Chapter 161 FACADE

Chapter 161 FACADE
SIENNA

Dad and I discussed healthily about the silent conflict between Alex and me.
When Dad asked why Alex was acting the way he did towards me, I had to open up to him about the matter.
Everyone in my family knows my relationship with Jason—including Dad.
And in one way or the other, they have been of huge support to my past relationship.
Everyone adored Jason. He carried himself with confidence and maturity, presenting himself as a responsible young man from a respectable family. More importantly, the sincerity of his love for me won over my family, and before long, they had all grown fond of him.
Dad never stood against our relationship for any reason. In fact, he was always in support of me marrying in New York so I could be close to him.
Having narrated the possible reason why Alex might be avoiding me to Dad, he drew me close and made me lean on his chest.
“You know I love you, right?” he said, patting my shoulders gently.
I nodded without a word.
“I have been pretty hard on you when the incident between you and Leo surfaced.
But I promise never to do that again. I'm just going to support you in whatever decision you make about relationships and also guide you in making the right choices.”
“Thank you, Dad,” I replied.
“You’re welcome,” he replied. “And, honey, you have to make a promise to me too.”
“What’s that, Dad?” I asked him.
He took a deep breath. It seemed what he was about to ask was very grave.
“You have to stay away from anything that has to do with relationships for now. You're still very young and need to be more focused, like your brother.”
Hearing Dad say such, my chest tightened.
I could promise him that I won't go into a relationship now. The issue is, what if he finds out that I'm still seeing Leo, his enemy?
That would be even more deadly.
Regardless, I can't let anyone find out about my secret and ongoing relationship with Leo.
This means I have to be super careful with the way I call Leo.
I removed my head that had been resting peacefully on Dad's chest, and my breath thickened.
“I promise never to disobey your word, Dad. Not this time again,” I made those promises firmly, and my heart shattered evenly.
It broke my heart that I was living a life full of lies and secrets. It pained me so much that I had to lie to Dad and Alex just to be with the man I love since no one was going to accept me.
It broke me. To shards. All of me.
Silence—a threatening one—filled the car before I broke it.
“Dad,” I called softly. “Have you talked to Alex about relationships before?” I asked.
“Your brother isn't interested in any for now, my dear. I love my son so much for always knowing how to avoid distraction,” he gave a smile.
Deep down, I couldn't help but pity my Dad.
His children are living dirty lives in secret yet masquerading themselves like saints. Dad has no idea what his son is doing in secret or what kind of life he is living. Although, Dad was an intentional father and had brought us up well.
“Dad, don't you think it's time to speak to Alex about getting a woman in his life? He's currently twenty-six—a full-grown adult. It's not a crime if he settles down at this age.”
“Darling, I have spoken to your brother countless times about this issue, but he said he was taking his time,” Dad's voice lowered.
I shook my head painfully, having known the reason behind Alex's abstinence from women.
Of course, Dad may go into a coma if he hears that his only son is gay and a drug addict.
But somehow, Alex still managed to get people to believe him because of his good conduct and high moral sense in the open. He was a prodigal son in secret.
“Dad, don't you think something might be wrong somewhere with him? I feel it's unnatural for a man of his age to be without a woman—not even a female friend,” I tried to make Dad see the light in what I was saying, but he was never thinking in my direction.
“You’re wrong, honey. People have their reasons for not wanting to go into a relationship, and to me, there's nothing wrong with your brother,” Dad smiled.
I know that he would never believe it if someone told him his precious son is a drug addict and gay.
I didn't blame Dad either. I, too, wouldn't hesitate to sue anyone who would say such an abominable thing about Alex.
Outwardly, he was too upright for such.
I kept glaring at Dad. “Don’t you want grandchildren, Dad?” The question slipped from my tongue.
Dad laughed. “Who doesn't want grandchildren? Of course I do.”
“Then talk to Alex about considering having a woman in his life. Please, Dad,” I persuaded him.
“Alright. I'll talk to him if that's what you want. Happy now?” he said.
I smiled. “Of course I am, as long as you keep your promise.”
“Oh yeah,” Dad gave a small nod.
We got to the company and Dad's men walked us inside.
Some employees who saw me and Dad already recognized me as the daughter. Although I've been there a couple of times before I left for school.
Sooner, I became the object of curious attention before everyone. They kept whispering my name for reasons I didn't quite understand.
As we made our way to the elevator, three men in their late thirties, well-dressed, walked towards us.
“Good morning, Mr. Cruz,” one greeted. “This must be your daughter… Sienna.” His eyes locked onto mine.
“She is so gorgeous. She is the one schooling in Washington, right?” another asked, and shame filled me from the inside.
I know this interrogation will take place. Everyone here must have watched my sex videos too.
From that moment, I knew I was in trouble—that my past had suddenly crept in again to destroy my future.