THE UNCOVERED MYSTERY

CHAPTER 6

He asked, his voice filled with worry as he drew closer to me cautiously, and his gaze swept over me to check for any injuries.

"Uncle, you need to calm down. As you can see I'm fine, do I look hurt? I'm perfectly fine. You know what, let me get you something to drink, coffee?" I suggested, trying to ease the tension.

"Water please," he replied and sat down, his anxiety still palpable.

I handed him the glass of water and recounted the whole incident to him, missing no single detail.

"Wow, I'm still trying hard to process this...after all these years. That was why Jane and I persuaded you to change your last name but you refused, and moving to Agape was out of it. If you hadn't, they might not have found you. Dahm it!" He exclaimed standing up and rubbing his temples.

"So as it stands now, Dave is at your side?" He inquired as his eyes locked on mine.

"Likely" I responded uncertainly.

"Any idea on his motives? 'Cause I don't seem to understand why he would let you go just like that," he asked as he sat back.

"That I'm not sure of, but Dave doesn't share his father's motives," I said, trying to reassure him.

"Then you need to move, you and Jane. Here is no longer safe for you both. It won't be long before Kendrick will start searching for you, and it won't be hard for him this time" he said with a tone of urgency.

"Gabriel is right, we should move, but to where?" Jane shipped in.

"That's not an issue; you both will be relocating to Deli City temporarily until I come up with something cause Medaline and Beldine is no longer safe for now. I'll arrange for an apartment over there and in three days from now, you move.

"Uncle, If I heard you correctly...you said 'you both.' Are you insinuating that you aren't coming with us?"

"Meena, don't be furious okay? I won't be relocating with the two of you. Remember, I have family; I can't possibly..."

"But they can effortlessly come with you" I cut in before he could barely finish.

"Meena, don't worry will always pay a visit just like I have always done."

The prospect of moving was overwhelming. That would mean saying goodbye to a big part of my life. I've made wonderful memories in both Ajip and Agape, and the thought of leaving behind my friends, job, and colleagues is heartbreaking.

At this point, feeling sorry for myself is the least of things on my mind as I blame myself for making it easier for the predator to sniff out the prey.

"Uncle" I called out.

"Yes, Meena," he replied in a calm but weary tone.

"How long do I have to keep hiding?" I asked, my voice laced with frustration.

"As long as your safety is assured," he said.

"You knew about this the whole time and kept it hidden from me, why?" I queried, my voice rising.

"Cause you were too young to know" he replied, still maintaining calmness.

"And what changed as I got older?" I asked as my eyes locked on his.

"I thought the crisis was over, and I didn't want you to find out the truth behind everything that had happened 'cause it would break you," he explained. "How could I bring myself to tell you your grandfather, who you adored so much is on a mask of deception?"

"For real uncle? I deserve to know everything about my family no matter how hard it is. You taught me how to be strong, why do you think I won't be able to handle the truth?" I said, subbing inwardly.

"I'm so sorry, Meena; I was only looking out for you," he apologized.

"I thought I knew my family... thou...I thought I knew Grandpa...but I knew nothing about him. He was so evil!" I exclaimed my voice filled with emotions.

I burst into tears and Jane came and wrapped her arms around me, trying to comfort me. All along, she's been giving me a sympathetic stare.

"Did my father have any idea about the dispute between Grandpa and Jackson's family?" I asked as I loosened from Jane's grip and wiped away my tears, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"Yes, he knew. When he discovered how his father had murdered his friend, William, he began to investigate further and uncovered a pattern of wrongdoing and corruption that his father had been involved in, all driven by a desire to become the most affluent man in Medaline." He said.

"What are the discoveries? And did my father in any way get himself involved?" I asked, hoping not to hear a negative response.

"I will tell you everything, but not now. I need to go." He said as he moved towards the door.

"Won't you spend the night here?" Jane asked out of concern.

"Not at all. I will inform you when the apartment is ready, but surely it will be ready in two days," he said before leaving.

"Meena, I'll go clean up your room 'cause it must be dusty," she said and left while I wandered off into my thoughts and cried silently.

I completely understood why Gabriel had chosen to keep everything from me; I would have done the same in his place.

Devastated and at the same time solace, knowing that Dave is by my side. For some reason, I believe and trust him.

Dave's revelation about my family's past and confessing his likeness for me, alongside the logistics of moving with Jane to Deli, swirled in my head, escalating my headache to new heights. Yet, I couldn't stop thinking as I pondered more on what Dave's father would do if he ever found me.

If only I could turn back the clock to when life was simpler, before the current turmoil. When I don't have to run for my life. It's been a long time since I've felt such overwhelming devastation, reminiscent of the trauma I experienced after losing my parents.

Living as an orphan with no remaining family ties -A trauma I had tried so hard to live with over the years. Jane and Gabriel have tried their best to fill in the void as much as possible. They became the only family I have, even though not bound by blood.

Jane was my favorite Nanny while Gabriel was my father's royal handyman years back at my father's mansion in Delus, a village in Nevilla Town, Medaline City.

Medaline, one of the largest cities in Gober, is renowned for its wealth, industrial production, and tourist attractions. As the daughter of Gilbert Judge, who owned 22% of the city's land and properties, I was born into a life of luxury. My father was celebrated as the wealthiest person in Medaline until tragedy struck on my 15th birthday, a day that remains etched in my memory.

As I touched the pendant my parents gave me 12 years ago, memories flooded back to that morning.

"Meena, my princess," Dad called out, accompanied by Mom, who carried a beautifully wrapped present.

"Good morning, Dad, good morning, Mum," I mumbled, still half asleep. But the sight of the present jolted me awake. I leaped out of bed, eyes widening with excitement. "My princess, how was your night?" Dad asked. "Short," I replied, trying to grab the present.

"Hold on, Meena, hold on," Mom said with a smile.

Those smiles always captivated me. She was a goddess, the kindest and most beautiful woman I'd ever seen, and I feel lucky to inherit her looks.

"But mum it's for me, isn't it?" I asked, pouting playfully.

"Of course, it's yours, sweetie, but you have to take it easy; I have to give it to you gently," she said, still wearing a smiley face.

"Okay, Mum, I'm sorry; I'm not a child anymore," I said, sitting on my bed, and they both chuckled.

As she handed me the gift, I unwrapped it eagerly. Inside, I found a beautiful dress and a small box containing a stunning diamond necklace with a frame pendant. My heart swelled with emotions as I opened the pendant, revealing a picture of Mum and me. "I love it, thank you so much, Daddy. Thank you, Mum," I exclaimed.

Mum smiled and said, "I'm glad you love them. You're going to wear them today."

I looked at her inquisitively and asked, "Is there a special occasion today?" "You'll find out soon enough," she replied. "Jane will help you get ready."