Versailles Series Book 9: The Lawyer [COMPLETED]

CHAPTER 51

E N T E N G

Enchong and I decided to follow Mom to her house after the pre-trial. Enchong got there first before me and they were waiting for me in the living room. My Mom's arms are crossed on her chest her eyes looking sternly at me. It reminded me of the look she gave me when I was a young boy.

"What was that, Laurent Llamanzares?"

I almost glared at Enchong who was stopping his grin behind our mother. I guess the prick told her something before I came here. Her nose was flaring and her lips were tight.

"We just talked, Mom." I cleared my throat and shoved my hands in my pockets. "How did you find her? When did you talk to her?" Did Hera know about this when we were still together?

"I talked to Attorney Damon Olivares a few weeks ago but I only just met Hera when I filed the petition." She squinted her eyes at me. "What's going on between you and my lawyer, son? Is there something I should know? She didn't tell me anything about you."

Oh, didn't she?

If it will help, just forget about everything that transpired between us.

Of course she will forget about me.

If you think this will change something between us, you're wrong. How could I forget how easy it is for you to break people apart...

Yup. Especially now.

I massaged the back of my neck. "She's one of the best lawyers in town, Mom. She will surely have your marriage annulled in no time."

"Which is why I chose her. What did you two talk about?"

Enchong coughed on the side. "He screwed her."

My mother gaped at me. Yes, gaped with her wide eyes and open mouth. "Enteng!"

I squeezed my eyes shut and flipped Enchong off. Bastard. "It wasn't anything serious, okay?"

Mom washed her face with her hands. "Of all people. She told me she doesn't know you!"

I massaged my neck as I felt my cheeks heat. "I might have told her to forget me. Maybe that's why."

Enchong was shaking his head as he looked at me. Gee, thanks for helping me out, bud. More like outing me. Damn bastard.

"You know, that's not what we're here for." I sat my mother down. "Are you sure you want to go through with this? Are you really filing an annulment against Dad?"

"The petition has been finalised and the pre-trial went well. Your Dad...well, your Dad didn't contest anything which was shocking." I saw the familiar look in her eyes. The longing that I saw earlier in the courtroom.

"What happened, Mom?" I asked seriously, relieved that the conversation was finally off me.

She twisted her hands on her lap. "Your Dad and I...we have grown apart throughout the years. I turned blind on the wrong things and ways he did to you both when you were growing up."

"We figured that part out. Is that why you stayed here?" Enchong inquired, his face masked with curiosity.

"Yes. Plus, both of you are here too."

I looked down at my hands when I realized that I hadn't visited her as much as I should have. Enchong is also deep in thought maybe haunted with the same guilt as me. Especially for him, he locked himself in that man cave of his in his villa.

"Is there someone else?" I asked. My mother is a beautiful woman and at her age, she can still be considered a great catch. I wouldn't be shocked if she started dating while she was here.

Mom chuckled. "I'm too old to date. I don't think I can love someone again."

"Hmm...you still love the old bastard, huh?" Enchong's lips grinned with the realisation.

"Then why are you separating if you still love him? What if he pursues you? What if he takes you out on dates like before?"

Her sad smile remained on her lips. "Do you think I haven't told him that? Do you think I never told him I missed him? He...just doesn't want me like he used to I guess. I waited and waited until...I wasn't waiting anymore." Her eyes switched between Enchong and me. "And I realised how I could have stopped him from being the tyrant father that he is. You boys deserve more."

"Why now? Why are we hearing this only now? Why did you not tell us of your plans to nullify the marriage at all?" I was more frustrated with myself for not seeing it in between her tight smiles and sad eyes.

"Both of you are busy with your life. And besides, this is between your father and I." She looked at us hopelessly. "I was actually waiting for you guys to introduce somebody but I guess even that won't happen. Hindi na nga ako umaasa na magkaka-apo sa inyo. All the flowers in my garden will be wasted kasi wala naman kayong pagbibigyan. All of my recipes won't be passed down because you don't bring anybody here for me to cook with." She sighed and leaned on her chair. "You know, before the company was built. As much as I am thankful for the company because it provided for us, it also took away my boys."

"Mom..."

She shook her head when she sensed Enchong's tone. "It's final. I found a good lawyer." She glared at me as if I didn't get it the first time. Why the hell am I the only one getting all the glares? "It will be done in no time. Nothing will change after anyway. I'm still here, he's going back there. You guys are here and sometimes you're there." I hate to see her like this. I hate to see her withering away like this. "Enteng, Enchong, I am happy living in this house and tending to my garden. Taking care of myself. I don't enjoy the parties your father dragged me to when I was younger. I enjoy the peaceful and quiet life here. I thought my life would revolve around him forever but when I started living here, I kinda enjoyed living by myself."

"I wish I knew what to do, Mom. To fix you and Dad."

"You don't have to fix everything, Enteng. And that goes for you too, Enchong. Sometimes, couples fall apart. Love fades for some people. Don't burden yourselves with this. It's me and your Dad's problem. He doesn't even need to be present, you know." She stood up. "Since both of you are here, why don't you help me cook? We can go to the grocery and buy ingredients. Just like the old times?"

Enchong and I nodded. "Anything for you, Mom."

I stood up and grinned at Enchong. "Enchong is dating a lady too or was is the operative word?" Mom shook her head at us but the small smile on her face lightened up the mood somehow.

"The least you two can do is be better than your Dad. Find yourselves a good woman if you want. If not, don't go breaking hearts. Some people just want to look for the right one to spend their life with. Don't go spreading your jaded belief on love."

Enchong and I exchanged glances and nodded. We cooked the entire day until evening. We even stayed the night at her house and had breakfast after. It brought me back to when we were young and she would always prepare a meal with us. I sadly looked at the other empty chair on the table. Maybe we can still be happy just like this.