Part thirty eight.

Monae's POV

I wasn't supposed to be so eager to hear who she was to him because whatever relation they shared was bound to break my heart. But for an odd reason, I wanted to know, at least for confirmation that he actually did cheat on me.

Despite me being so eager, I was nervous and dreading to hear it, the truth hurts. And I ready to face the truth?

No—yes, yes I am. I deserve to know so I gave to be.

I flickered my eyes to Michele since he cut her off which I'm not surprised, it's his habit, with my hands still crossed over my chest, I cocked my brow at him.

"Sister."

At his reply, I blinked and broke into a bitter laugh.

Wait, do they actually think I am a fool to believe that old lie?

Well guys you can try harder than that.

She saw I didn't believe them, like who would? So she clarified it but not deeply. "Half sister actually." She added as she glanced at him.

I did too, I felt they were trying to make a fool out of me and saw him scowl while looking at her. "No you're not, you're my sister. I consider you as my full blood sister and I remember telling you that a lot of times."

I looked incredulously between the two, trying to find some resemblance between them at least. "Wait, what?" I felt so stupid for reacting like that initially but hey who wouldn't? And I'm still trying to process what they just said cause they don't look alike in anyway, uhm well expect their hazel eyes and well sculptured nose which I don't remember from where I've seen one like that.

******

Sandwiched between the two half—scratch that full blooded siblings, I opened the bottled water and handed it to Michy who was eating his lunch, relishing it like always.

"He always told me but today I've finally had the opportunity to have a taste of the heaven my brother has been keeping away from me." Heidi commented while biting into one of the chicken shawarma wraps and of course with that never faltering smile she's had after the bomb they threw out there.

I've come to know she's his elder sister who's only a year older than him. She left the family, more like estranged from her family for a long long time after something going through a difficult and depressing phase in her life. For the sake of the happiness I saw on Michy's face as he stole occasional glances at her, I didn't prove further by asking her to go into details. I left it at that hoping she's one day going to be comfortable enough to tell me.

"Yeah right." He shot back with an eye roll, "as usual I'm blamed for everything." I felt his words had to do with me falsely accusing him of cheating an hour ago but he squeezing my thigh as if reading my thoughts, in assurance made me feel a little bit better. I'm still embarrassed and mad at myself though my actions were excusable.

"It was you who refused to visit me despite me asking you, no more like practically begging to see you after all these years but what did I get, no and now you're accusing me. I am so hurt."

His overly dramatic gestures earned him laughter from us and eye rolls. He took it in good faith and continued eating the food.

It was some minutes into the end of the lunch when we heard a knock on the door, his assistant entered and smiled politely at us then informed him of the meeting he's supposed to attend in three minutes before leaving to the venue which I presume is the conference room.

He had to stop eating the food, promising to continue with it at home and profusely apologized he won't be able to leave for home with me as the meeting was going to run late into the night.

"Okay sugar, I love you." I said and kissed  him lightly, helping him fix his tie and shooed Michy out of the room but he stopped in the doorway.

"I love you too babe." He said back, his hands reluctant to leave my waist as he gazed at me heatedly. His face was plastered in a sheepish grin and his thumb traced and pulled my lower lip before he eventually released his hands, leaned down and kissed me and walked away after winking.

Flushed from what he just did, I stood there and stared at his retreating back till it was just an empty space staring at me. I found myself touching my lower lip and smile sheepishly.

I turned back to see Heidi's gaze on me, her smile widening as her brows wiggled in amusement. Aside the hazel eyes and sculptured nose, the two also have that amusement shit in common, I tell you.

"Someone is deeply in love." She teased.

"Who?" I pretended as if I had no idea who she was talking about and picked up the bottle of juice, when it was so evident how Michy and I literally wore our hearts out and open for all to see while he was here.

"I know you're trying to act dumb but I'll answer your question anyway, you." She replied, her answer being so obvious. "And him, it's crystal clear how you two are so madly in love with each other and I must say I'm still finding this queer, don't get me wrong okay, I'm very happy to see this, in fact the most happiest."

"Then what do you actually mean by it's queer?"

"Believe it or not despite seeing you both almost devouring each other with affection and love overload, I'm still trying to process everything and believe that this really is happening. I mean my brother, Michy, in love? She asked as if it was the oddest thing ever known but I could see happiness and contentment beneath it which confused me and intrigued me at the same time. I think there's something she isn't telling me.

"Do you know I'm confused more than ever? You've said something yet you've said nothing."

She chuckled, "I'm sorry but it's just the happiness that's making me like this. For years now I've always wanted my brother to give himself the chance to love again, you know like find someone he can risk by giving his heart to willingly and move on from the past but it always seemed it was never going to happen because it was one girl after the other till he told me a month ago that he has found the woman of his dreams, the lady he's been waiting for his whole life. I can't agree with him less, after seeing you and him I'm more convinced you're just the right one for him."

I cut my eyes at Heidi who was watching me with a smile stuck on her face. "How can you be so sure when you barely met us in less than a day?"

"After my traumatic past, I've become a good judge of character so I know you're that girl I've always wanted for him. Plus he can't stop talking about you, he's so smitten and it's like you've unleashed this new side of him that wasn't there even when he first fell in love and there again, that shit wasn't love."

"Why what really happened?" The curious me ventured out and asked.

"Hasn't he told you?" She pushed her head back slightly and looked at me in disbelief. "Yet?"

"If it's about how the girl didn't love him then yes."

"Is that all? I mean, did he tell you just this?"

"Yeah this is all he told me." I replied with my eyes fixated on her. I saw how she quickly looked down at her lap before looking away and chewing on her button lip.

That alone made me know there's more to the story than what I was told. But why will he hold back from telling me the whole truth? I get that it's a very sensitive topic judging by how he tensed up that day but then he told me he wanted to tell me and that he wanted no secrets between us. So how come he ended up keeping secrets then? Didn't he trust me enough or he actually hasn't gotten over whatever went on between them that's why he can't bring himself into spilling everything?

I'm confused and my mood suddenly changed, I can't place a finger to my mood. Is it hurt cause he kept secrets from me and didn't trust me? No it must be anger for being lied to and taken as a fool or worse a distraction.

Nae!

Mentally scolding myself, I rubbed my temples as I began to have slight headache. I'm overthinking things again, what if I've gotten it all wrong and it's not even a big deal like I'm making it to be?

Then why do you always feel he's hiding something?

Yeah, why?  That was a question I had no answer to because it wasn't in my place to answer. I'm tired of being in the dark, I'm going to get the answers from him anyhow, this  evening when he comes back.

"Is there something I need to know?" Snapping my fingers in her face after recovering, I gave her a suspicious look.

She blinked, chewing on her bottom lip. I haven't met her for long but I know this is a habit of hers, probably when she's nervous, frustrated or things are out of her control, idk.

"What?" She quizzed then broke into a smile that didn't reach her eyes, "of course not." She reassured me but after minutes of hesitation, she confessed. "Actually there is and as much as I want to tell you about it, I'm sorry but it isn't in my place to. It is his..his life and past, it's a sensitive topic for him and me too but I believe in his own time he's going to tell you about it, in fact he did promise me he will that's why I was totes surprised initially."

"Okayyy." I said eventually and dragged the y while looking at her. She met my gaze and released a small smile as she took my hands in hers.

"Promise me one thing, please."

"It depends, what?" I searched her eyes.

"I don't want you to be biased, I'm only asking you to do the right thing. After hearing what he has to say please side with him, don't you leave him for anyone else."

"You needn't even ask, what I feel for Michy is far greater and tougher for anyone or some past to break. I won't ever leave him not even for someone who I love so much."

"Are you sure?" She asked, doubt so thick in her voice and expression as she searched my face. I nodded, so sure of my self as I smiled. "Thank you."

"You don't need to thank me." I told her truthfully, I'm not planning on leaving Michy because of his past however gruesome it may be.

"I really do, for granting my desire and bringing my dear brother back to his real self."

********

"Do you think she's going to tell him now?" Heidi asked from where she sat on the other couch, a bowl of popcorn between her laps. One hand stuffed the pop corn into her mouth and another typed slowly on her phone.

I opened my eyes, turning on my side to stare at her lazily. "Sis, I'm fed up with these this alec." I replied her boredly and stifled a yawn, "why can't she just suck it up and blurt out her damned feelings for that idiot already when she knows Clarissa is a manipulative liar and wanted to steal her man?" I was beginning to get annoyed with the female lead of the movie we were watching, I would have knocked some sense into her head if I were in there with her but unfortunately it was a movie.

Heidi chuckled as she glanced at me with their signature amused face and smile before going back to her phone. "Chill sis, it's only a movie."

And then a popcorn hit me. She was lucky I had run out of mine after consuming two bowls already, I would have engaged in a pop corn fight with her. I don't know how but over the few hours that I've met her, I've found a friend.. a very good friend in her. She's just like Michy, the female version of him and she's way funnier than he was. Heidi is such a nice company, it's no surprise we've bonded over a shirt period even to the point where we're on the sis thing, ya know?

"A movie that's beginning to bore my left ass." I said quietly and tried to fall back to sleep like I was doing before she asked me that question.

We were in the living room downstairs watching tv. The first time I've ever sat here to do that, there tv here is very large yet it's never been used because he's always at work, I'm either at school or in the kitchen with Asabrewaa or in bed chatting with Imogen. Most of the employees after work reside at the workers quarters so we hardly lounge here.

But tonight Heidi had changed that. After coming home and cooking some dinner, we reclined here to watch tv while we ate and later paused it to take our baths. We're now here watching movies while waiting for Michy to come home, I'm surprised he's taken longer than usual in doing so. I'm sure he's still stuck up in the meeting or something that's why he isn't picking up my calls.

Bored out of my mind watching that sappy and hella annoying movie, I decided to sleep while waiting for him. I know Heidi won't mind cause she's half watching and half texting..uhm well texting mostly so...

In the middle of drifting to sleep, I heard the front door open and I knew Michy was back. His exhausted raspy voice sounded through the living room seconds later as he entered and dumped his phones on the sofa. I was already up and walking to him.

********

Michy's POV

"Is there something I need to know about your past?"

The words had barely left her lips when I coughed, almost choking on my food. She picked the glass before I could and handed it to me while smiling sweetly.

I knew something was off the minute I stepped into the living room and saw her. She was being too nice...extra nice, don't get me wrong, she's always nice but tonight's was extra. From helping me strip off my jacket to massaging my feet and all that, I sensed it but I brushed it off upon seeing how she and Heidi were getting along so well.

In fact, they were behaving as if they had known each other since ages when they only met this afternoon and I loved it. I was extremely happy for Heidi especially, she seems to have gotten over her episode back at the office and was rather bubbly.

I'm super glad she is since today  is an important day in her life. I wish it was a joyous one, sadly it wasn't. It's a day I would without thinking twice erase from history if I had the power to do so and relieve her from the terrible and gloomy memory and feelings associated with it.

I glanced at Heidi, raising a brow. She only shrugged and gave me an I have no idea face and went back to minding her business which was texting on her phone.

If it isn't her then who might it be?

"Did Mr Winchester call you?"

"No but why will you think he did and why do you think he has something to do with my question?"

"Uh.." I have to choose my words carefully. There's something that I need to tell her, I always want to but anytime I wanna try I get the feeling that isn't the right time yet. I don't want to keep secrets between us, our relationship has to be open devoided of any skeletons in the cupboard but I feel it isn't the time yet to divulge what I'm keeping away from her.

"Oh yeah, uhm, because he—"

"Michy what are you not telling me? Your flustered face and loss of words clearly tells me there's something you need to tell me so what is it?"

"Baby—"

"No." She raised her index finger and waved it in my face. I could tell she was trying so hard not to get angry. "Don't you dare baby me, don't. Do you know how it feels, do you? That I'm in a relationship with someone and he doesn't even trust me enough to share his past with me—"

"It—"

"I hate this! I hate that you always cut people off, tonight Michy, I'm doing the talking and you're doing the listening..you heard me?"

"Crystal clear."

"I know that what happened is in the past, yeah I know but don't you think it's appropriate for me to know especially when it influenced your life in a significantly? Or is it you haven't gotten over your past?"

"What?" I was flabbergasted, "you have no idea what you're talking about! I'm over it for God's sake!"

"Oh really? Then why are you getting so defensive? If you have like you truly claim, you won't behave like this."

"I'm sorry." I apologized, raking my fingers in my hair, "I truly am, for raising my voice at you, this...this is a very sensitive topic for me. Do you know how badly I want to tell you everything? I want to but it isn't easy for me."

"I'm sorry," she took my hands in hers and kissed my knuckles. "I'm sorry too, for pushing you too hard. I won't deny the fact that I know it's a sensitive topic, I was aware but I'm tired of being in the dark, it's like everyone around me knows something that I don't. It makes me feel like a fool every time."

I sighed and pulled Nae to me as I embraced her. "Please forgive me." I muttered, guilt was eating me up not only for the secrets but what I fear is to come. I've dragged her into my deranged life and I know she's going to suffer. I'm I selfish that I still don't want to let her go despite knowing it?

Please forgive me Nae, my selfishness is going to cost you so much.

"I love you and it's always going to be you." I felt the need to assure her of it and that no matter what happens, I'll love her till my last breath.

******

I hanged the towel I used to clean the sweats that formed on my body while I exercised as I run down the stairs. I had to stop with my daily dose of morning exercise and was currently heading to the kitchen to get myself a bottle of water to rehydrate my sluggish and tired body. The maids must have forgotten to stack the gym with bottled water when I run out of them and it affected my workout.

Two steps away from being at the bottom, my phone dinged in my shorts. I reached for it and checked the message.

Drake

Tf are you man? We start in an hour but uk I need you here..for support just like ol' times.

Me

My ass here hasn't even bathed😂 I just left the gym.

Drake

Tf Mich! Do you know what time it is?🙄

I was laughing as I typed a reply, I low key wished to see how he was right now. I can swear he is shitting his pants and is sweaty af. He's a nervous wreck in times when he's sober and dealing with serious issues that aren't related to work like today.

He invited us over to his house for a party, just like that. He didn't tell me what the party is for but I kinda know it has an important reason behind it if his parents and that of his wife are attending and that's why he's nervous. Drake isn't a scaredy cat or a wimp, he's got quite the bold and fearless type.

Unfortunately, he isn't when his parents, precisely his father is involved. That man is too strict, upright and cold who's been ruling his family with an iron hand for decades now, sometimes he must have gone through something that's why he is like that.

I replied his message and locked the screen then shoved it back into my pocket.

"Good morning, sugar." Nae greeted me with a smile as she approached me and pecked my cheeks, handing me a cup of hot tea.

I circled my hand around her waist and pulled her to me after giving her a proper kiss. I nuzzled Nae as I lowered my head and stared at her. "Good morning babe, how was your sleep?"

"Aside missing your warmth beside me, I think it was fine, how about yours?"

"Why didn't you sneak into my room and sleep by me?" I asked, wearing a scowl on my face. I couldn't sleep a wink last night, just like her, I also missed the warmth and peace of having her in my arms on my bed while we slept.

"You know I couldn't, someone had to take care of Heidi."

Oh yeah that reminds me, "Is she fine?" I asked in concern at the mention of her name and getting flashbacks of last night, how she had another panic attack which got us deeply worried.

She shrugged though her face showed concern and care. "I can't say much because she cried herself to sleep even after consoling her and giving me the impression she was already passed out so I don't know what to expect this morning."

"Thank you."

"Seriously for what?"

A whole lot of things I failed to do.

"Bringing a new profound joy into her life and taking care of her. I wouldn't have been able to do anything if you weren't around." I brought the cup to my lips and took a sip while staring at her. "I failed as a brother back then, the guilt ate me up because of that I couldn't face her every time she had an attack, I felt I was to blame so I kept my distance." I admitted the truth to her.

No matter what anyone says, I know it was my fault. I should have seen through his intentions, I shouldn't have been so busy trying to distance myself from everyone! I should have just sucked it up and move on and be there for her.

But I didn't, I allowed the worst to happen..to my sister, my only sister!

"She hasn't told me about what happened, I figured it was extremely sensitive given what happened last night but I'm curious to know what exactly hurt her this deep to trigger a panic attack."

"Knowing Heidi, she might tell you but it's going to take sometime when she has fully warmed up to you. Just so you know she really likes you."

Her face lit up as she smiled shyly. "I'm flattered to know and don't avoid my question."

"I'm not, that was just by the way. So to what made her like this..." I trailed off, turning back to check of Heidi was perhaps standing there and listening to us. I'm afraid hearing me tell Nae will trigger another attack which we all don't want like she does. "A person she loved took her for a fool back in the university. He lured her into a trap, took advantage of her obsession with him and got her pregnant." I didn't realize I was holding onto the cup so tight till it shook in my hands and the got content spilled on my hand even then I didn't let go off it.

I've been carried away by my emotions again. The pent up rage has taken over me.

"Michy!" Nae called me in alarm as she rushed to me and took the cup from me. "I'm sorry, did I upset you again?"

"No, it's not your fault." I reassured her with a smile. I had to switch my mood, I can't let Nae see who I become when I'm angry, it might scare her away. "It hurts me as much as it does to her even after these past years. His girlfriend that time and her friends beat her up till she lost the pregnancy. I'm the most shitty brother ever alive because I wasn't there to protect her, she would have been a mother of a seven year old girl or boy yesterday if I had been there. I remember how happy and excited about being a mother even though the guy gave no hoot about her or the baby, after all he did it for revenge."

Her hands instantly flew to her face, covering her mouth as she looked at me in shock ams sympathy. "Oh my God! I'm so sorry she went through all that, I wasn't there but I know how she felt... how it is like to have your world shattered by the person you love and the feeling of losing a loved one. I now understand why she was like that yesterday, oh my."

"You have no idea what she went through, Nae. My sister couldn't take it anymore, every blessed second at the university reminded her of that betrayal and deceit. I watched her cry every single time, drowning in depression till she couldn't take it anymore and abandoned her studies and flew out of the country to Germany.

Yesterday was the first day I set my eyes on my sister after seven years, we communicated but seeing her brought back every single memory of why she left. That's how come you saw me hugging her in the office, she had a panic attack."

"I don't know why I'm apologizing but I'm so sorry, I know how hard it must have been for you and her without having anyone by her side to comfort her."

"It indeed was but I learnt to suppress those feelings after sometime yet the memories were there. A year or two passed and the feelings rushed back, I cut ties with everyone and held only hatred for the one who was responsible for my sister's predicament. I fucking hate that idiot because even after everything he had the nerve to tell me to my face it was all his revenge!"

"Such viciousness? Which despicable person is behind this great injustice towards her?" She demanded, flaring up after I told her the rest of the story, little did she know that wasn't all. The rest was reserved for another day, what she's heard today is enough.

I scoffed, looking deeply into her eyes. "Do you really wanna know?" You wouldn't like my answer if I do reply.

"Yes, he has to pay after all these years. We aren't going to take revenge but justice must be served...the law."

"It's all in the past, I don't wish to dig out all those memories and watch Heidi go through pain anymore. Initially I was full of spite for him, I wanted so badly to kill him with my bare hands then I thought to myself why waste my life on him? I could go to jail and in the end, be just like him, a murderer. I still hate him but I leave his fate and justice in the hands of God."

"Yeah you're right, I have no choice than listen to you, you know best so but who is it?"

"Seriously babe, forget about him." I said in a tone of finality. She nodded in understanding and I smiled, Nae's understanding. I love that so much about her, she knows when it's enough and not to prob further and is always okay with you opening up even if not much.

"Good mor—afternoon love birds." Heidi yawned and greeted as she stepped into the kitchen, wearing a bathrobe.

I can tell she's fresh from the shower judging by her wet her which has gotten longer than I last remembered, it was now waist length.

"How's my lovely sister doing?" I asked, looking into her puffy red eyes.

She instantly beamed, throwing her hand in the air dramatically. "Great! Fantastic, in fact I'm in the best of health and mood so you two shouldn't shit your pants worrying about me. What we should be worrying about is being on time for Drake's party."

Her smile was genuine yet the puffiness of her eyes made it look as if she was sick. I was still concerned and wasn't convinced she was okay and I knew better not to probe further.

"A party can never be important than you—"

"I appreciate you looking out for me brother, I'm lucky to have you and Nae, what she did for me last night meant a lot. She did what someone so close to me couldn't do and I don't want you both worrying so much about me when you have your own life and happiness to focus on.

I'm fine today because after what I've been through, I've learnt never to be weighed down so much by them. Yeah I get the attacks but I don't let them stop me from enjoying what else if left for me out there in the world. I can to the states to have closure and continue moving on without having to turn back each time and break down."

By someone closer to her, we both know it's mother. She's a great woman, kind and gentle but she could have done better than just being a mother and not more than that, that negligence of hers cost her Heidi.

She loved my sister and that was another reason why she married my dad so she could have a better life. After doing that she felt that's all what she needed in life so she failed in bonding with her and knowing what exactly was going on in her life.

Mother could have helped her back then, she didn't and it isn't too late. I wish they both work on their relationship, put so much effort in it at least for family sake.

"I'm so proud of you, so, so proud of you." That was nothing but the truth, I'm so proud she didn't let what happened ruin her life. She done so well for herself in her personal life and career wise and I can't be anymore prouder.  "For what you've accomplished with your life despite everything and I wish you the best of luck in the years ahead."

"No matter what, just know Michy and I will always be here for you. Your happiness is ours okay so you'll always have our support in ever decision you make."

"Thank you guys, so much. I'm at loss for words but I want you both to know, I'll never trade you for anyone else because you both are what I consider as family. You might be surprised Nae that o only met you yesterday yet today I'm saying this. For some strange reason I've liked you ever since the day Michy told me about you and seeing you in person has left me with no reason whatsoever not to accept you as a family. Even if I didn't like you, Michy does and that's enough for me to like you."

"To be honest I like you too and I'm sorry for how I reacted back at the office." Nae admitted, looking down at her laps.

Heidi swatted her hand playfully as she continued to smile. Yeah she's that all smiles person, people think she fakes it but they're genuine af and that's her. "Shh, it all doesn't matter as long as I'm the end which is today, we've grown past it."

I took two cups from the island and filled it with tea. Clearing my throat, I clicked them together and like expected, I gained the attention of the two women who matter the most to be in my life. I smiled, "a toast to us, a toast to more love, trust, happiness, unity and blessings as a family."

"I can't help but say amen." Heidi said as we clinked the cups. Nae and I chuckled leaving a happy Heidi to hug the both of us. "Family forever."

*********************************

There's so much info in this chapter, I feel the dots have connected already🙂