PART 38.
Xyrel's POV
After playing for a few hours, Walter fell asleep due to exhaustion. I wrapped my child in a blanket and turned up the heater a bit because it's extremely cold here in Korea. After tucking him in, I kissed him on the forehead before leaving our room and heading to the sofa where Tyler, Yesha, Mom, and Dad were.
"Sit down, Xyrel," Dad ordered me with all authority. My body tensed up, and my hair stood on end. Dad can be really intimidating, especially when he's dead serious.
"Yes, Dad," I replied while biting my lower lip, trying to hide my fear. I sat in front of Dad and Mom. Yesha and Tyler left the sofa and went to the kitchen, as a sign of respect for the family meeting that Dad seemed to be conducting.
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Hades' POV
As I was busy typing and checking the papers in front of me, the door to my office suddenly opened. I didn't bother to look up to see who had entered because I was completely engrossed in my work.
"What is that? Another paper for me?" I asked without looking at the person who was now standing in front of my table.
"Nope, instead it's a delicious meal," replied the voice of my cousin, Angela. I furrowed my brow as I looked up at her.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, my annoyance evident in my voice.
"Why? Can't I visit my cousin now?" she said, emphasizing the word "cousin."
"What is it that you're after?" I asked again, my patience starting to wear thin.
"Nothing much, I just wanted to see the love of my life," she said as she sat down in the chair in front of my table.
"Get out, can't you see I'm working?" I asked, trying to conceal my irritation.
"That's just fine. You can work, I'm just going to stare at you for a little while," she said, placing her elbow on her knee and resting her chin in her palms.
I let out a deep sigh. "Don't make me lose my patience, Alexandria," I warned, but she just gave me a wide smile and continued to stare at me.
"Just get the fuck out of my office," I said with authority, then continued with my work.
"Gosh, you're so hot!" Angela exclaimed, her excitement evident in her voice. I closed my fist in annoyance and glanced back at her without any interest, then pointed to the door behind her.
"Get. out." I repeated, emphasizing each word. Angela just giggled while looking at me with brightened eyes.
"Love, I really miss you already," she said, her emotions clear in her voice, which I couldn't even contain.
"Don't ever, ever call me that again. Can't you just leave me alone?!" I said, almost shouting.
"Can it be me again, love? Your wife isn't a part of your life anymore anyway. Can I have you back?" she pleaded, which only added to my annoyance. What the fuck is her deal?
I suddenly stood up, glaring at her, and said, "Get the fuck out of here, or I'll drag you out myself."
"Why are you treating me like this now?" she asked, tears slowly falling from her eyes.
"Seriously, you're asking me that?! Fuck!" I exclaimed, throwing the papers in front of me in frustration.
She almost jumped at my sudden outburst. I brushed my hands against my face out of irritation and said, "You fooled me! Which part of it didn't you comprehend? You were fooling me the entire time during our relationship. And now, you're asking me that? After three years since we broke up! Fuck, move on already! We broke up three years ago!" I reminded her, as it seemed she had forgotten that it had been three years since we parted ways.
"But we were real," she cried out, walking towards me and hugging my left arm, which I immediately removed.
"Yes, because I did fall for you. I did, alright? But Alexandria, if I had known from the very beginning that you were my cousin, I would never, never have associated myself with you!"
"Hades, please," she pleaded desperately, tears streaming down her face. "Just come back to me. Love me again, please," she begged, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Alexandria!" I shouted with all my heart, my voice echoing through the room. "I'm married! Are you that stupid?! Just find someone else who will reciprocate your love, and get the hell out of my life, my family's life!"
She stopped, and her face showed that something I said was unbelievable. "What do you mean exactly by the word 'family'?" she asked, looking at me in disbelief, as if she was trying to convince herself not to believe what I just said.
"Yes, you heard me right. I already have a family. My wife gave birth to our son. Now, scram," I said firmly, my tone leaving no room for argument.
"What-what do you mean? Are you getting back together with your wife?" she asked, wiping her tears and looking at me in shock.
I furrowed my forehead, trying to comprehend her reaction and her statements. "Why? What's the shocking news about? She's my wife, it's expected!"
She shook her head as she frantically picked up her bag from the chair she had been sitting on earlier, and rushed out of the room. I furrowed my brow at her reaction. What the hell was that all about? I shook my head, trying to erase what had just happened, and continued with my work. I desperately wanted to finish everything already so I could be with my family there in Korea.
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Tyler's POV
"What?! Stop looking at me," Ayesha snapped, her voice rising with frustration.
"Can you please explain to me why you've been acting so frustrated towards me?" I asked, my voice tinged with concern and a hint of anxiety, while I tried to suppress a laugh that was threatening to escape.
"It's because you're annoying, period!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with frustration and annoyance.
"Hmm," I hummed as a smile flashed across my face. "Why do I feel like you're hiding something?" I asked as I walked towards her, trapping her by the sink in the kitchen where we had been standing.
She let out an exasperated sigh and rolled her eyes, her shoulders slumping as she snapped, "I'm not hiding anything!" Her tone was tinged with annoyance and frustration, and her reaction made me grin. I leaned closer to her face, but she immediately avoided my gaze and tried to push me away. I held onto her hand while still leaning closer, closing the gap between us.
"Ty-Tyler!" she stuttered, almost as if warning me, but her flustered tone gave away her embarrassment.
"Yes, Ayesha?" I ask between breaths, looking her in the eyes. I don't even know why I'm doing this, but I just can't help myself. It seems like I am attracted to kiss her wet lips that she's biting at the moment.
"W-What are you doing?" she asked, biting her lip in frustration. I smiled and stepped back, putting some distance between us as if I was holding myself back.
I shook my head to answer her question. "Nothing. By the way, do you want to see snow?" I changed the subject. Her face lit up with excitement.
"Snow? As in right now? How? I mean, earlier the weather was sunny?" she asked, with a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"Want to see for yourself?" I replied, my voice filled with excitement.
"I would love to!" she exclaimed, jumping up and down with joy. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation and I couldn't help but smile from ear to ear at her childish reaction. It was amusing to witness that she have had this kind of side to her.
We went outside through the backdoor in the kitchen and were greeted by the magical sight of snowflakes slowly falling from the sky. The air was filled with a hushed silence, broken only by the faint sound of snowflakes gently landing on the ground. Each flake was unique, with intricate patterns that sparkled and glistened in the soft light. The trees and bushes were transformed into a winter wonderland, their branches heavy with a fresh layer of snow. As we stood there, watching in awe, it was as if time had slowed down, and we were transported to a world of pure enchantment.
After witnessing such a magical moment, I turned to look at her reaction. She stood there, completely mesmerized by the sight before her. A smile graced her lips, and her eyes shone with wonder and joy.
Suddenly, she spoke, breaking the spell of the moment. "Were you skipping work?" she asked while still looking at the falling snow, with a hint of playfulness in her voice.
I furrowed my brow to process her statement before providing her with an answer. "No, I actually came here with another purpose. To finalize the deal with Joon-ho," I replied, my voice tinged with a hint of seriousness.
"Oh," she raised an eyebrow and glanced at me before breaking into a smile. "I didn't know you were such a hard worker," she said, teasingly.
I couldn't help but chuckle at her playful tone. "Well, I try to stay on top of things," I replied, feeling a sense of camaraderie with her.
As we continued to watch the snowfall, I found myself feeling grateful for this unexpected moment of connection with Ayesha. Despite our initial awkwardness, it seemed like we were finally starting to get along.
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Xyrel's POV
"This is the decision that we had come up with after a long discussion with your mother," Dad stated, his voice filled with a mixture of seriousness and determination. I could see the weight of the decision on his shoulders, and it made me realize the gravity of the situation.
My parents had always been supportive of me, but this time their tone was different. It was clear that they had made up their minds, and there was no turning back. My heart started racing with anxiety as I braced myself for what was to come.
"Please, do enlighten me," I replied, my voice quivering with emotion. I tried to mask my fear, but I couldn't help feeling as though the ground was slipping out from under me. I waited, holding my breath, for my parents to reveal the decision that would change everything.
"You and Walter will be coming back to the Philippines next week," my Mom spoke softly, letting out a sigh. Her voice was laden with emotion, and I struggled to comprehend what was unfolding before me. I couldn't help but feel fear and apprehension, especially for my son Walter. Coming back to the Philippines would only mean returning to danger, and I couldn't shake the haunting images of worst-case scenarios playing out in my mind.
Mentally, I shook my head, attempting to erase those scenes from my thoughts. I couldn't bear the idea of something dreadful happening to my son. I didn't want to go home. I didn't want to return to the place where I had felt so vulnerable and unsafe. However, I knew that my parents' decision was final, and I had to put on a brave face for Walter's sake.
As the reality of the situation sunk in, I felt a mix of fear, anxiety, and determination. I knew that this was not going to be easy, but I also knew that I had to do whatever it takes to keep my family safe.
"I can't," I blurted out, standing up without thinking. "I'm never coming back."
"Watch your behavior, Xyrel," my Dad warned, his voice stern. I felt a pang of guilt and shame wash over me as I realized the impact of my outburst. I quickly sat back down, feeling lost and overwhelmed.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice barely audible. I knew that I had to find a way to come to terms with the reality of the situation and be there for my family, no matter how difficult it may be.
But deep inside me, I also knew that I couldn't give up without a fight. I had to face the danger head-on and do whatever it takes to protect my family from those who threatened to harm us. It would be a daunting task, but I was willing to do whatever it takes to keep my loved ones safe. Especially, my very own kid.
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Third Person's POV
After the incident at Hades' office, the young woman immediately left and drove home to the Lavisca Mansion. Her hands trembled as she held the steering wheel, continuously pressing the cellphone placed beside the car radio. Restless, she bit her long nails as she anxiously called someone who wasn't answering. She paid little attention to the road, her focus fixed on the incessantly ringing phone.
"Gosh, come on, pick up the phone," she whispered to herself, biting her left finger while driving with her right hand.
"Shocks! Why isn't anyone picking up?!" she exclaimed, a mixture of annoyance and fear, accelerating her driving.
Upon reaching her destination, she hastily parked the car and hurriedly entered the mansion.
"Dad!" she called out as she entered.
"What is this all about?!" her aunt Yvanne greeted her with an air of sophistication.
"Where's Dad?" the young woman asked, scanning her surroundings.
"What is it? Why did you have to call me like 38 times?!" her father responded irritably, coming from the second floor of the house.
"Dad, they have a son," the young woman informed the whole family.
"What?!" Yvanne and Havier exclaimed simultaneously.