arms and raised a brow.

"You can play in any room in this mansion—except your father’s office," I reminded them. "That’s his workplace, not a playroom."

"Honey, they asked me first. I gave them permission," Fabian interjected.

"You shouldn’t spoil them. What if they broke something important in there?"

Fabian laughed, hugging me from behind. "Nothing in that office is more important than you or the kids."

"I was there the whole time they stayed in the office. They didn’t touch anything except the books," he said. "It was convenient too—I didn’t need to keep stepping out to check on them while you were busy prepping for your first project."

I shot him a warning look. "That’s still not a reason to give in to everything they want. They should learn their boundaries."

—

"Francis? Where have you been?"

The man paused, hand still on the doorknob. Fabian’s mother stood on the stairs, watching him.

"Just outside. I needed air," he said flatly.

Her grip tightened on the banister. "I told you not to leave. You went to your brother’s mansion again, didn’t you? France doesn’t remember you anymore."

His fists clenched. His eyes burned as he stared at her.

"That’s because you let him forget me! You made him believe Fabian is his father! I’m his real father!" he yelled.

The woman jumped in surprise.

"Francis!"

An older man stepped in and slapped Francis across the face.

"You have no right to shout at your mother! If you can’t accept our decision to erase you from the boy’s life, ask yourself—were you ever a good husband or father?"

His voice echoed. "Did you even deserve to be called France’s father?"

Francis’s fists trembled.

"Your wife died without you by her side. You lost your family because of your own choices."

Francis lowered his head and walked away instead of going upstairs.

"Francis Martinez! Come back here!" his mother shouted, slamming the door.

"What if Francis tries to take France back?" she asked her husband. He asked if Fabian had been informed about Francis’s release.

—

At the mansion, Fabian was standing by the glass wall, talking to his mother on the phone.

"Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll handle Francis if I see him," he said, then hung up.

"Fabian? Who was that?" Sonia stirred from the bed, pulling the blanket to cover herself.

"Sorry. Did I wake you?" Fabian returned to the bed and placed the phone on the table.

"It’s too early. Was that your secretary? Are you leaving already? I’ll cook breakfast," Sonia offered. It was only 2 AM.

Fabian smiled. "No, not my secretary. I’m not leaving until six. That was Mom."

Sonia remained silent, waiting.

"She told me Francis was released. France’s biological father," he added.

Sonia froze. "Is he going to take France away?"

Fabian cupped her cheek, brushing her hair gently aside.

"He won’t. I made a promise to France’s mother—he stays with me. Francis will never take him," he said.

Sonia’s voice was soft. "What kind of person is your twin?"

Fabian’s face hardened. "He’s dangerous."

Sonia didn’t ask further. But deep down, she was curious. What kind of man was Fabian’s twin?

—

The next day was a weekend. As usual, Sonia took the kids for a stroll around the subdivision.

"Catch!" Sonia threw the ball.

Vladimir caught it, laughing as France chased him. The boys ran in circles until France grabbed Vladimir’s shirt, and they both tumbled to the ground.

"France! Vladimir!" Sonia rushed over.

"Are you hurt?" she asked, helping them up and brushing the dirt off their clothes.

Not far away, a man stood frozen, staring at Sonia. Her expression was soft, her smile warm as she cared for the boys.

"Serenity," he whispered, eyes fixed on her.

"Let’s get some ice cream, then we’ll clean your wounds," Sonia said, holding their hands. Vladimir wiped his cheek, apologizing.

"Stop crying. You’re such a crybaby," France teased.

At the gate, Sonia let go of their hands. "Sit on the bench. I’ll get your ice cream."

The vendor smiled. "Are those your kids? Handsome boys."

Sonia laughed. "They take after their dad."

She returned with two cones and handed them over. Then she pulled out her first aid kit and began cleaning their wounds.

"I know it stings, but we need to disinfect. Blow on it, okay?" she soothed.

She cleaned Vladimir’s wounds, too. "You two always end up with scrapes."

She wiped their mouths with tissues.

The area was bustling, but no one approached. People respected their privacy. Some took discreet photos from afar, seeing a seemingly normal family enjoying street food.

In the distance, a few bodyguards watched while munching on banana cue and turon.

"That’s the new release. I get to read first, okay?"

Sonia noticed two schoolgirls walking by, laughing over a book. The scene reminded her of Themarie.

Tomorrow was the funeral. She still hadn’t decided if she would go.

As dark clouds rolled in, Sonia told the kids it was time to head home. They held her hands as they walked.

"Once we’re home, take a shower. I’ll cook snacks," she said.

Later that rainy afternoon, Sonia cooked pancakes and made hot chocolate. The three of them sat on the couch, watching the downpour from the glass wall.

"Mommy, the rain is so strong," France said. Lightning cracked. Sonia and Vladimir jumped.

France laughed. Vladimir clutched the blanket and hid beside Sonia, who immediately pulled him close.

"Seriously?" France teased, snuggling in beside them.

—

Meanwhile, Fabian was stuck in traffic. Thunder rolled loudly above.

He glanced at the dark sky and smiled faintly, remembering Sonia’s fear of thunderstorms.

She’s probably curled up somewhere again, he thought.

"Manager, find a shortcut. The rain’s only going to get worse, and we’ll be stuck here," Fabian instructed.

"Got it. I’ll check if there’s another way," Jomari replied, checking the GPS.