Defender's Heartbeat

Chapter 26

Pedro

When Manuel went on leave, Enzo spent most of his time at my place or his buddy Diego's. Enzo and I weren't close, and he didn't trust me, but the fact that he came over to my house told me that he didn't completely hate me.

It made sense why Enzo didn't want to stay in the mansion, considering how lonely our mansion could be. With my 5-year-old and 1-year-old boys around, I sometimes caught Enzo secretly watching me and my wife as we fussed over our little ones. I wondered what thoughts were going on in his mind when he watched us like that. His poker face made it hard to read his emotions.

One day, while I was doting on my baby, I noticed Enzo watching us intently. "Wanna hold him?" I offered, handing my 1-year-old baby to Enzo. At first, he looked surprised, but then he gently took the baby from my hand, a small smile on his lips. He kissed the baby on the forehead, proving he wasn't entirely emotionless or unfeeling. I was surprised to see he liked babies.

"I think he likes you," I remarked, seeing how calm the baby was.

"How do you know?" Enzo inquired.

"He didn't cry," I explained, noticing Enzo's face lit up when he realized it.

"Okay, Matteo, stay with Uncle Enzo," I said, kissing my baby on the forehead and patting Enzo on the back to show him I cared about him too. I wanted to make him feel I loved him as his big brother, even if he didn't get it yet.

Enzo's reaction showed his surprise at my complete trust in him with my babies. When I returned after a few minutes to check on them, I found Enzo seated on a chair with my baby in his lap, engaged in conversation and cuddles. It warmed my heart to see the baby enjoying Enzo's company. It was a relief that Papa hadn't managed to break my baby brother entirely.

Manuel

Taking a three-day leave was crucial for my well-being. Being away from the Perez mansion brought a sense of relief to my mental health. However, I couldn't fully enjoy my time off because I had to leave my heart - my son - behind.

My son, Miguel, is ten years old and entirely different from Enzo. He's kind, gentle, brilliant, and well-behaved, all thanks to my wife's upbringing. She raised him to be a real gentleman. Sometimes, I feel like a failing father and husband because I fail to be present in their lives. But that's how my job is. And also, I can never quit my job unless Gerardo kicks me out. At the same time, I never wanted to quit my job or get kicked out because of Enzo. I can't go a day without seeing him. That's why I feel so overwhelmed when I'm at home.

"Come sit on Papa's lap, Miguel," I told my 10-year-old son.

"I'm not a baby. I don't need to sit on your lap," he replied. Unlike Miguel, Enzo used to sit on my lap even at 10. He did it for fun. And he's still doing it for fun and to make me angry. He even jumps on my back for piggyback rides. Of course, I get mad at those times. Just because I love him doesn't mean I like to get bothered like that.

I missed out on Enzo's childhood, and now I'm missing out on Miguel's too. It's like I don't know anything about Miguel's childhood.

"Okay, then hug me," I said, spreading my arms towards Miguel.

Miguel came to me and hugged me, but he quickly tried to pull away. I didn't let him go.

"Papa, I'm not a baby. I'm a big boy now," he said, struggling to free himself from my embrace.

"Come on, Miguel. I'm not at home often," I said, feeling hurt. If I hug Enzo, he'll stay like that forever if I don't free him.

"Okay, but not too many hugs or kisses, okay? I'm a big boy now. It's embarrassing to get treated like a baby," he said, sitting beside me.

I saw Rachel looking at us, smiling. "Come on, Miguel. Hug Papa," she said.

During my time at home on leave, Enzo never forgot to call and message me in the morning and at night. Most of the time, he sends tons of messages and photos. I know he spends the weekends at Pedro's or Diego's place.

Rachel

When I woke up, Manuel wasn't in bed. I went to the kitchen to drink water and saw him whispering on the phone in the living room. I didn't know who he was talking to, but I overheard bits of the conversation.

"Baby, you know I love you more than anyone," he said.

"No, baby, I promise you I'll never leave you. I will never," he assured the person on the other end.

"Please take your medicine, okay? Miss you too, love. I'll come back soon, okay," he said, unaware of my presence.

I felt dizzy. Who was the woman he was talking to? I never imagined he would cheat on me. The way he treated me never gave me any idea that he might be cheating. I silently ran to the room and sobbed, not knowing what to do or how to ask him what was going on. I loved Manuel. I didn't want to live without him. He never showed me that he didn't love me. Unprepared and unsure how to confront him, I wasn't ready to face this situation.