CHAPTER 4

They were currently gathered around the dining table with the entire Villarreal family, but unlike earlier, when the atmosphere was lively, everyone was now unusually quiet. Rhea could not help but feel anxious, as if she were sitting in a high-stakes business meeting surrounded by investors. She understood, too, that their first impression of her mattered since none of them knew her personally.

She ate silently, waiting to see if anyone would break the heavy silence. She did not want to be forward or speak out of turn. Perhaps they followed strict table manners, like a no-talking rule during meals, a common practice in wealthy and traditional families.

In the middle of their breakfast, Mrs. Lucianda cleared her throat, immediately drawing everyone's attention. At first, Rhea thought the woman had choked, but instead of drinking water, she simply stared at Rhea intently. That gaze made Rhea feel exposed and self-conscious.

Her heartbeat quickened as a minute passed in silence with the woman still observing her. To avoid further discomfort, Rhea slowly bowed her head, trying to make herself less noticeable under those scrutinizing eyes.

By the way, she already knew the names of everyone at the table since Lucas had briefed her about them earlier, as if introducing colleagues to a new hire. Despite Lucas's efforts to sound feminine, his demeanor and attire remained formal and composed. He did not dress in women's clothing or wear makeup, unlike others she had seen who embraced their femininity outwardly. The only problem she noticed was his vanity. But she had no time to dwell on that now.

"So, dear, what is your name?" Mrs. Lucianda finally asked, making Rhea exhale in relief that someone had spoken at last.

She politely wiped her mouth before answering, "Rhea Benitez, Ma'am."

"Wait, are you related to the late Francisco Benitez, the owner of Benitez Restaurant?" Sir Adam, their father, with a slightly funky charm, interjected. Rhea wanted to smile at the memory of their antics earlier in the bedroom, but the weight of the accident two years ago crushed any amusement she felt.

Perhaps noticing her hesitation, Lucas nudged her gently. "Hey, Chararat, what is with you?" he whispered, but she ignored him. They were not close, and he did not need to know her pain.

She gave Sir Adam a faint smile and nodded. "Yes, sir. He is my father," she replied before continuing her meal, silently wishing they would not ask more about her family. The memories were still too raw even after two years.

"Really? I can't believe it!" Sir Adam said enthusiastically, shaking his wife’s arm even as she was about to take a spoonful of food. She ended up hitting his shoulder in protest, but he only pouted playfully and turned back to Rhea.

"You know, I admired your father. He was an outstanding chef. Thanks to him, I never had to sleep outside when my wife was pregnant with our youngest. This woman here," he gestured to his wife, "was so particular about her cravings. She only wanted dishes made by your father. I almost got kicked out of the house once for failing to bring her favorite beef steak. Anyway, I heard about what happened. It is truly saddening, but it is good to see you coping," he added sincerely.

"It is okay, sir. I am moving on," she lied. In truth, she was not. She hated being pitied for being alone. The sorrow in people’s eyes when they looked at her was unbearable. She had no right to be angry, though — that was just how people were.

"Why are you apologizing, Dad? What happened two years ago?" Luciana, the second eldest sibling after Lucas, asked curiously.

Sir Adam cleared his throat before replying, "I believe it is not my story to tell. Just finish your food, Luciana." His direct tone silenced everyone, and Luciana pouted in her seat. Rhea, however, silently thanked Sir Adam for sparing her from further discussion.

Breakfast ended noisily, mostly thanks to Lucas, who enjoyed teasing his siblings, joined by their playful parents, particularly Sir Adam. The once quiet morning turned lively again, and for Rhea, it was a blessing in disguise. Their attention was diverted, lessening her worry that they might pry further into her family affairs.

Currently, Lucas was speaking privately with Sir Adam in his office. Rhea did not know what it was about and had no desire to find out. She was in Lucas’s room, packing her things, preparing to leave. She felt it was improper to overstay, especially since she was a stranger to them. She had stayed long enough, and there were still things she needed to do. She had to close the restaurant and visit her mother in the hospital.

She was deeply thankful to Lucas despite his eccentricity. He had taken her in, even though they were strangers. She knew she was being a burden, so leaving now while she still could seemed like the best option. After all, she was just a suicidal woman he happened to find on the road.

She sighed deeply and sat on the edge of the bed, reflecting on how she had been ready to die the previous night, yet here she was still alive. She was not sure if it was just not her time yet or if she was merely fortunate. But since she was still breathing, perhaps there was hope after all.

Gathering her courage, she stood to check her reflection in the mirror. Once satisfied, she grabbed her belongings and carefully stepped out of the room.

She figured there was no harm in leaving without saying goodbye. Surely, no one would look for her. So, she quietly watched her surroundings, checking if anyone noticed her sneaking out. She knew it was rude, but she was far too embarrassed to formally bid farewell. She told herself it did not matter since Lucas did not know her, and it was unlikely they would ever cross paths again.

Fortunately, there were only a few maids around, so she had no trouble slipping past the main gate. Once outside, she did not look back. Instead, she briskly walked away from the Villarreal residence, the house of the eccentric man who had briefly given her shelter.

The moment Lucas entered his father’s study, he immediately noticed the serious look on the older man’s face. His father sat behind his swivel chair, while Lucas sank onto the couch across from him, expecting a discussion about company matters. But as it turned out, he was wrong.

What unsettled him even more was the sly smile forming on his father’s lips. It was far too meaningful, and Lucas’s instincts told him nothing good was coming.

“Luc, I think she’s the solution,” his father said firmly.

Lucas’s brows knitted in confusion as he tried to figure out what his father meant. “Who’s this ‘she’? And what do you mean by solution? Are we solving a math problem here, or is there something wrong with the company that I don’t know about?” His voice carried sarcasm, though unease was already creeping in.

“That girl, the one you brought home! Rhea. I want you to marry her,” his father declared bluntly.

Lucas’s jaw dropped. He burst into a violent coughing fit, reaching for the glass of water on the table to save himself from choking. “Me? Marrying a girl?” He pointed at himself in disbelief. “Dad, you know I’m gay from head to toe! Why would I marry that woman? We’re both girls! Honestly, my genes are even better than hers!”

His father’s expression hardened. “I don’t care. You must marry her, Lucas. You and I both know the consequence. Your grandfather won’t hand over the company to you if you don’t marry a woman. He could give it to one of our relatives or some other potential successor. And you don’t want that to happen. So decide now. Time is running out.”

Lucas froze, suddenly calculating the situation like a businessman. If he didn’t marry the girl, his grandfather might really give the company to someone else. But if he did, it would mark the end of his fabulous life.

“Dad, isn’t there another way?” he whined dramatically, fanning himself with his hand even though the air conditioner was blasting cold air.

“There’s no other way, Lucas. You know your grandfather. He loves investigations, and he’ll find out if it’s fake. You can’t hide anything from him,” his father replied.

Lucas groaned, sulking in defeat. “Fine. I’ll talk to Rhea first.”

He left the office, still fuming, and went straight to his room. But when he opened the door, the girl was gone. Even her things had been hauled away by Mang Tomas.

“What? She ran away?” Lucas’s eyes widened in disbelief. “That witch! When I see her, I’ll yank her hair 360 degrees! After I helped her, this is what I get?”

An idea suddenly struck him. A sly smile curved his lips as he picked up his phone and dialed a familiar number.

“Hello, Sir—I mean, Miss. Lucy?” came the man's voice on the other end. It was their trusted family investigator.

“I want you to investigate Rhea Benitez and email me everything immediately. Also, find her exact location right now,” Lucas ordered, already heading to his closet to change.

“Noted, Miss… I’ll send you the location in five minutes,” the investigator replied.

“Good, I'll be waiting then,” Lucas said before ending the call.

He smirked, imagining Rhea’s shocked expression when she saw him again. She owed him, and she had to take responsibility. There was no way he would let her slip away now, not when he needed her the most.

Moments later, his phone buzzed.

One message received

From: XXXX 9:15 AM

Current location: Benitez Restaurant near Central Park.

Without wasting time, Lucas grabbed his car keys and rushed to the garage. He had to get there before she left.

“Get ready for me, Chararat,” he muttered before starting the car.

Meanwhile, at Benitez Restaurant, Rhea was speaking with her employees for what would be the last time.

“Ms. Rhea, is there really no other way to save this restaurant?” Julie, one of the long-time waitresses, asked sadly.

Rhea shook her head, her voice heavy. “I wish there were, but I have no choice but to close it completely. I’m sorry you’ll be losing your jobs. Too many things have happened, and I need to find work myself. I hope you understand.”

She was neither a chef nor skilled in business. For two years, she had tried to revive the restaurant, but nothing had worked. The responsibility had originally belonged to her brother, but his sudden passing, along with their father’s, had left everything on her shoulders. She hated to admit it, but she blamed herself for the failure, and now, her employees would suffer as well.

“Don’t blame yourself, Ma’am,” Kate said gently, offering comfort.

Rhea forced a small, weak smile. “Thank you. But I guess this is farewell. You should all go. I’ll take care of things here. I’ll also leave soon—I have to go to the hospital. Thank you for everything.”

She embraced each of them before they left, then began to pack her belongings in silence.

Suddenly, the soft chime of the door rang, signaling someone had entered. Thinking it was a customer who had wandered in by mistake, she approached the entrance.

“We’re clo—” Her voice faltered, and her eyes widened in shock.

Standing there was the very last person she expected to see again. Lucas, the flamboyant grandson of the Villarreal tycoon. His sharp gaze locked on her as though she owed him a massive debt.

“Found you,” he declared firmly.

Rhea froze in place, her hand flying to her mouth in disbelief.

What was he doing there?