Chapter 12 - A House Divided|
The opportunity for the final strike arrived on Saturday—Beatrice’s 60th birthday.
Driven by her newfound arrogance, Beatrice decided to host a grand birthday dinner at the house to celebrate both her milestone and the official announcement of her grandson.
She spent money Adrian had borrowed from another high-interest lender to order massive floral arrangements, expensive catering, and a giant three-tiered cake iced in baby blue with the words: Welcome, Precious Dela Cruz Heir! printed on top.
She invited all her relatives, neighbors, church members, and the wealthy socialites who had previously looked down on her family.
“I want everyone to see that our family is thriving!” Beatrice boasted loudly as she adjusted her gold necklace in the hallway mirror.
I walked downstairs wearing a long black evening dress and a matching black head wrap.
“Can I help you arrange the dining chairs, Beatrice?” I asked politely.
Beatrice sneered at me through the mirror. “Look at you, dressed like you’re attending a funeral. Make yourself useful and set up the big smart TV in the living room. I want to showcase the baby’s ultrasound slides to the guests during my speech.”
“Of course,” I replied with a sweet, obedient nod. “I will make sure the screen displays everything clearly.”
I walked over to the home entertainment center, plugged in my encrypted USB flash drive, and pre-loaded the media queue.
By seven-thirty in the evening, the living room was packed with over thirty guests. Relatives gossiped, church members sipped sparkling wine, and neighbors admired the lavish decorations.
Selene sat center stage on the velvet armchair, wearing a flowing white silk maternity gown that accentuated her large, motionless belly. Adrian stood behind her, holding a champagne glass, grinning like a triumphant lottery winner.
Beatrice stepped to the front of the room, tapping her spoon against a crystal glass to command attention.
“Welcome, everyone!” Beatrice announced, her voice booming with pride. “Tonight, we celebrate not just my birth, but the rebirth of the Dela Cruz legacy!”
The crowd clapped enthusiastically.
“For years, my son suffered under a cold, selfish wife who prioritized corporate titles over her sacred duties,” Beatrice said, casting a sharp, malicious glare toward me standing in the corner. “A woman who failed to give this home warmth or a lineage!”
Gasping whispers rippled through the gathering of relatives.
“But God has blessed us!” Beatrice continued, raising her arms high. “Tonight, we welcome Selene—a true woman who carries my grandson! An heir to our family name!”
More applause broke out. Adrian raised his glass high in the air. Selene stroked her rubber bump with dramatic grace.
May you like
I took a slow step forward into the center of the room.
“It is a wonderful speech, Beatrice,” I said loudly, my voice cutting through the noise. “But before we cut the cake, I think everyone deserves to see the full truth.”
