The next day, June felt better. Her mother visited the hospital with Luis and Lucy who felt terrible at the turn of events. She fell to the floor and apologised.
“I am so sorry for what has happened, If I had been more prudent, this could have been averted,” Lucy said with a downcast look. “I’m so sorry.”
June was quick to ease her worry. “How could you have known a reputable minister could be this terrible? I am just glad to be alive and unscathed. You shouldn’t take responsibility for others’ wrongdoing.”
Although Lucy understood her words, she couldn’t shake off the guilt that consumed her. With the newest scandal that rocked the media, young girls came up to share their morbid experiences with the predator who targeted women young enough to be his daughter and shut them up with money.
It was a terrible day in the media sphere. The worst part was the bad press it gave to June and JL Architectures. Someone seemed to be pushing the narrative of June giving men sexual favours in exchange for opportunities.
The media battered June’s personality and some flat-out titled their coverage of the story as one who had been caught giving the minister sexual favours to climb the ladder of fame and wealth.
The South City Resort project was dragged into it and everyone spoke about how undeserving she was to compete with the big leagues for an important project when she was bankrupt of the skills and experience needed to deliver on the job.
The defamatory news grew by the minute, and in an office, a round table meeting ensued, discussing the recent news as they argued on the best stance to take regarding the situation.
“We all know the design presented by JL Architectures is the best. Everything fits the picture we intend to create. The public opinion must not sway us. JL is the best for the job. They have proven it not just by their excellent works in the past but the high-quality work they presented.” One of the members spoke.
“We can’t afford to risk the reputation of this project.” Another said. “This is a national project and the person we award this contract would reflect on the state. The president would not like this project to be associated with bad press.”
“Besides, Lontoc Construction’s design was magnificent. If I didn’t know better, I’d think it was a creation from JL Architectures. The theme although lacking, compared to JL, is a beautiful concept and the president would be pleased.” Another argued.
While June tried to comfort her mother and Luis who were shaken up by the sudden incident, her matter was deliberated and the odds were not in her favour. The general public opinion also stood against her and overnight, all her hard work and achievements were attributed to men.
April who followed the scandal in her office smiled as she watched everything play out according to her plans. She intended to release the photos of June’s contract marriage but she feared the repercussions might not be favourable to her.
Rafael Ambrose was not a man she wanted to trifle with. She was smart enough to know that if his mother reached out to her to deal with June and leave her son out, exposing their fake marriage would not be the best course of action.
If it were, Mrs Beatrice would have done the darned thing.
Nevertheless, it brought her great joy to finally know the secret behind June’s success. In a bid to destroy her sister, she thought carefully about the best way to go about things. If she could make it seem like June was an unruly woman, even her contract husband would not be happy with her.
She would earnestly sow seeds of discord and distrust until her beloved Rafael Ambrose would have no choice but to let her go. That was her life’s mission. Meanwhile, Rafael was transferred to a private hospital where he would be getting his treatments.
He hadn’t seen June since the incident and chose to ignore her calls. He was reminded of how terrible it was to watch your loved one get attended to by a doctor after watching her incident.
“Won’t you pick it up?” Carson asked when the fourth ring came. “She is getting discharged today. Don’t you think you are being too cruel?”
Rafael paid him no mind. He had assigned June a driver to take her back to the house. However, his next words sent Carson into a state of disarray.
“I’ve been vomiting blood,” Rafael spoke casually. “Nothing serious. Just a couple of times. Am I dying?”
Carson felt a paralysing feeling of fear engulf him. It was too early. He shouldn’t be experiencing such symptoms just yet. “We need to push forward your surgery.” He managed to say.
Rafael chuckled, “I’m guessing that is not a good sign.”
Carson didn’t humour him with an answer. “I will go home and take care of some things. The surgery will hold as scheduled.” He said without a blink.
“I can fix you for surgery in four days. We have to quicken-”
“I didn’t ask your input, Carson. Give me the darned drugs and let me out of here.” Rafael’s tone was taut and left little room for refusal.
Soon, Rafael was on his way home. The ride was silent as he reflected on his life so far. He handled everything life threw at him with grace and pushed forward. In his business, his career, marriage and family.
However, this hurdle was the biggest he faced so far. And like the others, he planned to wrestle it alone. Win alone. Or lose alone. “Drive to the family house.” He said to his driver.
For some reason, he wanted to see his mother. Needed to see her.
Beatrice sat in her living room and watched the news with a smile. She couldn’t deny that April was a fast worker. June was already feeling the heat of the pressure and the world seemed to be against her in just a few days.
She wondered what her son thought of the news and how it would impact their relationship moving forward. She desperately needed information on the state of things in her son’s home but there was radio silence.
She contemplated paying her son a visit for that sole purpose when Rafael stepped into the living room. Beatrice’s eyes widened in happiness at the surprise visit but when she remembered they were at war, she stayed put.
“I don’t remember inviting you to my home.” She said when he settled on the couch beside her.
“Do I need an invite to visit my mother?” Rafael asked with a smirk played on his lips. “This is my home as much as it is yours.”
Beatrice huffed. “I didn’t know you remembered that. If I remembered correctly, you refused to step your feet here since-” She bit her tongue, unable to speak of the taboo topic of her son’s former marriage.
“Since Cara died.” Rafael completed the sentence with a smile.
The sight of him speaking so calmly about his late wife sent warning bells off Beatrice’s head. She soon noticed the odd calmness around him and the slimness of his cheeks. Her son had lost some weight!
She frowned and asked, “What did that woman do this time? I swear if she did anything-”
Beatrice was surprised by the sound of her son laughing. Rafael laughed so hard, his eyes watered. His mother felt confused about what to do as he behaved strangely.
“Oh Mother, I miss you already.” He said and a blush found its way to her cheeks.
Beatrice feigned non-challance. “What is wrong with you? Are you going somewhere?”
Rafael nodded, peaking her interest. “I have to travel and I was wondering if you could come pick up Luis tomorrow,”
That did it.
“Is that it? You want to leave the country and suddenly remember your mother because you are looking for the best person to leave Luis with. Did you forget how you treated me? You chose that girl over me! Your mother! Where is she now? Why can’t she take care of Luis?” Beatrice fumed.
“Since you chose her over me, and she is being paid to be the nanny and wife, she should earn her keep. You don’t get to have both. You already made a decision and it wasn’t me,”
All through her fit, Rafael listened without uttering a word. He knew his mother was hurt by his actions and though he didn’t regret it, he figured if he were not to survive this, he needed to make peace with his mother.
Not for his sake, but hers. Hence, he was waving the white flag this time, hoping they could mend their differences. However, he was caught off guard by her words.
“How did you know she was paid to do it?” He asked with a raised brow.
Beatrice bit her lips and cursed herself for letting that bit slip.
“I just made a passing statement and you just confirmed it!” She pretended, acting angry but Rafael was unfazed.
“Someone told you. It wasn’t me and it couldn’t be June. Who was it?”