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

Chapter 40

Our father

"Kararating lang namin ni Benj dito. Will you be fine there? How's Ariah doing?"

Arik immediately called me as soon as I texted him that we had reached the city and were heading straight to the hospital.

Mom was devastated, and we still couldn't talk to her properly. Benj was by her side, trying to comfort her, but she remained with Dad as we waited for him to wake up.

Apparently, Mom was blaming herself for what had happened. She felt that if she hadn't insisted on going to the Percepta Tower earlier, this wouldn't have happened.

"She's fine. Kumakain sila ni Sarah sa restaurant ngayon. She said she'll pray for her lolo. How about you? How are you? How's your Mom and Dad?" Arik's concerned questions flowed.

I sat beside Oliver outside Dad's room.

"She thinks it was her fault. We haven't been able to talk to her yet, Arik. Dad hasn't woken up."

"Do you know what happened? Who ambushed them?"

Natahimik ako sa tanong na iyon. Napatingin ako kay Oliver na mabilis tumayo at nilapitan ang mga pulis office na papalapit din sa amin.

"The police officers are here, Arik. I'll call you again later," paalam ko sa kanya.

Arik sighed deeply. "Take care, please. Fill me in."

After ending the call, I kept my gaze fixed on them, listening to their conversation. I noticed a man being escorted by two policemen, his head wrapped in a bandage. When my gaze shifted to his hands, I was taken aback to see handcuffs.

"Fortunately, we managed to apprehend someone from the vehicle that blocked Mr. Fuentebella's car. He has injuries but is stable enough for questioning. Gusto mo bang sumama sa amin sa opisina?"

Napatingin ako sa nagsalita. It was General Pantaleon Ledezma, a family friend. He had been Dad's friend before becoming close to our family. I was relieved he was here. I learned he was the one who arrived at the scene first, specifically for Dad.

"I'd want to, Uncle, but I'm concerned about their safety here, especially Mom," Oliver replied.

"Don't worry. I'll send additional personnel to secure this entire floor, Oliver, for your family's safety. We're not taking this culprit lightly. He's confessed that they were ordered to do this, but we're not yet sure about all the details. A thorough investigation is needed," he said, glancing at the handcuffed man who still looked angry for getting caught.

"This moron confessed that they were just following orders, but we can't be sure of everything yet. We need to thoroughly investigate what happened."

Doon na ako tumayo.

"Hello, General Ledezma," I greeted.

"Call me Uncle. I'm glad you're here too, Celeste."

"Yes, Uncle. May lead na ba kung sino ang nasa likod ng ambush?" I asked without hesitation.

Nagkatinginan sila ni Oliver saka binalingan ang lalaking nakaposas. Doon pa lang ay alam ko nang may sinabi na ang lalaking ito sa kung sino ang nag utos sa kanil na gawin iyon.

But I also know they were being discreet about it, which was understandable given the process.

But I wanted to know. I needed to know.

"Celeste, hija, mas mabuti kung pag uusapan natin ang lahat ng detalye sa opisina. There are eyes and ears everywhere, so I suggest you come with us, too," Uncle Leon suggested, and Oliver agreed with him.