Karera | [ Stacey x OC (F) ]

C38 - Truth

Louise's POV

After checking the site with them, I hurriedly made my way home, knowing I couldn't be late for our family dinner. As I approached the gate, the bodyguards greeted me respectfully. I parked the car in front of the house, handing the keys to one of them to park it in the garage.

The moment I stepped inside, the warmth of familiarity hit me. The maids greeted me and one of them guided me to the dining room. While walking, I asked if my brother was already here.

"Yes, ma'am." she replied with a polite smile. "He's with your little sister too."

As we reached the dining room, I saw the four of them deep in conversation. My younger sister, Vienn, was the first to spot me. Her face lit up as she ran toward me, wrapping her arms around my waist in an excited hug.

"Ate Louise!" she squealed before scampering back to her seat.

I approached my parents, giving them each a hug, and then exchanged a casual fist bump with my older brother, Kevin. Once seated beside him, I began to relax. The air smelled of freshly cooked food, and the soft clinking of dishes being placed on the table added to the cozy atmosphere.

Dinner began, and we ate quietly for a while, the only sounds coming from utensils and soft murmurs of conversation. Dad broke the silence first, his voice steady as always.

"How's work?" he asked, his eyes on me.

"It's fine, Dad." I answered while taking a sip of water.

He nodded, seemingly satisfied, but then his tone shifted slightly. "Who's working with you aside from Javi? Especially the architect."

I froze for a moment, my fork hovering mid-air. I knew this conversation would come sooner or later, but I didn't expect it tonight. With a sigh, I placed my utensils down and met his curious gaze.

"It's Stacey." I said, my voice calm but tinged with something I couldn't quite name.

The room fell silent. All eyes turned to me, a mix of surprise and curiosity written on their faces.

"Si Ate Stacey?" Vienn asked excitedly, her tone carrying the innocence of a child who didn't know the weight behind her words.

I nodded, forcing a small smile.

Dad hummed thoughtfully before speaking again. "I'm glad you broke up with her." he said matter-of-factly, continuing to eat like he hadn't just dropped a bombshell.

My head snapped up, and I stared at him, confused and slowly getting angry. "What?" I demanded, my tone sharp.

He paused, setting down his fork and meeting my gaze with a calm expression. "Don't take it the wrong way. I liked Stacey as your girlfriend." he explained. "I was sad when I heard about your breakup. But there was a reason for it."

I laughed bitterly, the sound almost foreign even to my ears. "Reason? Seryoso?" I scoffed. "Her dad made her ignore me for almost two months to focus on the dean's list. Naiintindihan ko 'yon, but leaving me completely? Then forcing her to go to the U.S. without so much as a proper goodbye?"

My father leaned back in his chair, his expression turning serious. "What? So all this time, you didn't know the real reason?" he asked, his tone soft but filled with an edge of disbelief.