When the Last Peso Falls

Chapter 13 The Conflict Escalates

The sun had long set over the Manlapig residence, casting deep shadows that mirrored the growing divide within the family. The house, once a place of warmth and unity, now felt suffocated by tension and unspoken grievances. Lola Remedios's passing had not just left a void in their lives; it had unleashed a flood of secrets and resentments that were tearing the family apart.

In the family's dining room, the atmosphere was thick with unresolved anger. Mila and Tonyo sat at the head of the table, frustration etched on their faces. Across from them, Patricia and Luis were visibly upset, their expressions a mix of hurt and betrayal. Ernesto sat quietly at the edge of the table, his presence a reminder of the revelations that had shaken the family. Aling Ising lingered in the corner, torn between her loyalty to the family and the secrets she had helped keep.

Mila broke the silence first, her voice tight with emotion. "How can you just accept him like this? After everything we've been through, he's suddenly part of our family?"

Tonyo, trying to remain calm, replied, "Mila, we can't deny the truth. Ernesto has a right to be acknowledged. We can't keep pretending everything is fine."

Patricia shook her head, her frustration evident. "This isn't just about Ernesto, Tonyo. It's about our whole family being torn apart by secrets and lies."

Luis, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up, his voice filled with frustration. "I'm sick of all this. We've lost sight of what really matters. Our family is falling apart, and we're all just playing roles in a tragic drama."

As the argument grew more heated, Patricia's eyes welled up with tears. She looked at her parents, her voice trembling. "You always told us that family is everything. But look at us now—fighting over inheritance and secrets. Is this what you wanted for us?"

Tonyo, unable to contain his anger, slammed his hand on the table. "This isn't fair to any of us. We've worked hard for everything we have, and now it feels like it's all for nothing. What's the point of having money if we can't even have peace?"

Ernesto, feeling the weight of the family's resentment, finally spoke, his voice steady but heavy with emotion. "I didn't come here to cause trouble. I just wanted to know my family. But I see now that my presence has only made things worse. I'm not here for the money or for revenge. I just wanted to understand where I fit in."

Mila's anger softened slightly as she looked at Ernesto, her voice tinged with regret. "It's hard for us, Ernesto. You're a part of a world we didn't even know existed. It's not just about you—it's about everything we thought we knew."

Overwhelmed, Patricia abruptly stood up and walked out into the garden, seeking solace in the cool night air and the gentle glow of the moon. Luis followed her, his concern evident. "Are you okay, Patricia?"

Patricia shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't know anymore. I thought we were a close family, but with all these secrets and lies... I don't even recognize us anymore."

Luis placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his own sense of disillusionment reflected in her eyes. "We have to find a way to heal from this. We can't keep going on like this. There has to be a way to mend what's been broken."

Back in the dining room, the argument had died down, but the tension lingered. Aling Ising watched from the sidelines, the weight of her own guilt and responsibility pressing heavily on her. She knew the road to reconciliation would be long and painful, but it was a journey they had to take if they hoped to salvage what was left of their family.

As the night deepened, the Manlapig family was left to grapple with the painful truths that had come to light. The once unbreakable bonds of family loyalty had been tested, and the path to healing seemed uncertain. But amidst the anger and betrayal, there was also a glimmer of hope—a faint, fragile hope that they might yet find a way to rebuild what had been broken and come to terms with the legacy of Lola Remedios.