Versailles Series Book 9: The Lawyer [COMPLETED]

CHAPTER 59

H E R A

I parked my car on the side of the road and stared at the house across. It was a beautiful white house adorned with various flowers. Antoinette Llamanzares has invited me for a thanksgiving lunch. I don't know who'll be here but as much as I'd like to avoid it, I didn't have any excuse not to be here. Plus, Antoinette is a really nice lady, unlike her twin sons.

I grabbed the paper bag with some pastries in it that I bought along the way. I can't come here empty-handed. The interior of the house is as beautiful as the facade. Everything looked warm and homey. Sinamahan ako ng kasambahay hanggang sa sala ng bahay.

Nilibot ko ang paningin ko at huminto iyon nang makita ko ang picture ng dalawang bata na magkatabi at magkapareho ng suot. Parehong nakangiti at mukhang masayang-masaya. Enteng and Enchong. He was right, Enchong used to smile just like him.

"Aren't they adorable?"

I looked over my shoulder to see Antoinette walking toward me. She looked relaxed in her mint green coloured dress. She hugged me and kissed me on the cheek.

"You shouldn't have." Sabi nito nang iabot ko ang paperbag na dala ko.

"Thank you for the invite." I tried to subtly glance around but the knowing look she gave made me realize I had given myself away.

"He's not here. Only Enchong and my soon-to-be ex-husband."

Kumunot ang noo ko. "Vernon Llamanzares? In your home?"

She massaged her neck and her cheeks reddened. "Just paying a visit."

"Right..."

"Come...come..."

The table was full of food and I wondered how many people are coming here. There are only four plates on the table, two on either side. Tinignan ko si Enchong at Vernon na nasa gilid ng mesa at nag-uusap. Agad naman akong tinignan ng dalawa nang pumasok kami sa hapag. The delicious aroma of food drifted in the air making my mouth water and stomach grumble.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Tanong sa akin ni Enchong. I think the smirk on his lips is meant to tease me.

"I invited her, Enchong. Be nice."

"I am always nice, Mom."

"That's not what I heard," bulong ko. He threw me a glare which I returned gladly.

Antoinette transferred the pastries to a platter and served that up on the side. I ended up sitting beside Enchong and across us sat Vernon and Antoinette.

"I prepared everything, Attorney. I hope it is to your liking."

"Call me Hera, please. We're not in a meeting or in the courtroom."

She smiled as she handed me the bowls of various food. As we ate, Enchong and I watched Vernon and Antoinette's interaction. Vernon served Antoinette some food before filling their glasses with juice.

"They don't look like a couple separating." Bulong ni Enchong sa akin.

"Believe me, it is more common than people think." I nodded in approval when the mildly spicy caldereta hit my taste buds.

"So...Hera Marquez. I heard a lot about you." I straightened my shoulders when Vernon looked at me.

"I hope good things."

He smiled and the wrinkles around his eyes became evident. The twins got their smiles from their mother but the color of their eyes, they definitely got from their father. I think even the glint of mischievousness was inherited from their father. "Good things. Interesting things."