Chapter 96: Chapter 96

"K-Khrystal."

I looked up at Mama who I didn't notice was already by my side. "Yes?"

She didn't answer immediately. Instead, she just diverted her eyes from me to what I was doing. I'm currently preparing eggplant for the torta (fried eggplant with egg) I'm going to make. That's the twins' favorite.

"Dear, are you planning to grind that eggplant?" she wondered, hesitation was in her tone.

Only then was I able to focus on the eggplant that I was mashing with a fork. It's a mess. I don't know if it's eggplant or avocado because the flesh is so fine.

I tried to laugh to get rid of the shame I felt and then put down my fork. "To mix well with the egg, Mama," I excused myself.

I bit my bottom lip when Mama raised her eyebrows. She obviously didn't believe what I said. Later she grabbed the end of the stem and lifted it.

"Do you hate eggplant?" I don't know whether to be ashamed or laugh because the branch was removed by the vegetable.

In the end, I just grabbed the stem and then put it aside on the side of the kitchen sink. "What are you doing, Ma? Of course nothing. I just want this to be perfectly mixed," I said while continuing to prepare the dish.

It's that man's fault!

What right does he have to think badly of his own children?! And then why? Can only a boyfriend be called a baby? In an instant, a flashback played in my head as I thought of that jerk.

***

"What?" I asked—clueless.

Agustine smirked. "Baby, huh?" he mocked.

Slowly, I realized that he heard me talking to my daughter for God knows since when. All I know is that he didn't process that the person I was talking to on the phone could be my child. I straightened up and looked at him bravely. I wasn't satisfied with that yet, I artfully raised an eyebrow while crossing my arms over my chest.

"What is your problem, Mr. Revelar?" I asked. "Can't I treat my boyfriend as family?" I continued.

That's not what I wanted to say to him but because of the annoyance I couldn't do anything more than the words that came out of my mouth. He didn't answer and just fought my gaze.

"Boyfriend," he repeated.

There was no sarcasm or hint of anything in his tone.

"Yes, boyfriend. Now, if you don't understand that I have to go home early later, there's nothing I can do about it. Maybe it's somehow acceptable that I also have to flirt with my own boyfriend, right?" I snorted.

I could clearly see the rapid tension of his jaw. Instead of being afraid or worried because he is our business partner, I did a quick job and then pointed to the door.

"You may now leave. The meeting is over."

***

I shut my eyes firmly as I experienced the same level of irritation from the office all over again. Although the work I did today wasn't particularly strenuous, I still feel really exhausted. My irritation is still present in my chest despite the passage of time.

"Is that about the children's father?" Mama caught my attention again.

I was about to shake my head, but Mama glared at me—warning me sharply not to spread a lie.

"Mom, I'm just tired from work." I tried to smile at her.

She was the one who shook her head and stole what I was doing. I couldn't do anything but stand by her side. She was now putting some oil in the frying pan. While she was doing that, I could feel the seriousness surrounding us.

"You are always busy with work. You're always tired. But you never lose yourself." She looked at me for a moment. "Does it still hurt?" she was curious.

I sighed and slowly walked to the kitchen counter before sitting on the high stool there. "Everything was already in the past, Mama. I am already healed. It's just . . . I felt like he's not yet done with his revenge thing," I explained.

"Why? Did he treat you badly? Did he speak badly of you?"

I shook my head along with my small smile because she bombarded me with her questions. "Nah. We just had an exchange of words, but it wasn't about our past. I don't know, all I know is that he's going to torture me."

"Torture?" Mama repeated.

I rolled my eyes. "He gave me an early deadline for the project that he wanted! That's fvcker. What does he think of me? His personal maid?" I mumble.

"It's good that you faced him well. Will you continue to hide the children from him?" Mama suddenly changed the subject.

I swallowed involuntarily and slowly reached for the pitcher on the counter. I poured a glass and drank it. I can feel Mama patiently waiting for my answer.

"I am not hiding my children, Mama," I replied. "I just don't really intend to take the lead by saying."

My mother let out a small laugh as she flipped the food over. "If you're not the one to tell him, how will he know? Doesn't it look like you've been hiding it?"

"Well, let's face it one day he will suddenly have me investigated. Then he will confront me, of course I will tell."

Mama just shook her head at my answer.

"Besides, it's not important that he knows about our children . . ." I said softly just enough for her to hear. "You know, he has his own family. The important thing is, my children know that we will never be a complete family." I forced a smile.

"I'm sorry, Khrystal . . ." Mama in her low tone.

She was looking at me while she was in front of the kitchen—smiling but not that happy. It was an apologetic smile to be exact.

"Because of the trouble between me and your Daddy, you were the one who got stuck and had a hard time," said Mama. "You are the one who paid for the sins that you did not commit," she added.

"Mom," I stopped. "We've talked about this, haven't we? Like I said before, we have no control over such events. The important thing is that we're happy and healed now. If something bad happened, something good still happened." I gave her a warm smile.

Especially my children. They are one of the best things that happened in my life.

Mama smiled back and continued cooking. "Alright. Take the children up first and take them down later so we can eat."

I just gave a modest nod and immediately moved to go see the twins. I walked up the stairs with joy. I was panting already for a short period of time because of my fast movement, then suddenly, my phone rang. I stopped midway and rummaged through my bag.

An unregistered number showed on my phone screen. I frowned because I couldn't remember a number that I didn't put in my contact list. I thought about whether I should answer that or not, but because the call might be important. I couldn't do anything but slide the answer button.

"Hello?" I almost breathlessly said on the line.

I did not immediately receive an answer from the other side. I put the phone away from my ear for a moment to check if the caller was still there. When I was sure that the caller was still on call, I put it back in its place.

"Hello?" I repeated.

This time, I heard a heavy breathing on the line.

"Send me the sample design now, Ms. Dagsinal. NOW," Agustine emphasized with his cold baritone voice.