Chapter 6

I couldn’t believe it. I recall the day I moved into my condo for the first time. Three weeks do not appear to have passed. It was as if I’d never been lost and it was last night when the incident happens in the bar.

Yesterday, I fell asleep while waiting for him. He had not yet returned home at one o’clock in the evening. He hardly looked at me when I woke up that morning. As if I were a gust of wind. You can sense it, but you won’t bother it.

It makes me feel disappointed however I know couldn’t do anything to change as it was my decision to leave.

Karious took me back to my unit after breakfast. Our journey included a lot of silence, something I wasn’t used to. We are constantly arguing and fighting.

Today, however, was not one of those days. Karious doesn’t look at me or talk to me, thus I believe he despises me. His gaze was fixed on the road as if it were the only thing worth looking at. He was so frigid, and it appeared as if he would never accept my decision, and that in order for us to reconcile, I would have to give in to his madness. Which I’ll never do, and he’s well aware of it.

‘However, are you satisfied with your decision?‘

Sure, why not? Duh! I’ve been planning this for years! I’m not going to be sorry.

I discovered we were in Tagaytay during our ride. That must be why the weather was cold and misty.

“Thank you for sending me here. Do you want to get inside for a coffee?” I asked when we arrived at my condo’s tower, hoping he would say yes.

I didn’t inquire further about how he discovered my whereabouts. He had already investigated me. Is there anything else he’s not aware of?

“Thank you for the invitation,” he stated emphatically, “but I really need to return due to some business,” and then got out of the car to open the door for me.

I simply nodded. Will I be able to visit him again after this?

What for? We don’t have anything to do with each other. He seems to have no intention of seeing me again. How can I visit Rious then?

I smiled at him after tightly closing my eyes. “I’m truly sorry for the trouble. I hope I can make up for the headache I caused you,” I stated solemnly.

“No need to apologize. It’s not your fault. Take care of yourself from now on,” he said as he touched me on the head and returned to the car.

I was left in the parking lot, unsure if my decision was correct. I will not be sorry because this is something I have long desired, but I still feel adrift.

I’m hoping Rious doesn’t despise me. Even if it was only for a short period, the boy became quite close to me.

He was sweet, jolly, kind cute, and smart. He was distinct from his father, yet their physical characteristics were the same. Veronica is so lucky to have them but she throws the fortune to be with another man and did unforgivable things. I hate her.

In the morning, I cleaned the house, and then at noon, I took a shower. I intended to go to the office to check what work I had left and to see whether I was still employed.

I’ll also speak with Dad. Of course, I’ll never forget the time he rejected me. I was stubborn enough to defy him, but he was too much when all I did for him was obey him and be his perfect daughter.

I told him I wasn’t ready for the job, but I didn’t say I wouldn’t assist him. I just wanted freedom once and for all. At least ask me if I really like the position. I suppose he doesn’t realize I’m equally concerned for the family.

We just have each other, and I sincerely hope we can get along. I hope my father’s eyes will be opened to see the reasons why I left and my intentions.

I went straight to my father’s company after lunch. When the guard saw me, he was shocked and instantly greeted me.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you, ma’am Sandra!”

“I was preoccupied with something, but now that I’m back, I’ll be here every day.”

I grinned as I entered and was greeted by personnel. They’re well aware of my position at the corporation.

I boarded the elevator to the finance floor and walked directly there. I missed being in this place. Since my disappearance, not much has changed.

I didn’t get any weird reactions other than people’s disbelief when they saw me. I’m not sure if they are aware of what happened to me, but I doubt it.

It won’t matter if they know I left my father’s house. I’ve always had my own condo, and I visit it occasionally, especially when I have a lot of work to accomplish at home. In addition, the condo is closer to the office than our residence.

They practically shattered their heads following me as soon as I walked onto the floor. Their eyes are almost bulging.

“Ma’am Sandra!”

“You’re back, Ma’am!”

Others rose to approach me and stared in awe.

“How are you doing, guys? I apologize for my unannounced vacation. I simply needed to take care of something,” I explained with a smile.

“We’re fine, ma’am! Everything’s well. We were astonished when you abruptly vanished, and the next day we discovered you applied for leave.” My brows furrowed. I never applied for a leave of absence. However, it’s possible that it was done by my father. He didn’t fire me, thank goodness.

“Right! We understand especially when your sister is about to get married and you just met each other. How awesome it is that you finally reconnected with your long-lost sister? Not just your sister but your twin!” Wait, what? I frowned at what I heard. What the heck are they saying?! What I heard made me frown. What are they talking about?!

I lost my attention to them when my secretary, Anette, came up to me with the phone.

“Ma’am Sandra,” she began, “according to your father’s secretary, you are expected in the president’s office right now.” She informed and I answered with a nod.

“Everyone, expect a call from me shortly!”

“All right, ma’am,” says the narrator.

“Everyone, I’ll get in touch with you shortly!”

“All right, ma’am.”

I hurriedly exited the office and returned to the elevator. I had doubts about what was going on since there was a small murmur in my thoughts.

What the hell has been going on for the past few weeks?! After only three weeks, I already had a sister who was getting married? I was an only child with no siblings or twins, as far as I recall!

I easily found myself on the correct floor. Mrs. Ching, Dad’s secretary, greets me. She was also one of the many godmothers I had growing up.

“It’s great to see you again, hija. Your father has been waiting for you for quite some time.”

“Is Daddy inside? I have to speak with him.”

“Yes, we were informed of your arrival, and your father is waiting for you inside.”

“Is he furious with me?” I inquired, hesitantly.

My question had taken her by surprise. “What makes you think he’s mad with you, hija?”

I just grinned and shook my head. “I’ll speak with my father.”

I unlock the door. I expected to see my father inside. But not someone I had never met before!

My jaw drops as I stare at the woman’s face, which is fucking identical to mine!

“Who are you and why are you here?”

“Oh my god, my sister!” said a woman who resembled me, leaping to her feet and sprinting over to hug me.

I was taken aback. What the hell is going on here?

“It’s nice that you decided to go home, Kassandra,” I turned from the source of the voice and see Dad emerge from the bathroom.

I can tell Dad was still unhappy at what I did by his dark expression as he looked at me.

“Dad…” I said, frowning. I’m at a loss for words. Who was the woman in front of me?

I’m a little uneasy around her, especially after seeing my face on her. We have identical appearances.

We’re nearly the same height. Except for her chest, which is overly big. We have the same face and figure. Her hips were also significantly wider than mine. Her haircut was unique as well. My hair is black and curly, and it reaches my waist. This woman was the same way, although hers was straight.

“Kassandra, I’d like you to meet your twin sister, Veronica Ympress,” dad said, dropping my jaw. The fact that she was Veronica, Karious’ ex-wife, startled me more than the fact that she was my twin!

“Are you serious, dad? She’s not my twin.” I almost spit the curse because of the anger that is slowly growing in my system.

“Yes, you have, and she’s right in front of you,” dad replied casually as he sat down in his swivel chair.

Veronica grinned as she sat on the sofa near my seat. My head was boiling from the way she smiled.

“Dad, I’m not sure what you’re talking about. Where did you see her? Are you sure about this? Mommy never mentioned her to me.”

Mommy must remember to tell me about this. I was at her bedside! Why should I think that this woman is my sister when she said nothing about her?

Mommy will never forget to inform me about this. I was on her deathbed! She said nothing about this woman so why should I believe that she is my sister?

“Kassandra, your mother left me when you were only two years old. I had no idea you were twins, and based on my investigation, your sister Veronica was abandoned in an orphanage. Left in front of the orphanage. I can’t go wrong with this. I get her DNA checked, and we’re matched.”

“My mother would never do that! If she was her daughter, she would never abandon her in that orphanage!” I continue to argue. I know my Mommy. We were so close.

“Kassandra, your mother was forced to leave one of you because she couldn’t raise you. She never said anything when you both came back to me. She died before she could get your sister back.” Dad inhaled deeply before turning to Veronica. "I apologize for not being there, my daughter. I do not know."

Veronica smiled and shook her head, tears in her eyes. “I understand now, dad. I forgive you and my mother,” Veronica said as she turned to face me. “Aren’t you glad I’m back? I’ve yearned for a whole family. I didn’t expect you to dislike me. I was extremely happy when I found out I have a twin.”

I shifted my gaze away from her. I’m not sure how I feel after this. Perhaps if I hadn’t known what Veronica had done to Karious, I would have accepted her right away.

But now? After hearing how she deceived her own husband and son, I’m not sure I can accept her!

What did she say before that? That she had long wished to have a family? What does she call Karious and Rious if that’s the case?

I don’t think I can trust her motives, and I’m not easily convinced unless I’m the one in charge of the documents. It is possible to alter documents. Loyalty can be bought with money. I’m not going to fall for her lies.

”You’re such a heartless person, Kassandra! Why don’t you help me as your sister did? Do you know that she agreed when I said I’d arrange her marriage to my business partner? But you? What did you do to me? Rebellion and fleeing? I didn’t raise you that way, so I’m not sure why your attitude has changed “Dad’s dissatisfied expression made me grimace.

“You can never make decisions about my life, Dad! I followed you, yet nothing I did was enough for you! I’m not going to marry your shady business partner merely to please you “I stated vehemently.

He slammed his hand on the table and then pointed at me “You’re ungrateful! After you turned your back on me, I don’t expect anything more from you. I’m not going to compel you to marry because your sister has already fulfilled your obligations! Also, don’t expect anything from me from now on! Do you wish to live alone? Then live by yourself! I’ve already decided to appoint Veronica to the position of vice-president. You are free to remain in your current employment for as long as you desire. I’m not going to care anymore,” Dad stated coldly, surprising me.

My eyes are moist from unshed tears but I will never show it to them. So, this is the only thing I will get when I come back? With the sudden appearance of that woman, I will lose everything?

So what? Dad was correct that I turned my back on everything because I was tired of obeying his orders, but I don’t expect him to hand over everything to the woman, who I doubt was an opportunist!

“Don’t be harsh on our father, Kassandra. He only wants the best for us.”

“Shut up! You have no place here!” I yelled at Veronica.

“Shut up, Kassandra! Get out of here now because I don’t need you!”

“That b*tch is manipulating you, Dad!”

“Get out! You’re no longer my daughter! I thought we’d be able to reconcile once I introduced you to your sister, but you’ve turned disrespectful to both me and your sister? Get out!”

My father finally broke my heart, and I walk out of that office devastated! I can’t believe Veronica is my sibling! Is it strange that she emerges out of nowhere and then announces herself as Dad’s daughter? Dad immediately believed it!

What should I do? Do I have to take action to show dad that woman was lying?

But what if she’s my identical twin? But no! Mommy didn’t say anything to me. I had a feeling there was something wrong with that woman.

Should I contact Karious to inform him of his ex-wife? Wasn’t she sought for whatever she’d done against Karious and the law?

Right! This is something I should tell Karious about. He was the only one who could show that Veronica was lying and using the situation.

But how can I call Karious if I don’t have his cellphone number? I should have gotten it earlier before he left!

Because of what had occurred, I chose to return home first and consider what would be my next step.

I was about to enter my unit when someone forcibly snatched my arm. I turn around in surprise.

“Hello, sis!” exclaimed Veronica, beaming. Sh*t! What is the opportunist doing in here?!

“What are you doing here, and you also dare to follow me here?” I sarcastically asked as I tried to free my arm from her grip, but I couldn’t since her grip tightened even more. I glared at her irritably.

“I’m simply here to remind you that everything that is yours will soon be mine,” she boasted, making me laugh out loud.

I slammed my arm into her shoulder, causing her to lose her grip on me. I grinned as I folded my arms in front of her.

“You know what, I’m also here to remind you…” I said as I approached her, “simply keep dreaming on.”

I will not allow her to carry out her ideas. Before she can move, I’ll make sure she’s already kicked out of our life.

“I don’t need to dream because I can achieve it. If you don’t want me around, leave,” she screamed aggressively, flipping her hair.

“Between the two of us, I’ll make sure you’re the one to leave. I don’t have a sister, let alone a twin. I’m not sure how we become look alike, but don’t expect me to welcome you since you’re just an opportunist,” I insisted, turning away.

“You have no idea what I’m capable of, b*tch!”

I shut the door. What is that? I knew she was a fraud! She wants everything I have? Hah! As if I would let her.