CHAPTER 33: Her Decisions

KATE’s P.O.V.

“So... Are you saying that...”

“Yes, Kate. I had a relationship with that guy. He was my boyfriend before my Dad arranged my marriage to your father...”

“So... He worked for our company just to get back at you?” I asked, confused now.

“I don’t know that he will work under your Dad’s company. I mean, we had a nice closure before... And I thought that we are already in good terms but...”

“He sabotage our company knowing that your Mom and I are having a child. And that was you...” Dad joined in.

“What do you mean by sabotage, Dad? What did he do?”

Dad took a deep breath, and Mom looked down, feeling uncomfortable at our conversation.

“He stole our business plan and claim it as his... Then... He told everyone that your mother was impregnated by him, and not me.”

“What?! That’s crazy!” I exclaimed.

“I know. I almost believed him... But I know that you’re mine, Kate.”

“I’m your child, right?” I asked nervously.

“Yes, Kate. I’m your father. I always knew it from the start. I doubted your Mom before causing our company name to be at risk... But when you came out, that’s when I know that you really are my child. I decided to find out the truth by doing a DNA test and thankfully, the result said that you are indeed mine.”

I sighed out of relief. I don’t know what will I do if I ever found out that Elijah and I are somewhat related to each other.

“So, what happened? What did you do to him?”

My Dad looked away, averting his gaze from me. He’s avoiding my eyes, and I got a feeling that his recent actions have something to do with Elijah’s Dad.

“Your Dad... He did everything to make his life miserable. He even paid some people to watch out for him. The last thing we knew about him is he moved to some province, leaving her new girlfriend here together with their son... And yes, he have a son...”

“Elijah...” I whispered.

“Please don’t hate me, Kate. I did all of that just to protect our family.”

“But, Dad... He had a cancer... He died, not even seeing his son!” I exclaimed, my tears started to fall down from my eyes.

“Kate... It’s not your fault, sweetie. It’s ours,” Mom stated, looking at me with worried in her eyes.

“Now I couldn’t blame Mr. Ramirez if he wanted to get a revenge...” I shook my head, unable to accept the fact that maybe this is the reason why Elijah wanted to try and attempt to do what his father’s last will requested.

“I’m sorry, Kate... It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have done all of those things to him... Will you forgive me now?” Dad looked at me with his pleading eyes.

I wiped my tears away. They are still my parents, and I know that he only did that to protect me. I’m the one who should be blame for this because I didn’t listen to Elijah’s explanation first. And even so he didn’t saw his Dad, he’s willing to sacrifice his last will just to be with me. I don’t know if I still have a face to show to him.

“Please forgive us, sweetie. We don’t know that you will be the one who’s gonna suffer after all these years...”

“Kate, listen,” Dad started. “If you really love his son, then go ahead. We are not going to stop you... Just please... Forgive us, Kate,” he pleaded.

I nodded to myself, thinking of the perfect solution that might end all of this chaos. Maybe, just maybe, if I leave, things would be better for all of them since I’m the one who always brings bad luck to people around me.

“I will. I already forgive you, Mom, Dad. And I always love you. Just please... Please do me a favor...”

“Anything, sweetie.”

“Take me anywhere else except here. I wanted to forget about everything. Please let me...”

Mom gasped in shock, her tears started to form at the corners of her cheeks. I could see in her face that she’s saddened by the thought of me leaving for good.

“But Kate, you don’t have to do this...”

“Yeah, I don’t. But Elijah deserves to have a peaceful life without me. Please, Mom, Dad. Help me. This is the only way I knew that you two could also make up for what you’ve done to his father...”

Mom burst out in tears before hugging me tightly. I know that she’s being in pain, though I could see the agreement in her eyes. Maybe she’s also thinking about Elijah and the guilt that his father’s death brought into our lives.

“I’m going to miss you so much, Kate. I love you...” she cried.

“I love you too, Mom. And I’m going to miss you as well...” I looked at my Dad, before I continued my statement. “Please let me, Dad?”

He nodded as a response.

“Fine. I’m going to book a flight to France for you later on.”

I smiled at him, and he did the same. He’s not very vocal when it comes to his emotions but I know that he’s not as happy as he should be right now. I can see it in his eyes. The pain, and the thought of loosing the only child he’d fight for before.

We ended our conversation right after I’ve made up my decision. Together, we went home as a whole family and ate dinner together. I should be happy, seeing my family finally completed and united as one. But it felt like something is still missing. Something that even my parents couldn’t filled in my heart. Maybe it was self love, the only thing that I couldn’t give to myself.

For the first time in my whole life, I decided to help our maids and washed the dishes the we used because I’ve read an article saying about how washing the dishes could help us think things through. I hope that article is right, because I really wanted to thought about everything first before I finalized my decisions.

While scrubbing the plates, Dad suddenly approached me, pulling the sleeves of his shirt up to his arms. He then looked at me, and smiled.

“Need help?”

“Sure,” I answered.

Maybe this is the first time that I finally got a chance to do an activity together with my Dad. It was as simple as washing our dishes but for me, it was nice. It gave me the feeling that he wanted to fill all of those years that he hasn’t been with me whenever I needed him to be by my side. But that wasn’t important right now. As long as we are still together, I think it’s not yet too late to get close to him.

“I’m booking you a ticket to Paris...”

I melancholically chuckled, hoping that it will ease the sadness that we are all feeling right now.

“Out of all places on Earth, Dad, why Paris?”

“Nothing... I just thought that... That place suites you the most. Elegant, sophisticated, and... Loved. Your Mom and I are going to miss you so much.”

I smiled, realizing that I’m already crying right now. Dad opened up his feelings to me for the very first time. I couldn’t believe that there would be a time like this where we could share a moment like a normal father and daughter always do.

“Don’t cry, Kate. You can always cancel it.”

“I know, Dad. But I’m fine... I’ll be fine. Maybe this decision is the best one that I ever made for myself.”

“Good luck then, Kate. Always remember that you can go home right here if you want to...”

“Thanks, Dad.”

I gave him a light hug and he returned the favor. After our little drama, we both laughed at ourselves while wiping our tears away, realizing what just happened. I know it wasn't that much, but I’ll cherish that memory of him forever.

That night, when I was finally laying down on my bed, I thought of just one person, and it was no other than Elijah. I owe a lot to him. In fact, I owe him everything. And he deserves a proper explanation before I leave. That’s the first thing that I’m going to do tomorrow. I’m going to see him at the hospital.