Chapter 71

Chapter 71
Fernandez emerged from the hidden room, his eyes red and puffy from crying. He felt a sense of numbness wash over him, a mix of emotions still swirling inside. He made his way to his bedroom, seeking solitude.
But Anna was already there, waiting for him. She saw him enter and quickly rushed to his side. "Fernandez, wait, you have to listen to me," she said, her voice laced with concern.
But Fernandez didn't stop. He walked past her, his eyes fixed on the bathroom door. He needed a moment to collect himself, to wash away the tears and the pain.
Anna followed him, her footsteps light on the floor. "Fernandez, please listen to me. I need to explain," she said, her voice gentle but urgent.
But Fernandez shut the bathroom door behind him, locking it. He leaned against the sink, his eyes gazing into the mirror. He looked different, his eyes sunken, his face pale.
He turned on the faucet, letting the cool water wash over his hands. He splashed some on his face, feeling the refreshing sensation calm his skin.
"Fernandez, please," Anna's voice came from outside the door, her tone soft and pleading.
But Fernandez didn't respond. He stood there, lost in his thoughts, trying to process the emotions that still lingered inside him.
Dejected and exhausted, Anna stormed out of the bathroom, slamming the door behind her. She had tried to reach out to Fernandez, but he had shut her out - literally. She trudged towards the kitchen, her feet heavy with fatigue. The servants, sensing her distress, approached her with concern.
"Ma'am, can we get you something?" one of them asked, but Anna just shook her head.
"I just need a glass of water," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
One of the maids quickly fetched her a glass of water, and Anna took it gratefully, her thirst momentarily forgotten in her emotional turmoil.
Meanwhile, Reyna was on her way to meet Fernandez when her phone rang, shrill in the silence. She sighed and turned back towards her room, answering the call.
"Hello, Reyna. I hope everything is fine with your brother?" Leonardo Rossi's voice came through the line, warm and concerned.
Reyna hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "Yes, Leo. Everything's...complicated. My brother is going through a tough time right now."
Leonardo's voice was empathetic. "I understand. Family can be tough sometimes. If you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here for you, Reyna."
Reyna smiled, grateful for his support. "Thanks, Leo. I appreciate it."
As she hung up the phone, Reyna couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead for Fernandez and Anna. Would they find a way to work through their issues, or would their relationship continue to fray? Only time would tell.
Reyna's smile faltered as Fernandez's words cut through her. She had expected him to be defensive, but the anger in his eyes took her aback.
"Brother, that's not the point," Reyna said, trying to reason with him. "The point is how you spoke to her. Those words were hurtful and uncalled for."
Fernandez's jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with anger. "You think you can lecture me on how to treat Anna? You're the one who encouraged her to keep the pregnancy a secret and even gave her the address of the abortion clinic."
Reyna's face fell, her frustration boiling over. "That's not true, Fernandez. I was just trying to support Anna in her decision. And I didn't know about the baby first but I heard her when she was talking and that's how I come to know about the baby."
Fernandez's laugh was bitter. "Save it, Reyna. I know you too well. You're always trying to play peacemaker, but this time you've gone too far."
Reyna stood up, her eyes locked on Fernandez's. "I'm only trying to help, brother. But if you won't listen to me, then maybe you should listen to yourself. Think about how your words affected Anna. Think about how she felt when you accused her of cheating and wanting to abort your child."
Fernandez's expression twisted, his eyes dropping away from Reyna's gaze. For a moment, Reyna thought she saw a glimmer of regret, but then his mask slipped back into place.
"Get out, Reyna," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "This doesn't concern you."
Reyna's heart ached as she realized her brother was too far gone to listen to reason. She turned and left the room, the sound of Fernandez's anger echoing behind her.
A knock came on the door, and Anna, who was just coming from the kitchen, heard it. She stopped in her tracks and was curious. Who could be coming to meet them? They weren't expecting anyone. Anna opened the door, and there stood a middle-aged man with a girl. Anna gasped because the middle-aged man was the older version of Fernandez. Who could this person be?
"Hello, good evening!" The middle-aged man greeted, his voice cheerful.
"Good evening, but who are you?" Anna was curious to know who they were and what they were doing at their home.
"Hello, madam, I'm Mr. Antonio's business partner." Rosario Antonio smiled at his daughter-in-law.
Anna smirked and moved closer. "I will not allow you to call me madam, as you are older than me, and why don't I believe you? You look just like the older version of Fernandez, and definitely, you are not a business partner."
Rosario Antonio smiled and looked at Anna. The girl was beautiful and had that innocent look. He hoped she would change Fernandez.
"Yes, you are right. I'm a relative, daughter-in-law, as I'm that hot-headed guy's father." Rosario Antonio introduced himself, and Anna opened her mouth in shock. Nobody had told her about Mr. Antonio, and she only heard of him for the first time from Reyna.
Anna didn't know what to do. Will he be the same as Fernandez? How should she behave? Her face looked pale. And they were here when Fernandez and she were fighting right now.
It was as if Rosario Antonio could read Anna's face and thoughts because he smiled and entered, touching Anna's shoulder lightly. "I'm not like that hot-headed guy. Like you said, I'm the older version and warmer version. You see that I'm smiling at you. Have you ever seen him smile?"
Anna nodded negatively, as she had never seen Fernandez smile. He only smirked.
"You are welcome, sir." Anna smiled and greeted.
"No, no, don't be polite, Anna. You can call me Rosario." He looked at the girl beside him and wanted to introduce her when the girl cut him off.
She looked at Anna and smiled politely. "Hi Anna, I'm Alessandra. I'm Fernandez's cousin."