Mending Heart's Affliction [Phoenix Countesses: ETHEREAL MAIDENS SERIES I]

Chapter 27

That Girl

"I was a victim of abuse, Celeste, by my uncle."

Abuse is when people mistreat or harm others, showing no concern for their well-being or worth as individuals, degrading their overall health.

Back in college, Aurora, Kim and I used to talk a lot about the abuse Kim's family subjected her to. Kim had to work part-time jobs just to provide money for her parents; otherwise, they would hurt her siblings.

That's why Kim worked hard until we graduated, and she pursued a medical career with the help of sponsors and scholarships. Aurora and I often supported her during those times.

Hindi pa ako naka-encounter ng lalaking nakararanas din ng abuse sa tanang buhay ko, ngayon pa lang at si Arik.

And why did it have to be him? Why did it have to be my Arik?

All I see in Arik's eyes is hatred and agony. He didn't want me to know about this. He didn't want me to see the scars reflecting his painful past.

Gaya ko ay biktima rin siya ng kahayupan ng taong walang konsensya. His uncle? Sinong uncle? What kind of abuse? Those scars – was he tortured? When?

"Arik..."

He pulled his long sleeves back down and sat down. He kept avoiding eye contact with me.

"I didn't want you to see these, but you were so stubborn. We know the judge was involved, Celeste, and that judge is my uncle."

"What? What do you mean he's your uncle? He's Liam's dad, Arik."

"Exactly. Liam is my second cousin."

Awtomatiko akong napaupo muli nang marinig ko iyon. Hindi ko malaman kung lalapitan ko ba siya o ipoproseso ko muna ang mga ito. I was utterly confused!

"A-and..." I stuttered. "T-those scars... When..." I couldn't even control my words! "Does Liam know?"

"He knew, Celeste. I believe he knew about his father's wrongdoings," Arik insisted.

I let out a deep sigh.

So, I was right then. I saw them talking before with Isabella; they were probably discussing Aomori's return to the Rioflorida family. Arik is planning to seek revenge for his mom, and they know it.

"God. I still don't understand, Arik."

Tumayo ako at nilapitan na siya. Niyakap ko siya habang nakaupo siya. His face pressed against my stomach.

I traced his scars; they weren't very prominent, so maybe I didn't notice them before or just didn't pay attention that night.

"Please, help me understand. I want to support you. My Mom was a victim too. I'm searching for answers."

Arik wrapped his arm around my waist and rested there.

"I know, baby. I know," he said, breathless. "Let's go. I have to show you something."

"Saan?"

"Somewhere you can find answers to your questions."

Buti na lang ay hindi ako masyadong abala ngayon. Matapos ng huling meeting ko kung saan kasama ko si Rusty, I asked Paula to reschedule my appointments for today to next week.

"Galing ka pa bang mansion?" Tanong ko sa kanya habang nasa byahe kami.

"Yes, but I dropped off Ariah at her learning school first. She was so happy and didn't want me to leave." Ngumiti siya nang malawak na tila ba binabalikan ang senaryong iyon sa school ni Ariah.