His Untold Lies

Chapter 41 Mr. Buenavista

The madam of the villa deliberately avoided making eye contact. She huffed, "Humph! You still have the nerve to ask that. Your dad was nearly sick with anger. I haven't seen him that furious in a long time. Anyway, when you see him later, make sure to be polite. And don't even think about starting an argument."

Mr. Buenavista had transformed Ares' life after his father's passing due to illness. He was the best thing that had ever happened to him. Without Mr. Buenavista, Ares felt his life would have spiraled downward. Before Mr. Buenavista came into their family, Ares was headed in a troublesome direction. Mr. Buenavista had always been a role model in Ares' life and a goal to aspire to. He had done many things to shape Ares into the man he had become.

"I understand, Mom. I know what I'm doing," Ares assured his mother, trying to calm her.

They slowly opened the door and entered the living room, where a man with an Achilles-golden mane of hair sat comfortably on the sofa, engrossed in a newspaper. His face possessed a rare, almost androgynous quality that made him seem uniquely molded, with features that held a clarity reminiscent of a pristine mountain stream. Bathed in sunlight, he radiated brilliance and vitality. His cheekbones resembled expertly sculpted mountain peaks, so distinct that they seemed painstakingly carved. His entrancing eyes, akin to lode stars, bewitched anyone who met his steady gaze. These eyes sparkled like eternal sapphire pearls set amidst snow.

"Dad, I'm back," Ares announced, standing in front of Mr. Buenavista.

Ares' arrival captured Mr. Buenavista's attention. He abruptly set aside the newspaper and glared at Ares with anger. "You little rascal! It's a surprise that you even remember this home. I'm starting to doubt whether you take this family seriously!"

"Dad, I can explain-"

"Silence!" Mr. Buenavista thundered, tossing his newspaper onto the table, startling everyone. "Do you still have respect for me?" he added.

Ares was at a loss for words. He didn't know how to communicate with his stepfather in the midst of such anger.

"Honey..." Ares' mother quickly stepped in, preventing a confrontation.

"You acted on your own! You didn't seek our permission. Why the sudden rush to get married? Do you see marriage as a game, son?"

"Dad-"

"We've heard that you want to act independently now, but why haven't you brought her home? When will I have the chance to meet my daughter-in-law and share tea with her?" Mr. Buenavista asked, his eyes welling up with tears.

"...Are you guys okay?" Ares was taken aback and bewildered by the sudden turn of events. As his parents began laughing at each other, he looked at them with a serious expression.

"How was my acting just now, my love?" Mr. Buenavista asked his wife, his pride evident on his face.

Madam Buenavista approached him, playing the role of an adoring fan, and gushed, "My love, you're such an actor. I can't believe you didn't pursue a career in acting. I was genuinely frightened when you threw that newspaper."

"Humph, I knew it. I prepared myself just to give this brat a scare! It's how I used to handle him back in the US."

Ares facepalmed and felt like he had been manipulated. "Finally, I understand where I got my acting skills from. But, regardless of whether you guys get angry, I still can't bring her here because she doesn't know who I am yet."

"What do you mean?"

"Son, what's going on?"

Taking a deep breath, the young man looked at his parents and said, "She despises being involved with wealthy and influential families. She only wants to marry an ordinary person. So, I've been concealing my identity to be with her. She knows nothing about my background. I admit it was wrong to keep it from you and get married secretly. But-I really care for her and want to take care of her forever."

"I can't believe you're so serious about this, son. So, what about Sofia? She's been waiting for you for so long and accompanied you during your studies abroad," Madam Buenavista asked with concern.

"It's just her wishful thinking! While we were close as children, I always saw her as a little sister, and I made it clear that I wasn't interested. But my wife is different. She's my soulmate; no one can replace her," Ares declared with a loving tone in his voice.

His parents chuckled and playfully teased him. "Well, did you hear that, my dear? He's quite the smooth talker now. This is getting more interesting!"

"Mom, Dad, I mean every word!" Ares exclaimed, his face beginning to blush.

"Alright, alright, let's not argue. It's not easy for our son to visit us here. I'll cook, and we can enjoy a nice meal later-"

"Mom, I can cook now! Let me help you!" Ares interjected, immediately heading toward his mother.

"Wow, my son can cook now! How did a few months change him so quickly? Are you sure you're still our son? What nickname did we give you when you were little?" His mother asked, her curiosity piqued as she squinted at him.

"Seriously, Mom?"

"What was your nickname when you were little? Tell me!"

"Alright, it was 'Puppy'! You called me that because of my haircut at the time. You said I looked like an adorable puppy," Ares answered.

"This is big news, dear! He has really transformed," Mr. Buenavista murmured.

"Come on, let's go prepare a meal, Mom," Ares said, guiding his mother to the kitchen. "Mom, did you know that I can cook quite well now?" Ares added.

"Really? Then I'm looking forward to tasting your cooking!"

Madam Buenavista and Ares left Mr. Buenavista alone in the living room, where he smiled, proud to see his son blossoming into the best version of himself. "Finally, my son has changed so much. It seems my new daughter-in-law is quite something," Mr. Buenavista whispered.