Chapter 81

Belladona
"How is that possible… How can two babies have different fathers?"
"From what I’ve researched, this condition is very rare, but when the mother has relations with two men around the same time, there’s a possibility that the children born could have different fathers." I let out a disbelieving laugh as I sat on the couch.
"Tell me… I’m the Zambrano, I have to be…." Silence followed, and I quickly added, "Of course I am… My class and poise are far superior to that insignificant brat."
"Who is that woman’s father? You must know—find her."
"I still don’t know. We have to search the database, and without any leads, it could take months to find out who the father might be."
"It has to be someone close. Maybe that’s why my father threw that woman out," I said anxiously, biting my nails. "I’ll talk to my father. You investigate the name of that woman’s father."
"But do you understand this could take me months, even years, if we don’t have a clue?" he pointed out quickly, blocking my path. I looked him in the eye and snapped, "Then start quickly. What do you expect for me to do your job as well? Don’t push me, Muler." I brushed past him and headed to my father’s office. Leaving the mansion, I got into the car where the driver was waiting, and he drove off.
۩
Belle
After getting dressed, I looked at myself in the mirror and saw a faint smile on my lips. I ran my fingers over my mouth and timidly smiled, recalling what happened last night. If something had changed last night, I hoped it was love and not just a figment of my imagination. I wanted it to be real… Mr. Cesar had asked me to discover for myself what was going on, and I knew. I knew what I wanted for the two of us, but I was scared—afraid that it wasn’t what he truly wanted. What if it was only for a few days? What if it was just a fleeting emotion? Suddenly, my phone rang. Not recognizing the number, I answered.
"Yes?"
"Is this Miss Belle Orphan?"
"Yes, this is her. Who’s calling?"
"We’re calling from the detox hospital."
"Did something happen to my grandfather? I haven’t been able to contact him for days. I was planning to visit him soon."
"Your grandfather is fine, don’t worry… but for the past few days, he’s been saying some concerning things."
"What do you mean?"
"I think it would be better if you came and saw for yourself."
"I’ll be there right away," I said, hanging up and heading to the hospital, worried.
۩
Belladona
"Why do you look for me when you know I don’t have time for your dramas, Belladona?" my father inquired as I followed him briskly.
"It’s important, and since you never make time for me—"
"Important to whom? To you and your vanity-filled bubble? I have far more pressing matters to attend to," he said harshly, about to get into the car, when I blurted out, "That little girl is my half-sister. Is that not important to our family?"
"What are you talking about now?"
"Since you wouldn’t tell me about my mother, I had to investigate myself. That woman betrayed you, which is why you threw her out… So you kept one baby to have an heir and left the other child behind."
"If you already know, what’s the concern? That woman is dead—I was informed just recently."
"So you were worried about her too?" I asked as he sighed and settled into the comfort of his car.
"What is it you’re worried about, Belladona? Speak. I don’t have all day."
"Who is that girl’s father?"
"He’s from a family destroyed by tragedy—the Santorinis. The son with whom that woman fooled around died under strange circumstances. Then his parents committed suicide out of grief for their loss. The head of the family, Roberto Santorini, escaped the hospital where he was committed for dementia and was never found again. A ruined family that shouldn’t concern you. Or do you feel threatened by nobody?"
"It’s not that… It’s just that I constantly see her around Cesar. It’s irritating to see my face replicated like that."
"Or is it irritating to see that the girl is achieving what you cannot? How many times have I told you that your duty is to secure that damned marriage with the Montenegro family? And yet, I see no progress… In the end, nobody will surpass us."
"Am I your daughter?"
"What? What nonsense are you saying now? Do you think you’re not my daughter?"
"I don’t know… Apparently, I could be, or I couldn’t be."
"You… are my daughter and the only one with my surname. Don’t start digging and driving yourself crazy over things that make no sense. Focus on ensuring that girl doesn’t gain so much attention, or people will start asking questions, and we’ll have to give answers. Do you understand?"
"I understand, father." In silence, he rolled up the car window, and the car drove off.
"That wretched girl… I won’t let her ruin me. I’ll finish sinking that family—with her included."