Chapter 33
JANINE and Ken stood on the balcony of his condo unit, the cool evening breeze rustling their hair as they delved into their past. Janine’s question hung in the air, her eyes searching Ken’s face for answers.
“How did your mother know about our marriage?” Janine asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of disappointment that Ken lied to her again. “We never met during my time in Paris, so how...”
Ken interjected, a pained expression crossing his features. “I mentioned you to my mom when I visited her in Los Angeles. Those days you refused to come with me because of your events in Paris. I wanted her to know about the woman I loved, who meant the world to me.”
Janine’s heart sank as she realized the missed opportunities and the distance that had grown between them during that time. She blamed herself for not being there when Ken contacted his mother.
“But why did your mother pretend not to know me?” Janine pressed further, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Why did she keep it a secret?”
Before Ken could respond, a voice interrupted them. Ken’s mother emerged onto the balcony, her presence commanding attention. Her eyes held a mixture of sorrow and resolve.
“It’s because Paulo also mentioned you to me,” Ken’s mother interjected, her voice tinged with remorse. “He spoke of his admiration for you, his affection. Knowing how kind-hearted he is, we didn’t want to hurt him.”
Janine was taken aback by the revelation. The realization that Paulo, too, held strong feelings for her added another layer of complexity to the situation. Her mind raced with thoughts of the potential fallout from this revelation.
Before Janine could process it all, a voice boomed from the living room. They turned to see Paulo standing there, his face a mask of shock and anger. It was evident that he had heard their conversation, catching a glimpse of the hidden truths concealed for so long.
“P-Paulo, how long have you been there?” Mrs. Montreal asked.
“Long enough to hear your conversation. You must have forgotten that the studio is just a few minutes’ drive from here,” Paulo answered sarcastically. His grim expression said all his feelings for them. “I was the only person that doesn’t know the truth.”
Silence descended upon them, tension hanging like a heavy cloud. Janine’s heart pounded as she braced herself for the storm that Paulo’s discovery could unleash. Would he confront them? Would he harbor resentment and seek to cause trouble?
Paulo’s gaze shifted from Ken to Janine, his eyes ablaze with hurt and betrayal. "So, this is what it’s come to?” Paulo’s voice was laced with disappointment and disbelief. “All this time, I never knew...”
Janine felt guilt, her empathy for Paulo intertwining with her complicated feelings. She knew she had unwittingly become a source of pain for someone she cared about, someone who had shown her kindness and affection.
Ken stepped forward, his voice filled with regret and determination. “Paulo, I never meant for this to happen. I never wanted to hurt you. But, yes, Janine is my ex-wife….”
Paulo’s expression softened momentarily, his anger mingling with a sense of resignation. “Why did you hide it from me? Why do all of you hide it from me?! Why? To make a fool out of me?!”
***
“WHY didn’t you tell me, Ken?” Paulo’s voice trembled with a mix of hurt and anger. “Why did you keep the fact that Janine was your ex-wife from me? I thought we were brothers, that we shared everything.”
Ken’s heart sank as he looked into Paulo’s eyes, seeing the raw pain reflected in them. “I never wanted to hurt you, Paulo. I thought I was protecting you by keeping it a secret. I didn’t want our bond to be tainted by the mistakes of my past.”
Paulo’s voice cracked with emotion. “So, you were the reason she was crying when I went to her house, weren’t you? You hurt her? And you keep bothering her even after she left you?”
Ken’s breath caught in his throat. He never wanted to be the cause of Janine’s pain, yet he knew that his actions had consequences. With a heavy sigh, he mustered the courage to speak his truth.
“Yes. I made mistakes, and I deeply regret them. But I want you to know that I still love her. I’ve realized my faults and am willing to do anything to make it right.”
Paulo’s anger reached a boiling point, and he punched him in the face without warning. His fist landed on Ken’s jaw. The impact sent Ken to the floor, his mind reeling from the pain and the weight of Paulo’s disappointment.
“You don’t deserve her,” Paulo seethed, his voice filled with bitterness. “I know your reputation, Ken. You’ve always been a womanizer, sleeping with different women without care. No wonder she divorced you.”
Ken winced, feeling the weight of Paulo’s words crushing his spirit. He had hoped for forgiveness, understanding, and a chance to redeem himself. Still, Paulo’s trust in him seemed to have shattered beyond repair.
Paulo’s gaze turned cold as he warned Ken, his voice laced with determination. “Stay away from Janine, Ken. I don’t want you anywhere near her. From now on, I’ll forget that you’re my brother.”
Janine and their mother watched in horror as the confrontation escalated. They rushed onto the balcony, attempting to intervene and quell the mounting tension.
But before they could reach them, Paulo grabbed Janine’s hand and dragged her towards the door. Ken knew that his brother’s resolve was clear—he would protect Janine at any cost, even if it meant severing ties with his brother.