Secrets
by;michimichiro
Chapter 12
My life changed drastically in a single day. Standing before Sarah and her father, Mr. Brielle, I discovered that Mr. Brielle was my biological father. The revelation was overwhelming.
Sarah glared at me with anger. "What do you want now that you know you're a Brielle?" she snapped in a harsh tone.
Her words stung, leaving me feeling ashamed. Sarah, whom I once knew as kind, now appeared as a stranger. I felt insignificant and unwelcome.
Mr. Brielle intervened, questioning Sarah's behavior. "Sarah, why are you speaking to your sister like that?" he inquired.
Sarah's expression twisted at the mention of "sister," revealing her reluctance to accept me as family. It became clear that I was not wanted in their midst.
Attempting to diffuse the tension, I spoke softly, "I didn't intend to cause trouble. I won't change my last name if that's your concern."
However, my words only fueled Sarah's anger.
"Why do you always take what's mine, Zia?" she shouted.
Confused, I asked, "What do you mean?"
Sarah's face flushed with rage. "First, it was Eli," she accused. "I knew you two were separated when I met her. We could have had something, but you came back into her life despite being engaged!"
I was taken aback. I had no clue about Sarah's feelings towards Eli. She had never mentioned it before.
Sarah continued her tirade. "And now, just when I could finally have a sister, why does it have to be you?"
Her words wounded me deeply. She believed I was taking everything from her, though that was never my intention.
Mr. Brielle reprimanded Sarah, "Sarah! Watch your language."
Unfazed, Sarah made a shocking revelation to her father.
"It all makes sense now, Dad," she exclaimed. "You provided Zia with a good divorce lawyer because she's your illegitimate daughter!"
The room fell silent. I was stunned by the revelation that Mr. Brielle had assisted with my divorce. I had thought it was Eli who had recommended the lawyer.
In a sudden outburst, Mr. Brielle slapped Sarah, displaying a mix of anger and sorrow.
"I didn't raise you to behave this way, Sarah!" he shouted. "What has gotten into you?"
Sarah held her cheek, momentarily resembling a hurt child, before her anger resurfaced.
"Why did you hit me, Dad?" she whispered. "You've only given me more reason to despise Zia," she said before storming off.
Feeling distraught by the chaos, I turned to Mr. Brielle. "I'm deeply sorry," I expressed. "I never intended for any of this to happen."
Mr. Brielle appeared sorrowful. "This isn't your fault, Zia," he reassured. "You didn't ask for any of this."
His words, though comforting, only intensified my guilt. Despite my intentions, I had inadvertently caused turmoil within their family.
Considering leaving to avoid further trouble, I suggested, "Perhaps I should go. I don't want to cause more issues."
Mr. Brielle shook his head. "No, Zia. You're my daughter. You have every right to be here. Sarah will adjust with time. She just needs time."
Though I was appreciative of his words, Sarah's animosity weighed heavily on my mind. How could I be part of a family that made her so unhappy?
Concerned about Sarah's accusations regarding Eli and the divorce lawyer, I inquired, "What about what Sarah mentioned? About Eli and the lawyer?"
Mr. Brielle sighed, explaining, "It's complicated, Zia. Yes, I assisted with the lawyer because Eli had asked for a recommendation, and I took the opportunity to help you. I've been watching over you for years, and when I learned about your divorce, I wanted to lend a hand. However, I refrained from revealing my identity as your father."
His revelation surprised me. All this time, he had been silently looking out for me.
Regarding Eli, Mr. Brielle admitted, "I'm not familiar with that situation. Sarah never mentioned her feelings towards Eli."
Attempting to grasp the complexity of the situation, I asked, "What do we do now? I feel lost."
Mr. Brielle placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "We take it one day at a time," he advised. "It won't be easy, and there will be challenges. But you're my daughter, and I want you in my life."
His words provided solace, yet Sarah's resentment lingered in my thoughts. Could I truly be a part of their family if it caused her such distress?
Expressing my concerns about Sarah and my desire to avoid drama, I disclosed, "I don't want to come between you and Sarah. She's your daughter too, and she's been with you longer. Honestly, I'm weary of the turmoil in my life, which is why I wish to avoid any more drama."
Mr. Brielle reassured me, "Zia, you're not driving a wedge between us. Sarah is struggling, but that's not your fault. She needs time to adjust. However, that doesn't mean you should distance yourself."
Grateful for his understanding, I nodded, saying, "Thank you. I believe I need time to process everything."
"Take all the time you need," Mr. Brielle encouraged. "Just know that you have a place here whenever you're ready."
Leaving their home, my mind raced with thoughts. Discovering my true father had brought both revelation and turmoil. Sarah's hostility left me feeling despondent. I pondered whether my presence in their lives would bring more harm than good.
As I drove home, I made a vow to tread carefully, to be patient, and to show Sarah that I harboured no ill intentions. I simply longed to be a part of their family.
Acknowledging the challenges that lay ahead, I steeled myself for the journey. Despite the tumultuous beginning, I found solace in knowing my real father. Though the path ahead seemed daunting, it also held the promise of new beginnings.
Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself for the uncertainties that awaited. This marked the commencement of a challenging yet hopeful chapter in my life.
Upon arriving home, I found Eli waiting for me on the couch. Concern etched on her face, she embraced me tightly as tears began to flow.
"Z, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" Eli inquired, her gentle touch offering comfort amidst my emotional turmoil.
"Did Sarah hurt you?" she probed further, but I could only weep. The floodgates of suppressed emotions had finally opened in Eli's presence, allowing my vulnerability to surface.
