Chapter 5 Trying to Cover Up the Truth

"Why not stay here, mommy? Arka also wants to talk to mommy and Good Uncle! Arka doesn't want to be alone here!"

The tiny figure disagreed. But who would have thought, that Kara, who was usually the first to calm Arka down, was quickly overshadowed by the man in front of her. Barra first explained to his son, causing Arka to change his mind.

"But after this, Uncle has to accompany Arka. Uncle promised earlier to play with Arka, right?"

"Yes! Uncle promises, handsome boy!" Barra replied with a smile, ruffling Arka's brown curly hair.

Unbeknownst to both of them, Kara was squeezing the hem of her floral dress tighter. She tried to contain the surges of emotion welling up inside her. She never expected to feel so overwhelmed, facing someone who had shattered her and whom she had desperately tried to forget.

Just moments ago, she had prayed never to be separated from Arka, but why did this person have to appear before her now? Why after so long did fate bring her face-to-face with him again?

Ah, Kara truly didn't know what to do now. Her brain's functionality slowed down significantly, especially since Barra had been silently observing her incessantly.

"Well, Kara. Please go ahead," Barra said instantly.

Kara's reverie was shattered. With great difficulty, she took a breath and then moved forward. Truly, Kara wanted to break free from these emotional shackles. But unfortunately, her feelings had already run wild. Even now, her heartbeat raced uncontrollably.

Barra Piterson!

Although she had managed to forget him, it would be a lie to say that Kara didn't recognize him. She still vividly remembered his appearance. His sharp gaze, firm jawline, straight nose, dominant aura, and charisma captivated anyone who saw him.

Despite their brief encounter, the aftermath was substantial. Many tears were shed, much suffering, pain, and many other things that left Kara feeling shattered afterward.

"Kara Isabelle! How have you been?"

Boom!

Kara flinched when he was suddenly behind her. Her throat constricted when she didn't find the gentle gaze she had seen earlier inside, especially since he was now getting closer to her.

"Why? Surprised?" Barra continued with a thin smile.

With great effort, Kara swallowed her saliva. She tried to move backward, but unfortunately, Barra had already cornered her against the wall. He truly locked his gaze with his sharp eyes, causing cold sweat to start forming on her skin.

"Let go, Barra! We're in a hospital!"

Kara tried to resist, but Barra only smiled. He closely observed Kara's fearful expression, then proceeded to tidy up some of her disheveled hair.

"How long have you been avoiding me, Kara? Who are you really, to leave a Barra Piterson confused for years?!" He exclaimed, his jaw tensing.

For years, Barra had spent his time searching for Kara's whereabouts. The woman who intrigued him so much seemed to have disappeared without a trace. He couldn't find any information, especially after learning that she had moved and stopped attending college.

"Confused? Why? We only met once and that too because of a disaster, Barra!" Kara asserted finally.

For Arka's sake, Kara didn't want to drown in her fear anymore. She bravely met his sharp gaze. Without hesitation, Kara lifted her head so she could face the man who was much taller than her.

"Hmm, so that's all you think of me?"

"Yes! What do you expect from me, Barra? We've never known each other before! Then why bother thinking about each other, making everything messy?" Kara replied, uncaring.

Bam!

A powerful blow suddenly landed beside Kara. His words only fueled Barra's anger, causing him to immediately grip the woman's face tightly.

"What do you want, Kara?! Do you think you can come and go after entering my life and destroying everything?"

"And do you think, all this time, only your life has been shattered?!" Kara retorted, wincing slightly in pain.

Fearlessly, she returned Barra's intense gaze. Her breath raced as her emotions overwhelmed her. Her hands clenched tightly onto his shirt without hesitation.

"Just so you know, Barra! My life is shattered too! Even more so than yours!" Kara continued with emphasis, her emotions boiling over.

For years, Kara had risen from her darkness alone. It wasn't easy. There was much pain and tears that accompanied her days, and that could never be compared to Barra's luxurious and secure life.

"I'm sorry, Barra. It seems there's nothing left to talk about! My intention to talk to you outside earlier was only to discuss the cause of Arka's accident, not to discuss our brief and meaningless encounter!" Kara finally concluded with a slightly weakened tone.

Although she felt suffocated, Kara still tried to say it. She didn't want Barra to further enter her life, especially if he later found out the truth she had concealed for so long.

No! Kara didn't want that to happen! She still wanted to live peacefully with Arka, without Barra by her side!

"Excuse me!"

With just one push, Kara was finally able to break free from Barra's grip. He seemed momentarily silent, before managing to stop himself as he was about to open the door to Arka's room.

"Tell the truth, Kara. What's your reason for avoiding me like this? Is there something you're hiding from me? I already know you're not working for my enemy!"

Kara briefly closed her eyes, trying to calm herself. "You're too confident, Barra Piterson! I'm not avoiding anyone, and I haven't hidden anything from-"

"What about Arka, Kara Isabelle?" Barra interrupted quickly, instantly silencing Kara's entire body.

Kara's shoulders slumped immediately. She tried not to respond to Barra's words. Unfortunately, just as she was about to step forward to meet Arka inside, suddenly that man opened the door for her and whispered something in her ear.

"You can give whatever excuse you want in front of me, Kara Isabelle! But never, ever try to stop me from getting close to my son! I'm not stupid! You only did it to me for the first time back then!"