Chapter 108 - Meeting Her Enemy

It was not oblivious to Ajie's knowledge that he was only an adopted child but he knew it was far from reality that he could be their lost child. Yet, he felt amused at the irony of life being presented to himself. Jane's mother was for him too desperate, to think that he could be one, just because her son's name was similar to his. Yet, he couldn't deny it to himself, that for the first time, he wanted to know who his real parents were. Seeing both the desire and desperation Jane's mother displayed, he began to wonder how his real parents must had felt, the moment he got lost.

On their way back home, Jane revealed to him everything about her mom.

"Mom was not able to accept my brother's loss so it resulted to an anxiety disorder... "

"Dad gave up, one day, in apologizing and consoling her. She just didn't improve and became even more stubborn as the days went by. All his efforts to find my brother were all not enough for her and so their quarreling intensified. Until she broke down and ended up in a psychiatric facility for a long time. "

"Dad finally decided to build her that home with a complete psychiatric team since she refused to go home with us. For her, our home are filled with the memories of kuya and it doesn't help her in her recovery. "

"Of course, isolation is not a perfect idea since a support system would have been beneficial to her. But, as I said, mom is just too stubborn. "

Ajie felt horrified by Jane's revelation. He just couldn't imagine the trouble of dealing with her mom who refused to move on. He just couldn't fathom the depth of the ties between a mother and a child, since there was nothing good enough to bring her out into an acceptance stage.

He then remembered Allie and all the sacrifices she made primarily for their daughter. The hardest part of a mother to give up on her life is always the reluctance in leaving their children. Allie must had endured the pain of separation just because she knew that in this way, she wouldn't be separated to their daughter forever. And now, Allie is giving up. She must be so tired already in fighting her battles alone without any support from her family. Not even him.

He picked up his phone and called up Joshua. To his relief, his call was immediately accepted. "Josh, I'm sorry. Can we plan for her rescue?"

"Good, you have finally thought about that. It doesn't matter if you have already given up on your marriage. Spouses can be replaced but not her child. "

"I'm sorry but I am blinded with so much jealousy. Anyway, let's put it aside for now. Where can I meet you?"

Ajie hung up after Joshua had given him the place. His thoughts were in a complete mess that talking it out would not help. Their trip was again wrapped up in silence just as how it was on their way there. When Jane finally parked on her garage, only then did he realized they were home.

" Jane, I'm going to see Joshua. " He looked at her with a sense of guilt. He had never treated her the way she deserved it. But what could he do? She was falling for him whose loyalty was still bound to Allie. She couldn't blame him, either. She knew that despite his marriage annulment, he was not completely free. She painfully and happily accepted the slim chance of his weakest moment when he fell into a deep anger and jealousy. She didn't expect much from him, she was willing and prepared to accept whatever was left from his affection for Allie. She never demanded for something beyond what he could only give and this fact made him guilty. All she got was his deep respect and an effort to fulfill his promise.

"Tell me how can I help you. Should I arrange a police back - up?" This statement even more pricked Ajie's heart.

"Jane, stop it. You don't deserve this. I don't want to hurt you more. "

"I would willingly do this to anybody."

Ajie shook his head and stood on his ground firmly. " No, go home and rest. You may give me a favor of calling Allie and take her home. "

_____

"I'm on the lobby to pick you up for dinner. " Hayri spoke through the intercom the receptionist handed him.

"But I'm full. Hayri, I just want to

rest." Allie no longer want to add a memory of his kindness that would only deepen her guilt.

"No. I'll have your dinner sent to your room. "

"Fine, I'll come down. " Allie knew she wouldn' t win over an argument when it came to meals.

"I'll bring you home, then. Dad is waiting for you. "

If she was close to a mirror at this moment, she could have seen herself turning pale. How could she bear the guilt in facing Mr. Dioko when he was the one who granted her the scholarship during her high school years? And he was the one who authorized the great opportunity of upgrading into another course and at the same time, provided her the most generous amount of time to balance her work and study. Not only that, she knew that he also approved Hayri's decision to make her the primary shareholder of Rina DK's Builders.

"Okay. "

Facing Mr. Dioko few minutes later, she suddenly lost all her defenses to guard her welling emotion of guilt and gratitude. The moment Mr.Dioko hugged her lovingly as a father to a daughter, she broke into tears which soon turned into a deep wailing.

Hayri was stunned. Was he right in his suspicion that she was his dad's mistress? He had always told himself that he wouldn't be jealous, that he would heartily accept her for whoever was she, but at this moment while watching them hugged, he got hurt.

"Thank you, darling, for all the inspiration you give to my son. "

"If only you know, sir, I am too ashamed to accept your admiration and gratefulness. I certainly do not deserve it. "

"What is it, dear? Is it because of all those things I granted in your favor? But you have greatly paid in return. Most of all, you make my son happy and that is my greatest consolation."

Allie was not able to answer right away. How could she tell him about herself? She snapped back from her train of thoughts when his voice floated into her ears

"Dear , by the way, are you also living in Cebu? "

Hayri got more confused while Allie got herself into a dilemma.