Chapter 13 - Revelation

John was having a serious talk with his father in his office.

"Son, since your wife is already with us, I think we should switch places. I will be the one on tour to check on our hotels and other businesses all over the country and I'm also going to visit our mining business in Zamboanga. And while I'm traveling I will be on a lookout for new business ventures in the places that I will be visiting. Just stay here and managed the business in our headquarter since your wife can not be left alone, you should stay by her side together with the children," Hector said.

"No problem, Dad. I will have George accompany you in your travel as your bodyguard. When are you planning to start traveling?" John asked.

"Two weeks from now. There's something important that I still need to do before I begin my journey around the country," said Hector, his face becomes serious. Now is the perfect time to reveal the truth to John that Clara is not her real mother, Susan is his biological mother. He hoped that his son won't condemn him and can forgive him easily.

John was puzzled why his father's face suddenly turned serious and he was looking intently at him. "What is it, Dad? You have something to tell me?"

Hector coughed a little as if a lump was suddenly lodged in his throat. "Son, I have a confession to make, hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me." He was still hesitating to reveal the truth.

"Come on...tell me now, Dad, I'm ready to listen," John said.

"Son... my wife Clara, the woman who raised you is not your biological mother. Susan is your real mother the one who gives birth to you...you remember that woman you meet at the airport, you still remember her... right? That woman's name is Susan, she is your biological mother." Hector released a deep breath of relief, finally, he succeeded in revealing the long-hidden truth to his son.

John at that moment was stunned and shocked.

There were a few minutes of palpable silence between them.

"I'm so sorry, son, it took me so long to tell you about your real mother," Hector said.

John's eyebrows knitted together.

"But Dad, how did it happen? Did you have an affair with that woman Susan?" John was still having a hard time accepting the truth that he was not her mother's biological son.

"Just listen to me my son, let me explain everything to you," Hector said. "When I started my business in Cebu City, your mother and I were already married but childless. Then I hired a secretary named Susan Santos to help me in my office, we got pretty close fast and the illicit affair started in that office, then I got her pregnant with you, I realized that I don't want to destroy my marriage with Clara and I also do not want to destroy Susan's future, I know she can still find the right guy that will love her unconditionally. So we broke up and I suggested to her that I will adopt the baby since I am financially secured compare to her. Our plan is for her to left the baby in front of the gate of our rented home so that my wife can find the baby...Susan agreed and cooperated with my plan. Everything happens the way we planned and Clara fell in love with you the moment she laid eyes on you, then you become our first child, one year after, she got pregnant with Joseph and the rest is history."

John massages his temple. "Mom doesn't know that I am your son with Susan?" he asked.

"Yes. Until now I can't bring myself to confess to her about my affair with Susan. I am afraid that she will break down especially that Joseph is no longer around. Your mother has a weak heart. She might not be able to accept the truth that I betrayed her with another woman during the early days of our marriage and the product of that forbidden affair is you." The guilt was plastered all over Hector's face.

John released a deep sigh. What a revelation of his true identity! Truly a shocker!

"I'm so sorry, son," Hector said. Right now he doesn't know what reaction to expect from his son, but John is already a matured person he believed that he will get over the shock soon enough.