Stonehearts 8: Peridot

Thirty Five

"It's positive!" Desiree's voice echoed through the intercom from the conference room, which is adjacent from Kiel's big office. I massaged my temple, hoping I can finish this day without any breakdowns.

"Dothy, kape ka muna." Era said while handing me a cup of hot coffee. I can see the steam it gives out, but somehow, when I enclosed it between my hands I can't feel the heat it's supposed to give.

"I want a retest!" She shrieked. I can imagine the walls shaking from the emotions packed in those words. "Putang ina, kailangan ng retest! Anak mo 'yon, Kiel! Anak mo si Sonia!"

"Malinaw pa sa sikat ng araw ang resulta, Desiree. Hindi ko anak ang bata." Kiel's cold tone almost gave me shivers.

Then someone cleared his throat, I think this is Kiel's attorney. "Now, in connection to the results of the DNA test done. My client, Mr. Loyzaga, has two choices for you Miss Policarpio. One is to live and let live, meaning from this day on, you will not communicate, harass, or cause nuisance to Mr. Loyzaga and to anyone close to him. Or two, we can proceed with this with court and we will demand you to return all the financial support given to you in the span of your claim that the kid was Mr. Loyzaga's."

"Anak mo siya, Kiel. Anak mo siya." Muling ulit niya, ngunit sa pagkakataong ito, binabalot na ito ng lungkot.

"We have documents here for you to sign. This document states if you breach any of the written agreement, we will push through with this in court." The attorney continued.

There was silence and then we heard Desiree bursting to tears while she kept repeating that the kid was Kiel's.

I was out of my head only to be brought back when Era held my free hand. I slowly looked at her, "Hey, I know it's a lot to process. But we're here, we're family, Dothy." She whispered while giving me reassuring smile.

It feels surreal to be honest. I want to jump in joy to be finally free of the last constraint in our relationship. Pero hindi ko kaya, naaawa kasi ako sa batang isinangkalan ni Desiree para sa mga pansarili niyang kagustuhan.

The voices started to get distant again, I was being consumed by all the what ifs in my life. What if Desiree make it her life's goal to make us miserable? What if she won't leave us alone? What if somehow she gets to Vi?

The connecting door opened and Kiel stepped inside his lavish office. His face is blank, giving away nothing. I saw a peek of red-faced Desiree in the conference room before he closed the door.

"Thank you for giving Dothy company, Era." He said. Era stood up and gave him a hug, needing no more words.

"I'll leave you two be. I'll be at Cael's office if you need me." She said to me before giving me a kiss on the cheek and leaving the room.

Once we're alone, Kiel's stood infront of the intercom switch. "They're discussing the content of the demand letter, baby. Do you still want to hear them?"

I shook my head.

He sighed.

"I was hoping you'll be happy." Kiel said looking at the window. "Why do I feel like it's not what you wanted? I'm not what you wanted?"

He's always been everything that I ever needed and wanted. There's nothing in this world that I wanted that to be his without worries & doubts.

But somehow, I can't seem to open my mouth and express my disagreement.

When I didn't answer, he turned around to face me. And whatever it is that he's looking, he found because he walked slowly in front of me and knelt. Gathering my hands in his, he let his lips touch it.