ZAINEA'S POV
Another day has passed, and yet, here I am still lying on this hospital bed. Dad said, I should stay until tomorrow, so that I could get more rest. I had enough rest, honestly. I feel bored.
The news about me, involving on a car accident has not yet subdued. It was still hot on the trending topic. I contacted my management and told them that they should not release any statement and let me do it when I go back. They agreed. It is better to do it on my own. If I let them take care of my scandal, they will only cover the truth just to maintain their talent’s reputation.
Leila, my manager, visited me yesterday after my conversation with dad. She reminded me of the drama. I said, I will think whether I should continue it, or pass the role of female lead to Angel Chua. I'm thankful that Calais did some parts of it for me. It must be really hard for her. She's a businesswoman, but I got her to do some acting, and I'm feeling guilty.
"Are you really sure that you won't do acting anymore? Zai, this is your dream. Your talent would go to waste." Megan visited me just now. I told her that I'd like to quit for being an actress. These days, I feel like it's not the dream job for me anymore. It gotten more toxic. I feel suffocated. I have to maintain a good image, and my private life is at stake. That's something I don't want in my life. I want to be as free as a normal woman.
"I'm really, really sure. No one will change this decision. After I get discharged, I'll publicly announce my retirement, together with my recent scandal. I'd like to focus more on bringing back my family together."
Megan stroked my hair. "Our Zainea is now a mature woman."
"Megan~"
"What about Zerro? Is he still in your plan?"
"Of course! He will always be in my plan. But for now, Calais comes first. She did me a lot of things, so it's time for me to pay her back."
Someone knocks on the door.
"Mom..." She is holding a basket of apples.
She hesitated to enter, but Megan stood up and welcomed her. She took the apples from my mom and puts it on the table.
"I will just buy us a lunch. Have a good talk."
Mom stood there while looking at me. I missed her a lot. I haven't seen her for so many years. I only have her pictures.
Without any word, I run toward her and gave her a tight hug.
"I missed you so much, mom. Don't leave us again."
She caressed my back. "You're still a crybaby."
"I'm not." I sniffed.
"I'm sorry for leaving you alone."
"No, mom. Don't be. It's okay. I know your reasons. I know."
Someone coughed. It was dad.
"You can't now threaten me to stay away from her, Amadeo. I made myself clear that I wouldn't get near her, in exchange for her safety and future, but you made me so disappointed. You even get her nearly killed." Mom sounds so mad.
"I-I..."
"Enough with those years I remained silent. Her safety is now involved here. If you can't take care of her, let me do it."
"N-No... W-Wait..."
Dad can't find exact words to coax mom. He's stuttering like an idiot. I want to laugh hard. They don't seem like they are divorced. It was like mom's only scolding dad for not taking care of me.
"Why? Do you have something to say? If none, that's even better. Zai, go change your clothes. Let's go home."
"Wait..."
"What?!"
Dad was shocked when mom shouted. Even I.
"It's okay that you judged me wrong. It's okay that you doubted me. But it's not okay that you chose to side with your mistress than your own daughter!"
"What? What mistress? I don't have any mistress!" dad strongly defended.
Uh? Should I exit?
"You don't have any? What do you call that woman? Oh, I get it. Wife? Good for you. Why don't you bail her out?"
Is this a lover's quarrel? Seems like it.
I went inside the bathroom and changed my clothes. I could even hear them talking. Mom's voice was so loud.
I get out. "Are you done? Let's go." She held my hand.
"No, wait! Mom."
"Can't you hear each other out? Please. I-I... I don't want a b-broken family. P-Please, just this once. I want to h-have a complete family in this lifetime. C-Can't you give me that?"
I almost wanted to cry. Is there a chance to mend this family?
"Mom, dad, my birthday's coming near. I wish nothing, but this."
They both remained silent.
"I'll wait outside."
As soon as I step outside the room, the face of Zerro greeted me. He stared directly at my eyes then smiled.
"My Zainea." He recognized me. "Can I have a hug?" He spreads his arms. "I need to energize."
"You're wrong. I'm not your Zainea."
He raised his eyebrow. "Who are you trying to fool, silly." He pulled me into a hug.
"Someone might gossip about us. Let go of me. This is inappropriate in the eyes of the people. We should not add more fuel to the fire."
"They won't."
"Is that so? Wait, did something bad happen? Why do I feel like you're upset?"
He kissed my hair. "Nothing."
I pushed him. "I won't give you more hugs if you won't tell me a thing. I'm telling you, Zerro, don't keep me in the dark. I want to know everything about you."
He sighed. "Alright. Alright." He raised his hands, giving up.
"I now know who my parents are."
------
THIRD PERSON'S POV
"Why did you let your dad control your life? You could've refused him."
Zayden didn't respond.
He is alone with his mother in his office. After the conversation yesterday, he felt like he didn't know his dad anymore. He came to know that his dad tampered the agreement regarding his betrothal with Zainea. The agreement was real, but it's not him who was betrothed to Zainea. There was no agreement between them, in the first place. It was between Zainea's grandfather and Zerro's, not his grandfather and Zainea's. His dad just changed the name and signature of Zerro's grandfather into a fake one, leading them to believe that it was Zayden's grandfather who signed it. Zerro's name was also changed into Zayden's.
"I don't want you to become like him, Zayden. I want you to live like a normal man, having a loving wife and adorable kids. Not someone like your father."
"I have my reasons, mom."
"I know you do, but whatever your reasons are, you shouldn't have let him destroy your happiness. Learn a lesson from my past, son."
The world knows nothing about why did his mother leave Chairman Constello. It was only said that they decided to separate because they don't have the same perspectives in life. They're always at conflict. In fact, his mother divorced his dad because she can't stand how controlling his dad is. She can't go out with her friends for she should maintain an elegant and good image, as the chairman's wife. If she goes out, bodyguards were always tailing her. Chairman Constello deprives her of her right to freedom. She’s suffocated.
"You won't give up on her, right?" his mom asked when he still didn't reply.
After hearing the truth that Zainea’s the girlfriend of Zerro, he felt pity towards Zayden.
"But it's what she wants. I might just give her freedom back."
Zayden's mother felt sad for her son. It's not that he's favoring his son over Zerro, but she can see that Zayden is starting to change and that's because of Zainea. If he gives up on her, he might not really have the chance to enjoy life. On the other hand, she feels sorry to Zainea, too. She was forced to break up with Zerro and marry Zayden. She doesn’t know who will she side with.
"Don't you love her?"
"No." That word from Zayden confused the old lady, but at the same time, she feels relieved. His sons won’t be competing on the same woman.
"No? Then why did you marry her? You even fought with Zerro just for her, didn't you? Why are you giving up now?"
No one knows why Zayden married Zainea. Only him and Chairman Constello. Chairman Constello threatened him that he'll make life hard for Zerro unless he marries Zainea. Zayden know Zerro and Zainea's relationship. He knows it best, for he's the witness of how Zerro is madly in love with Zainea, but he had to separate them for Zerro’s sake.
"I just challenged Zerro," he simply said.
Truth is, he agreed to marry Zainea in one condition— Chairman Constello must retire from being a CEO and pass the ownership of El Grande to Zayden.
Constello Enterprise is the main branch of El Grande, and it's the most successful branch Zayden's been taking care of. While El Grande's been managed by his father, and it's what he wants to take away.
His father agreed to give El Grande to him, after a month. So, he's trying his best not to break the contract with Zainea and even acted like he really likes her to chase Zerro out of his plan. He doesn't want Zerro to be involved in his mess.
"You're lying, son. I know you. Tell me the truth as to why did you marry her."
"I need some time alone, mom."
Now that Chairman Amadeo wants to break off the marriage contract, he's having a second thought of whether he should just agree, or wait for a month until he successfully owned El Grande before agreeing. If he agreed right away, his condition with his father would be void. His plan on taking over El Grande will be in vain.
He wanted to take El Grande not because he wanted to run it, but because it's his first step of returning all Zerro's rightful properties back to him. He'll make Zerro the CEO of El Grande once his father let go of the position. He came to know that Zerro is not a Constello, after the wedding. His father's secretary told him the truth. He felt guilty. He hurt Zerro even more.
"Okay. I'll go visit Zainea then."
"Take Tristan with you. Be safe. I won't be seeing you off."
"Take your time." His mother left.
After some time of staring outside his office, he received a call from his father's secretary.
"Chairman Constello wants to see you."
He used to admire his dad for being a workaholic man, but didn’t realize that he's becoming more and more like him. Cold. Rude.
"What more does he want to say? Is the revelation yesterday not enough? Tell him that I won't play as his puppet anymore."
He was deceived by his own dad. He's now hating him. He was just used to save a lifeless company. After marrying Zainea, El Grande got a stronger backup because of the Amadeo. That's what his father desires— a long-term business partner.
"Tell him, I'm giving up El Grande." He ended the call.
He now made his decision. He'll divorce Zainea. He will no longer be after his father's company. He can just give Constello Enterprise to Zerro as a compensation. That's his final decision.
He received a text message.
/The truth Chairman Constello said yesterday about the death of Zerro's parents was not the whole truth./
That's what the message says.
(What does that mean?) Zayden thought.
Another message came.
/If you want to know more, meet your father./
-----
ZAINEA’S POV
“You were the only survivor?”
Zerro’s telling him what they talked about yesterday. According to him, they were involved in a fire accident, and he’s the sole survivor. Chairman Constello was the one who saved him.
“Yeah. Zayden’s father happened to be having a business meeting in the restaurant where the fire broke out, so he managed to take me out. He said, he recognized me when he was saving himself, so he took me out. He’s a friend of my father, that’s why. However, he didn’t get to save my parents because the restaurant exploded as soon as we got out.” He is so sad when he’s telling me this tragic story.
I hugged him. “It’s okay. Don’t force yourself. That’s enough. I don’t want you to remember your past, baby. You don’t have to tell me the whole story.”
He’s not a real Constello, is that the reason why Chairman Constello pushed Zayden to marry me, instead of Zerro? He’s being selfish. Now, things are getting clearer. I will make sure to break this marriage off.
We both stayed outside the room until the door opens, showing my mom.
“H-How was it?”
Mom didn’t respond.
They didn’t reconcile?
“You two are not supposed to be seen alone, like this. It’s inappropriate. You have a husband, Zainea. I’m reminding you.”
“I-I…”
“I am not against your relationship, but can you restrain yourselves? Wait until you break your marriage with Zayden.”
“Don’t worry, ma’am. I still know my limitations. I am not rushing her.”
“That’s good—”
“Darling, everything is now ready.” Dad came out with my bag.
“Darling?! You two— you’re okay now?!” I was overwhelmed.
“Don’t call me that, Mister Amadeo! I’ve forgiven you, but that doesn’t mean I’m going back into your arms again.”
“I still need to make it up for the years I’ve treated her bad. She’s so fierce, isn’t she?” dad whispered to me.
“What is that?”
“Nothing. I better get the car ready. Zainea, we’re going home. I know you’re bored and you won’t like it if you stay another day here. I know you.”
“What are you still doing? Go prepare the car.”
“Aye, aye, madam!”
Dad is so under. He may seem strict and ferocious on the outside, but he’s kind inside.
“Would you mind if I invite you to dinner?”
Zerro looked at me. Mom’s asking him for dinner.
“Call your husband also, Zainea. We are going to talk.”
What is she going to do?
“Hey, hey, hey, guys. Why are you all out here? I brought you lunch.” Megan came holding a box of food.
“Am I not supposed to be here? I feel some tension.” She laughed after she whispered that to me. “I almost forgot, I have an appointment with a client this afternoon. I better should get going. Auntie, I’ll go first.”
Mom nodded. “Drop by the house if you have some time. I’ll cook you your favorites. Just text me them.”
“Thank you, auntie! You really are the best! See you some other time. I’ll go now.”
Although Megan didn’t meet my mom, I have told her everything about my family so she knows what kind of woman mom is. I even showed her my mom’s pictures, so she recognized her immediately the moment she saw her earlier.
"I'll be expecting your presence and Zayden's tonight," she said to Zerro.
-----
THIRD PERSON'S POV
Zayden arrived at his father's company. Every employee greeted him as he walked in. His father's secretary is waiting for him outside his father's room.
"Chairman Constello is inside."
"Why are you doing this?" Zayden asked his father's secretary. "I know you're the one told the truth to Zerro."
He is the only person who can get close to his father, aside from him.
Chairman Constello's secretary remained calm after hearing that.
It is true. He is that person who sent those hints to Zerro— the text messages and the DNA results. He did that because his conscience is haunting him. He can no longer conceal the truth. He is doing this for Chairman Constello's sake. He doesn't want his boss to do further bad deeds, and he pity Zerro for experiencing such hardships since then.
"I am helping your dad to go back to his own self. That's all I can tell you."
He's been working for Chairman Constello since El Grande was established, and he witnessed all the hardships his boss went through just to make it successful. Everything, even the greediest thing he did just for the company. That's what he wanted Zayden to know. The truth behind the truth.
"Don't make him wait."
Zayden entered Chairman Constello's office. He saw his dad sitting on his swivel chair while massaging his temple.
"You came."
"What is it?"
"I don't know where to start, but I hope this helps." His dad puts down an old notebook. "Read it when you go home, and make a decision after."
Zayden stared at him, then looked at the notebook.
(A diary?)
"I won't read that. I want to hear it from you."
Chairman Constello felt strange of Zayden's coldness. He is not used to it. It's like the man standing in front of him is not the son who followed him for years.
"Is it you who caused the fire?"
"No! Everything I told yesterday was all truth. I am not that vicious!"
"Then what else do you want to say to me? What truth are you hiding?"
Chairman Constello swallowed hardly.
"I intentionally left Zerro's mother inside the restaurant."
"What? How could you?"
"I was eaten by my selfishness, I know! When El Grande was near to bankruptcy, I went to seek help from Zerro's father, but he refused to help. That's why when he requested me to save his wife, I only saved his son. And what can I do? The fire was huge. I cannot save them both! If I insisted, I wouldn't be here. I can't leave you alone. Your mother was not there anymore."
"You could've gone back to rescue his parents!"
"I did! But the restaurant already exploded."
"Then why did you add more fuel to the fire? You tampered the agreement of Zerro's grandfather and Zainea's! How could you do that? You could've let them marry each other to make up for your mistake! Why do you have to involve me into your mess?" Zayden laughed like he remembered something unacceptable. “Oh. It’s my fault for letting you deceive me.”
When he heard Zerro saying those words the night they fought each other, he doubted his plan if he did the right thing or not. Zerro is willing to give up everything even though life is too hard on him, just for Zainea. To him, nothing matters but her.
"I was worried Zerro might become greedy once he sets his eyes on the business. If he marries the only daughter of the Amadeo, he can't be stopped. He'll become more powerful than you. I cannot let that happen. I can't let him take El Grande. There is still you. The real Constello is you."
"But the real Dawson is not me.”
Zerro’s real surname is Dawson. Everyone thought that all the Dawson family died in that fire, but they didn’t know that there is Zerro.
“Zerro is not like you, dad. And to mind you, I don't need your company. I don't need your money."
"But why are you after El Grande? Isn't that your condition? Don't deny it. My blood is running into your veins. You want El Grande."
"You don't have to know my reason.El Grande?" He grinned. "That's all yours. I may be sharing the same blood as you, but I have a heart unlike you. Why can't you just give everything back to Zerro? All the things you've taken from him to atone for your sins. I know everything, dad. You sold the Dawson Corporation for El Grande’s benefits."
Chairman Constello’s secretary told Zayden everything he knows. He was not there when the fire broke out, but Chairman Constello got to tell the secret to him one time he got drunk. He let Chairman Dawson signed an agreement stating that he’ll sell the corporation, giving Chairman Constello the right to take all the shares. The contract was his condition for saving Chairman Dawson’s wife and son, but Chairman Constello only took Zerro out.
"Atone? I won't do that. I am not at fault! They were just unlucky. They should be grateful that I saved their son."
"You've gone mad."
"I thought you'll understand me if I tell you everything, but I was wrong. You already made your decision. You’ll regret it, Zayden."
"I had enough regrets. You can't threaten me. Don’t talk to me about that word ‘understand.’ Hurting and taking advantage of someone’s pain is not something I should understand."
Chairman Constello seems to be not repenting of what he did.
“I’ll let Zerro know all what you did to his family. You are my father, but I won’t let you hurt anyone anymore. Zerro is like a real brother to me.”
“Stop right there!”
Zayden didn’t stop from leaving his dad’s office.
(Enough already, dad. I’ve made my decision. You have to pay for your mistakes.)
“Tristan…”
“Yes, boss?”
“Have you listed all the names of El Grande’s shareholders?”
“Yes, boss. Here it is.” He showed him the notebook where he listed all the personal information of El Grande’s shareholders.
“Good. Let’s go look for this person first.” He pointed the last name on the list.
It is Mister Kairus Silvenia.
He plans to buy their shares and be the biggest shareholder of El Grande. That is the only way he thinks of, since his father didn’t pass him the CEO position.
“By the way, boss. Miss Zainea called. Her mother’s inviting you for a dinner.”
(This dinner might be about her daughter’s life. I guess, she already knows what happened.)
“I’ll go after meeting President Silvenia. You don’t have to drive me. You can go home early.”