Chapter Nineteen

Mariaisabella and Emerenziano are sitting across from Maria and Emeren. Both of them have their heads down as their parents glare daggers at them.

Both Emerenziano and Mariaisabella found out that Maria was leaving her tutoring, and Emeren was leaving the market so they can meet together. They found out when Emerenziano saw Mariaisabelle in the markets instead of Emeren.

And to make matters worse, Mariaisabelle admits that this has been going on for about two months. Emerenzian and Mariaisabelle lean on the kitchen counter as they witness the ordeal. They cannot hear everything, but the view is perfect.

And Mary and Emery are currently in the town's library.

"What do you have to say for yourself? We know you are much better than this. We care about your education, Maria. And Emeren, you have to do your duties instead of depending on Mariaisabelle. Do not ever do this again," Emerenziano sternly growls. As he continues telling the kids off, Mariaisabella notices the familiar glow on Maria's forearm underneath her sleeve.

This means one thing. Maria has been copulating with Emeren.

"How dare you, Maria!" The mother booms through the house. Everything goes quiet, but she is not done.

"I can see your mark. You are too puerile to be having amorous conjoining with Emeren. Do you not comprehend at the hour you have a mark, you become fraught with a babe! I cannot believe you would bring a child in this!

What do you have to say for yourself?" Mariaisabella finishes with a growl. Maria then breaks down into sobs. Maria is the only one that knows about the babe, so her mother finding out is embarrassing to her.

"I-I a-am s-sorry," Maria apologizes. Emeren comforts her as she cries hysterically. Mariaisabelle and Emerenzian rush into the living space. Both look at the older mother before she reveals the news.

"Maria is pregnant,"

~

Noise.

The only thing that can be heard in the house is noise. And it's coming from different directions.

The commotions are coming from Maria's cries, Mariaisabelle and Mariaisabella's argument, the haling storm that is slamming against the windows, and Emerenziano's voice that is scowling at his sons.

It had been an hour since everyone had all found out about Maria's child. Mary and Emery came back and were ordered to go upstairs. They are too young to comprehend the situation.

"How dare you make Maria feel bad. She is only a child!" The fair lady screams at her mother. The mother's pale complexion turns pink with embarrassment.

"You have no right to yell at me, Mariaisabelle. I am your mother. Maria is only a child, and she does not have the proper resources to give birth!" Mariaisabella is starting to lose her authority by the minute. The older man notices this and defends his childhood friend.

"That's right. Mariaisabelle, listen to your mother," Emerenziano replies to Mariaisabella's defense. Mariaisabella turns her head and silently thanks Emerenziano. He gets up and stands by Mariaisabella's side. Betrayal is painted on the fair lady's face. This makes her mad and she decides to expose them both.

"That is not what you said to me when we had coitus in your bed, last night," Mariaisabelle's fearless outrage made Emerenziano's mouth gape in surprise. It was Mariaisabella's turn to look completely shocked. The man that stood by her was having a scandalous relationship with her daughter.

"How dare you?!" Emerenziano's eyes shift to his sons and he notices that Emeren is standing with a pointed finger. Emeren is looking at his father with a look of complete rage.

"Are you kidding me, father? You had yelled at me for what I have done with Maria. However, you were being intimate with her older sister! How could you?" Emeren argues. Emeren already knows. But this is a good opportunity to hold his father accountable.

He had never talked back to his father before. But, his father went out of his way to lie to him to keep himself in the clear. Before Emerenziano can explain himself, Emerenzian comes to his rescue.

"The difference between your affairs and his is that Mariaisabelle is an adult. Both you and Maria are too young, and you will soon be a father," Emeren rolls his eyes at his brother. He expected Emerenzian to be on his side, but that wasn't the case.

"But that's not fair. Mariaisabella is being awful to Maria-" Emeren's rant is interrupted by a defensive Emerenzian.

"Do not bring Mariaisabella into this argument. We are talking about you being irresponsible. Just because-" Emerenzian cannot finish his argument as Emeren stops him.

"I am being irresponsible?" Emeren questions before shaking with laughter. He then points at Mariaisabella.

"If that's the case, then why are you coupling with Mariaisabella, Emerenzian?" Emeren reveals. Mariaisabella's mouth gapes open. Her face is now beet red. She thought that no one knew. Emeren continues.

"Emerenzian, you got Mariaisabella pregnant. And Mariaisabelle got pregnant by our father. I may be young and ignorant, but the people who are being irresponsible are you and father," Once Emeren is done, he carries the distressed Maria and walks towards her room.

Soon the conflict dies down, and everyone goes to their separate places to sleep. But, the roaring howl of the storm ventures on. The storm persists, even when the imperfect family falls asleep. Unbeknownst to them, two lurking shadows witness everything and make their move.

This is just the beginning.