Scurrilous Affair

Acceptance

The butterfly in my stomach swirled as I felt grateful. His attention, care, and impressive affection are too much. I'm not a Queen, but he treated me like one.

"This is the real me, Shawn."

Pumungay ang kanyang mga mata. "I'm sorry. I think I loved both. The new and old one." Dumulas ang kamay niya sa braso ko pababa hanggang sa mahawakan niya ang akin. "It doesn't matter. I love you, Serene."

Ang sarap sa pakiramdam. Para akong hinihele ng mga titig niya at boses. "I love you too, Shawn."

He nodded and motioned me the door.

Nauna ako para buksan iyon. It's not locked when I twisted the doorknob, then when I pushed it the cold breeze from the air conditioner chilled my body. I pushed it wide but I was shocked when my mother warmly hugged me.

"My daughter!" She is crying hard.

I even saw my father. The complete Hilton Clan. They were all emotional as they one by one hugged me. Tears rolled down my cheek. I am speechless, and then when Farais pushed Sophia who's hugging me, we all barked a laughter.

"You are so very rude, Farais!"

"Sophia, ang usapan saglit na yakap lang. Ang tagal mo, e."

"I hate you!"

"Chillax, children. Bigyan niyo ng daan si Duchess kay Lolo," sabi ni Claire.

Napako ako sa kinatatayuan ko ng makita si Lolo. He is on his wheelchair. I knew him getting weak but he looked healthy and strong but sad. He gave me a weak smile and spread his arms for me. I ran to him and cried on his arms.

"I failed you. I'm sorry. I am really sorry, Lolo." I looked up to see his reaction. Lalo akong naiyak dahil umiiyak din siyang kagaya ko. He is always good for me. He never said no to any of my opinions whether it will benefit the whole family or not. Whether it is bad or not, he will agree if it was me. I'm such a spoiled brat and headache, but he still loved me. "Hindi na po sana kayo pumunta rito. Ako po. Ako po ang pupunta sa inyo."

He cupped my cheek and looked me in the eyes. Tinulungan niya akong alisin ang luha sa aking pisngi. "I am worried, Hija. Let's go home. You don't belong here."

Hinawakan ko ang kamay niya at dinama iyon sa aking pisngi. "Yes, Lolo. It's just that—" Nilinga ko ang aking mga pinsan at tita. Nanliit ako bigla. "I've damage your reputation guys."

"Damage?" Claire butted in. "It is that man who damage you, Duchess. Don't worry, he is in Jail now."

Lumapit si Shawn sa likod ko at tinulungan ako sa pagtayo. "Kahit na. Pinahiya ko pa rin kayo. Nakakahiya kay Jyra at sa pamilya ni Malik."

"I don't understand, Claire. I thought its different woman?" Clement asked.

"Duchess, hindi ka namin maintindihan. Huwag mong akuin ang hindi mo kasalanan. Si Claire ang nagsabing umamin si Drew na ibang babae 'yung nasa video. Kamukha mo lang."

Gulat kong nilingon si Millicent. "Ibang babae?"

"Yes. It's not you, Duchess," Claire confirmed.

I sighed before I closed my eyes. This is hard to say but I have to face my fear. Embrace their disappointment. "I and Drew had a secret relationship."

Nagkatinginan si Claire at Millicent. Walang may gustong magsalita, kahit si Mommy at Daddy.

Nahihirapan akong magpatuloy. Alam kong sa mga oras na ito may nabubuong conclusion sa isipan nila at iyon ang kinakatakot ko. I felt Shawn rubbed my back. He is giving me a silent comfort.