Chapter 67: Chapter 67

So, basically, Lolo Leoncio's favorite among his children is Leandro Alcaraz who died six years ago. The firstborn, the heir, the genius, and the perfect son. And for Grandpa, Uncle Gascon is only second and Mom is worthless because she chose to be a "rebellious daughter" and always started trouble. Ariza Alcaraz, my mother, died because of her own father—and she didn't know that. After being betrayed by Lolo himself, she died without knowing the reason—that she thought she was the only one to blame for everything.

That's why they told everyone that she died accidentally when the mere fact is that she died because of her own father. She was tortured to death because of her own father and that's why they searched for me because they wanted to make up for their great sin against their daughter.

And I find it insulting and absurd. I want to throw up. I want to throw up suddenly being an Alcaraz. I'm so furious! I'm hurting!

I wonder if everyone in their family, including Uncle Gascon, Leon, and Vera knows about it. I wonder if Lola Andrada agreed during that time. If yes, how did they cope with that?

"Aren't you going to the mansion? Lola wants to see you before their flight back to the States,” Vera asked me when she sat down beside me.

I didn't pay attention to that. I want to laugh more. "For what?"

Vera was shocked. It seems she still has no idea what really happened to me the day they rushed me to the hospital. Or she already knew something but they said it was for a different reason.

"What?" She just asked me.

I shrugged. "For what else? To ease their guilt?”

"What are you talking about, Ana? Is there something I don't know?” She asked again.

And I was right. She didn't know the reason why. When I looked at her, she was staring at me. My eyes caught Hector who had just entered and was sweating profusely. Following behind him was Amari with Emerald. They seem to have played outside.

"I was wondering a while ago if you knew the real reason for mom's death, but it seems you don't yet. Does Leon know anything? Did he say anything to you?"

Vera shrugged her shoulder and sipped on her coffee. "Leon is not the type that will share his life story, but if it is not about himself, he will tell me right away. Especially if it's important. Why? What is it about?”

I smiled bitterly. I can still remember Lolo Leoncio's expression while he was telling me everything. His eyes were full of grieving and regret. It seems that he just now realized how serious what he did.

“You were right about mom's cause of death. She was tortured to death and Grandpa just let it out that she died in an accident. It's because he doesn't want to ruin his name and our family's reputation," I stated as he frowned even more.

"What? Can you be more specific? I don't understand you, Ana. What are you saying?”

"Mom was tortured to death because Lolo betrayed her to Damien Aragon. That was their agreement after Leandro Alcaraz died. I thought you knew—”

"Wait, do you mean Leandro, Tita Ariza's eldest brother? What does he have to do with it?”

"Leandro Alcaraz died together with Damien Aragon's sister. He raped her and sent a recording to Lolo about his confession. Damien Aragon got the recording and Grandpa wanted it back using Mom's life. To cover up the sin of his favorite son," I explained to her.

Vera didn't say a thing after what I said. I can't wait to see what she does next. Her expression suddenly hardened and the next thing I heard was her whispering some curses.

"I can't believe he was capable of doing that."

That was the only thing she said and said goodbye to me. She didn't say where she was going. I was suddenly nervous because she might do something that would harm her and Grandpa. I shouldn't care anymore if something happens to them but my conscience can't handle that if it happens.

The afternoon came when I had no news from Vera. Hector and Amari were still fast asleep, probably because they were tired from playing. While I was stunned outside, I received a text from Ulysses.

ULYSSES

Ana, I hope you're doing well. Someone wanted to see you yesterday but I forgot to tell you right away. She left something here in my office.

I frowned when I read that. Who is he referring to?

I immediately typed a reply for him.

To ULYSSES

who was it??? and what was left?!!??

ULYSSES

Damn. Are you mad?

To ULYSSES

no,,, why would you say that?!?!

ULYSSES

You and your jeje text. Damn it!

I snorted when I read that. He’s annoyed. It's good that he and Via get along. Shh!

I waited a few more minutes for his reply until I stopped when I read his next text. I even made sure the person he said was right because he might just be making a mistake, but he was not.

ULYSSES

It's Valeria Aragon. She left something here. I didn't open it because it was a private matter. You can come today when I don't have a client.

That was his last text and I didn't reply to it. I wondered if I should go get what he gave me or not and just let it go. When I remembered that I was going to hear about Damien Aragon's case and what was the latest update on his pursuit of him, I made a decision right away.

When I went up to our room I got ready to head to Ulysses' law firm. Hector doesn't know this yet so I feel a little nervous because he might not approve of me going there.

"Where are you going?"

I turned to the person who spoke and saw Hector who had just entered our room. It just woke up and maybe it came from Amari's room because they both slept there. His forehead was wrinkled as he watched me from head to toe.

"You didn't say you had something in mind today," he added and sat on the bed, watching me again while fixing my hair and face.

"Only at the law firm. I just need to talk to someone," I answered him then looked at him.

His mouth was open so I looked at his lips. It was red and seemed to be calling me to give him a kiss. Even though he just woke up, he still looks very handsome. He is even more handsome with his appearance.

“Who?” He asked more. He slightly moved my chair closer to him and held me in his arms.

"It's Doña Valeria..." I hesitantly answered him.

His forehead furrowed even more. He even licked his lower lip while clenching his jaw.