Because of what had happened earlier, the children had lost their desire to play in the mall. So, Erin bought them their favorite toys so that they could be happy during the trip.
“Let's talk,” said Erin, and I turned to face the man who had handed me the coffee. I simply smiled and leaned back in my chair.
“I'm not blind or deaf, Scarlett, but I know something is wrong with you and them,” he said.
I looked around at the kids who were playing with the gifts Erin had bought them.
“I'm your cousin, Scarlett,” he added, “and you can talk to me whenever you want.” I stroked Carrie's hair before turning to face Erin.
“Where do I start?” I asked, taking a deep breath.
“Scarlett.”
I was taken aback, and the smile on my lips disappeared.
“Brother, you're aware of our rules and boundaries; you know that I'm not allowed to have a boyfriend, aren't you?” “Brother, you're aware of our rules and boundaries; you know that I'm not allowed to have a boyfriend, aren't you? But I disobeyed that chairperson's law for me.” I looked up as tears fell from my eyes. “I disobeyed not because I wanted to, but because I wanted to be free, to be happy without fear and to be out of trouble,” I explained. And I wiped my tears away and smiled at Erin, who was simply listening to what I had to say.
“Our families and Dominic's families have known each other since we were young, and each of our families got along well, and I didn't like Dominic back then because he's a playboy,” I smiled because that was the truth. “He's too playful, but it was because of his attitude that I fell in love with him.” I smile as I tell Erin stories and reflect on the times Dominic and I fell in love.
“I was in love with Dominic, but I knew we couldn't be together because of the chairperson's rules,” I explained, knowing that he was aware of this. “I suppressed my feelings for him before because I didn't want a rift between our families, so even though I was hurt, I endured just to stay out of trouble.”
I sipped my coffee and smiled at my children, who were happily playing.
“But it wasn't long before that because Dominic and I confessed we loved each other; we just hid our relationship,” I noticed as I looked at him. “Because I love him. I broke the law. I loved Dominic because I know he loves me too,” I said, turning away.
“We didn't tell anyone about our relationship, but Sophia caught me. She caught us having one,” I explained. As soon as Sophia's name was mentioned, I clenched my fists. I noticed my hands were trembling and hid them from Erin.
“I thought she was going to report us, but she was more supportive of our relationship, and even though I know she likes Dominic, she covered us up,” I laughed. “Dominic and I kept our relationship a secret for over a year, and because we love each other, we married secretly.”
When I heard something that sounded like a crash, I turned to Erin. His two fists were clenched, which surprised me.
“E-Erin…” I called out, concerned. He just shook his head and stared at me, emotionless.
“Continue,” Erin told. I was about to touch him when I decided not to.
I know him. When he's angry, I can't calm him down. So, despite my concern for Erin, I continued to tell her everything that had happened to me.
“We've been married for almost six years with no one knowing,” I sobbed. “You remember when I didn't come home, but I always said I was only with Claire, but I wasn't because I was living in Dominic's house,” I explained. “Our relationship was peaceful until something unexpected happened…” I laughed as I walked away, my tears slowly falling as I remembered everything.
“Y-you mean…?” He asked. I nodded and smiling.
“Yes, Dominic was my husband and Sophia was the reason I left; I couldn't handle it because I was pregnant.” My fists are clenched. “I preferred to escape avoiding pain and to avoid trouble, and I don't want my children to grow up in a chaotic world,” I explained. I covered my face and burst out crying.
“That's why you ran away from everyone, Scarlett,” said Erin. “That's why you didn't tell me, because you knew what would happen.” I gave him a shake of my head.
“No. I got into this mess, so I'll stand by it. And I don't want my children to be involved in the fight between the three of us; I don't want them to get caught up in our mess, and please don't tell anyone,” I cried and told him.
When Erin punched the wall behind me, I flinched.
“Damn, Scarlett! You can tell us! You can tell me everything! I hope I helped you! I wish I could do something about what happened to you! It's not like you just disappeared and show up as if nothing happened!” he yelled at me. I just shook my head and cried at him. “I want to kill him!” He shouted at me.
I shook my head at him and ran to hug him, which surprised him.
“Please, we need you… I need you,” I said as I hugged him tightly. He gripped my hand.
“Scarlett,” I said, shaking my head.
“Please, just give it to me; I don't want everyone in trouble, and it's okay for me to get hurt,” I said.
It's better that my entire family is unaware of what happened to me or the three of us. I don't want a rift in our family; it's not a good example for the kids. It's better that our fight is just between us, and that my secrets remain hidden.
We were quiet on the trip, and the kids probably fell asleep because they were tired. Erin and I exchanged glances, but I avoided his gaze because I knew he wasn't satisfied with everything I told him.
When we arrived at the palace, we noticed that there were many cars, all of which were familiar to me.
When we got out of the car, I picked up Carrie and Erin picked up Agustin, and we all went into the mansion together, but I was surprised to see all of my cousins staring at us.
“Yo, baby Venice!” exclaimed Arthur Knight, one of my cousins and a tomboy. I was even surprised that they came up to me one after the other, so I just smiled at them.
“Baby Venice! I miss you!” exclaimed Eron Knight. He is also a womanizer, but he is nice to us, his female cousins.
“Yo, bro Erin! Baby Venice!” exclaimed his twin, Aaron Knight.
“Cousin!”
I simply shook my head and smiled at them. I've only been gone for five years, but nothing has changed. It's as if we've returned to our childhood.
“Wah! They're sleeping! They're so cute!” Lux exclaimed as she gently squeezed my kids' cheeks. I simply smiled at her.
“By the way, cousin, are you aware that your sister is getting married? Let's go gown picking with her.” Lux suggested. I remained silent, but smiled.
“Please excuse me,” I said as we entered the mansion. Because of my reaction, they were quiet.
“What's the matter with her?”
As I continued up to my room, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I kissed Carrie and properly laid her down. I asked Erin to put Agustin next to Carrie.
“Don't worry, I will not tell them,” he said. Before leaving my room, he smiled and patted my shoulder.
I sighed and turned to embrace my children.
“No one can hurt you both, and I'll do everything in my power to protect you both,” I said as I kissed them on the forehead.
I will allow no one to harm my children. I will also do everything possible to keep my children safe. Not only that, but I will defend them even if it means sacrificing my life.