“You bãstârd! I’m warning you. I tried to respect you. Because you’re my daughter’s father-in-law. You bãstârd! If I hear you say something about my family again, I’ll get back at you! Mark my words!”
A prisoner who had acquired some reputation was released from jail. We soon find out that it’s none other than Alvin Mangubat, former employee of Camila and Daniela’s accomplice. Kulas had some small talk with his sons about the food they had eaten at the mansion.
Carlos was embarrassed that they had even brought some of the food home. Gino gave some wrapped gifts to everyone, plus some money to his mother. Carlos also gave Mryna some money to get the best treatment, and Jude also added to it. Myrna thanked them and Kulas was left watching their group hug sadly.
“Are you sure your mom will be surprised with this?” Robert asked at the mansion.
“Of course, dad,” Cassie assured.
“Really?”
“Yes. So go ahead, daddy.”
“You’re sure, huh?”
“Yes, daddy. Am sure mama will lövê this.”
“Okay.”
Robert walked over to the door to their room. He entered the room and found Romina sound asleep. He discarded the balloons he had been holding earlier and knelt in front of Mina, watching as she slept.
“Am sorry Romina,” he thought to himself. “I should not have doubted you. From the start.” He ki$$ed her and got up to his feet.
Romina had left a wrapped gift on the bed with a message for Robert to find; “Lövê, Merry Christmas! I will lövê you always, no matter what.”
Robert smiled and sat by Mina’s side. Carlos arrived home talking to someone on phone, and Daniela demanded to know who he was talking to at such a late time. Carlos finished the call and told her that he had just been confirming something with a client.
Danny girl was doubtful. “At this hour? During the holidays?”
“That’s why it was just a confirmation,” Carlos said. “I’ll get changed.” He left for the bedroom, leaving his phone on the table. The phone rang a second later.
Danny girl picked up Carlos’ phone. “Hello. Who is this?” It was an unknown number, and the line suddenly went dead.
Alvin had a few drinks with his questionable friends.
“How long have you been locked up?”
“Fifteen years,” Alvin answered.
“More than a decade.”
“Tell us the truth, dude,” one asked. “Did you really sell drûgs?”
“I may be gangster, but I never sold drûgs. I was framed up.”
One of the guys laughed. “Framed up? Sure, that’s what everyone says. That’s always their excuse.” They made fun of him and Alvin was starting to get upset.
“It’s just us here,” another guy said. “Just tell us the truth.”
Alvin sprang up to his feet and tried to go after the guy. “Say that again, and I’ll punch you.”
One of the other guys held him back and asked him to calm down since they had just been asking him a question.
“Am a drunkard, but not a drüg pusher,” Alvin insisted. “You all know me. I had a good life before. Why would I ruin it?”
“You gave us a lot of money, right before you went to jail,” one of the guys explained. “So we all thought that maybe you sold drugs.”
Alvin finished his drink. “Idiōts, I worked hard for it.”
“Well, now that you’re out, what’s your plan?”
“What else? I’ll pick myself up again. I’ll start afresh. But the moment I find out who screwed me over, I’ll make them pay.”
Myrna set up the table for Kulas to have breakfast. She informed him that the kids had already left early. Kulas was eating hurriedly and Myrna asked him to slow down before he choked on the food.
“It’s because Jessa’s coming today,” Kulas explained. “We’ll start working on the plan at the shop.”
Myrna looked dejected.
“I just don’t want her to keep waiting for me,” Kulas went on, still eating as if someone was chasing after him.
“I could help Jessa.”
“It’s okay, Myrna. Jessa and I can handle it.”
“Looks like… you trust her a lot, huh?”
“Why not? She’s really kind and compassionate to others, even if they’re not related to her. Unlike you who suddenly disappeared.”
“I thought I wouldn’t hear that from you anymore. Am concerned, Kulas. We have been together for a long time, right?”
“Mryna, I don’t need your concern,” Kulas grumbled. “We’ve been separated for years. I have the right to lövê again if I want to. And I won’t be stepping on anyone. It’s over between us.”
Jessa had helped Kulas set up the plan she had suggested earlier. A guy popped a balloon and earned a free carwash. As she gave Kulas the money she had earned so far, the misërãble one-eyed-old almost tripped and fell from too much watching.
“Why you all wet?” Kulas asked. “You startled me.”
“It’s because I helped in washing the cars earlier,” Jessa said with a flirtatious smile.
Kulas took a towel from the clothesline and wrapped it around her so she wouldn’t catch a cold. Mryna came out and asked what was going on.
“Just in time, Mryna,” Kulas said. “Please lend her some dry clothes. She got wet because of washing the cars.”
Gino and Jude were both watching the scene.
Jessa came up to her. “Do you mind, Mryna? Am a little embarrassed.”
“It’s alright. Let’s go inside.”
“You should start cooking too,” Kulas suggested. “We’ll probably be working till tonight because of the crowd.”
At Camila, Daniela told Savannah that she was sure the phone call Carlos had received earlier hadn’t been a business call.
“Do you think it was a booty call?”
“What else, Savannah?”
“So what you gonna do?”
“I will do everything I can to find out who he’s been talking to.”
“You think it’s Romina?”
“Who else could it be?”
A worker came to remind Daniela that the meeting had been rescheduled for 1pm today.
Daniela was taken by surprise. “What? Who changed it? It was supposed to be at 5pm. Of course, it’s Romina. You can go.”
The young lady left.
“I think your step-monster is more powerful than you right now,” Savannah commented.
“Just for now. I’ll play along for now, because I won’t be following her orders much longer.”
“What do you mean?”
“I know that she and dad are going somewhere today, with her bãstârd child. Am sure dad is planning something to resolve their issue. I’ll just make her miss it. I won’t let them patch things up.”
“What if you get caught, Danny?”
Daniela scoffed. “That’s not going to happen. I always get away with things.”
The meeting at 1pm had began with all the members of both opposing groups. Romina told them that all their ideas were brilliant, adding that she liked the third among the five. She asked for those who were in favor of her and most of them raised their hands.
“I think we’ve reached a majority,” Mina stated. “Work on that concept so we can present it to the board next week.”
Bonita reminded her that she had to leave because she was running late, and that Neil was waiting for her outside.
Daniela was staring at them in contempt.
“Ok.” Mina stood up. “Well, if that’s all, I’ll go ahead of you.”
“Wait,” Danny girl said suddenly. “You’re leaving already?”
“Yes.”
“But how about my idea?” Daniela asked. “I was going to present.”
“Daniela, I thought you weren’t going to present because you didn’t want to adjust.”
“Well, am making an exception today. I am so excited to present this. Am sure you’ll all love my idea.”
Mina stared at her for a while. “Okay. Let’s hear it. I’ll just make some calls. Excuse me.” She gave Daniela a look on her way out.
“Say goodbye to your plan, Romina,” Danny girl thought to herself. “I won’t let you patch things up with dad. While you’re ruining my family, I’ll be sure to return the favor.”
Robert arrived at Novatas with Carlos, Cassie and Marga. Kristoff, LJ, Fatima and nanny Esther had also come along. Jepoy, the kids and the other inhabitants greeted them and invited them over for a meal they had prepared.
“It’s our way of showing appreciation for all you’ve done for us,” Jepoy said.
“Oh, it’s nothing,” Robert said. He gestured to the others. “Come on, let’s eat.”
Jepoy guided them to their table, but Marga stayed behind with her father. Jepoy then told Robert that the little surprise he had asked Bonita to prepare for Romina was ready. Everyone was all smiles now.
Still standing isolated from everyone else, Carlos noticed the worried look on her daughter’s face. “Marga, what’s wrong?” he asked.
“Us. Why aren’t we like them? Why can’t we be like them? Like Cassie’s family. They’re always happy. They lövê each other.”
“I think it’s better if we just visit your grandpa Kulas instead,” Carlos suggested.
“No, dad. Am fine here. You can go if you want to.”
Maureen arrived at the place, and Marga’s face lit up, happy to see her.
In the conference room, everyone received a text message and they got up to leave. Daniela was protesting, asking where they were going since the meeting wasn’t over yet.
“But ma’am, this text message says that the meeting will resume tomorrow,” a woman explained.
Danny girl was surprised. “What text?”
Without another word, they all started heading out. Daniela noticed Bonita standing by and she gave her a look. She stood up and confronted her.
“Tell me,” Danny girl began. “Where is Romina.”
“She already left a while ago,” Bonita shot. “She doesn’t want to adjust her schedule for you too.”
Danny girl glared at Bonita, and Bonita just smiled back at her.
Marga took Maureen around the neighborhood to find something she could use against Cassie since her mother used to live there before.
“Do we really have to do this, Marga?” Maureen worried.
“Of course, Maureen. It’s the only way for Cassie to be kicked out of the play, and the Maxwell Prime. And when that happens, I’ll be here to take her place.”
“But…”
“Let’s go.”
Marga approached some women and asked to talk to them about Cassie for a school project she was handling.
The women glanced at each other. “Oh, no. Don’t ask us,” one of them said. “Ask someone else,” she added before leaving with the others.
“Let’s go,” Maureen urged, but Marga wouldn’t budge.
“Cassie?” a misërãble drunk man said. He stumbled towards them with his equally drunk buddy. “You mean Romina’s daughter?”
“That’s right,” Marga said excitedly. “Do you know anything about Cassie?”
“Of course I do. I was thirty years when Romina gave birth to Cassie. Do you know that Cassie is not… she is not…she is not…”
Marga gave him a dubious look, her patience running out. “She’s not what?”
“She is not…” The buddy of the drunkard interrupted him.
“Marga!” Kristoff ran over to them. “There you are.”
Marga was annoyed. “Why, what do you need, Kristoff?”
The drunkard was dragged away by his drinking buddy, much to Marga’s annoyance.
“Nothing,” Kristoff said. “I just wanna make sure you’re safe. Why were you talking to that man?”
“We were just asking about…” Maureen began.
Marga grabbed Maureen’s hand. “It’s none of your business, Kristoff,” Marga shot at him. “So stay out of this.”
“Whatever you’re planning against Cassie, don’t do it,” Kristoff reasoned. “You’re both my friends. I really don’t like it when you fight.”
Marga stared at Kristoff for a while in silence. She glanced at the drunkard who was now seated back at a table.
Daniela was sorting out the laundry at the backyard of the new house. “That slut better watch her back,” Danny girl hissed. “How dare she trick me?”
Savannah, her bratty lapdog was silent, staring endlessly at the clothes. She hadn’t taken the bait.
“Savannah, are you even listening?” Daniela asked.
“Yes, I am. Am listening, Danny girl. Am just distracted with all of these. What exactly are you doing?”
“Obviously, am sorting out the laundry. The agency hasn’t contacted me yet about those maids I asked for yet. That’s why am stuck doing this.”
“That’s so not you, Danny girl. Ah, are you gonna wash all of these too?” Savannah asked.
“Only a few. Just Marga’s clothes.”
Savannah was appalled.
“You know, her skin is quite delicate and sensitive,” Daniela went on. “She has allergic reactions if I don’t use hypoallergenic detergent.”
“Okay. But Danny girl, you do know that they can do this for you, right?”
Daniela rolled her eyes at her.
“Pack it all in a bag. Give it to them, and instruct them on what to do.”
“There are too many horror stories when it comes to laundry shops,” Daniela said. “I’d rather keep my daughter away from being harmed because of their stûpĩdity.” She smelled Carlos’ shirt and frowned.
“What you doing?” Savannah asked.
“What any sensible wife would do if there was a slut going around in their vicinity.” Daniela threw the shirt at her bratty lapdog. “Smell that.”
“Ewwww, ewwww.”
“Smell it.”
“Ewwww.”
“Go.”
“Ewwww.” Slowly, Savannah brought the shirt up to her nose. She frowned. “Ewwww. What is that cheap scent?”
“Exactly my question.”
Savannah’s mouth was wide open. Not in shock but in absolute stupidity. “Do you think it’s your step-monster’s perfume?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised. Cheap scent, for cheap whores.”
As Daniela picked up a liquid detergent, her hand struck down another liquid detergent, and she didn’t notice, even as the contents kept pouring onto Marga’s clothes which she had soaked in a washing basin. (Good riddance. I hope she grows frog skin).
Robert watched as Cassie played with the kids at Novatas. Carlos came up to him and informed him that he had resigned from the job he had given him. Robert gave him a look. “You resigned?”
“Let’s just say that…I claimed a position that was rightfully mine.”
“Isn’t that impractical? For you to prioritize your pride over the welfare of your family?”
“Pride? Mr. Robert, I swallowed my pride ever since I allowed my family to live in your home. Don’t get me wrong. Am really thankful for that, but now that am fine, allow me to support my family in my own way.”
“I just helped open doors for you, Carlos,” Robert pointed out. “It’s still on you to support your family.”
“I just don’t want my debts of gratitude to keep piling up.”
“Why? Is it because I am Daniela’s father? Or is it because I am Romina’s husband?”
Carlos was speechless for a second. “Because I can do it. I’ll do it because I don’t like being underestimated. I supported my family even without you. If I let you do that for me, my wife and child won’t respect me anymore.”
“Alright. If that’s what you want then. I’ll leave you on your own. Actually, it would be better for the both of us. Just…stay away from my wife. And don’t even think to relive the past.”
Daniela called Carlos on phone several times, but there wasn’t any answer. Bratty lapdog whose stupidity could not be beaten insinuated that Carlos could be with Romina.
Daniela gave her a look. “He wouldn’t dare.”
“What? Am just voicing out what’s in your head. You know Romina was in a hurry a while ago. And now your husband’s out of reach. I can definitely smell infidelity on.”
Daniela made another phone call. “Hello, this is Daniela Mondragon-Bartolome. I’d like to speak with my husband Carlos.”
“He’s not here, ma’am,” the woman at Primarosa said. “He took a half day leave. He said he has somewhere important to be.”
Danny girl hanged up and stared at her bratty lapdog who was smiling as if she had hit the jackpot.
Romina arrived at Novatas with Neil. Mina asked Jepoy where Cassie and Marga were, and he told her that they had already left.
Mina was confused. “Huh? What did Cassie say? Was she sad because I couldn’t make it?”
“Cassie understands,” Jepoy said. “But Mr. Robert didn’t when he left. He was going to surprise you.”
“Really?”
“I guess Robert wanted to patch things up with you,” Neil commented.
Mina was troubled. As she stood there with that dejected, worried look, Cassie and her friends came from behind a curtain. Behind them was some words inscribed. It read; “I am sorry. I lövê you.”
Cassie, her friends and the kids stood under the message, each of them holding a heart shaped balloon.
Mina was excited. She held on tightly to her brother’s hand, smiling and awed at the scene.
Robert came out of nowhere, a red bouquet in his hand. Everyone clapped and cheered as he walked towards his wife with a bright smile on his face.
Mina walked towards her husband.
“Go daddy!” Cassie cheered.
Marga and Maureen arrived on the scene. Maureen was excited.
“Will you accept my apology?” Robert simply asked.
Mina smiled at him and nodded. She accepted the bouquet as well and Robert hugged her.
“Good job, Robert!” Neil said amidst the cheering.
“Aww, they’re so sweet,” Maureen commented. “Cassie’s so lucky. She’s rich, and has a happy family. Am so jealous. I wish I was a Mondragon.”
Marga gave her a look. “You also just want to add up. Let’s just get back to work.”
The people cheered again as Mina and Robert were still clutched together in the embrace. Mina ki$$ed Robert happily.
Later on, Cassie stood by with Kristoff as the kids got their donations. Kristoff mentioned that her parents were sweet.
Cassie laughed. “That’s just how they are. That’s why am very lucky, because they’re my parents.”
“I wish I could say the same thing.”
“Tope?”
“Don’t mind me. You know, they’re very lucky to have you too. You’re only fifteen and you already have an advocacy.”
“I don’t see it as an advocacy, though. I treat everyone here like family.”
Kristoff stared and smiled at her.
Cassie smiled back. “What?”
“Nothing. You’re a little different.”
“Like… am weird?”
Kristoff laughed. “No, not like that. I mean, you’re not like our schoolmates at Maxwell. You have a good heart, Cassie.”
“You’re like that too, you know?”
Kristoff shook his head. “I can’t agree on that one. I did somethings back in the states that am not proud of. That’s why my dad decided to take me with him to the Philippines.”
“It’s part of growing up. We won’t learn anything if we don’t make mistakes.”
“That’s what am saying about you being different. You’re so mature, and I know that in times of trouble, you’re just there for me. Am really lucky to have you as my friend.”
A moment later, Cassie was walking around with Kristoff. Some kids were playing nearby and a ball came flying in Cassie’s direction. Kristoff shielded her with his body and doubled over with pain.
The kids came over to apologize, accusing each other of being the culprit. Kristoff told them to stop and go on along because he was okay.
“Are you okay?” Cassie asked.
“Still hurts,” Kristoff admitted, favoring his chest.
“Then why did you say you were fine?” Cassie asked worriedly.
“So the kids wouldn’t feel guilty about it. Come on, let’s just play with them.”
Kristoff went to join them and a slightly pissed off Cassie followed. During the donation, Gino arrived and waved Neil over. Neil asked what he was doing there and Gino told him he was also there to get a donation.
“But those are for the needy,” Neil pointed out.
“But am one of them,” Gino objected. “Am jobless, remember?”
Neil frowned. “Me too.” He then gave Gino a gift he had planned on donating later. “You should give me a gift next year, okay? Because I think I’ll be penniless by then.”
“Don’t cry, okay. What makes you say that?”
“I was suspended from work. Don’t ask me why because it’s a long story.”
“Okay, I got an idea. Why don’t we exchange gifts? Since you gave me a gift, I’ll introduce to the job am working at.”
“Okay.”
Marga stood impatiently, her arms folded as an old man told her about Cassie. “I don’t have any complaints about her. Infact, she’s a really good kid. I hope that helps.” The old man walked away, leaving Marga more frustrated than ever.
Jepoy came over. “Marga, someone told me you have a question about Cassie.”
“Ah… yeah.”
Unknown to Marga, Cassie was approaching from behind.
“It’s because we have an assignment,” Marga went on. “I just need to know something about her.”
Cassie stood behind Marga, listening.
“Can you tell me anything she did before? Something interesting and out of her character. Something you wouldn’t expect Cassie to do. Something only a few people know.”
Cassie looked upset. She gave Marga a look and glanced at Jepoy. Neither of them had noticed her yet. She came over and grabbed Marga’s hand. “Marga, we had an assignment?”
Marga threw Cassie’s hand away. “Don’t touch me.”
“What are you up to?” Cassie demanded. “Why are you asking around about me?”
“Why? Do you think am making up having an assignment?”
“Because you’re a habitual liar. Tell me, what on earth made you do this? Are you trying to ruin me, just because I might win Maxwell Prime?”
“Yes, I want to ruin your reputation,” Marga snapped. “Because you destroyed me first. Am just getting back at you.”
“I never did anything wrong to you.”
“Really? Then why did you take away everything I used to have?”
Kulas, the misërãble one-eyed-old man was approaching.
“Good standing,” Marga ranted on. “Loyal friends, and a happy family. You didn’t even leave anything for me.”
“It’s not my fault if you lost everything, Marga,” Cassie shot back. “This is all because you have an attitude problem.”
Kulas came over. “Hey, hey, hey. What you saying, huh? Why you arguing with Marga, huh?” The misërãble one-eyed-old man charged at Cassie. It looked like he wanted to get physical with a 15yr old girl. The misërãble swine.
Cassie took some steps back as the miserable swine kept coming at her. “Mr. Kulas, because Marga was…”
“I have been patient with you and your mother for a long time now. You’re both arrogant,” Kulas ranted. “What do you think of yourselves. You know what, Cassie? You shouldn’t be acting like this.
“You’re hurting my granddaughter. You and Marga are different, that’s why you don’t have to be so proud. You were basically born from a mistake! You know that?! You’re the product of a mistake!”
Robert and Romina and some others heard the commotion. They turned around to see what was going on.
Kulas pointed an accusing finger at Cassie. “You’re nothing but a mistake!”
Robert and Mina were approaching, shocked by the scene the misërãble one-eyed-old man was creating.
“You’re just like your mother!” Kulas yelled.
Robert glared at Kulas, a ferocious look on his face now.
“You’re just like your mother,” Kulas repeated.
Robert stormed over.
“You’re both arrogant, all because you’re a Mondragon.”
“Wait, wait, wait,” Robert said, standing protectively in of her daughter. “Kulas.”
“Stop fighting with Marga,” Kulas went on. “You don’t have the right.”
Mina asked Jepoy to leave with Cassie as Robert asked what was going on. Kulas asked Marga to leave as well.
“I was just defending my granddaughter, Mr. Robert,” said the misërãble one-eyed-old man.
Mina looked appalled.
“Why did you have to say that to Cassie?” Robert asked.
“Mr. Robert, I was just protecting Marga because your… your… your…” The miserable one-eyed-old man seemed to be having difficulty breathing.
Robert was disgusted. “So, that’s why you even picked to fight with a little girl? And you’re saying things to my daughter?”
“Yeah. If it’s for Marga, yes, Mr. Robert.”
“That’s my daughter.”
“I was just protecting my granddaughter because erh, I knew that you would take Cassie’s side.”
“That’s children’s fight. Why are you meddling?”
“Cassie was already, erh…is too much.”
Mina couldn’t hold back any longer. “You said you were protecting Marga? By calling my daughter a mistake?!”
Robert asked Mina to calm down, but she ignored him. “You know Cassie doesn’t know anything!”
“Calm down,” Robert whispered. “Romina.”
Mina ignored her husband again and charged up all the more. “Mr. Kulas, you don’t have any right to speak to my daughter that way. I let you get away with everything you did to me, but I won’t let you off the hook this time.”
“Romina.” Robert admonished.
“Why, Romina?” Kulas mocked. “Does the truth hurt?”
“Enough. Stop it!” Robert yelled at the misërãble one-eyed-old man.
“I was just stating facts here,” Kulas ranted on. “We all know that everyone’s just covering up the past to hide the fact that you are a whøre!” Kulas smiled mockingly.
Suddenly, Robert glared at the miserable one-eyed-old man and shoved him forcefully. “You bãstârd!” he said through gritted teeth.
Robert charged at Kulas and gave him some pretty good beating, even rewarding him with punch to his abominable mouth. Mina and Neil held him back while Gino and Carlos came to separate the fight.
“Am warning you. I tried to respect you. Because you’re my daughter’s father-in-law. But you have no right to speak to my family that way.”
“Dad, what happened here?” Carlos asked as Kulas was mumbling something and trying to break free.
Robert charged at Kulas again. “You bãstârd!” he yelled. He roughed him up for a little while. “If I hear you say something about my family again, I’ll get back at you!” Robert jabbed a threatening finger at the misërãble one-eyed-old man. “Mark my words. Mark my words!”
The Mondragons arrived back home. Cassie asked her parents what Kulas had meant by that. “Why did he call me a mistake?”
Mina and Robert exchanged looks.
“Am sorry if he called you that, Cassie,” Robert began. “Don’t believe him because it’s not true.”
“But dad, am sure there is a reason why he said that. What did he mean by that?”
Mina glanced at Robert.
At Kulas’ house, Carlos complained to his misërãble one-eyed-old man for making matters worse with his utterances. Kulas insisted it hadn’t been his fault because he had just been defending his daughter.
“Why you mad at me?” said the misërãble swine. “You should be standing with me.” He pointed to his busted lip. “Look what your father-in-law did to me.”
“You were wrong. I won’t condone what you did, dad.”
“Then don’t!”
Kulas then asked Jude to come with him so he could file a case against Robert. “I’ll give him what he’s looking for. He’s forgetting that I used to be a cop.”
“Here’s the thing, Cassie,” Robert said back at the mansion. “The reason Kulas said that was because, do you remember what we said about your mom? That she and Carlos had a history?”
“I do.”
“I fell in lövê with your mom while she and Carlos were still together,” Robert revealed.
Mina looked at Robert in surprise.
“But they broke up,” Robert went on. “I couldn’t wait any longer. And… your mommy eventually fell in lövê with me too.
“Then she got pregnant. With you. And everyone thought we were in a relationship when your mom was still with Carlos. That’s why Kulas said that.”
Back at Kulas’ house, Carlos tried to talk some sense into Kulas not to make things worse. “You’ll bring out Cassie’s identify if you do that. Do you really want to destroy that little girl’s life?”
“Carlos is right, dad,” Jude added. “Besides, Gino said that you tried to punch Mr. Robert first.”
“Unbelievable,” said the misërãble swine. “Are you guys ganging up on me?”
Marga came in and asked what Kulas had meant by what he had said earlier. “Why did he call Cassie a product of a mistake?”
Carlos told her that Kulas had just said that because he had been angry. “Forget about it. Now go outside. I’ll be there in a bit.”
Marga nodded and left.
Back at the mansion, Robert apologized to Cassie and hugged her. “I’m sorry. Am not as perfect as you think I am.”
Kulas told Carlos that there was no reason to hide the truth any longer since the children would eventually find out about it.
“When the time comes for them to know the truth, it should be us who’ll tell them,” Carlos insisted. “That should not come from you.”
Robert and Romina were in bed. Mina asked her husband if they really had to keep on lying, and Robert told her that it was the only way he could think of.
“But Robert, how long will we cover up the truth?” Mina asked. “Cassie’s smart. She won’t stop asking questions, especially now.”
“Romina, as of now, we’ve already fixed the problem.”
Mina shook her head. “No, Robert. We’re not fixing the problem. We’re just adding to our lies. Maybe it’s already time to tell Cassie the truth. We can’t escape the past any longer.”
“Romina, it wouldn’t be good if Cassie knew what really happened, about her, and about us.”
“But Robert…”
“Romina, just look at what happened these past few days. How do you think Cassie will react when she discovers the truth? You two are already having problems right now. Do you really think that when she learns the truth, she’ll stop asking more questions, which we can’t answer now?
“I’d rather choose to lie to her,” Robert went on. “The truth will break our family, and I don’t want that to happen. Cassie’s my daughter, it’s been like that for years. And I have no intention of changing that now. Please, give this one to me.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t let Cassie go to Novatas for now,” Mina suggested. “That way, we can prevent this from happening again.”
“I think you’re right.”
Carlos arrived home and Daniela began with her endless rant, asking where he had been and why he had not been answering her calls.
“Daniela, please, not now.”
“What you…”
Marga entered the room and Carlos stormed off for the bedroom. Daniela asked Marga what had happened since her father looked so angry. Marga told her that she had been arguing with Cassie at Novatas when her grandpa Kulas came.
“And he…he called Cassie a product of a mistake. It seemed like a big deal to everyone. What did he mean by that, mommy? Why would he say that about Cassie?”
The screws began to turn in Danny girl’s head. She had a flashback of the bachelorette party where she had drugged Mina’s drink. A voiceover of her conversation with the police woman who had gone to interrogate the employees at Camila played.
Another flashback : I’ll make sure no one finds out about what you did,” Daniela said to Alvin.
“You better do,” Alvin threatened. “Because if I go down, am taking you down with me too.”
“Mommy, do you know what grandpa Kulas was talking about?” Marga asked.
“Honestly, I have no idea why he’d even say that,” Daniela replied. “All I remember is that he never really liked Romina with your dad. He’s getting old, so maybe he’s just talking nönseñse.”
“I don’t think so, mommy. Grandpa was really furious after hearing grandpa Kulas say that. There’s a reason, and they don’t want us to know.”
“Marga, if I do discover something about Cassie, I would tell you about it myself. I want her and her mother out of our lives anyway, right? So, if Cassie has a secret, I’ll be the one to expose it.”
At Novatas, Alvin joined his drinking buddies at a table after a fruitless job hunt. They told him that he was an ex-convict, and no company would really hire him. They asked him to join them for dinner. Alvin noticed the Camila Sardines can. He picked it up and stared at it like he was having some kind of sweet heavenly revelation.
Kulas was still grumpy about his sons ‘ganging’ up on him. He stormed off and Jude went after him. Myrna asked Gino why everyone was making a big deal out of what had happened.
“From what I know, Romina did not tell her daughter about what happened to her before,” Gino began. “I even heard Mr. Robert talking to everyone here, asking them to keep what happened from Cassie. Mr. Robert recognizes Romina’s child as his own.”
“So that’s why. So the child has no idea she’s the product of rãpë?”
“That’s right, mom. So am sure Mr. Robert is really mad right now. All because dad couldn’t keep his mouth shut.”
Romina entered Cassie’s room. She sat by her side and watched as she slept, sobbing silently. “I’m sorry, Cassie,” she whispered. “Am sure you must be so confused by what you heard, but believe me, it really hurts me to keep things from you. I just don’t want my past affecting you.
Cassie, no matter what happens, always remember that I lövê you. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. And I would never try not having you for anything in the world.”
Mina ki$$ed her and got up to leave. As soon as Mina left, Cassie opened her eyes and stared in the direction her mother had just gone.
