His Untold Lies

Chapter 34 Disaster

KIA

I left my bed and made my way to the kitchen, where the inviting scent of freshly brewed coffee greeted me, just like it did every morning. Although I'm not usually a morning person, the aroma of the coffee had an unusually awakening effect on me today. It felt different, unlike any other day, probably because today was the day Ares would finally meet my dad, my rather unpleasant stepmother, and my half-sister.

Ares stood at the stove, his left hand resting on his hip while his right hand skillfully wielded a spatula. Pancake batter sizzled on the griddle. I stood beside him, leaning against a cabinet, observing his every move.

Although I now appreciated the taste of slightly browned pancakes, today I longed for the golden ones, unable to tolerate even a hint of darkness. The front pancakes on the griddle remained a perfect golden hue, while those further back took on a light tan shade. Ares stacked the latter at the bottom, hoping my fussiness would wane with time. After he finished cooking, I generously spread butter on the lighter pancakes and drenched them in syrup.

"Are you ready to meet them?" I suddenly asked.

Ares looked puzzled. "Do I need to prepare myself for it? Don't worry, hon. I won't let you down."

"No, it's not that... It's just that... Well, you see, my stepmother and half-sister can be quite difficult to deal with. I hope nothing goes wrong later."

He took my hand and gently massaged it with his right hand, trying to comfort me and soothe my anxiety. "If anything happens, I'll handle it for you, okay? Just relax. We've got this, and I'm here for you."

---

They arrived at the Saavedra's Residence, where Kianna's family warmly greeted them. The house appeared meticulously prepared for their visit.

"Nice to meet you, Uncle and Aunt. Here are some small gifts my wife and I prepared for all of you. We hope you like them," Ares said as he placed several gifts on the table.

"My dear, he's so humble," Mrs. Saavedra murmured.

"This is too generous. You didn't have to spend so much. These branded supplements are quite expensive. By the way, I heard you're a top student at Harvard University. Impressive, Mr. Vuertalejo!" Mr. Saavedra remarked.

"Thank you very much, Uncle. I'm truly honored by your kind words," Ares replied.

As they chatted, snacks and tea were served by a maid. Kianna watched Ares answer her father's questions, her concern evident.

"Well, Ares France Vuertalejo, right? I'll be straightforward with you. I did some background checks, but I couldn't find much information about you. You're quite a mysterious person, and as a father, I'm naturally concerned about my daughter's well-being. Since you're now married, how about joining the Saavedra Group? I'd like to get to know you better, Ares. Plus, we're family now," Mr. Saavedra proposed.

Kianna couldn't help but feel suspicious about the offer. Her dad seemed to have an ulterior motive. Why would he want Ares to work for their family? Was it because of his connection to the Vueravista Company? If Ares were to work there, could he eventually take control of the company? Kianna was puzzled by her father's intentions.

"I appreciate your generous offer, but I'm quite content with my current job. Let's just say I'm happy where I am, and I prefer not to make any changes. At the moment, I believe my position allows me to support Kianna, and it also gives me the time to be with her," Ares politely declined, offering a reassuring smile.

Kianna noticed her dad clenching his fist, clearly displeased with Ares' response. Before he could say anything further, Asteria abruptly stood up, diverting everyone's attention.

"Ah, feeling thirsty, brother-in-law? Allow me to serve you some tea," Asteria rushed toward Ares.

What is she trying to do? Kianna couldn't help but think. Asteria's true nature seemed impossible to hide.

"No need, thank you," Ares responded, his demeanor noticeably colder. Kianna could tell he was not pleased with Asteria's actions.

"What's happening here?" Ares reached for the teacup and began pouring some tea. Just as he was about to take a sip, Asteria suddenly grabbed his arm, her touch gentle but unsettling.

"Brother-in-law, relax! Make yourself at home. This house is practically yours now that you're family!" she exclaimed in her most irritating tone.

I couldn't tolerate this woman any longer. It was clear she was making advances on my husband, and my parents seemed unfazed. In fact, it appeared that my stepmother condoned her provocative behavior. I needed to take action.

As I was about to stand, Asteria slapped Ares' hand, causing the teacup to fall. "Ah-! It's hot!" Ares exclaimed, pushing Asteria away from him.

"I'm so sorry, brother-in-law! It's my fault. Let me take you to the restroom and help you clean up," Asteria offered.

"What did you say?!" I interjected, but my father and stepmother seemed unbothered. They were sipping tea and watching Asteria as if she were the star of a romantic drama.

"No, thank you. I can handle it myself. I'm married, and it wouldn't be appropriate for me to be alone with another woman. Show some decency," Ares responded and began walking in the wrong direction.

I quickly stood and called out to him, "Hon, the bathroom is in the other direction. You're going the wrong way. Wait, I'll take you-"

"Sister, my hand really hurts. Can you get some ointment for me?" Asteria said, tugging at my dress.

She was something else. She had pulled a similar stunt when my ex-fiancé, Vince, visited. She seemed to be deliberately seeking reasons to drive me away. At the time, I was too naive to see through her schemes.

"Asteria, I'm warning you! Keep your hands off my husband, or I'll lose it with you!"

She let out a grating laugh while continuing to tug at my dress. "Sure, I admit I have a crush on him. So what? Ares France Vuertalejo is incredibly handsome. How could he possibly want to be your husband forever? He'll leave you for money and power. So, if I were you, just give him to me. I promise I'll take better care of him than you, sister!"

"Don't be absurd! Do you think everyone is as terrible as Vincent Rivera? My husband is not like that! And stop fantasizing about being me, Asteria. I am nothing like you, and you will never become like me. You won't find anyone who truly loves you because you don't know how to value anyone!" I shouted in her face, leaving her stunned. She stood there for a moment, then rushed toward her protective mother.

"Mom! Kianna is bullying me!" Asteria cried out, enraging her mother. "Kianna Myst! You're the older sister! How can you treat your sister this way? Stop being so rebellious! This isn't how we raised you! You brat!"

I was trembling with anger, my heart racing, and my blood pressure soaring as I fought to suppress my rage and not lose control. "What sister?! I never had a sister! You two are identical! You're undoubtedly her mother! Both of you enjoy stealing other people's families! Aren't you ashamed of breaking up a man's family?"

Dad suddenly rose from his seat, his eyes darkening. "Kianna! This is disrespectful! You have no respect for your elders! She's still your mother!"

"No, Dad! She's not my mother! Mom is deceased!" I shouted, gathering myself before continuing, "Anyway, since I'm an outsider in this family, let's stop pretending that everything is fine! From now on, I won't consider myself your daughter. Are you satisfied?"

"Hon?" Ares called to me, but I ignored him, staying focused. "My mother is gone, and I have no reason to come back here... Ares, let's go!" I said, grabbing his hand immediately.

"Never return! You brat! We don't need you!" Dad yelled.

We quickly got into the car and drove away from that house. I thought my dad and I had mended our relationship after resolving the Saavedra Group crisis, but it had all unraveled in an instant.