Truth or Lie

CHAPTER FIVE

The room suddenly went quiet and still after Ariana's sudden words. Lorenzo's face turned stiff and cold as he stared at her like she had grown two heads.

The idea seemed both preposterous and strange to him.

"Why would I do that?"

Ariana smiled briefly, her eyes shining with a sly gleam as she clasped her hands together.

"Come on now, you slept with our innocent daughter. What would people say when they find out? Besides...isn't she beautiful enough for you to have as a wife?" Her underlying meaning was obvious. She was going to defame him if he didn't take her.

Aleira's eyes darted, an idea suddenly in her head. She stepped forward.

"I...I also have something to tell you." She began softly.

"What is it?"

"I'm pregnant for you...so you have to take responsibility." A victorious smile graced her lips but she hid it by lowering her head.

Meanwhile, Chiara stayed at the edge of the stairs listening and waiting until she finally heard the door slamming. Which was an indication that he was gone. With soft steps she descended downwards.

"Mom, am I really going to marry him? Lorenzo Deluca?" Aleira's excitedly voice echoed around the house.

"Yes my darling and if you play your cards right, you can have the Deluca's wealth all to yourself."

"I'm so happy...its like a dream come true. To think Chiara almost ruined it for me." 

The two women snickered loudly with Alex smiling contentedly behind them.

"Why did you do it?" Chiara's voice was strange calm as she spoke, startling th so much they flinched.

"Goodness, Chiara make a noise when you walk." Ariana chided with an annoyed look on her face.

Still appearing calm, her hands hanging at her waist, she asked again.

"Why did you do it?"

"Do what?" Aleira asked with a flick of her hair.

"You know what I'm talking about. Why did you claim to be the woman he met when you know it was me?"

"Ha!" Aleira couldn't help but scoff with a roll if her eyes. "Are you that upset about this? You should know that someone like you doesn't need to bother with someone as huge as him. He's perfect for me."

Chiara took in a deep, shaky breath.

"Alright, let's forget about him for a second. Where is my necklace?"

"You mean this?" Ariana held up the necklace in front of her. Chiara moved to grab it but Ariana dragged it back, a smile in her lips.

"Honey..." The name wasn't endearing, more like a mockery and chiding. "...you should know by now that I can't give this you."

"Why?" Chiara frowned, puzzled and anxious, her gaze constantly flicking to the necklace.

"Because from today, it belongs to Aleira."

"What? No! Why?" Chiara protested weakly.

"Lorenzo already identified her as the owner..." Ariana shrugged, "...what will she do when he suddenly demands to see it again. And besides..." Her gaze turned cold as she approached Chiara slowly. "...where did you get it?"

"What do you mean?" Chiara stepped back.

"This necklace is exactly what it is...the family heirloom. And its only meant to be held by the heart if this family."

"In the heart, aren't I?" Chairs asked, uncertain.

"Oh you wish." Aleira chuckled.

"Chiara, you are still too young to be the heir, okay? Your sister is older and more matured. I think that role is best left for her." Alex quipped from where ge sat with a nonchalant look on his face.

Chiara finally understood. She was never considered as the heir by her parents. They had already chosen Aleira. Tears walked up in her eyes along with a stiff sensation on her chest. She balled her fists and tried to control the hot fury coursing through her.

"I'm still asking, where did you get the necklace?" Ariana persistently asked. That snapped her leash on her control.

"Enough!" She yelled.

"What the...!"

"Huh! 

Aleira gasped in shock.

Chiara stood in front of them, her body slightly trembling as she stared unblinking at Ariana.

"That necklace is mine! I have no idea how I got it but it's mine!"

"How dare you..." Alex stood up to speak.

"I'm your daughter, your fucking real daughter. Not her. So why the hell does she get what I'm supposed to be getting?" Her voice grew louder. "Why is it that every time I try to do something to make you guys see me, it suddenly benefits her?" She spun towards Aleira, her hair flowing wildly around her ad she bared her teeth.

"You!" Aleira flinched. "You came into this home and all of a sudden you took everything away from me. My place, my parents love. You took me...away from me. Why? What did I ever do to you? I always saw and treated you as a sister but what did I get in return?" 

Then she rested her gaze finally on her mother, her voice suddenly soft.

"Mom. All I want is your love. I just want my parents back. Is that so much to ask?."

The room stayed silent except for the soft sniffing from Chiara. Alex and Ariana had a complex look on their faces, as if they didn't know what to say to her. Aleira on her part looked more annoyed that confused, her eyes were narrowed as she watched her.

"I want to know something." Chiara finally spike again, get voice calm as she breathed through her mouth.

"Am I your real daughter?"

Alex and Ariana suddenly froze, they're eyes wide, the necklace on Ariana's hand tumbled to the floor.

"What are you talking about?" She spluttered, her face red.

"What are you trying to say?" Alex growled.

Without blinking, Chiara shrugged, her face devoid of emotions.

"It's the only explanation. Am I adopted? If you can tell me the truth...that I'm adopted. Then I'll accept it and understand why you treat me like this...and ignore me. Like I'm a fucking beggar." She took another breath, her head faced the ceiling for a while before coming back to settle on them. "Am I adopted?"