If Only

C H A P T E R 35

CONFESSION

RAVEN

I just wanted to leave before Ruen came back and find me in Miranda's room. Who knows what she'll do to me then. "I'll be back later, babe." Having kissed her forehead in farewell, I tiptoed out of her room, mindful not to disturb her sleep.

I reached the bottom of the stairs without a hitch but the light was on in the kitchen and I hear could voices, Ruen and another woman, who could only be her wife, Amelia.

It would be troublesome to be caught eavesdropping on their conversation and perving on their couple time so I chose to be caught with my wife than the alternative. I was about to leave when I heard my uncle's name.

Ruen has learned that Alfred was the one who tipped Stouffer's camp about the faked evidence. The nerve of the man. He was hoping to blackmail Miranda but instead he decided on hitting back on her.

He should have come after me, not my wife. I threw him out and Miranda had nothing to do with it.

But, he didn't tell them he lead the money trail back to Stouffer while he pocketed the real cash and saved his ass.

Also, I learned from their conversation that Alfred was the one who orchestrated Galvin's and my car crash.

She inferred that he went after me because he knew I might have an inkling to the brewing problem when I saw him and Evelyn together; even if I didn't, Evelyn would undoubtedly come and tell me the truth and expose him in due time. With my temper, I would have done the unthinkable against him. Then Galvin, my poor brother, all because he gave Alfred an ultimatum to give the money back before it was missed or he'll fire him.

I was ashamed to be related to such an abominable man.

Alfred Deschanel was neither into gambling nor drinking but he was into living extravagantly. He wasted money on different women, huge Houses, luxurious trips abroad, branded clothes and latest gadgets.

He made us and our parents company his gravy train. He didn't care for his niece and nephew and surely not his nephew's wife. He deprived Ai a complete loving family.

How could I have not seen this before?

Such revelation further made me realize how wrong I could be when it comes knowing a person's character and on what family really means.

Here was Miranda and Ruen who looked after each other though unrelated. It made me wonder if blood was really thicker than water.

"I would never let them dig up anything. I would never let him touch Miranda."

* * *

I had to take Miranda away before she really cried out and revealed us. She was shivering and clearly upset. I needed to keep her calm until I had us safely away from them.

I sat us on the bed while I positioned myself behind her, my legs on either sides and then held her flushed against my chest. There was nothing I could say that would make her feel less sad and guilty towards her friend.

"Ruen never want you to be like this. She did it because she loves you so much." I wanted to say I love her too but that would sound insincere after everything. She most definitely think I was behind the leak.

I'd rather have her be mad at me and not cry anymore. Then, she wouldn't turn against herself.

"You've been asking why I did it and I had never told you why." She said.

"Now, I know." Conveying it with no anger or malice whatsoever, I needed her to know that I, "I understand."

"You don't. You never did." Her cries were muted as she spoke. "I thought everything was under my control. I proceeded with as little casualties as I could but then you came along telling me how fucked up your family."