PART 38.
Xyrel's POV
After the meeting Dad had earlier, we had lunch. I ate quietly, deep in thought. Until now, I'm still struggling to process what Dad wants to happen. They want me to come back to the Philippines, but I can't shake off the thought of the potential dangers that lie ahead.
"Mommy, are you okay?" Walter asked as Yesha fed him. I just looked at my son, not wanting to put him in danger.
"Hey! Are you alright?" Yesha nudged me, trying to get my attention. Mom, Dad, and Tyler, who were also eating, looked at me.
"Yeah, I am, good," I said somewhat awkwardly. Dad furrowed his brow. He didn't know the real reason why I didn't want to go back to the country. I didn't want to say it because it might only escalate the situation further. Especially since I didn't know who that person was. I didn't even know if it was a woman or a man because they used a voice changer back then. But one thing's for sure, I'm certain of one thing. That person lives inside the Lavisca Mansion.
////Flashback/////
While I was still tied up, I overheard the conversation among the guards stationed by the door of my confinement.
"Where is the old man's medicine?" I heard one guard ask.
"Did you look for it in Garaba's room?" another guard responded.
"I couldn't find it there, and I'm afraid to rummage through it," the guard replied.
"Search for it again in his room. Hurry up, or the old man might go berserk! We'll be in trouble with Garaba!" another guard instructed.
I knew it was that Garaba person I spoke to earlier. Could it be their Aunt, the one Hades and Tyler mentioned? Their Aunt who is greedy for wealth and power, their Aunt Yvanne?
////Flashback ends/////
"Hey there, girl! Are you lost in your thoughts?" Ayesha suddenly entered the kitchen. We had finished eating, and I was currently cleaning up. It was evident from Ayesha's voice that she still held some anger towards me. "What's going on in your mind? You've been acting distant since earlier," she added.
"Where's Walter?" I asked her as she took water from the fridge.
"He's with Aunt and Uncle on the sofa. Your parents are delighted with him. He's so playful," she happily replied, taking a sip of water.
"That's good to hear. By the way, where's Tyler? Why did he suddenly leave earlier?" I asked again while wiping the table. They told me earlier that they would be staying here for the night and would go home tomorrow. But I was puzzled when he hurriedly left while we were eating earlier.
"He had to close the deal with, what was the name again? Joongho, I think?" Yesha said uncertainly, pointing her index finger to her chin. "Oh, I don't know, but I think that's it. But anyways, I'm still mad at you!" She rolled her eyes and returned the pitcher she took back into the fridge.
I paused what I was doing and approached her at her spot. "I'm sorry," I said, making a cute face.
"No, I won't forgive you." She pouted and crossed her arms. I hugged her and made a cute face, looking at her.
"Sorry, please." I said, along with my beautiful eyes focused on her. She laughed and gently pushed me away.
"Eww, you're being silly!" She said, laughing.
"So, are you forgiving me?" I asked, giving another cute face and batting my beautiful eyes at her.
She sighed before speaking again, "Why did you suddenly disappear?" She asked in a serious tone.
I sighed as well and leaned against the counter. "It's a long story, Yesh."
"I have a lot of time to listen," she replied, standing with her feet shoulder-width apart and maintaining an open and relaxed posture.
"Alright, but I hope this doesn't reach my family," I began, and she nodded, reassuring me that she won't tell a soul.
We both sat at the dining area, and I started speaking. I told her everything that happened to her during the party at the Lavisca Mansion. I also mentioned the person who threatened the lives of my entire family. When I shared that with her, it felt like a thorn was pulled out from within me. For the first time, I let out my frustrations and resentment from that day, which I had buried for years.
"So, you mean to say...?" she asked, leaning back on the chair and crossing her arms after I finished telling her everything.
"There's someone who wants to kill you and your family, living in the same mansion?" She couldn't believe what she was hearing, her forehead slightly furrowing as if processing everything I said.
"Yes, Yesh. I don't exactly know who it is. But I suspect Yvanne, Hades' aunt. That witch," I clenched my fist as I mentioned the word 'witch.'
"But wait, since you came here to Korea, did anyone bother you or not?" she asked again, pointing at me with her index finger.
"So far, in the two years we've been staying here, it's been quiet, and nobody has bothered us. That's also the main reason why I didn't want to go back to the Philippines because our life here is peaceful. Yesh, I'm scared. I don't want anything bad to happen to my child," I told her, filled with fear and concern.
"When did Aunt say you'll be going back?" she asked, resting both her arms on the table.
"They said next week," I replied to her. She fell into thought and remained silent for a moment.
"I'll see what I can do," she finally said after a few minutes of silence.
"Why? What are you going to do?" I asked her.
She leaned back on the chair again before answering, "You see, I'm currently working at Lavisca's Empire. I will try to dig something nasty from their family," she said, raising an eyebrow.
"Yesh, that's dangerous what you're planning to do," I said to her because I didn't want her to be in harm's way as well.
"I know, but I had to do something. Especially for my 'godchild'," she replied, emphasizing the word 'godchild.'
"Alright, I'll make you his godmother," I said, laughing at her.
"Wait, has he been baptized yet?" she asked, referring to Walter.
"Not yet. We'll do it in the Philippines when," I paused for a few seconds before continuing, "everything is okay."
"Don't worry, bes. I'm always here for you and for you and Walter," she said, holding my hand. I smiled at her because I was happy to have a friend like her.
/////////////////
Hades' POV
After sitting for a long time, I got up from my chair and did some stretches, squeezing my body to relieve the stiffness and get my blood flowing again. At last, I have finished my work for today, so I decided to go home for now. I closed my laptop and left the office. Tyler is in Korea right now trying to finalize the deal with Joon-ho, and I was doing my best to attract more investors. Thankfully, I was able to close a deal with the Fuego's. I really hope that everything will work out for the best. When I arrived at the parking lot, I immediately opened the car and put my suitcase in the passenger's seat. Then I got inside the car and turned on the engine. I couldn't help but keep thinking about my family; maybe I will visit them tomorrow in Korea.
While driving my car, my phone rang, so I answered it and connected the call with my earpiece. "Hello?" I replied, still focusing on the road.
"Bro, I don't know what's going on, but Joon-ho won't become our investor. I really think someone's been constantly trying to sabotage our hard work," Tyler said over the phone.
I sighed deeply. "I've noticed that for a while now, but let's investigate further."
"I'll be coming back tomorrow. I have a bad feeling about this," he replied, and our call ended. I leaned back on my seat and rubbed my forehead, feeling stressed. I had been working hard to secure Joon-ho as an investor, and Tyler's news was a major setback.
As I drove, my thoughts raced with worry. Who could be trying to sabotage us? Was it a competitor? Or someone within our own team? I made a mental note to investigate and find out.
I glanced at the time on my dashboard and realized that I wouldn't be able to visit my family in Korea as planned. I felt a pang of disappointment and sadness. It had been a while since I last saw them, and my busy work schedule had made it difficult to make time for them.
As I continued driving, I tried to come up with a plan to address the investor situation and salvage our hard work. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I was determined to find a solution and get back to my family as soon as possible.
After a few minutes of driving, I finally arrived at my home. As I parked my car, I instantly felt alone because I knew nobody would be here. That was one of the reasons I hadn't been coming home and had been staying in my office instead. Being at home felt suffocating without my family there for me.
As I stepped out of my car, I looked around the empty driveway and sighed. The house felt quiet and lifeless. I missed the warmth and familiarity of my wife and son's presence, and it made me feel even more alone.
I walked up to the front door and unlocked it, stepping into the empty foyer. The silence was deafening, and I felt a lump form in my throat. I knew I had to face this feeling of loneliness and find a way to cope with it, but it was easier said than done.
I walked into the living room and sat down on the couch, feeling the weight of my solitude. I stared blankly at the TV, not really watching anything. It was moments like these that made me question why I was working so hard in the first place, if it meant sacrificing the time I could have spent with my family.
I took a deep breath and walked upstairs to our room. When I got there, I quickly submerged myself in the bathtub. The water felt cold and refreshing, and it had been a while since I had taken a bath.
As I soaked in the tub, I felt the tension in my muscles begin to dissolve. The cool water was soothing and helped to clear my mind. I closed my eyes and let out a contented sigh, feeling grateful for this moment of peace and relaxation.
As I lay there, I couldn't help but think about my family again. I missed them terribly and wished they were here with me. However, I knew that I had to focus on finding a solution to the investor problem first before I could think about visiting them.
I stayed in the bathtub for a while longer, enjoying the tranquility and calmness it brought me. When I finally got out, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated. I dried myself off and put on some comfortable clothes, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
My phone suddenly rang, and I answered it immediately. "Yes?"
"Hades. I already told you, Grandpa needs help. Why aren't you doing anything?!" It was Kyro on the other end. I let out a deep breath before replying.
"How am I supposed to do anything, Kyro? A lot has been going on, and I don't have the power to fix everything. Can you tell me what Grandpa needs help with?" I asked, feeling a bit annoyed.
"They've been giving Grandpa medications, and I found out they are Anticholinergics. Hades, Grandpa seriously needs help. We need to take him out of my mother's hands," he replied with urgency.
"Are you exposing your mother's scheme now?" I asked, adjusting my phone to my left ear.
He took a deep breath. "I know, and I'm sorry for all the trouble my family has caused. At first, I thought your family was behind what happened to Grandpa. You know how important he is to me, and I wouldn't want him to be in danger. When I found out it was actually my mom, I was angry. But now, I really need your help. Let's get Grandpa out of this mansion--"
"What are you doing there, son?" It was Yvanne's voice.
"Nothing, Mom. I'm just calling a friend. Thank you for informing me, Sheina. I will get back to you later," he replied before abruptly ending the call.
I let out a deep and long sigh before gently massaging my forehead and heading to my mini-office inside our room. I researched the medication Kyro had mentioned and called Tyler about it.
"Yes, Hades? What is it?" he asked on the other end. I furrowed my brow, trying to analyze the noises in the background. It sounded like there were kids playing and adults laughing.
"Where are you right now?" I asked him.
"I'm at your wife's house, and we were playing with Walter. Do you want to talk to him?" he offered, and I relaxed, feeling relieved.
"Yes, please. I miss him already," I replied with a faint smile.
"Walter, come here. Your Daddy wants to talk to you," I heard Tyler say in the background.
"Daddy?" It was my son's voice. I smiled gently and waited to hear him over the phone.
"Yes, I'm here. Hi, little buddy," I replied, biting my lip as warm tears started to trickle down my face.
"Hello? Is Daddy there?" he asked in a cute voice.
"Yes, I'm here. How are you doing?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Daddy, when are you coming back?" he asked, and I swallowed hard. I had no idea when I would be able to return to Korea. There was so much going on right now.
"Soon, little buddy. Daddy can't wait to hug and kiss my wonderful son," I promised.
"I miss you too, Daddy. I keep missing you every day," he said.
"Who's he talking to?" It was Xyrel's voice in the background.
"Your husband," Tyler replied.
"Baby, can Mommy talk to Daddy as well?" Xyrel asked, and I heard the noise of the phone being transferred.
"Hello, Hades?" Xyrel asked, and I swallowed hard, feeling a surge of emotion as I tried to suppress my tears. God, I missed her so much. I missed her voice. I missed everything about her.
"Yes, wife. I've missed you so much already," I replied, my voice breaking slightly with emotion.
"Hades," she called out with a hint of concern in her voice. "I missed you as well. I hope you're not skipping your meals, are you?" she asked with a warning tone.
I bit my lip, feeling guilty. I couldn't deny the fact that I had been skipping meals because I was drowning myself in work.
"Hades," she called out again, catching me off guard.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't able to visit as much as I promised you I would," I said, my voice filled with regret. I transferred my phone to my right ear and leaned back in my swivel chair, feeling a mix of emotions.
"It's alright, Hades. As long as you're healthy, then we're good," she reassured me. "By the way, what made you call right now?"
That's when I realized that I had something important to discuss with Tyler. "Oh, I almost forgot. I have something to discuss with Tyler about business."
"Okay, Hades. I will give this back to Tyler. I missed you and I love you. Please, please don't skip your meals," she pleaded.
"Yes, wife. I will do as you say, and I love you more." I promised, feeling a sense of warmth and love for her. I heard the phone being transferred again.
"Yes, bro?" It was now Tyler's voice.
I told him everything that Kyro had told me earlier, including the effects of the medicine that he had mentioned, which I had researched a few minutes ago.
"You mean to say Grandpa is in danger?" he asked after I had finished explaining everything.
"Yeah. We need to do something. But how are we going to infiltrate the mansion?" I asked, feeling a little less hopeful.
"I have a plan. Let's talk about it tomorrow. I'll take a flight as early as possible," he replied, his voice full of determination and confidence.
"Alright, I'll wait for you," I said, feeling grateful for his help and support. "Can I talk to my family again?" I asked him with a smile on my lips, feeling a sense of joy and anticipation.
"Of course," he replied with a warm and reassuring tone, sensing my eagerness to speak with my family again. His words filled me with a sense of comfort and relief.