Isla
I walked out of class with my course mates at noon, looking forward to a long nap before heading to work. But then I remembered I had to visit Arden, and I had bought a burger and fries for him. I hailed a cab to the police station, where the front desk officer greeted me with familiarity. "Arden was released some time ago," he said, barely looking up.
I was surprised and relieved. "Really? Hasn't he contacted you?" the officer asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No," I replied.
"Pamela Norman withdrew her charges," he explained, returning to the papers on his desk.
I left the station, still carrying the uneaten food, and headed to work. My mind wandered, questioning why Pamela had suddenly dropped the charges. I was glad, but also puzzled. I was slightly hurt Arden has not called to tell me.
Had Arden and I truly connected, or would we no longer need to see each other now that the ordeal was over?
Rex
Dad's voice was laced with disappointment. "What kind of son are you? You disregarded my request to stay at the company and work. Instead, you left immediately after my meeting and now you're lounging around."
I rolled my eyes, exasperated. "Why bother doing work when there are paid employees?"
Dad's expression turned stern. "I'm ashamed of you, Rex. Your consistent troublemaking and lack of responsibility are unacceptable. You're 27, not a child. It's time to take charge."
I fired back, "And you're 58, still yelling. Maybe it's time to retire."
Dad's face reddened. "When I was your age, I fought to escape poverty. But you're squandering the opportunities I provided."
I stood up, fed up. "Nothing I do satisfies you. You only criticize."
Dad's voice rose. "Should I praise your recklessness? Heaven forbid! I won't tolerate such nonsense."
I turned to leave. "I've had enough. I'm going to my villa."
Dad's voice stopped me. "You mean the one I bought for you? Don't dare walk out on me, Rex..."
Just then, a security guard entered. "Excuse me, sir."
Dad's impatience was evident. "Yes?"
"A woman is here to see you, sir," the guard explained. "She was quite insistent. Her name is Grace Davis. She asked me to confirm your identity."
Dad's sarcasm was palpable. "So anyone can just drop by?"
The guard hesitated. "No, sir. She seemed...different."
At the mention of Grace's name, Dad's demeanor shifted. His voice softened, "Grace..."
I halted my exit, intrigued. The anger on Dad's face melted away, replaced by a curious expression. Who was this Grace?
"Show her to my study," Dad instructed, walking away.
My curiosity grew. What was the significance of this mysterious woman?
I waited, watching as the security guard exited and reentered with a woman. Her tense demeanor piqued my interest.
I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something unusual about that woman. Despite her unassuming attire, something didn't add up. She looked like anyone you'd pass on the street, yet Dad had granted her access to his study - a privilege typically reserved for his most trusted staff.
Dad was notoriously protective of his private space, allowing only his personal assistant and housekeeper entry for specific tasks. So, why had he made an exception for her?
Determined to uncover her purpose, I tiptoed to the door and eavesdropped on their conversation.
Their words stunned me. She was pleading for her son's release from jail. And then, I heard the most astonishing revelation of my life: Dad had an illegitimate son – Arden.
My mind reeled, struggling to process this bombshell. Arden, was my half-brother.
Dad's phone call to Mom, requesting she drop her charges against Arden, left me stunned. He'd lied, claiming Arden was an old friend's son.
Fuming, I retreated to my room to avoid confrontation. Watching Grace Davis leave, I bit back insults.
My anger boiled over, and I stormed into Dad's study. "Have you lost all reason?" I demanded.
Dad looked up, startled. "Rex, what's gotten into you?"
"Who was that woman?" I pressed.
"Leave now, while I'm still calm," Dad warned.
"No, you answer me," I insisted. "You're hiding something. I deserve the truth."
Dad's expression darkened. "How dare you barge in and question me?"
"My respect for you is gone," I snapped.
"Rex!" Dad's voice rose, a mix of anger and warning.
"Dad, you're unbelievable," I said, shaking my head. "All this time, you've been pretending to be perfect, but you have an illegitimate son."
Dad's eyes widened, caught off guard. "How did you...?"
I cut him off, my anger boiling. "Don't bother denying it. You've called me irresponsible, yet you've been hiding this secret. At least I don't have children with random women."
Dad's face reddened, his voice menacing. "One more word, and I'll—"
"What?" I challenged, my voice rising. "Disown me? Bring in your illegitimate son to replace me?"
Dad's expression twisted in contempt. "You think you're worthy of inheritance? I'd rather have a worthy son, not a useless one like you."
I took a step forward, my fists clenched. "So you're bringing in Arden to compete for what's mine?"
Dad slammed his fist on the desk, thundering, "What's yours, Rex? You think everything should be handed to you?"
His outburst turned into a coughing fit, clutching his chest. I glared at him, then turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind me.
"How is this possible?" I thought, incredulous. "Some unknown person can just appear and threaten my future?"
I refused to let that happen. "I won't allow some outsider to disrupt my life and steal what's rightfully mine," I vowed.
As soon as I discovered Arden's address within minutes, I drove down, my emotions simmering. To my surprise, I spotted him walking carefree down the street. My anger boiled over.
"This is the person responsible for my turmoil," I thought, my resentment intensifying.
I confronted him and unleashed a torrent of pent-up emotions.
As Arden walked away, I noticed a striking resemblance between him and Dad - the same piercing light green eyes. It stung; I didn't inherit Dad's striking features, yet this illegitimate son did.
Seething, I watched Arden disappear into the distance. In a moment of rage, I thought, "I should have run him over."
Shaking off the dark impulse, I quickly dialed Mom's number, seeking solace and guidance.
"Mom, I need to tell you something," I said.
"What is it? I'm busy," she replied impatiently.
"Dad called you, didn't he?" I asked.
"Yes, he did. It was about your altercation with that boy. Your father said he is an old friend's son and pleaded I dropped the charges. Hopefully, he's learned his lesson."
"No, Mom... it's worse." I said
" Then we'll talk later," she said, cutting me off.
"Wait, Mom! Ask Dad about his real relationship with that guy," I urged.
"I just told you, Rex," she said.
"Lies, Mom, lies!" I snapped. "He's Dad's illegitimate son, and his mother's name is Grace."
The line fell silent.
"Grace?" Mom repeated, her voice eerily calm.
"We'll talk later and do not say anything
about this to anyone." With that, she hung up.
I was stunned. Why was Mom so composed? Didn't she care about Dad's infidelity and secret child?