Chapter 175 - Parent's Instinct

"If given a chance, do you think your father Raul will inform Uncle Leo that you are his biological son?"

Andrew looked away for a moment, perhaps pondering upon the question and with a pained expression a little later, and he looked back at Joanna.

"Not at all," Andrew smirked, "he was too full of himself to do that. He doesn't allow us to get near him, and he  even warned to hurt us if we dare disobey."

"Why?" 

"Because he's angry and jealous."

"You seemed to be angry at Uncle Leo also. Do you think it's fair to put your blame on him knowing that he did not know the truth?"

"I know it's not, but I can't help it. I believe in a parent's instinct."

"As far as I know, Uncle Leo suffered shame and pain when your father Raul accused and punished for raping your mother. What will you do if you were in his place?"

"I swear I will avenge myself." 

"But Uncle Leo did not do that. He chose to live far away from them, and that's why he came to Molave, a mountain district. How do you see a person doing that instead?"

"He's a coward though I can say he chose the good and peaceful side."

"So do you think Uncle Leo has a good heart by doing that? And if he knew the truth earlier, wouldn't he acknowledge you as your son?"

"No, because Adrian is there."

"But we already know that Adrian is not his real son."

Andrew stared at her but did not say a word.

"If he loves Adrian even if he's only adopted, wouldn't you think he would love you even more as the real son?"

During their last breakfast before the group set off from the ship, Joanna invited Leo and Issa to join them.

"Auntie, Uncle, we would be happier if you will join us on our beach getaway," Joanna said excitedly while Andrew just ate in silence.

"We're already too old for that, Joanna," Leo replied with a chuckle, "but we will be waiting for you in Molave."

Joanna glanced at Andrew, who still kept his silence. The elderlies also followed Joanna's eyes and waited for his reaction. Seeing that he remained ignoring them, they looked at each other, and Joanna passed them a silent message that she would not stop until Andrew would accept them. Leo and Issa nodded, and their looks implied that they could wait.

They all went to the airport together, and Joanna helped the couple in all the processes. Andrew tagged along even if he still did not talk to them. As they said goodbyes before they separated, Joanna hugged them both, and the latter did the same. They also hugged Andrew, who stood unmoving like a statue.

"Son, we will be waiting for you at home," Leo said his last words before he stepped away.

Andrew blinked and stared at him, but they noticed that his expression softened. Leo didn't speak further, but he tapped Andrew's shoulder before he walked away. Even if Andrew may still hold a flat affect, but Leo turned away with a happy and hopeful heart. Time had it's own way of healing and changing things into better perspectives.

______

Cherry woke up early to prepare the things she needed to bring on their island escapade. She still had to meet the interior designer of her office for the final touches. They would also discuss options for the house she planned to build for her own since she would also be moving her office with Allie. Anyway, she could always visit her branches anytime.

Miss Grace Veraces, the interior designer, finally sent a message that she was already on her way. They agreed to meet at the hotel's restaurant, and she came down ahead and chose a less crowded corner. She got herself a cup of coffee, planning to check her mails while waiting. The table she occupied was too big for two, but she chose it to have a space to put her laptop on. People were already coming and filling half of the place, and waiters were busy serving them.

Focusing on the mails for the moment as she realized she already had many unattended messages, she snapped up to her senses when a familiar voice called out her name.

"Miss Perez, it's nice to see you here!"

Cherry glanced up towards where the voice came from and smiled ahead, thinking that an acquaintance spotted her there. To her surprise, the owner of the voice was the interior designer, and seeing her smiling at someone else, she thought for a while that the latter forgot her face and had mistaken someone else as herself. Yet to her shock, the woman answered, and her voice flowed out in excitement.

"Grace! What a small world, I also did not expect to see you here." She heard the woman whom the interior designer addressed as Miss Perez answered.

The woman's back was facing Cherry, but even without seeing the face yet, her familiar voice and built caused an instant tumult inside her heart. She still looked elegant as she always remembered, her movements refined like someone expected from a higher status.

"I heard you were in Vietnam," Miss Veraces replied, her eyes still wore the surprise of seeing her.

"I was days ago, but I do not stay at the same place most of the time, " the woman answered while stepping forward, stretching her arms wide for a hug.

"So, you're staying here?" Miss Grace Veraces asked after they got themselves into a tight hug.

"This is one of my company's hotel I am overseeing," Miss Perez answered, a smile remained plastered at her beautiful face. "By the way, you're also staying her? For a project?"

"Not actually, but yes, I am going to meet someone here for a project."

"A house or a commercial establishment?"

Before Grace could answer, Cherry snatched up her bag and her laptop and sprinted out of the restaurant. She went up directly to her room, catching her breath. She was not ready yet, and perhaps, the wound was still there.