Living as Palacios (Shadows of the Past) BOOK 2

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

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Tahimik lang na kumakain sina Rebecca, Amando, Aurora at Rafael sa dining. Ito ang unang beses na magsasalo sila sa breakfast.

"Anak, you should eat more. Look at you, masyado kang payat." Aurora kept piling Rafael's plate with food, worrying about his thin frame.

"Here, Kuya. You should try this one. I cooked this." Rebecca tried to lighten the mood by offering Rafael some of her homemade dishes. Rafael couldn't help but tear up at the outpouring of love and care. It felt unreal.

"Kuya, do you have a favorite food? Or comfort food mo? Para makapaghanda kami ni Tita next time." Rebecca asked, smiling.

Everyone waited for his answer. Rafael, still feeling a little overwhelmed.

"Uhm, I don't have something like that, Reb. Kung anong meron 'yun lang din ang kinakain ko." he admitted before eating again.

Amando, Aurora and Rebecca exchanged glances, their hearts aching for him.

"Well, you can choose your favorites now, Kuya. Kahit anong gusto mong kainin, pwede nating bilhin. Just tell us, okay?"

Rafael nodded, a small smile forming on his face. Rebecca then noticed Amando, quiet and in his deep thoughts.

"Kuya Amando, bakit ang tahimik mo ngayon?" she asked softly.

"Masakit lang ang ulo ko." Amando replied, clearing his plate. Rebecca's eyes darted to her Tita Aurora.

"Tita, nag-away ba kayo?" she whispered. Aurora watched Amando washing his dishes.

"Hindi. You heard him, masakit ang ulo niya." Aurora answered.

A few moments later, Amando surprised everyone by placing a container of ice cream in front of Rafael.

"Tikman mo 'yan. Comfort food 'yan ng Mama mo."

Rafael looked at his father, his brow furrowed, before Amando walked away. Aurora, sensing Rafael's confusion, patted his hand.

"Don't worry about him, anak. He's too overwhelmed to know that you're here. Pinoproseso pa niya ang lahat." Aurora reassured him.

After their meal, Aurora decided to introduced Rafael to the staff members of the estate. Kasama niya si Rebecca and each one of the staff welcomed Rafael with warmth. They treated him as one of their own, erasing any sense of estrangement he might have felt.

Aurora watched as Rafael effortlessly charmed the staff, his natural warmth dissolving any sense of awkwardness. He felt belonged.

"Ma, bakit mo nga pala kami pinatawag?" Rafael turned to see who spoke, his eyes fell upon Samantha and the small boy who's looking at him.

"Sam, I want you to meet someone." Aurora introduced, gesturing towards Rafael.

Samantha's jaw dropped. She stumbled back, her grip on Ronron loosening. The little boy, sensing the shift in energy, ran towards Rafael, his tiny arms outstretched.

"Daddy!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the courtyard. Rafael, taken aback but moved by the child's innocent affection, scooped Ronron up and held him close.

"He's not Paco, Samantha." Aurora said gently, her voice laced with sadness.

"What?" Samantha gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"He is Rafael, the other twin of Paco. Maging ako ay nagulat, Sam. But, it's true."

Samantha's hand flew to her mouth as she stared at Rafael. Rafael stepped closer, his eyes filled with a mixture of wonder and nervousness.