Ways To Escape Death

Chapter 12: Family Gathering

Sophia's POV

"Franco, the recruitment for Imperial Knights will be held on the day after the Crown Prince's birthday celebration," the Duke initiated the conversation.

"Yes, Father. I will keep that in mind," Francisco replied.

I am sitting between the twin siblings, while the Duke is in front of us. Sina Felixander at Francisco naman ay nasa magkabilang gilid lang ng table.

"What are your plans, Felix?" Duke White asked his eldest son, Felixander.

"I'm not changing my mind, Father. Please postpone my succession to the duchy," he answered calmly before taking a sip on his cup of tea.

Duke White heave a sighed. Makikita sa kaniyang mukha na tutol ito sa sagot ng anak.

Felix chuckled. "Why are you in a rush? You're still alive and kicking well, Father," pagbibiro nito.

"You brat, I want to live my remaining years for putting up with everything in easy. I am tired of this position."

Siguro ay sawa na siya sa pare-parehong takbo ng buhay niya sa araw-araw. Halos lagi kasi siyang nakakulong sa opisina. Kung lumabas man siya, sa palasyo naman ang punta nito.

"I've been studying nonstop for years. It is too early for me to manage the dukedom, I'm still twenty-five, you know?" Felixander said. "More importantly, how are you Elizabeth?"

"I'm fine," I replied. Hindi ko ini-expect na kakausapin niya ako.

He easily changed his mood after hearing my answer. It's like he is doubting my words. Is this some kind of discrimination?

"I heard you attempted suicide?" tanong nito. Tinapunan ko siya ng masamang tingin, to warn him sa mga salitang binibitawan niya.

The twins changed their facial expressions into worry. "Is it true sister?" Elena asked me while teary-eyed.

Hindi ako makasagot. I patted their head to calm them down. Wala akong mahagilap na magandang irarason para hindi sila mag-alala sa 'kin.

I can't believe this bast*rd brother. Why does he have to bring that up in front of children?

"I don't make excuses, I apologize for my past actions."

"I see, you're aware of it," singit ni Francisco sa 'ming usapan. Malamig ang titig nito sa 'kin. Halata sa mga mata niya na hindi ito natutuwa sa presensya ko.

Nakipaglaban ako ng titig, mata sa mata. "It was immature of me,"

Tumikhim ng malakas ang Duke para agawin ang atensyon naming pareho. Nagtagumpay naman siya sa intensyon. Pareho kaming napalingon sa direksyon niya.

"Your younger sister has already taken action by breaking off the engagement. She's now doing well these days," he said.

They didn't respond to his alibi. It was as If they didn't care about their sister's being.

Ano pa ba ang dapat na asahan ko? I don't expect anything from them. Wala akong nararamdamang disappointment sa pagtrato nila sa 'kin.

Nagpatuloy ang discussion tungkol sa pinagdaanan ng dalawa sa ibang bansa. Gumaan ang paligid ng naisisingit sa usapan ang magkambal. Mabuti nga't wala silang problema pagdating sa mga bata. Madali nilang nakagaanan ng loob ang bawat isa.

NATAPOS ang family conference ng wala masyadong pahirap sa part ko. Medyo naging out of place nga lang ako.

"Let's go!" Tumakbo si Elios palabas ng mansyon. Hinabol din siya agad ng kambal niya.