The Ravages of Time

Kabanata 37

Kabanata 37

Matched

"Are you kidding me?"

I couldn't stop myself from laughing at Reighn's joke. She really needs to improve her sense of humor.

My dad is already dead. What is she even saying?

She rolled her eyes. "I'm not talking about your late dad. That photo is from your biological father."

My lips parted as my brows furrowed. I heard my heart began to race but my body was completely frozen, unable to move.

"What are you talking about?"

Reighn knew that I was not my parents' real daughter. Sinabi ko iyon sa kanya, matagal na.

"Your biological father is my father too."

I felt how my lips and hands started to tremble as I stood there, speechless. My brows were busy furrowing as my mind could not process her words.

"If you think we're sisters, we're not," she added which made me confused more.

"Hindi kita maintindihan," reklamo ko.

She closed her eyes tightly and sighed. "Arlo..."

"What about your fiancé?" I questioned.

"His dad... is your father too."

I have met Arlo twice, but I haven't met his father. Hindi ko alam kung paniniwalaan ko ba 'tong mga sinasabi ni Reighn.

"I found your pictures in his closet. Tinanong ko siya kung sino, ang sabi niya anak niya raw. Ikaw 'yon, Sonnet. You were the child that he's been looking for all these years."

I shook my head slowly.

Huminga siya nang malalim at seryoso ang tingin na iginawad sa akin. "Hindi mo ba talaga maintindihan o hindi mo lang matanggap? Oo, Sonnet. 'Yong totoong tatay mo, tatay rin ni Arlo."

I bit my lower lip and averted my gaze from her.

"Hindi lang isang larawan mo ang nandoon. Marami pa ro'n, Sonnet."

Umiling ako. "That does not prove that I am his daughter."

She sighed. "If you won't believe me, then don't. I'm not forcing you but I'm going to prove it."

I remained silent as I watched her walk away while I stood there, clueless.

***

"Anong pangalan ng inirereklamo mo?"

I faked a cough as I took a look at Tariq who was sitting in front of me.

"Jace Fojas po. Attorney Gueverra and his sister were my witnesses," I answered to the desk officer.

"Nakasalubong po namin si Miss Vinco no'ng gabing hinahabol siya," Tariq added.

We already presented the evidence including the CCTV cameras in front of the building and the front door camera in my unit. After this, I think we will be proceeding with my attorney.

"Kung gano'n, malakas pala ang laban mo dahil mayro'n kang mga ebidensya, may witness ka pa. Ikaw rin ba ang abogado niya?"

We both shook our heads.

"I have an attorney na po."

Muling tumango ito.

"Uhm... is it possible po ba if I request a temporary restraining order?"