Chapter 2 incident

Chapter 2

"Just leave it on the side, I'll take care of it."

We were currently arranging the things in what would be my room. After lunch, a maid offered to accompany me here and even helped with the unpacking. She was the older lady from earlier.

I stopped what I was doing and turned to her, "By the way, what's your name?"

It just dawned on me that we've been together for almost half an hour, and I still didn't know how to address her.

"My name is Lorena, dear, but you can just call me Manang Lora. That's what everyone, even the Don, calls me here."

"Can I call you Nanay Lora instead? I don't feel comfortable calling you 'Manang,' and besides, we're just staying here as guests."

"Oh, your father and the Don have been friends since they were kids, so you're not strangers here. You're my master too."

I frowned, "Please, let me call you Nanay Lora. I'd feel much more comfortable calling you that."

I even made a pleading face at her. After some persuasion, she finally agreed.

"Nanay Lora, I wanted to ask you something."

"What is it, dear?"

I sat on the nearby bed and faced Nanay Lora, who had her back to me, "Where is the Don's wife?"

She paused at my question, then turned to face me with a sad smile. "Doña Isabel is no longer with us, dear. She passed away three years ago. The Don and Doña's children won't be home until later."

Shock quickly registered on my face. Driven by curiosity, I couldn't help but ask, "What was the cause of Doña's d-death?"

"An accident. It was an accident, dear, but before that incident happened, the Don discovered that his greatest enemy planned to kill his wife. The Don tried to stop Doña, but it was too late. We only heard about the explosion of the airplane that Doña Isabel was on."

D-Doña was murdered?

I covered my mouth and began to cry upon learning this. Nanay Lora immediately came over and stroked my hair.

"Why are you crying, dear? Hush now. Doña wouldn't want anyone crying in her home."

I couldn't help but hug Nanay Lora. She hugged me back tightly, and I couldn't stop myself from being emotional at this moment.

"I-I just remembered my m-mother. It was a different incident from what happened to Doña, b-but they were both k-killed."

"Shh, hush now. I know how heavy your heart feels right now, but don't give up, child. Wherever your mother is now, I know she's in a better place. She hasn't left you because she'll always be here," she pointed to my heart.

"It's my fault that she died. If it weren't for this face, my mother would still be alive..."

I harshly rubbed my face with my hands, "She would still be with us. I-I saw it, Nanay Lora, I saw how my mother was killed just to save me from men who wanted to harm me. I saw it clearly, how the blood-"

I couldn't continue and broke down in sobs. I didn't know if this wound in my heart would ever heal. The pain was unbearable, overwhelmingly so.

She lifted her hand to wipe the tears from my cheek, "You are not to blame, dear, not at all. Your mother did what was right, and she did it out of her deep love for you. If you blame yourself, it's like blaming her too. Your mother would only find it harder to see you in this state. Calm down, my child."

She kept stroking my head. While I managed to calm down again, my heart still felt heavy.

"I promise, I'll be strong for my mother and father," Nanay Lora smiled at what she heard and hugged me again. After a few seconds, she pulled away and spoke.

"Alright, you've had a long journey, so you need to rest. I'll leave you here for now, and I'll wake you up when it's time to eat. Your eyes are swollen, and your face is still red. Remember, you're not alone, okay? I'm here, and don't hesitate to come to me whenever you need someone to talk to."

"Why are you so kind to me?" I asked suddenly, which made her laugh.

"Because you have a good heart, dear. Now, go and rest."

"Th-thank you."

It took a while before I finally fell asleep. I only woke up when I felt someone gently tapping my cheek.

I opened my eyes and was greeted by Nanay Lora's smiling face, "Dear, it's time to eat."

I nodded while yawning, "What time is it, Nanay Lora?"

"Oh, it's already seven in the evening, Alyana. I tried waking you up earlier for a snack, but you were in such a deep sleep."

I looked down in embarrassment, making her chuckle softly.

"I know you must be hungry, so let's go. Your father and the Don are waiting downstairs. Señorita Blythe and the Señorito should be arriving soon as well."

"A-are they as kind as the Don?" I asked without thinking.

She smiled at me, "Señorita Blythe is spoiled and a bit mischievous, but she's kind and affectionate, so I'm sure you two will get along."

"And what about the Señorito?"

She hesitated at my question.

"Why?"

"A-Alyana, you wouldn't want to meet the Señorito." Though puzzled, I remained silent.

"I'll just say this, Alyana-avoid him. It's not unlikely that you might catch the Señorito's attention." Nanay Lora's voice grew fainter, so I didn't catch her last words.

"W-what?"

"Just forget about it, dear. Come on now."

I couldn't understand her. Why would Nanay Lora want me to avoid the Señorito? Why?

I couldn't help but think negative thoughts. Is the Señorito a bad person?

We were still on the stairs, but Nanay Lora and I could already hear the noise from below-a woman's voice, which I assumed belonged to Señorita Blythe.

I let Nanay Lora enter the dining area of this mansion first while I stayed behind her. As soon as we entered, I immediately noticed a beautiful woman. I couldn't help but be amazed when I saw her entire face; she was stunning.

They were laughing and teasing each other. When they noticed our presence, they quickly turned their attention to me.

"Oh... My... God..."

I unconsciously looked at the Señorita, who was staring at my face with evident shock. Her mouth was slightly open. I just smiled at her.

"I-Is she your daughter, Uncle Reynaldo?" asked the Señorita, not taking her eyes off me. I felt my cheeks turn bright red from embarrassment.

I glanced at Uncle Sandro, who was trying to suppress his laughter. "Yes, she is, sweetheart. She's your Uncle Reynaldo's only daughter."

The Señorita stood up and ran toward me. When she got close, she took both of my hands. I suddenly felt shy because I could smell her perfume and her natural scent.

"Are you for real?!"

I nodded at her, laughing, and then looked at my father, who was watching us happily.

Nanay Lora was right; the Señorita was very charming.

"You're a goddess!" she exclaimed, pouting slightly before looking at her father. "Daddy, why didn't you tell me there's a gorgeous lady in our house?! I could've come home early!"

Tito Sandro just laughed at his daughter's behavior and shook his head.

"Good evening, Señorita," I greeted her, and she smiled at me, guiding me to sit beside her.

"It's Blythe. Don't call me that anymore because, starting today, we're besties."

"Sweetheart, don't rush my goddaughter. Let her get comfortable with you first."

"Oh, sorry! But Daddy, I really like her already. Whether she likes it or not, we're BFFs now, and you can do nothing about it," she said proudly, causing her father to shake his head again.

"My daughter Alyana is very quiet, Blythe. I'm not sure if you'll get along."

"It's okay, Uncle, not a problem for me. I like quiet people."

If the dining table was quiet this morning, it was now lively because of Blythe. She kept talking to me while we ate, even though her father kept trying to stop her, but she wouldn't be silenced.

After dinner, we moved to the large living room in the mansion. Blythe was seated to my right, her arms wrapped around mine. In front of us were Tito Sandro and my father, both laughing at the girl beside me.

"Why are you guys staring at me like that?"

"You're being so clingy to Alyana."

She frowned at her father. "This behavior of mine depends on my mood, you know. Tomorrow, I won't be like this, I promise. She's just so, so, so pretty."

Tito Sandro was about to say something when we all turned to the door simultaneously. A tall man had just entered.

"Son, you're here! Where are you going? Don't you want to eat first?" Son? Is he the Señorito?"

He stopped walking but didn't turn to face us; his gaze remained fixed ahead. Although he was slightly turned away from us, it was undeniable that he had a strong presence. I hadn't even seen his full face yet, but I knew he was extremely handsome "I'm full."

I felt a chill run down my spine when I heard his voice. It was baritone and very cold. I also noticed the cold aura surrounding him, and for some reason, my heart started pounding faster. Suddenly, I felt nervous.

He started walking again without even glancing at his father. I exhaled in relief and adjusted my seat.

"Don't mind him; he's always been like that."

I nodded at Tito Sandro and gave an awkward smile.

"Yeah, Dad is right. Anyway, that's my big brother Alejandro, and he's a jerk."

"Blythe, watch your mouth. He's still your brother."

"Never mind. Uhm, by the way, Uncle Reynaldo, I wanted to ask for your permission... Uhm, would you allow Alyana to go shopping with me tomorrow? Don't worry, she'll be safe with me. Please

To Be Continued...