Chapter 49 Regrets

"I had tons of sins that I am guilty of against you Rico. I admit I stole lots of things from you. Because after that, Dina tried to ran away because she wanted to keep your child… so, I was forced to accept that child. I allow her to carry your child and I stole those moments when you're supposed to be by her side. You know what, Dina was most beautiful when she was pregnant. She was shining, giving off a different kind of bloom for that reason, I fell in love with her even more. I declared myself as your son's father. I made myself believe he's really mine.", Carlos casually talked while reminiscing his memorable moments with the pregnant Dina. Carlos's eyes were full of adoration for Dina as he seemingly imagines those beautiful moments with her, those stolen moments that were supposed to be for Rico. Rico is angry with himself as to why he allowed this trashy person to take his position when he was supposed to be there… beside his wife, besides his beloved Dina. He is so jealous because he wasn't able to see Dina being pregnant with their child. "At after she gave birth… the truth is, she wanted to have Dino your name because she said it was your right, but of course, I am the villain. I gave Dino my name instead.", Carlos smiled sadly as he remembered those times when he thought Dina would argue with him but she didn't. But Rico thought his smile was an insult to him as if mocking him because he successfully stole these moments away from him. He really wants to punch this guy but he remembers Dino and how Dino would take Carlos's side to defend him when they had gotten into a commotion last time. He doesn't want his son to push him further away and end up hating him and would never recognize him as his real dad because of Carlos. 'Don't smile like that, idiot! I am doing all my best to control my anger and urge to hurt you in front of my son! And now you are using my own child for you to not get hurt! You piece of trash!", Rico gnashed his teeth furiously. Rico then remembered his happy and sweet moments with Dina… his heart crumbled. He hated Dina so much because he believed she really did turn her back from him… but he was wrong. Dina remained faithful to him and it was him who didn't believe in her… and had miserably trying to satisfy himself with various women to forget his desperation for her, trying to convince that he will find another Dina in them… and of course, he failed. There will be no one like Dina… because Dina is Dina, no other woman could be comparable to her. Rico felt a sharp pain in his heart and at that moment he wanted to find Dina and to hug her but he was interrupted with his deep thoughts when Carlos began to speak again. "I am sorry, Rico but I am not regretting anything that I have done… if time goes back in the past, I would still gladly do it again and again. I am very happy these past few years, even though I am fully aware that Dina never loved me romantically but I am still happy just being with them. I am really contented already. But this is the payment of the wrong things I have done… for manipulating Dina and for stealing her away from you. That's why you don't need to hurt me because I will still die anyway.", Carlos said. Rico wasn't able to answer when he saw Carlos's eyes… he was crying. 'I was really happy… I found peace and contentment just being with them…", Carlos continues to cry and started to sob louder. "You deserve what you are now, sick and dying! I am not giving you any sympathy.", Rico said still feeling mulish against Carlos, refusing to pity him as he remembered how he wanted to die when Carlos snatched Dina away. "I am not expecting any sympathy from you... I just want you to spare them of your hatred... and accept them back in your life.", Carlos sincerely said. Rico looked at Dino, he is the result of his and Dina's love. Carlos followed the direction of Rico's eyes. "He really loves ice cream. Go and be with him, introduce him to your parents. Let me do the explaining to Dina.", Carlos finally said and immediately left Rico alone. Rico just stared at the glass window of his office where he could see his son peeking at him, before deciding to get inside. He also thought of many ways how to convince Dino to live with him and that he should start him treating as his dad instead of Carlos. "Where is my...Dad going?", Dino asked when Rico entered. "From now on, you shouldn't call him Dad, Dino... and you should call me as your Dad instead.", Rico premised as he hugged his son for the first time and feel regretful of the time wasted because of his useless revenge. "But—-", Dino tried to complain. "You will be living with me, and with your grandparents. They will love you for sure.", Rico interrupted what Dino was about to say. "How about my Mom and...?", Dino asked but was hesitating as he doesn't know what to call Carlos now. "Carlos will leave soon... He is going somewhere far away from us, he can't take you and your Mom with him. That's why you and your Mom, will live together with me.", Rico explained. The child gave a little smile, he felt relieved that somehow he will still be with his mom. "But why is... he leaving us? Did you tell him to leave because he did something bad to you? Uncle is not really bad to us. He treats Mom and me really well. He buys many ice cream.", Dino asked curiously. "I can't explain but Uncle will be the one to tell you why.", Rico briefly answered. "Will Mom be okay if she lives with you. You don't like her... and Mom is angry with you too.", Dino said. "It's not that I don't like her, I really love your Mom... It's just there's some misunderstanding between us. Will you help me persuade her then?", Rico smiled and hugged his son once again. He lost three years of his son and Dina's life… he doesn't know how to make up for it. He doesn't know how to persuade Dina… especially now that he had done wrong things towards her. An extreme emotion had taken over Rico because of the things that Carlos had revealed to him. Now that he hurt the love of his life… he is fully aware that along with the truth is also his deep regret.