Behind Her Innocence (Hughes Series)

Chapter 15: New Family

My heart was aching in pain. My mind told me that I failed as a mother for hurting my daughter. I blamed my cowardness for what was happening.

There was nothing more heart breaking in this world than seeing my daughter crying and it was because of me. I just broke my daughter's heart. She was still crying when I left her. For the very first time, she showed what she really felt whenever I left her.

Throughout my flight, I'd been thinking about it. And I finally made up my mind.

I would tell them about Rosetta.
I needed to tell them.
I would do this for my daughter.

It wouldn't be easy and I didn't know if there was an easy way but apparently nothing made lying easy to get through. A lie was a lie, and I had to prepare for the consequences. The truth was, I was never ready. But after seeing my daughter crying, I didn't care what would people say about me anymore. I would endure it if that was the only way for us to not be separated again.

I had to do it. I had to prepare myself from the pain and hurtful words that my family and other people would throw at me, those people who would judge me. I would get hurt for sure, but I'd rather feel that hurt own my own than seeing my daughter hurting. All I was thinking was her.

It was passed noon time when I arrived in the airport of Manila. My dad's chauffeur picked me up and dropped me at home.

"Where's mom and dad?" Tanong ko sa maid na nakasalubong ko pagpasok ko ng bahay.

"Umalis na po, maam. Magkita nalang daw po kayo mamayang gabi doon sa hotel para po sa thanksgiving party."

I nodded. "Okay. Thank you."

I took a shower and started getting dress for tonight's occasion. I wore my black dress which was below the knee. It was a semi-fitted dress then I wore a pair of black high heels.

I felt like I was wearing a mourning outfit. I planned to tell them the truth tonight. I just needed to find the perfect time.

I took a deep breath before I entered the hall. I could already see many familiar faces of people who worked in the company. Everyone was invited anyways.

People were having fun and talking with each other. The music was being played by daddy's hired band. The music was mellow and calming. Yun kasi ang gusto ni dad and mom na type of music.

"Maam Gwen!"

I turned around and saw Ines. She smiled at me and lifted her wine glass. "Nakarating kayo, maam. Drinks?"

"Thanks pero mamaya na. I have to find mom and dad first lalo na at pinauwi nila ako for this."

Tumango siya. "Oo nga, maam. Sayang. Nabawasan po tuloy ang bakasyon niyo. Pero sa Monday pa naman po lahat ng mga schedule niyo magre-resume kaya makapagpahinga pa po kayo, maam."

I wanted to agree with her, but rest was not something I wanted right now.

"Sige, Ines. I have to talk to my parents."

I was scanning around the place and after a while, I finally saw my parents. They were talking to some people —two men, an older one and a younger one. Lumapit ako sa kanila but the more I got closer to them, the more I realized na hindi lang pala silang apat ang nag-uusap.

What was Aaron doing in there?

Kahit alam kong nandoon siya ay lumapit parin ako. Besides, wala naman akong pakialam kahit nandon siya.

"Mom," pagkuha ko ng attention niya.

Bumaling siya sakin at ngumiti. "Anak, you're here. You look so gorgeous, Gwen." I gave her a kiss. Ganun din ang ginawa ko kay dad.