Sins of the Rebels (Lush Trans Series #1)

Chapter 63

"I'm okay po, Mommy. That pwetty big giwl helped me!" The little boy pointed at me as he nestled in Hermideo's muscular arms.

The little boy's innocent words made my cheeks warm, and I couldn't help but smile a little, though my heart was racing. His small finger pointed straight at me as he looked up at the woman, Reign, beside him, then back at Hermideo, as if proud of the 'pwetty big giwl' who'd helped him.

Reign's gaze followed the boy's finger, her eyes finally locking onto mine. Reign's eyes grew wide with recognition, her surprise evident as she took in my presence. For a second, she looked like she'd seen a ghost, her mouth slightly open as if she was about to say something but couldn't find the words.

I offered a small, tentative smile, feeling the weight of Hermideo's steady gaze as well. The air felt thick with unspoken words, and I could sense memories swirling between us, tugging at all the things left unsaid.

Reign finally managed a soft. "Ate Reese... it's really you..."

"Hello, kamusta?" Bati ko sa kaniya. This time I showed her my genuine smile.

"A-Ayos lang naman ako, Ate—" Hermideo butted in, not letting her finish.

"You know her?" Kunot-noong tanong ni Hermideo habang salubong ang kaniyang makakapal na kilay. Nanuyot ang lalamunan ko.

Reign glanced at Hermideo, momentarily surprised by his question. She quickly looked back at me and then nodded, smiling a bit. "Yes, of course. She's... an old friend."

Hermideo's brows remained furrowed, and he shifted his gaze back to me, studying me with those dark, intense eyes. "Is that so?" He murmured, his deep voice carrying a hint of something I couldn't quite place.

I swallowed hard, managing a small nod as I tried to maintain my composure. "Yes... it's been a while."

"How are you, Ate Reese?" She asked softly.

Reign still had that gentle, soft aura about her, the same warmth I remembered. But now, there was a newfound strength in her that came with motherhood. She had grown, just as I had.

The way she spoke with Wick, the way her eyes softened whenever she glanced at him, made me realize how much she had blossomed. There was something undeniably beautiful about her, not just in her appearance, but in her spirit.

For a moment, I hesitated, not sure how to answer but I managed to do so.

"Ayos lang naman ako, masaya akong makita ka ulit." I could feel the guilt and shame crawling up from deep inside, threatening to spill over. The memory of the lies, the deceit, and the way we'd betrayed her trust... it felt like a jagged blade lodged in my chest.

The weight of that secret hung heavily in the air between us, suffocating me as I looked at Reign, her smile so innocent and unaware of the past I had with Hermideo.

I wondered if she'd ever look at me the same way if she knew. Would she understand? Would she even forgive me? Or would she see me as the person who had a hand in the mess that happened between her and Hermideo?

But it was all in the past now. I had to remind myself of that. The way we had drifted apart, the way our relationship ended, the things we did that we both regretted— it didn't matter anymore. Hermideo had moved on. He was with her now, and their family was what mattered.

I forced myself to tear my gaze away, unable to keep looking at Reign's face without feeling like an imposter. I couldn't let the past dictate what was happening now. I couldn't burden her with something she didn't need to know, no matter how much my conscience screamed at me to confess.