Chapter 7: Tell Me the Truth

Using his car’s Bluetooth, Marcus answered the call cautiously.

“Hello, Grandpa?” Marcus greeted and acknowledged.

On the other line, Don Arthur who was longsome inside the study room is currently drinking the hibiscus tea. He sighed and asked, “I didn't catch up with you earlier this morning, so I called you at the company but your secretary told me you’re not there, so, where are you now Marcus?”

Marcus coughed out of the sudden and in spite of the cold air-conditioned inside his car, a bead of sweat still formed on his forehead. He knew, he can’t hide from his grandfather and he has no intention of lying, but what can he do? He was tossed in between conscientious and his vow. Although he loves and respects his grandpa, but he also made a promise to Miguel, and he knew where was Miguel's emotions coming from. So, while flipping his fingers on the steering wheel, he composed himself and answered back, “I’m having a meeting outside, but I’m on my way back to the office now grandpa.”

“Who are you meeting at? Is it Miguel? Did you already found him?” Without beating around the bush, Don Arthur asked.

Dead air fell the atmosphere.

“Tell me the truth, Marcus. Do you know where is Miguel, and what exactly happened to him?” Don Arthur added when he only heard wheezing from the other line.

“Grandpa – why are you asking me like that? It seems like you think I’m lying, aren't you?” Marcus replied with a question instead.

“I didn’t say that you’re lying, but I know you and Miguel. I know your brotherhood because I both raised you.” Don Arthur answered calmly, and with a single sighed he added, “I don’t know what exactly is happening, but please if you already found your cousin, tell him to come home as soon as possible.”

Marcus eyes gleamed with so much care, he can feel his grandfather’s painstaking state and he wants to ease his feelings, so he answered, “Grandpa, don’t worry because you know how strong is your grandson is, right? You trained him how to be toughed so he could survive the cruelty of the world. So, wherever he is right now, he would be fine. You have to trust him that he’ll come back soon.”

“I know.” Don Arthur responded, afterwards, a sigh of relief could be heard as he added, “Take care Marcus.”

When the call ended, Marcus couldn't help but smile at what his grandfather said. Ever since he and Miguel were young, the old man has always took good care of them. It looks brave and scary on the outside, but it's actually kind deep inside. He could still remember how his grandfather spoilt the both of them when both of their parents were gone to work. Both of their parents got married in a consecutive year. Actually, Miguel is just three months older than him since Miguel’s mother conceived only a year after her marriage to Simon, while Sabrina, his mother on the other side of the coin got pregnant right after the honeymoon period. That time, they were the only born young masters of the family, since Adam who was born next is 8 years younger than them while the twins, Carl and Cali are the youngest. As a matter of fact, Brixton has tagged and manifested them not only as the wealthiest family in the city, and one of the richest in the country, but a perfect family as well. But, way back then, the old man’s perfect home and happy family has started fading away when Adam and Miguel’s mother died, and then two years after that, Doña Victorina, their grandfather’s beloved wife and their grandmother had passed away too.

Thinking and reminiscing that storm part of their family, Marcus has maneuvered the steering wheel and speedily drove making his way to the company.

Meanwhile, inside the study room of the mansion, after Don Arthur dropped the call, he turned and faced his trustworthy assistant and asked, “Oman have you checked Marcus’ movements lately? Have you notice anything unusual? Don’t you think both of my grandsons are up to something?”

Oman once coughs before answering, “I think you have to trust on how you raised the both of them Don Arthur. I believed the young masters have reasons whether they’re up to something, and if none, then, let the investigation prevail what is really happening. After all, the law is not blind especially for those who were in the top of the pyramid.”

With a senseless smile, Don Arthur commented, “You’re becoming a poet now Oman.” then, he made another sip of his hibiscus tea.

Oman grinned as he kept on scraping off his baldness head.

***

11: 05 AM!

12: 45 PM!

01: 30 PM!

Miguel is pacing around the living room while checking the clock from time to time. He has already walking back and forth and has gone around almost every corner of the apartment, but Andrea was still not home.

“Does it take that long to deliver her customer’s order? why is she still not here?” Miguel asked himself silently.

A little while longer, his stomach started to growl. “Argh! I'm hungry now. Shit Andrea, what take you so long?” He sat down and exclaimed out of annoyance and irritation. Twenty minutes later, Miguel is about to stand from his seat again when suddenly a woman gasping for her breath suddenly entered the door at his left side.

“Hey, are you chased by the dog?” Miguel asked Andrea coldly like a villain after noticing her panting while rushing in.

Without a word, Andrea stared at him sharply and not long after, she withdrew her sharp gaze and silently walking out, entering the room next to his.

Literally, Andrea gave him a cold shoulder, but he was too hungry to entertain her mood swings, so he went straight to the room where Andrea entered and annoyingly knocked it multiple times.

“Hey –”

After fifth times of his attempts, Miguel’s left hand was hanging on the air when the door suddenly opens.

“What? Why? Why do you kept on knocking when I’m still changing to my unfashionable outfit?” Andrea said sarcastically.

Miguel’s brows raised, ignoring the hunch of her statements, he answered immediately, “I’m hungry! I didn’t even take my medicine because I haven’t eaten yet.”

Andrea’s heart suddenly melts by watching his gloomy and pitiful flinty eyes.

“I left a food for you before I went out, why you didn't eat it?” She asked while walking out and went directly at the kitchen to reheat the food she left for him.

Miguel followed her into the kitchen. He just silently sitting down while watching her rewarming the food. Actually, he wants to apologize because he knows that she is upset with him but he doesn't know how. He’s not good in words especially in front of a woman. It’s one of the hundreds of reasons why he’s regarded as one of the city’s most eligible bachelor.

Moments later, Miguel’s food is served with a prepared sedative and a glass of water besides him. A hidden smile was formed in his lips for noticing someone that despite of being upset, she still managed to take care of a patient like him.

“How about you? Are you not eating?” He asked before attending his food.

“I’m done.” Andrea answered shortly. Actually, she would nearly be at home before lunch if not because of his stepfather’s thuds. She was about to enter the pavement on her way home when out of nowhere she saw her stepdad's men. She abruptly turned in a different direction so that they wouldn't see her. She just spent some time and ate outside before she thought of going back. Then, she hurriedly went back home when she was sure that they were already gone.

But thinking she's at safe now, unexpectedly…

“Thud. Thud.”

A twice-knock from the door caught Andrea’s attention.

“My God! Did they manage to follow me here? Don't tell me it's useless that even though I sped up my pace so I wouldn't be seen by them after I delayed my time in coming home, still, they could catch me off-guard?” Andrea murmured silently in disbelief.

“Helloooo… is anyone inside? Andrea, I saw your motorcycle outside, If you were inside, then come on, open up the door.” A shout from a lady could be heard outside followed by plain knocks.

“Miss Mina?” Andrea said when she recognized the voice of their lessor, the owner of the apartment they’re occupying.

“Miss Mina. What brings you here today?” She asked the moment she opened the door.

“I’m here to collect your unpaid three months rent. Today is the third month due-date, so I’m here to collect it.” Miss Mina declared in hostility.

“What? three months? I think you’re mistaken Miss Mina because I give the half amount of the rental payment regularly to my housemate since we split the payment. With her half, she said she will fully give you our monthly payment.” Andrea reasoned out.

“It's been three months but I still haven't received the payment so I personally come here for that. If you can’t give me the payment today, Oh! Well, I’m so sorry to tell you Andrea but I’ll be accepting other tenants. Actually, yesterday, there is an interested occupant who wants to rent here, but I neglected them because you’re still renting here. But you must know, business is business, right?” Miss Mina clarified.

“But –

“How much? I’ll be paying!”

Out of a sudden, a prominent and fine-looking man with enticing misty eyes intervened, his chiseled jaw moves as he butt in and cut-off Andrea’s words. He stood before Miss Mina, leaving the latter with an admiration and an awe countenance.

“Wait! What paying – paying you’re talking about huh? Do you have money?” Andrea abruptly went beside him and whispered.

Miguel look into her eyes, and after a while, without any single word he walked out and entered into the room.

Andrea was bemused by his reaction, but she just ignored him and faced Miss Mina instead, “Miss Mina, can we just wait for my roommate Trina? It's almost the end of her time at work so she will be here at any moment now.”

“No. I can't wait any longer because my nephew is also waiting for that money, that’s why I came here on my own to collect it, hoping that you could make your repayment today.” Miss Mina persuaded.

“Here! Here’s the payment. If it's too much, then just have it as their advance payment for the rent in the following month.” Miguel quickly intervened as he was extending his hand to give the payment.

Andrea's jaw dropped and her eyes widened when she saw the heap of money Miguel gave to Miss Mina. She couldn’t believe with her own eyes, and series of questions were silently popping out her head, “How could he have lots of money? Where did he get it?”

Her confused thoughts were suddenly interrupted by Miss Mina's remarks.

“Oh! You must be grateful Andrea that despite of your hmm..." Miss Mina said, scanning Andrea from head to down, "unique appearance! the gods are helping you to hook for a perfect boyfriend who is very handsome and rich." She continued.

Afterwards, she faced Miguel, giggling and said, "Hmm… Thank you handsome.”

Andrea’s almond eyes thinned after hearing Miss Mina's words.

“What the - ! me? Boyfriend?” Creasing his brows, Miguel silently screamed on his head.