Chapter 2: The Strings Attached

Since I returned, I have tried to act normally as I don't want to fuel any speculations. As much as possible, the secret must be kept within the walls of the mansion. Sadly, the wind changes its course and a storm--- no… a cyclone is building its power and fury, ready to take down whatever is on its path.

I have to get the Crowns ready. I don't have much time left.

"Morning, boys!" I greet as I sit at the dining table.

"Morning, aunty!"

"Morning, mom!"

They respond. I beam as I eat. It's been two weeks since that confrontation. I am just thankful that the lords are supportive although they still can't understand why it happened.

Two weeks ago.

I was preparing to sleep when I got a call from my brother.

"Hi, Rob. How's it going?"

"Good. How are you? How are they?"

"We have to give them time to understand~"

"Of course~ I will fly there tomorrow. I guess there shouldn't be any family secrets anymore. It would be best if they know what's coming."

"If that's for the best, brother. I'll be waiting for you."

Beep. End call. I held my phone as I pondered upon the things that have happened. I sighed.

'I hope the lords will be able to understand the situation," I thought.

For every family meeting, we have always used my secret room since it's where the CCTV monitors are plus it's soundproof.

"Uncle Rob, how are you?" Leo said as he hugged him. The others followed, gleefully greeting each other.

"How's school?" Rob asks, looking at Jay.

He shrugged. "It's the same," he replied.

"By the way, my sister told me that you have companies here?"

"Uh~ yeah!"

"Well, they are our~"

"….housemates!"

I smiled at how they looked nervous in front of my brother. They knew very well that if Rob smells something fishy, he digs into it.

"God! You're trying so hard," Rob teased. "I already know who is who and who they are to you."

"You do?"

"What?"

"How?"

They simultaneously said.

"Boys, that's not why Rob is here. We can discuss that later," I uttered to stop their pointless queries.

We kept silent when my brother opened his laptop and showed us some slides.

"That is Anthony McFadden--- my sister's ex-husband, his wife--- Paula Brooks and of course their son--- Jason Kian McFadden," he introduced.

"Wait! That was the photo!" Jay and Ben exclaimed, pertaining to the photo Primrose took when she nearly fell down.

They cursed.

"What do they do to us, dad?" Ron asked as they clamored at the photos.

"If you could just let me continue, then you would know the answer. Damn! Why are you called LORDS when you talk like LADIES?" Rob grunted.

"Alright… now, your grandfather is not well---"

"Why?"

"Ei?"

"What happened to him?"

"Can you just shut up and let me finish?!" he yelled as he slammed the table.

"Yes, sir!" they all shouted.

"Six months ago, your grandfather's doctor called, asking Merideth and me to fly here as Founder wasn't okay. Then, we were welcomed by the news that he has succumbed to his illness and he is already rotting inside~"

"I'm sorry dad, but… you are creating more questions more than answers," Jay said in a confused tone.

"Founder is an HIV- AIDS patient!"

"What?"

"HIV---what?

"Holy fucking shit!"

The lords had the same reaction as when Rob and I heard the news. Flabbergasted and utterly perplexed.

"Founder has been living a double life. He's a faithful husband at home," he explained.

"Maybe, you're asking what it has to do with my ex-husband," I stated. They nodded.

"As you all know, Anthony was Founder's right hand. He served your grandfather since he was just 19. He was so loyal to his master. But, he was an ambitious young man. Having a taste of Founder's luxurious life, he wanted more. So, when he found out Founder's secret, he used it to threaten him--- that's…"

"That's why grandpa signed the contract?" Leo asked.

"Yeah~ he had no choice," I said as they looked at me.

"He had no choice but to trade you for his own pride? Wow! That's heroic~" Mon added sarcastically.

"Leonard… Damon, please! We are done with this---"

"Nope, aunty! What contract are you talking about?" Ben questioned, furrowing his forehead.

"Merideth should marry Anthony in exchange for his silence and a whopping 3 million dollars should be transferred in his son's name," Rob continued. I remained quiet.

"So, are you saying that grandpa traded aunty for 3 million dollars?" Ron asked.

"I know~ it doesn't make any sense!" Jay replies.

"So, that Jason--- whoever he is--- came here all the way from wherever he came from to claim his 3 fucking million dollars?" Mon questioned.

I took a deep breath and seek my brother's approval.

"Not really… he came here to claim his rightful place," I said.

"He is not Anthony and Paula's son. He is Founder's illegitimate son. And he entrusted him to his right hand Anthony and his fiancé. Alas! They betrayed him!" Rob explained, controlling his anger.

"He is the secret that your grandpa tries to hide," I added.

The lords were stupefied by the news that no one spoke for a long time. Then, they laughed out loud.

"You're probably kidding, uncle Rob!" Leo exclaimed.

"Yeah! That's the craziest joke I have ever heard!" Jay agreed.

"Funny, yet creepy!" Ron stated.

They said, ignoring or rather--- denying what they've heard.

"Mom, tell me... you're joking right?" Mon asked. I shook my head. Their faces turned serious.

"It's true. So, brace yourselves. As he will be staying here with you," Rob informed as they groaned in disagreement.

"No way!" Ben exclaimed.

"Yes, way!" I answered.

"Why here? He can stay with grandpa," Jay said.

"Founder doesn't want~" Rob replied.

"Eish! Crazy~ is there anything else we need to know about this family?" Leo asked sardonically.

"Hah! Maybe next time... there's a baby on our doorstep!" Ben stated.

"Be good to him, boys! He will be staying here two hours later," I informed.

They cursed in every language they know.