Chapter 3

03: PROBLEM UNSOLVED

I had no idea how I got home safe and unscathed when I drove home while tearing up. ‘Furious’ was an understatement for what I'm feeling right now. I think I'm about to explode. My pregnancy, Wesley, and... Red. I just couldn't believe how everything got messed up. It happened so suddenly... I don't know what to do anymore.

Just the mere thought of Red makes me think I'm about to lose my sanity. All this time, he's been trying to prove himself to my father that he's worthy of me. He's just waiting for the perfect time for us. And yet, here I am, ruining all his plans.

"R-Red..." His name is like a wound in my heart. I'm continuously breaking. My conscience is overpowering my entire being.

I slapped myself again as I remembered Wesley's face. That asshole's image inside my head makes me want to puke. I can't believe there's something connecting me to that person. I held my stomach. This thing inside me is just a few weeks old, but it's already starting to ruin my life. What more when it grows up?

My parents... especially my father, I'm sure he won't forgive me if he finds out I got pregnant just like that.

I tightly closed my eyes while my tears kept flowing endlessly. I don't even know how many hours I've been crying. My tears were like a broken faucet, refusing to stop.

"I-I need to get rid of this," I uttered with my groggy voice. I can hardly recognize my own voice. "I d-don't want you. I don't want you..." I said again and again as I started hitting my stomach. Perhaps my body has gone numb because I can't feel any pain as I continue to punch my stomach. "Get away from me. I don't want you!"

When I started feeling tired, I slowly curled up on my bed. I hugged my knees, still sobbing. I remained in that position until an idea came to me. I quickly got up and opened the drawer of my side table. I took the sleeping pills that were there and stared at them.

Can this help me solve my problem? I don't know...

Tears welled up in my eyes again as I poured the contents of the bottle into my palm. It almost filled my hand. I know what the consequence will be if I take all of these. But do I have any other chance aside from risking my life?

I wiped my tears with my other hand, then slowly placed the pills in my mouth. After swallowing all of them, I lay down in bed, ready to close my eyes. Right before I lost consciousness, I heard my mother's voice. A smile escaped my lips.

Forgive me, Mom. But I need to do this. I hope when I wake up, everything will be fine again.

***

The smell of alcohol lingered in my nose. The faint beeping of a machine was the only sound I could hear. My body felt incredibly tired, and it took me a while before I could successfully open my eyes. The blinding lights on the ceiling greeted my sight.

"Symphony! Oh, God! You're awake!" I heard my mom. "Can you hear me? Hmm? Mom's here."

I slowly turned my head to the side, and there I saw my mother, looking extremely worried. Behind her stood my father, appearing firm and focused on me. He seemed unaffected. I shifted my gaze back to my mom. "M-Mom..." My throat felt dry.

"Yes, Symphony. Mom is here. Do you feel any pain? Huh? Tell me." She looked at my father. "Greg, call the doctors. Our daughter needs to be checked."

My father scoffed, not even moving an inch. "If you wanted to end your life and that child inside you, you could've tried harder."

"Gregorio!"

Suddenly, I couldn't breathe. Not because of my father's harsh words, but because of what he actually said. Did I fail to abort the baby?

"For once, Greg! Show some sympathy! Our daughter almost died! Stop being too harsh!" scolded my mom. I remained silent, anxiously awaiting what would happen next.

"She wanted it, Maristella," my father stated firmly. I took a deep breath as he looked at me again. "That's probably her way of covering up what she did." I looked down. I wanted to cry and beg for forgiveness, but I didn't have enough strength to do it. "Who's the father of that child, Symphony? The guitarist, right?"

I raised my head again and quickly shook it. "N-No—"

"Who?"

"Greg, Symphony has just woken up. Can't we discuss this another day?"

"Then what, Stella? Should we just let her be in this situation? What about the media? The other parties who always keep an eye on our family? What about the people? Do you think they'll just let this slide?" Tears started streaming down my face again. I thought my problems were over. But it seems they're only getting worse… "Tell me that bastard's name, Symphony. If you don't want me to take matters into my own hands and find the despicable person who impregnated you."

I gulped. His voice sent shivers down my spine. "W-Wesley... Wesley Borromeo..." I whispered almost inaudibly.

"Borromeo? How is he related to the Borromeo Shipping Line?"

"I-I think he's the heir... if I'm not mistaken." Silence engulfed us for a moment.

"Are you sure he's a Borromeo?" I simply nodded in response. Later, I heard him sigh.

"Alright. As soon as you're fully recovered, I'll set up an immediate meeting with them. I want to talk to that man. Be ready; I'll bring you with me." Those were his final words before he left the room. My lips formed a thin line, and my hands clenched into fists as I realized what he was planning.

"Don't mind your father, Symphony. That's just his way of helping you with your problem. Don't worry, okay?"

I didn't say a word.

***

Five days after I woke up, I feel completely fine. The doctor always tells me how lucky I am to have been rushed to the hospital immediately, saving both my life and the life of the baby I'm carrying. I underwent several tests just to make sure the drugs were already out of my body. Some tests were also done to ensure that the baby inside me is okay.

On our way home, I sat beside Mama in the car while Papa was driving. It's very unusual for him to be behind the wheel, so I concluded that he has something to tell us privately.

"Later at 6 PM, we'll meet the Borromeos. We will settle this mess. You two should dress well." That's all he said, but I'm already extremely nervous. For him, "settle" means something else. Usually, it revolves around money and gaining more power.

Evening came, and I was all set. It was not yet six o'clock, but I was already in the living room waiting for my parents. My father hates wasting time and being kept waiting, so I got ready early.

I looked at my phone screen when it lit up. A notification from I*******m popped up, and I saw Wesley's name.

WesleyB: Whatever your father's plan is, make sure to stop him. There's no way this shit will be settled according to his will.

I rolled my eyes. I was about to type my reply when I heard my parents' footsteps on the staircase. I quickly stood up and hid my cellphone. Mama smiled at me while Papa gave me a brief glance. Once they were downstairs, we immediately went out and got into the limousine.

I rolled my eyes again. My father really loves showing off his wealth.

"Make sure to behave, Symphony. Or else, we'll lose our chance."

I furrowed my brows at what I heard. Chance? Does he mean... the chance of luring other people?

When the car stopped in front of a large gate, I suddenly felt a cold sweat. Hell! I know where this meeting is going. And I don't want it to happen!

"Ready?" Mama asked in a sweet voice, so I smiled lightly.

The maids led us to the dining area, and there, I saw the Borromeos. Sitting at the center of the table was a man who appeared to be my father's age. On his right side was a sophisticated woman who looked intimidating, and beside her was Wesley, who seemed tense in his seat. The man in the center shifted his gaze towards our direction, then stared at me for a few seconds. He stood up and walked towards us.

"Good evening, Governor Del Martin," he greeted my father.

"It's a pleasure to finally step foot in your territory, Mr. Borromeo."

I'm sick of hearing too many formalities, so I turned my attention to Mama and the woman. They exchanged kisses on the cheek, both smiling at each other, but I caught the momentary glance the woman gave me when Mama looked in my direction. When I looked in Wesley's direction, I saw him smirk.

I sighed. This is going to be a long and stressful night!

The maids started serving the food. The gentlemen—except for Wesley—are currently talking about business matters. After the main course, they started serving dessert. My father asked to skip his dessert and proceed to his coffee instead. That moment, I knew he was about to bring up the main topic.

"I think it's a great idea if we could merge our businesses after we arrange the marriage of my daughter and your son," Papa said directly, breaking the silence for all of us.

A moment of silence followed until Mr. Borromeo broke it. "I think we're not on the same page, Gov. The plan was to give full support to your daughter during her pregnancy and to the child until it finish its studies. Am I right?"

I heard Papa clear his throat. "Sure, I'm not on the same page as you are, Mr. Borromeo. Compared to your son and my daughter, my child is at a disadvantage here. Yes, people in this province know both of our families, but my family is way different than yours. Just like how I've been maintaining peace in our province, I've long been safeguarding my family's good reputation. But because of the recklessness of our children, it's at risk of being tarnished. That's why I suggest the immediate marriage of the two."

Mr. Borromeo's sarcastic laughter suddenly echoed in the corners of the room. I instantly felt anger rising within me because of it.

"Then let's just abort that child if that's what concerns you, Gov. Raising an illegitimate child is not easy. So if we could just abort it while it's still early, then we can solve our problem without any damage," he grinned and looked at me, earning my disdainful glare.

I shifted my gaze away from him when Mama suddenly spoke. "Without damage? Then what about our daughter's health, Mr. Borromeo? Do you think aborting a child won't affect my daughter’s health? My daughter's life will be at stake here!"

"Well, that's the consequence of their recklessness, Mrs. Del Martin. I guess my son forgot how to use contraceptives the moment they did it," Mrs. Borromeo chimed in, her grin infuriating me further.

"Then it's clear that your son should be held accountable here!" my mother continued.

"With all due respect, Ma'am, but it's your daughter who willingly entered the room where I was. She willingly offered her body to me, and I was just a typical guy who has—"

"Oh, shut the hell up, you jerk! Sharing a night with you disgusts me!" I couldn't help but interject. I'm enraged now. I have no idea where this conversation is headed. It's all so chaotic!

"Enough!" We both fell silent as Mr. Borromeo's voice boomed. But I still kept my furious gaze on Wesley. I wanted to throw a hot cup of coffee at him to wake him up. I want to tighten the loose screw inside his head!

"I'm sorry, Governor Del Martin, but we can't give you the marriage that you want for our children. Wesley is already marrying his fiancée, and they're currently preparing for their wedding. The least we can do for your daughter is to provide financial support. That's all."

The heated conversation ended with my father dragging me out of the Borromeo mansion. The way he held my arm was a sign that he’s truly furious. "P-Pa, it hurts..." I stammered.

"Greg, let her go! She might slip, for heaven's sake!" Mama scolded, but Papa continued dragging me until we finally made it outside.

"Pa--" My words were cut off when I felt his huge palm land on my left cheek. My cheek immediately went numb from the impact.

"Oh my god, Gregorio! Why did you do that to your daughter?!"

"You're a disgrace to our family. I don't know what got into your head to get yourself pregnant by that worthless man. We raised you properly, didn't we? We dressed you in expensive clothes, not for you to take them off in front of that idiotic guy!"

Tears started streaming down my face. No words came out of my mouth. I know... I know it's my fault.

"When we get home, pack your things. Take everything you can. I will send you to New Zealand, and you're not allowed to come back until I say so."

His final statement before he got into the car left me frozen in place. My jaw dropped as my mind tried to process his words. A moment later, I collapsed to the ground, feeling utterly hopeless.