Disclosed Identity

Chapter 3: The Reunion of the past

Chapter 4: The Reunion of the Past

Inside the Marcos Residence

"Oh, Imee, I watched the news. You revealed your secret," Mommy said, setting down her teacup with a refined grace.

"Yes, Mommy. There’s really nothing we can keep hidden from them anyway—dzuh, it’s like they live here already," Imee replied, rolling her eyes playfully.

"But Imee, with what you did, you and Rod are going to end up close again," Jhon chimed in from across the dining table.

Imee turned to her brother with a serious look. "Jhon, I’m tired of hiding. I know Rod was bound to find out eventually anyway, so why keep hiding it? And haven't you gotten used to this? I’m running for senator now—what do you expect our political opponents to do? Wouldn't they dig up every mistake we’ve ever made? But to me, my child is not a mistake."

"That’s Imee Marcos for you!" Matthew exclaimed as he walked into the room, holding his phone.

"Oh, son! How are you?" Imee greeted, her face brightening.

"I’m okay, Mom. And I have good news for you: I hired an investigator to help us find Monica. You can fire your private investigator now—it's been 20 years and nothing has happened," Matthew said confidently.

"Thank you, son."

"By the way, Mom, you’re all over the news. The Marcos name is trending across social media platforms again, and people are throwing shade at you," Matthew added, scrolling through his feed.

"Son, it’s fine. We know the truth, so let’s not waste time replying to them," Imee said calmly.

Jhon looked at his phone as it buzzed, then turned to Imee. "Do you think the President has watched your revelation yet, Imee?"

"I don't know," Imee muttered, sipping her water.

The Incoming Call

Suddenly, jhon’s phone began to ring. He looked at the caller ID and raised an eyebrow at Imee.

"Speaking of the devil, Imee... He's calling." Jhon answered the phone, tapping the speaker button. "Hello, Mr. President? Yes, sir... Ah, yes, we are currently having lunch at the mansion. Yes, sir. Sure, I'll let her know."

"What did he say?" Imee asked immediately, pretending to look unbothered while leaning in closer.

"He asked where I was, and I said I was here at the mansion having lunch," Jhon replied.

"And?"

"And he said he wants to talk to me about your revelation yesterday," Jhon said with a straight face.

"What?! Why would he talk to you? Are you the one who announced we have a child? He doesn't want to talk to me directly, is that it?!" Imee snapped, her voice rising.

"Look at you—blood pressure rising right away!" Jhon chuckled. "I’m just joking. You just really want to talk to him, don't you?"

"Jhon, don't start with me," Imee glared.

"Imee, the President wants me to pass along that he wants to talk to you. He’s already on his way here, and he said he and his children want to help look for your missing daughter. Happy?"

"Hmph! Tell him I don't need his help. I can find my daughter on my own without his assistance. I don't want to owe him any favors," Imee declared, crossing her arms.

Matthew shook his head, laughing softly. "Mom, stop being bitter. It makes you look stressed—and I don't want a stressed-looking mom."

"You’re just like your uncle—always teasing me," Imee teased back, pointing a finger at her son.

"You're just so easy to tease, Imee," Jhon chuckled.

"But seriously, Mom, he's the President. That’s a huge resource and opportunity for us to find my sister faster," Matthew pointed out pragmatically.

Imee sighed softly, gazing down at her hands. "Fine. I'll think about it."

An Unexpected Visitor

A few moments later, the house helper hurried into the dining area.

"Ma'am, the President is outside," the helper announced.

"Alright. Let him in, and I will just call Matthew and Imee," Mommy instructed smoothly.

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Imee... Matthew... Rod is here," Mommy called out toward the living room.

"Coming!" Matthew replied.

Matthew walked out first and greeted the guests respectfully. "Good evening, Mr. President. Good evening, Mayor."

"Good evening to you too, son. Where is your mother?" Rod asked, stepping inside alongside his daughter.

"She's on her way, sir."

Imee walked into the drawing room, her expression composed. "Good evening."

Rod looked at her, his eyes carrying decades of unsaid words. "Nice to meet you again, Imee."

"Likewise, Mr. President. Good evening, Mayor Ivy," Imee acknowledged politely.

"Good evening po, Ma'am," Ivy replied with a respectful nod.

Rod cleared his throat, getting straight to the point. "So... we are here to offer our help in finding our daughter."

"Thank you for your help, sir," Matthew interjected smoothly. "I’ve also hired an investigator, but if you want to hire another team, it will definitely speed up the search."

"Yes, I agree. Having multiple teams working from different angles will be much faster," Imee conceded softly, softening her tone.

"Thank you for accepting our help, Imee," Rod said, genuine gratitude in his voice.

"You're welcome, Mr. President. After all, we all share a connection to my child, and I believe that if we work together, we can solve this problem much faster."

Rod took a step closer, his demeanor softening completely. "And... I also want to take this opportunity to apologize. I'm sorry for everything I did 20 years ago. I hope we can have another chance to make things right."

Imee looked into his eyes, sensing the sincerity behind the President's words. "I forgave you a long time ago, Mr. President. And I'm very proud of what you've achieved today. Keep doing what you're doing."

"I will, Imee. Thank you so much... and I will do everything in my power so we can find our daughter," Rod promised firmly.