A Fateful Chance — Chapter 38: WHAT’S BEHIND THE MASK?

"Denysse, here are the medicines for dad."

She looked at her eyes as she received it. Priya smiled and tapped her shoulders.

"Thank you. You're really thoughtful, Priya. I am sure dad will love it when he will know that you're personally coordinating with our family doctor for his health."

"Our dad is getting old. I know you're also busy with your patients in our family hospital. Deandra is also busy with our brother that's why I bothered myself to attend to dad's supplements." She cheerfully held her sister's hands. Denysse couldn't help but to look at her in the eyes.

"Wait, am I hearing it correctly? Brother? Since when did you consider Walter as our brother?"

"He's adorable. I happened to bump with him while he was playing with the maids on the lawn. Instead of shopping, I played with him almost half of the day until lunch time." She grinned at Denysse. From her expression, she's learning to be fond of Walter more.

"Wow! I am happy to hear that, Priya!" Denysse couldn't help hugging her sister. Priya rolled her eyes as she sighed.

"It's his fault. I am a victim of his being 'too cute to be ignored' kind of look." She jokingly frowned that Denysse couldn't help but laugh at the sight of her.

"Yeah, I consider myself a victim of him, too." Denysse giggled as they did a high-five. Priya went to his dad's room and knocked three times as she sighed. She even put her hand on her hips.

Surprisingly, it's her personal maid nurse who opened the door for her. They're with him and not Deandra. She roamed her gaze around the room because she wanted to find her but she's not there.

"Wow, what a surprise." She said as she looked around. She never expected not seeing Deandra inside, she couldn't help but wonder where she is right now.

"Where's my stepmom?" She gently said to her father that changed the reaction of all the people who were there with him.

"Am I hearing it correctly, my dear?" She can see her dad having misty eyes as soon as he heard it.

"Yes, dad. I realized that she's taking good care of you and you're happily in love with her. Who am I to stop it? If she makes you feel stronger, then I will treat her right this time."

For the longest time, Priya saw her father wear the biggest smile. He opened both of his arms as if wanting to embrace Priya. She walked fast towards where her dad was. They shared a sweet embrace. As her father let her go, his smile is really sweet and pure.

"I am glad that you're thinking about these things."

"I am thinking that it is your happiness that truly matters the most. Who am I to prevent you? Denysse told me everything and I realized I am becoming too harsh for you, dad."

She hugged her dad tight and Mr. Swiss couldn't help but be excited that Priya will accept Deandra at last. He's been wishing for it to happen that it finally came true before his eyes.

"By the way, where's Deandra?"

"She's in the dining hall my dear. She will bake cookies and cakes for the midday snacks."

"Hmm, that's why I can't see stepmom. She should be the one to take care of you, right?" She smiled as she tapped her father's shoulders. Mr. Swiss held both of her hands as she looked up to her.

"She loves to cook and bake. I am letting her do what she loves the most. She'll be happy to know that you're considering her as your mom at last."

"Well, if she's making you happy and in love. Good thing she's learning a lot in baking and cooking, too."

Mr. Swiss pushed his wheelchair towards her as she held both of her hands. That smile never left her face after Priya told him that she will be accepting Deandra as her stepmother at last.

"My dearest Priya, I am thinking of you to become the model of my latest project."

"Wow, really dad?" She smiled as she held both of her dad's shoulders.

"Of course. I know you can really pull that one effortlessly. Remember, you're the ambassador of my beauty products…"

"Of course. I will always be supportive of you, dad. You know I will always be here for you, right?"

"Thank you, dear. It's a joint project I proposed with Deandra." She smiled at her dad but she secretly closed her fist.

"Oh, I see. So, she's also into business, huh?"

"Yes. I can see her enthusiasm when it comes to fashion shows I am thinking of putting up a business that would match her likes."

"Tell me when's the photoshoot. I will have to adjust my schedules to that, dad."

"This is great news. You never knew how you made me happy, my dear."

She just smiled but deep down, it added up to what she felt towards Deandra. A grudge that she thinks impossible to remove from her system. This specific feeling she's only reserving for her stepmom. She's feeling bad about Deandra having all of these things for herself. It's like she's being too lucky that her dad wanted to give a business exclusively to her in an instant. Ironic, he couldn't even trust her with it when she would ask him for it herself.

After two hours, Deandra went back to their room to tell her husband that everything is ready. When she saw Priya smiling at her, she couldn't help but fear what she's showing her. Mr. Swiss told her everything and Priya offered her hand for a handshake. She gasped a bit when Priya grip her hand tight as she smiled.

She let go and showed her smile but she's not convinced about it. As she looked into her eyes, she could sense that something was going on. It's like her motives were opposite to what she's showing right now.

"Shall we go to the dining hall now? I am excited to taste your cookies and cakes, mom." She even emphasized the last word which made Mr. Swiss chuckle a bit. Her husband is a bit happier now but she's doubting everything. She could feel it within her.

They went downstairs and she is assisting her husband as she is holding his hand on the other side while Deandra is holding on the other.

"Dad, how are you feeling?" Priya asked him as they were on their way to the dining hall.

"I feel weak, I don't know why..." Mr. Swiss scratched his head as he chuckled. Deandra could see Priya and her worried face.

"Do you take your supplements?"

"Yes. Denysse is giving them to me but I guess I am not feeling any effects at all."

"Oh dad, I guess you're taking it the first time. Just continue your vitamins. I guess it will take effect after two to three days." As Priya said that, she's looking at Deandra and grinned. It gave Deandra goosebumps like never before.

This easy reconcilement between them is such a bother to her that she couldn't even understand himself.