"Ah, what she said was from our misunderstanding. Actually, we have a good relationship. She's just really feisty. Out of all the women I've met, she's the one I like the most."

I immediately grasped hard the empty soft drink can I was holding because I was so annoyed. I gritted my teeth and I can tell that my nose is smoking right now.

"Ma'am, Sir Rye and you are fine now ---"

I immediately widened my eyes at her. "Aileen, he's just saying those things because he's in front of the media. I was drenched in juice because I was so eager to leave him right away when I talked to him. Actually, we didn't talk properly because of his attitude. He's just annoying me. He just wanted many people to know that he is slowly destroying my image. What he was saying was not true. Don’t believe in him."

"Ah okay, Ma'am. I'm sorry ..." she said to me with a fake smile.

It seems like I’m getting a fever. That man is annoying. What is he, a child? How long will he bother me? I’m not really going to face him anymore, swear. He should mind his own life to date himself. Or maybe he just wants another kick in his treasured part? Haven't I done enough yet?

"Ma'am, I’m going back to my work. Don't stress yourself about the news anymore." said Aileen and I just nodded. How can I not be stressed by the news? Added by the clients who always ask me about my relationship with Rye? Really disgusting anytime.

I picked up my phone and checked that there were messages from Mom. Because my phone is always on silent when working so I don't lose focus. It's already past six o'clock in the evening and my employees and I were still working due to numerous turnovers. I looked at Mom's messages and scrolled.

'Sera, visit us here at the house. It’s your Dad's birthday today, have you forgotten?’

I was stunned and held in my mouth. Omg, it's Dad's birthday! June 10! Why did I forget? It was that man's fault! I will forever blame that man. He is always on my mind, maybe I will think about what he does forever. I don't care about him but he is interfering in my life! So how can I not think of him?

I resumed working even though something else came into my mind. My head really hurts but I'll try my best later not to show it to Mom and Dad. They will worry for sure. I had a torn body when I finished and managed to still fix myself. I left the office and saw my employees waiting for me when I came out.

"Ma'am, don't think about that. You can do it. Fighting!" Aileen said to me and my other employees smiled at me as well.

"But Ma'am, you're pretty fit with Sir Rye even though --- AWWW!" Will couldn't continue what he was saying because Aileen had already pulled his ear. I just sighed at them.

"I'll go first because I had plans for tonight. Be careful while going home." I reminded them.

"Yes ma'am!" they said at the same time so I said goodbye to them.

I went to my car and got in there. I was so excited, I will take Lip there as well. I was about to start the car when suddenly, my phone rang. Mom's calling.

I sighed. "Yes, Mom? I'm going there. Don't worry. Of course it's Dad's birthday so I just have to go." I said and I heard her laugh on the other line.

"We are expecting your adopted son too. Be safe on your way here."

I was shocked when she said that. Ah, I just forgot to tell them! "When did you find out, Mom? I'm sorry I didn't immediately say anything about that." I said.

"Kira told me about Lip. I know that you and Patry already have an independent life. But don't forget us. We don't even have to know your whereabouts everyday, but at least update us sometimes. Especially since we saw you in the news that you already have a relationship and is now famous --- "

"Wait, what?" I immediately asked when I heard the last things she said. "I don't have a relationship with any man, Mom! It was just fake news that Fujisaki was spreading and you know that I don't just agree especially when it comes to such things ---- Hello?"

I looked at my phone and saw that Mom already ended the call. I pursed my lips. Looks like I’m being caged by the issue that came from that guy.

I started the car and drove to my house. Lip immediately greeted me and kissed my cheeks. I still laugh because I see him blush every time he does that.

"Let's change our clothes. We're leaving tonight." I said and I saw that he was stunned.

"Where? It's late."

I just smiled. "We'll visit your grandparents. My Mom and Dad wanted to see you. And don't forget to greet your grandpa, it's his birthday today."

The shock reaction was so obvious on him but he immediately complied. I also changed my clothes and made some adjustments like fixing my daily makeup and such. We immediately got in the car and I saw Lip's nervousness while on the way.

"Don't be nervous. They're kind." I said while driving.

"We didn’t buy a present." I heard him say so I just laughed.

We finally arrived and I immediately parked my car. Lip went out first and entered the gate. I would also like to enter…. when a man with a cap suddenly appeared in front of me, and I almost jumped out of shock.

"Speak up sometime so I know there's someone near me." I told him and I saw that he had a small box wrapped into birthday packaging on his hand.

"I'm giving this to the birthday celebrant, Patrick Bautista." he said and I was surprised when he suddenly left and the box was already handed to me.

Who's that? Maybe it has a bomb? So…. out of curiosity, I opened the box myself.

"Mom, aren't you coming in yet?" I heard Lip call me but I kept opening the box.

At the same time, as I opened and saw inside, there was a strong wind which made me shiver. It was a bit dark around but there was a light here at the gate so I could clearly see what’s inside.

It was some pictures of my Dad... with a woman. They were at the bar and their faces were close to each other. They seem to enjoy it.

And with the second picture, they kissed.

I immediately put the pictures back inside the small box and was able to still smile at Lip. "Let's go inside?"

If Lip was nervous earlier, I looked even more nervous right now. I didn’t know how I was going to deal with Dad because of what I found out. I thought I'd just talk to him about it, just us. I don't know how Mom will react when she finds out. She will be hurt for sure. But it looked like Dad was a bit young and all I knew was that he wouldn’t be able to go to bars at this age. But even so, we need to know as well what happened in those pictures. Worst part of it, maybe he had something with that woman. What if they still meet until now?

When we entered, we were immediately greeted by Kira and Patry holding their baby boy.

"It's good that you've finally arrived. We've been waiting for you for a while." said Kira and looked at Lip. "Hi, Lip. Have you eaten yet? Your grandma and grandpa have prepared meals. You like chicken, don't you?"

"Oh, you're going to fly already because you ate a lot of chicken everyday." I said to Lip and he laughed.

"Come here at the dining table and get ready to eat." I heard Mom say that's why we all went to the table. I hid the small box under the table first and made sure that no one would notice while eating.

They all smiled while fixing themselves in front of the table while I didn't know if I could smile genuinely because of what I saw earlier, pictures still flashing in my mind. I looked at Mom and Dad who were both happy while giving food to each other’s plate.

"Why do you seem anxious there? Are you too stressed right now because of your own popularity that is always showing on TV?"

I looked at Kira and found out I was the one she was talking to. I just sighed. "Tired of work but worth all the effort. I'm not that affected by what's happening. I've been famous for a long time." I jokingly said.

"You're just saying that but you're really affected. Or else you like the man who says you two have a relationship." I stared blankly at Patry because of what he said. What’s with this bastard?

"I don't have a relationship with anyone. Don't believe what that man is saying. He's going crazy, he needs some medications." I just said and put food on Lip's plate.

"Thank you." said Lip and started eating.

"His enthusiasm to eat really energizes me. How old is Lip?" I heard Mom ask.

"I'm ten, grandma." I looked at Lip who was still smiling as there was a chicken drumstick in his mouth. I should be the one to answer that but he insisted as if he was already comfortable here.

"We're really old, P." Mom said to Dad and they both laughed. "We'll really have more grandchildren. It seems like before, Sera and Patry have been arguing like a child but now, they looked so matured not talking to each other now. After all, they will have more children and we will be called grandma and grandpa so many times."

"So when are you planning to get married, Sera?" I looked at Dad and immediately averted my gaze when our eyes met. "It's not that we're in a hurry. But you're getting older ---"

"Dad, can I talk to you after eating?" I asked, interrupting what he was saying and I saw them all stunned because of that.

"Sure, Sera. Right after eating." Dad replied and I just nodded quietly.

We continued eating and no one spoke after that. We finished the meal immediately. Kira and Patry were talking to Mom. Mom was already holding their baby and I could see the pleasure in her eyes. Lip was also next to Mom and looking at the baby. He is also now chatting with them and he looks comfortable unlike when I saw him nervous earlier in the car. Good for him, it should be.

I saw that Dad had left the living room so I followed, carrying the small box. When I came out and saw him, I didn't hesitate any longer and handed the small box to him.

"Open it." I said and I saw that he smiled.

"A gift? Is this all you want to say? You shouldn't be ashamed of this thing ---" He stopped when he saw the contents of that small box. He looked closely at the pictures and I could see that he was stunned.

"When did that happen, Dad?" I asked him directly. "You cheated on Mom, since when?"

The way I asked him hurt me at the same time. How would Mom feel when she found out?

"It's been a long time. Who gave you this?" he asked and I was surprised when he was about to throw that small box in the trash can nearby when I quickly took it from him. "What are you doing? Your Mom shouldn't know about this!"

"What are you hiding from us, Dad? Why did it just show up? Until now, are you still fooling Mom? Are you still fooling us? What is this? Does it even matter who gave me the truth? Why are you hiding this matter from us? " I almost shouted and I couldn't really stop myself from getting angry because of his attitude in front of me.

"Sera, it's been a long time."

"That's the point, Dad. Why didn't you tell us? What grade am I then? Are you and Mom already married by that time?" I asked one question after another and I saw that he averted his eyes.

"You were in Grade 3 and your Mom and I were already married. It's been a long time, I haven't seen that woman again, I was very drunk and I don't want your Mom to get pregnant again so I stopped myself by doing the wrong things I regretted. I'm sorry if I went there and I talked to her. Until that's all happened, please don't --- " He tried to hold my arm but I stepped back from him. "Don't tell your Mom about this."

"She doesn't have to tell me anymore because I've heard everything."

My eyes widened when I heard that. We looked at the door and I saw that Mom was just smiling. Why is she smiling? Shouldn't she be mad and crying right now? Why did she react like this?

Mom approached Dad and held his hand. "Thank you for letting us know your bitter secret. But you're already forgiven, P."

What's happening? Will Mom just forgive Dad despite what happened?

"Mom, what are you saying?" I asked her almost out loud because I couldn’t believe what I heard. I rolled my eyes. "You're just going to forgive him after all these years that he's cheating on you? That he's cheating on us all? What do we know that they might have had a child with the woman he was with?"

Mom turned to me and held my arm. "Sera, watch your words!"

I pulled my arm back. "You're being so unreasonable! Don't forgive him just like that! We don't even know the whole story yet! Look at these pictures!" I said and showed her the pictures that were inside the box but she just seemed tired and just smiled at me.

"Calm down. I want to know more of the pictures. I want to hear your Dad's side about this. He said that… that happened a long time ago ---"

"And you believed that?" I asked eagerly and faked a laugh. "Mom! Get hold of yourself! Why would you even believe the person who kept us secret for so long ---"

I stopped speaking when I felt a loud slap on my left cheek. I let go of the box, causing the pictures to be thrown from inside as well and that was scattered on the ground. Was I too much? But I have the right to get angry and say that!

"Sera, please understand the situation first. Don't talk like that to your Dad!" I saw that there were tears streaming down her cheeks which made me even more annoyed.

"What's going on?"

Patry arrived and there was a trace of shock on his face because of what he had found out. His eyes went to the pictures scattered on the floor.

"Patry, Dad cheated on Mom. He's been cheating on us for a long time. Look at those pictures!" I told him and I saw that he took the pictures on the floor. "And after all, Mom wanted to forgive him even though he kept it a secret for a long time. This is so insane! I can't believe that despite everything, he even managed to fool around!"

I heard of Mom's story. I know how many times she also had a hard time pursuing Dad back then. I was also very mad because she accepted all that. She endured until Dad accepted her. Then after marriage, will she just be fooled? And after that, Mom will just forgive Dad so easily?

Patry approached me. "Sera, calm down. That happened a long time ago. Dad didn’t see that woman again ---"

"What do you mean?" I asked and looked at him, being confused. "You knew about this?"

I laughed out loud because of another thing I found out. "So you really looked for an ally, Dad? Patry knew about your infidelity all along?" I asked and I could see that Patry just averted his eyes.

I'm done with this family.

I immediately walked back to the living room. It's like I'm storming out and Kira noticed that right away when she saw me. She’s carrying their baby. Actually, I still wanted to talk to her about things … but I really lost my appetite.

I grabbed my bag and looked at Lip, "Let's go home." I said and he immediately stood up.

Fortunately, Lip didn't ask any more questions because he just followed me.

"Sera, what happened?" I heard Kira's question that I just ignored and Lip and I went straight out.

"Sera! Sera, please!" Mom even blocked me and held my arm but I just resisted. "I'm sorry, Sera. Please let's all talk before you leave!"

"I'm disgusted and I can't talk to you anymore. Leave me alone." I said and walked immediately out of the gate with Lip.

When we got in the car, I immediately drove it away without looking back. My heart was throbbing, mixing anger and whatever other emotions in my heart. I wanted to get lost and I just poured that into the tightness of my hold on the steering wheel.

"Mom, you're crying." I was shocked when I heard what Lip said.

I immediately wiped away the tears that I didn't expect to be on my cheeks. I'm heartbroken, what can I do? I’m hurting for my Mom but she doesn’t understand that. I love her so much that it pains me to know that she had been cheated on. "Lip, adults can cry too. I can be weak too and sorry for that." my voice almost broke while saying that.

I heard him sigh like an old man. "I wanted to hug you but you're driving. Please focus on driving first, Mom. Think of the happy things."

Because he said that, I learned to calm myself. No one spoke to us the whole trip and just felt the silence. I feel like a child is not with me. It feels like I was being comforted by a man my age. We got home and I parked it neatly. I immediately removed my seatbelt and wiped the tears from my cheeks with my handkerchief.

And there, I was stunned again when Lip hugged me.

"You're strong, Mom."

That simple word made me feel better. I never cried again and we entered the house straightly, then changed our clothes.

We rested in our room and I waited for him to sleep first. I was looking at him, being so grateful that it was a good thing that a child like him came into my life. I was so exhausted all the time but the encouraging words he said motivated me to continue. I thought now that I didn’t even wish my Dad a ‘Happy Birthday’ because of my anger. But still, I still can’t accept what he did to us, especially to Mom.

She was so forgiving and she accepted everything even in return, was her exhaustion of self -love. Are mothers really like that? Do they always sacrifice just to make others happy? What about herself? That's why people around her abused and used her kindness, that's because she always lets that happen. Why is she letting Dad be like that and forgive him right away?

I can't do what she's doing. I won't forgive Dad as easily as she did. I will never talk to him again. We were betrayed and that will be sealed to us forever.