Chapter 47 Truth

When Rico arrived at home, he just sat on his bed, staring at nowhere. He had prepared a thousand times already about his revenge, there are tons of things he wanted to say but he ends up, walking out earlier. He couldn't take it seeing both Dina and Carlos caring for each other. Then… everything that Dina had said stabbed him straight in his heart. He hated them both but he is also sad and somewhat feeling guilty. He has now become confused about what he is feeling. He remembered how Dina looked at him earlier… and it pained him so much that it tortured him. Rico was interrupted with his thoughts when his phone suddenly rang. It was Alice, he doesn't want to talk to her at the moment but he thought that he could use her again to get revenge against Dina. "Are you still awake?", Alice said in a gentle tone. "I wouldn't have picked up your call if I were not.", Rico answered sarcastically. "You're making me feel like an unwelcome guest but it doesn't matter. I want to tell you something." "Okay." "Actually... I never thought you would end up this way.. so badly. The truth is...", Alice was kind of hesitating, but Rico patiently waited. "That time... I really thought you would be mine. I thought you would stop being desperate but you had become worse. I am sorry... Rico, it was me who send you that picture.", Alice said as she sighed deeply. "What?", Rico seemed confused as he couldn't grasp what Alice is trying to say. "It wasn't Dina. She didn't send you her picture while hugging Carlos to brag about her happy life. It was I. I just set her up, making it seem it was from her for the thought of you coming back to me again.", Alice revealed. "You mean..." "I am sorry. She's innocent. It was I... and I were wrong, I was not expecting that you would end up becoming like this.", Alice sincerely said. Rico wasn't able to say anything, he just fell silent. "I don't even know if she was really happy with Carlos—-" "You don't have to tell me this, Alice. Whether it was you or her that sent me that picture. She can't deny the fact that she made a fool out of me, she even had a son now!", Rico broke in tears. He was filled with bother anger and pain. 'But---' "Why are telling me this, Alice?! Why?! Why now!", Rico hissed angrily. "Rico, I am already happy with my soon-to-be-husband now. And I really wished you would be happy too. I really feel guilty and my conscience just won't let me be if I won't be able to tell you the truth. I am sorry—-" For a moment, Rico felt sorry for Dina, the woman he truly loved, he hated her so much when he received that picture… unknowing it was from Alice. Without any confirmation, he believed that Dina was proud of what she has done but her eyes told him the opposite when they saw each other again… it seems like she is still his Dina, the woman he had truly loved from the start. "I am hanging up.", were the only words Rico could say and he pushed the end call button. Rico's mind went completely blank, he doesn't want to hesitate and feel sorry for the woman who almost ruined his life. He doesn't want to think anything, whatever reason there is, he just wants to focus and sue both Dina and Carlos… despite his conscience tells him the opposite. —- "Carlos, are you ok?", Dina was worried when Carlos had been in the bathroom for more than an hour without any noise. The door was locked and she starts to knock. This is not normal for Carlos, he isn't as vain as Rico, and staying too long in the bathroom makes him bored. "Mom I want to take poop... Dad opens the door!", Dino complained.s "Carlos?", Dina as she knocked again but there's still no answer. She began to worry even more as she starts to pound the door. "Carlos? Carlos, are you okay? Carlos!", Dina yelled as she pounded the door even louder. Suddenly, the door opened a little. Carlos was there but he looks too sick. It was the first time she saw him like that, he was too pale as he sweated too much as well. I'm okay... I'm just a little... constipated.", Carlos smiled as he held tightly on his stomach and jokingly grimaced at her. Dina felt relieved. 'You scared me! I was so worried about why you had been in there for too long. You better drink lots of water, you might be dehydrated.", Dina told him. "I think so too. Uh, I need to get some rest first. I drained my energy due to this constipation.", Carlos smiled weakly. Dina just nodded but she just still felt something was wrong. She can't explain why she was so worried earlier too. She was thinking something bad might happen… and she remembered Rico. Rico threatened to sue them. For this reason, Dina was bothered and became even more worried about their situation. Carlos was already inside his room and he is still feeling unwell. He cried because of pain, but he cried even more because of the reality that he needs to let Dina and Dino go now… he must. He needs to talk to Rico as soon as possible. 'Where are you going?", Dina asked as she noticed Carlos was dressed to go out. "Uh, just some unfinished business...", Carlos answered in a still weak voice. Dina just nodded. "Dad can I come with you?", Dino suddenly asked Carlos. Carlos had thought for a short moment, then he smiled and nodded. "I guess it's the right time too.", Carlos smiled at the child. "Time for what?", Dina asked curiously. "You know... Dino's Ice cream time.", Carlos laughed. However, for some unexplainable reasons, Dina thought he wasn't really telling the truth. 'If so, I think I should come along too.", Dina smiled. "Yes, Mom should come!", Dino said cheerfully. "No, she can't. Remember... Dad is dealing some unfinished business.", Carlos intervened. Dino frowned immediately. 'So, it's for boys only huh? Okay, okay. Don't worry, Dino just bring me some of your yummy ice cream when you get home.", Dina smiled as she kissed her son's cheek. "Okay...", Dino hesitantly agreed. 'Come, let's put your clothes on because Dad's already dressed.", Dina smiled and she hurriedly got her son's clothes. After a few moments, both Dino and Carlos are ready to go now. "See you later.", Dina waved goodbye at them. "Bye Mom...", Dino said happily but fell silent for a moment, he was used to teasing his 'recognized" father to kiss his mom but now he is hesitating because of what Carlos had just told him that he is not actually his real father. "Bye Dina.", Carlos eventually said as he waved back to Dina and smiled sadly for a bit, realizing that Dino will no longer tease them together, another habit he will truly miss. "Bye. Take care.", Dina answered as she noticed the awkwardness between them.