Chapter 1 - The Truth About Gossips

“Their daughter looks so adorable.”

“I know, right? That kid is so lovely. I mean, the kid could smile more. With all the things his Daddy has been buying her? She should be thankful.”

“I couldn’t blame Mr. Herrera. He’s spoiling the kid so much that it already seems suspicious.”

“What do you mean?”

“Have you seen Carina’s face? She looks nothing like Miss Vittoria. I mean, look at her hair. Curly and so blonde.”

One of the office staff’s eyes widened. “Are you saying that-”

“Oh honey, everyone’s talking about it.”

“She’s adopted?” She gasped.

“No. She’s Mr. Herrera’s real daughter, but they say her mother is… who knows who the mother is, but with that kid’s look, we can all assume that she’s a beauty.”

Sancho walked inside the conference room disturbing the gossiping two office staff preparing for their meeting in an hour.

“You can leave now.”

Both of them froze in surprise. One of them even lost her grip on the print she was holding, and it scattered on the floor.

“Mr. Herrera!”

“Don’t.” He stopped the unfamiliar lady from picking up the papers. “Leave that there and leave the room.”

“Sir, we’re so sorry. We didn’t know you were there.”

“Is that why you’re talking about my family and gossiping about my five-year-old daughter? Because ‘you thought I’m not here’?” He was furious but it was a waste of time and energy to lose his temper over two new workers. He recognized they were new because he knew everyone by face, and these two weren’t familiar to him. He has a meeting in less than an hour, and it only makes a scene if he screams at them. Deep inside, he wanted to. How dare these two talk about his child like she’s some piece of news. “Leave the door and never come back. The two of you are fired.”

“Sir, please. I’m begging you.”

“Leave quietly, or I’ll ask the security to escort you. My secretary will be waiting outside. Surrender your access cards and IDs. My lawyer will contact you once a case is filed against you.”

The one who was more eager to spread gossip earlier was now crying in tears. “Sir, I need this job. My family… I need to provide for my family.”

“For someone who also has a family, why is it so easy for you to speak ill of someone’s child, Miss? That kind of attitude has no place in my company. Leave and never show your faces in front of me again.”

***

“What’s this news I heard? That you fired two people today. That is so unlike you, Sancho.”

“I didn’t make a scene. How did you know about that?”

Vittoria removed her earrings. She rolled her eyes at Sancho. “You underestimate the people beneath you, Sancho. There’s no disease that spreads faster than gossip. You shouldn’t have done that. It makes you seem like a madman firing people for no reason.”

“I had a reason. They were gossiping.”

“Everybody gossips.”

As much as it was convenient to marry Vittoria, Sacho couldn’t help but admit that living with her had been such a headache.

“She’s gossiping about our family.”

Vittoria fell silent. She loves Carina like her own. She wasn’t blindsided by this arrangement. Sancho made sure that she was well aware of the setup. Being a mother was part of the deal. She even thought that it was convenient in the beginning because she wouldn’t have to give birth to give her parents a grandchild.

Even if unexpected, Carina was a blessing to everyone and that includes Vittoria. No matter how hard she tries to portray that image of a perfect mother and wife, it is clear as day that she’s not Carina’s birth mother. She already accepted that people would gossip, and there’s no way to argue with them because it’s the truth.

“This isn’t the ideal set-up, but no matter what people say, you’re Carina’s mom. I wouldn’t let anyone say otherwise.”

“Thank you, Sancho. You’re a wonderful husband.” She smiled. “And I appreciate what you’re saying, but the least we could do to each other is lie. I promised to be Carina’s mom, and I’ll continue playing that role… but I know you’re just being defensive because you hate her so much.”

Sancho was surprised to hear about this. Under the same roof, they stayed in different rooms, living their separate lives. They were only married on paper, but they were never husband and wife. It was an arrangement that worked for both of them. They liked each other as friends and nothing more. Sancho lets Vittoria cry over a dead man while she lets him kiss other women in the bar. 

“I never asked about Carina’s mom, but the truth is, I’m as curious as everyone. Five years of marriage, and I’ve heard all sorts of theories. They said you paid someone because we couldn’t have a baby, some say you broke up with Carina’s mom because you had to marry me, and I guess the most extreme was that your ex-girlfriend died, and you were left with the baby.” Vittoria smiled. “Don’t worry. I won’t ask, and I don’t have many complaints. In every story, I was either a victim or a kind stepmom. I was never painted in the bad light.”

“You can. I can tell you who she is.” Sancho was only waiting for Vittoria to ask. He was keeping it a secret, but if there was one person he could tell the truth to, it would be Vittoria.

“What a tempting offer.” Vittoria wiped the makeup off her face. “Is that why you came here inside my room? To talk about your past?”

“I’m here to talk about your parent’s wedding anniversary tomorrow. They are expecting us to come together for the party.”

“Ah, right. That party.” She scoffed. “They never acted like a married couple. Why would they even celebrate that?”

“Tomorrow at six, Vittoria.”

“I’ll be ready by seven.”

“They told us not to be late.”

“And I don’t usually care what they say.” Vittoria looked at Sancho. Even without makeup, she looks beautiful. Her long black hair was tied in a bun, and her eyes were red again. Maybe she’s still crying over that soldier who promised her marriage but died before he even got to give her the ring. “And Sancho, I don’t need to ask about Carina’s mother.”

“What do you mean?”

“You should go and see the kid. She’s not following her bedtime schedule lately.” There was a meaningful smile on her lips. “Go now.”

Sancho didn’t understand why, but he followed Vittoria's instructions and went to his daughter’s room. The kid was smiling, and her eyes were glued to the screen.

“Carina Luna!” He screamed. The kid was so surprised that she almost cried immediately.

Sancho never screams. He never loses his temper.

“What are you doing?”

Carina pouted, her eyes brimming with tears. He immediately felt sorry and regretful. He shouldn’t have done that. He instantly fell on his knees.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry, dearest, but you should be on your bed.” He couldn’t ignore the sound of her voice.

On the screen, Clementine was wearing a long, sparkling pink gown. There was a golden crown on her head. She was speaking to the prince in the movie, declaring promises of love. Sancho couldn’t stomach hearing her voice, so he reached for the remote control and turned it off. All these years, he tried to avoid seeing that face. Considering the countless movies and shows she’s starred in, it wasn't the easiest thing to do. There were even billboards of her. Her face was everywhere.

He cursed in his mind every time he saw her face. It was so unfair that she got to live her dream, and he had to endure witnessing it from afar.

“I’m sorry, Daddy.”

“Why are you still awake? It’s already late.”

“I want to see her, Daddy.” Carina pointed at the black screen. “I want to see the Princess.”