Neil.
He took in a sharp breath adjusting his sitting position. "I met Raphael five years ago when I went for a business trip in Italy. He was one of the co-investor in the company. As we came for the same purpose, that is winning over the company, we immediately clicked in. And he invited me to a politicians gathering. I thought of it as a chance to get my company to more success, so I accepted the invite"
"Initially, I was supposed to be present at our wedding anniversary party, but because of that chance, I told my wife that I haven't signed the deal yet" Mr. Richard sat calm as he narrates the incident to us. My eyes shifted to the wife finding her all calm. I just hope the main truth wouldn't shock us all.
"As planned, we got to the gathering and Rapheal introduced me to a lot of politicians. I was very happy when one of them got interested in my company and was willing to sign with me. Little did I know the big storm I'm venturing myself into" He kept silent for a while then continue.
"A day before our agreement, I paid Raphael visit at his house. As he told me, he's living alone. I was welcomed with opened arms. Served a good meal and a good drink. And before I know it, we were dead drunk. I could barely keep a straight composure. I excused myself to the washroom to relieve myself. On my way back, I bumped into a girl. I didn't know if it was the alcohol yet, I found my desire level rising up. In less than one minutes, I pushed us into the nearest room. I could hear and feel her resistance. However, I was far off the zone to listen to her and just like that I-" He stopped to take a deep breath.
He doesn't have to say what he did, I understood what his words meant. I heard my father talking about it with my mom that night. It was the same story. Of what they committed.
"You what Richard?" Helen asked. By the sound of her voice, she's anxious of what his answer would be.
"I- I slept with her, without her consent"
As the words left his mouth, the whole room went silent. The shock evident on our faces. "You what?" Helen rose up to a standing position. You could see the dumbfound expression on her face.
"Belive me Helen, I wasn't in my right state of mind. I didn't know what came over me. Raphael lured me in. He told me he's living alone. It was all set up. I hon-"
"That doesn't change the fact that you committed a sin. Didn't you think about your family? And you chose to hide this grave sin from us" The woman raked her hands through her hair pacing around the room.
To say I was shocked and ashamed all together will be an understatement. I'm ashamed of calling him my father. His evilness is beyond my imagination. I should have confronted him that night after hearing the truth. If not all, I know the side of it. How could he do this to his own sister?
Keeping my head strong, I glanced at Mr. Richard. "Who was the girl?" I asked to be sure of the story. I know I shouldn't jump to conclusions but I'm certain what Mr Richard will say won't be good.
"She's Raphael's sister" I instantly snapped my eyes shut. This isn't good. "Originally, he wanted to set me up. He didn't know his sister is at home. So he decided to use a girl to lure me in but unfortunately, his sister got in his plan. I did my possible best in covering up the truth. I gave him money whenever he asked. His demands began to be too much, so I confronted him and he threatens to destroy me and my family. I have to save my daughter from his conniving acts. I know what he's capable of doing"
For the first time, I saw the fears in Mr. Richard's eyes. And for some reason, I kind of understood him. I admit he made a mistake by allowing himself to do what he did. But my father also have a hand in it. He has to be exposed and pay for his crimes. How could he do that to Aunt?
"I'm sorry Helen. I hope you won't leave me for this big sin I committed. Day and night, I sleep with the thought of my family knowing the truth. I was helpless that I couldn't bring myself to tell anyone of you my problem. I hope you'll understand me" I don't know if Mrs. Helen did understand him, the weakness was visible in her eyes.
"I can't say I'm not upset or ashamed of what my husband did. I can't think of my daughter paying for your crimes. Because what? Raphael won't think twice in avenging for what you did to his sister. However, I cannot turn my back on my family. This is the time for us to sort the misunderstanding. The first thing we need to do is save our daughter. After that, we'll sort things out"
Mrs. Helen immediately covered her mouth with her palms making a walk out of the living room. Kristine going after her. A pile of silence fell on us as the two women left the living room.
"I don't have a say in this because my father is practically the main masterpiece behind all this. Nevertheless, this is far too big for you to hide from your family. I can see the disappointment in Mrs. Helen's face imagine how Ashley will react to it when she learns about the truth. She won't only be devasted, your respect in her eyes will lessen"
"I know. That is why I want to make things right. I will accept whatever decision they take. But I won't be relieved until I'm sure Ashley is safe and sound. I need your help Neil" That brought a small smile to my face. I can't believe the man who once detest my presence is now seeking for my help. That kind of gave me a sense of authority.
Settling my leg down, I clasped my palms together focusing my attention on the man in front of me. "Mr. Richard, initially, I was going to save her without anyone help because I think of that as my first priority when you assigned me to this job. I feel like I had to do whatever it takes to save her life. Believe me when I say, Ashley is the most strong woman I have ever met" I ended finding myself smiling at the thought of her.
"I'm sorry about my behavior back then. And I'm ready to do whatever to save my daughter and bring an end to this"
"You have the right to behave the way you did back then. After all, I'm your enemy's son" Truth be told even I will behave the way he did. I mean how hard it must be for him to finally let the secret out. Now we just have to put an end to everything.
"What are you plans now?" He ushered. I used the chance to clear out my voice and also adjust my sitting position. "No one knows Raphael better than me. He thinks of me as just his clueless son. First, we'll set a meeting with him. Conference call to be precise. But...." I trailed off sparing him a glance.
"But?"
"You need to come out clean. I mean, you need to accept his demand or much to say pretend to accept his demands. That will give him the upper hand of lossening things a bit. So, while you two are on it then I will take care of the rest" I ended with a clap which got his brows raised in question.
"It won't be easy but I will try. I'm ready to bear the consequence of my actions. But, how will you take care of the rest. You know, dealing with Raphael won't be as easy as we think. And don't forget, he's holding our daughter captive"
"Like I said Mr Richard, no one knows him better than I do. I know how to tackle the situation. You just have to do as I said. And remember one thing" The man seem interested in what I was about to say.
"Letting out the truth means revealing it to the whole world. Because Raphael won't go down alone. He'd drag you along. Even if you don't reveal the truth, when he sees things going down way for him, he won't sit idle. That's why I want you to trust me"
"I have already put my trust in you the moment I told you the truth"
"Good. Now call him up. And we can't let the police or media to know about our plans. I know the reason why the police were not able to find out about who your attacker is" His expression was visible of surprise. He must be wondering how I knew a lot about his secret. I did research on my own. "You cover it up. Just like you did back then"
Silence resonate within us for a split second. "I won't ask you how you know about it all because I know what you're capable of. That was the main reason for me hiring you back then. So, I will do as you say"
I nodded in answer. It's time for me to show my father what I'm capable of. He should know that I'm different from him. It's time for me and him to come face to face.