CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

Nicolaz's voice echoed with a mix of surprise, confusion, and concern as he held the phone to his ear, absorbing Aurora's unexpected revelation. The news of Christopher's marriage hit him like a wave, leaving him grappling with a surge of emotions. Deep down, he couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment that his own son had chosen to keep such a significant life event a secret.

"What do you mean by Christopher is married?" Nicolaz asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. "When was this? How? And why haven't I heard a word about it until now?" The questions poured out, reflecting the whirlwind of thoughts swirling through his mind.

Aurora's voice carried a sense of sincerity and conviction as she responded, "Papita, Eric heard it directly from Christopher's secretary. She confronted him this morning, and Jack overheard their conversation. It seems to be true, but Christopher hasn't disclosed any details to anyone. He's chosen to keep it under wraps for some reason."

Nicolaz let out a heavy sigh, his brow furrowed with a mix of concern and perplexity. The weight of the situation settled upon him, and he struggled to make sense of it all. "Married and attacked?" he muttered, the words barely escaping his lips. "It's hard to comprehend. I wish Christopher would trust us enough to confide in us. After all, we are his family."

Racheal, who had been silently listening from the other side of the room, felt a surge of empathy for her husband's mixed emotions. Stepping closer, she gently touched Nicolaz's arm. "Nicolaz, dear, we mustn't jump to conclusions or be too harsh on Christopher. There may be valid reasons behind his secrecy. Perhaps he's facing challenges or even threats that he doesn't want to burden us with."

Nicolaz turned to face Racheal, his eyes reflecting both gratitude and uncertainty. "You're right, Racheal," he conceded, his voice softening. "We need to approach this situation with understanding and unwavering support. Instead of interrogating Christopher, let's extend an invitation to him and his wife for a dinner at our home. It'll provide us with an opportunity to meet her.

A flicker of hope danced in Racheal's eyes as she nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, Nicolaz. Let's make it a warm and welcoming evening, filled with love and acceptance. We'll prepare their favorite dishes and set the stage for honest conversations. Our priority is to let Christopher know that we are here for him, no matter the challenges he's facing."

As they finalized their plans, a sense of uncertainty still lingered in the air. Christopher's silence about his marriage and the recent attack only deepened the mystery surrounding his life. Yet, Nicolaz and Racheal's unwavering love for their son propelled them forward, determined to stand by his side and provide the support he needed, even if they couldn't yet grasp the full extent of the circumstances.