Chương 17: Six years ago

When Denise noticed that the crowd's attention had shifted to Aryana's rescue, her expression darkened, and she clenched her fists. She wanted to feign unconsciousness, but before she could execute her plan, Antonio put her down and instructed the lifeguard to bring her to the clinic.

Denise's face contorted into a grimace, her eyes narrowing with displeasure, as an expression of sourness overtook her features.

When she looked at Antonio, she was smiling sweetly. She thanked him for saving her.

Antonio patted her shoulder and gave her a forced smile.

"Don't mention it. I just regretted that it is you I saved, and not your cousin." He then headed to where the crowd was.

Aryana was brought to the clinic to recuperate. Due to exhaustion and her near-death experience, she fell asleep.

Erik sent Marlon to do some errands while watching Aryana peacefully sleep on the bed.

He recalled the look in her eyes when he pulled her out of the water. It wasn't a look of panic or fear of death. Was it the look of love and longing? It seemed as if she was seeing someone and not him.

Memories of six years ago came rushing back and were as clear as day, as if they had happened only yesterday.

—————

The sky was an overcast painting a gloomy back drop to two vehicles cruising along a bumpy dirt road going to a remote area in the eastern side of the island. It seemed as if nature was lamenting his arrival.

He spent his early childhood in this province. His mother owned a sizable real estate here.

They were picked up from the airport around 1:00 p.m. He was not used to a bumpy ride, so his body started to ache. He had been traveling for three hours, including the plane ride, and he was so tired.

He did not know what to do when he finally faced Aryana. He remembered the soft moans that turned into crying and then wailing when he first told her about the news of her father's passing.

He heard so much about Aryana from Robert. He had seen a small photo of her when she turned 12 when he had Robert's belongings packed. He can't remember how old she was now. He never noticed Robert's stories about Aryana because his mind was always elsewhere.

They were crossing a narrow bridge now, and it started to drizzle. They started an uphill climb. Robert always boasted about the beautiful home he has beyond the rolling hills. He could have enjoyed the scenery if it had been for another occasion.

"It's a small house, but it's just right for us. It is painted green to blend with the color of the mountain beyond. It's very remote. The cellular signal is very poor. You need to go to the town to get a signal. Electricity is powered by solar. It's a very small community." That's what Robert told him. He went home two years ago, bringing with him some solar panels.

He saw the greenhouse now. There was a makeshift roof, just as Robert told him. During special occasions like fiestas, wakes, or weddings, people in the community would put up a makeshift roof to host the event.

And then he saw her running out of the house in a black dress, not minding the rain. An elderly woman was following behind with an umbrella. That must be Elena, Robert's sister from his mother.

He got out of the car. The driver hurried and held out an umbrella.

"Aryana, I am sorry." He started, and that was all he could say. Aryana was crying out loud.

"Daddy… Daddy….Bo hu hu hu."

The coffin was solemnly brought inside the house, and Erik entered accompanied by his two imposing bodyguards.

There were a few people inside who might be close relatives of Robert.

Aryana has been standing in front of the coffin for what seems like an eternity, her dress wet from the rain. The tears didn't stop flowing, and Erik just stood there uncomfortably. He doesn't know what to do.

Elena finally convinced Aryana to change, and after the initial shock of seeing her father, she and her aunt settled down to talk to Erik.

It was raining cats and dogs outside. It was only 4:00 pm yet darkness was evident.

Elena served him a cup of coffee. He recounted to them how the accident happened.

They sent someone home. On their way back, they were ambushed. Erik got out of the car and started fighting. He could have won that fight if not for a sneak attack done behind his back. But Robert was there and used his body to shield him from that knife.

He was looking at Aryana, whose eyes were red from crying.

"The doctors tried hard to save him. He was conscious when we arrived at the hospital." His voice croaked, and he was fighting very hard not to cry. "He told me to tell you he loves you very much."

He cannot bring himself to tell her that Robert made him promise to take care of her, and that was his last word before he succumbed to death.

Aryana ran to her room sobbing. Elena did not follow her. She knew that her niece needed time and space to vent.

"Let me know what else is needed, Aunt Elena. I will pay for all expenses. I'll also come back to attend the funeral. My condolences. I'm really sorry. Robert was like a father to me." His voice trembled.

He handed a fat envelope to Elena and prepared to go.

Elena told him that, unfortunately, they could not leave. The river had overflown, and the bridge had become unpassable.

"Please stay the night here and leave tomorrow. I will prepare the room, but I would like to apologize that it might not be comfortable."

Aunt Elena had his luggage brought inside Aryana's room. The house has only two bedrooms, and Aryana would sleep in her room tonight. Due to the bad weather, Erik has no other option but to stay for the night.

Aryana spent the rest of the night in front of the coffin talking to his father like he was very alive.

"Daddy, my graduation is next month. I am the class valedictorian. See, I studied hard. It's for you, Dad." She choked on her words.

"He is so proud of it. He told me that based on your previous grades, you will surely get a medal, and he was so excited." Erik said softly behind her.

Aryana almost jumped. She didn't know how long Erik had been standing there. His words made her feel even worse, and she started sobbing.

"Sorry." He apologized and retreated to the room as he didn't know how to ease her pain. He was guilty because he felt that he had caused her father's death.

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