Disclosed Identity

Chapter 2: Encounter and Revelation

Elle's POV

So, hi guys! Let me introduce myself first. I'm Elle Cruz, 20 years old. I'm currently living with my older sister, Karen. But she told me that she's not my real sister. She said she found me at a hospital when my mother abandoned me, so she took me in. There are four of us here at home now, and I woke up early because there’s a program at school where some candidates are visiting.

"Elle, where are you? Why are you so slow? You’ve been writing in your notebook forever," Sister Maica complained.

"Oh, sorry, I was just jotting something down. Are we leaving?"

"Yes, señora! sister has been waiting for you," Maica teased.

"Oh, stop it, you two. First thing in the morning and all I hear is you bickering," Karen interrupted.

"It's just her, Sis! We know there's a program at school, but she's so slow," Maica insisted.

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" I shouted.

"Okay, take care. Come home immediately after school, okay?" Karen reminded us.

That’s usually how it is at home—Maica’s mouth is the first thing to greet you in the morning. But Karen is kind; she’s the one providing for us, and I owe her so much because even though we aren't blood-related, she still took me in. Anyway, enough with the drama, let’s go!

(At the university)

"Oh, I'm sorry!" I accidentally bumped into someone.

"Are you okay? Did you get hurt?" a familiar voice asked. It was Ate Imee.

"I'm okay, ma'am. You look… kind of familiar. Are you one of the candidates here today?"

"Ah, yes. I'm Imee Marcos," she replied warmly.

"Wait… Marcos?? Sandro's aunt? OMG!"

"Yes, that's me, dear. You're so funny! What's your name?"

"Elle, ma'am. Elle Cruz, a student here."

"Nice name. Anyway, are you sure your foot is okay? Come, let me take you to the clinic so your wound can be treated."

"Ah, okay. Thank you, ma'am."

Ate Imee's POV

Why do I feel so drawn to this child? Suddenly, I missed Monica. She looks a bit like Rod, though her last name isn't Duterte, so maybe it's just a coincidence. And besides, Rod is the President now; it's unlikely he wouldn't acknowledge her if she were his. But she really looks like him. Anyway, here I am, about to introduce myself to the youth.

"Good morning, Rizal University! I am your ate Imee, running as a senator for our country."

"Ma'am Imee, can we ask a question?"

"Yes, sure."

"According to some articles, it's said that you had an intimate relationship with the President Is that true?"

"Honestly speaking, yes. I had a relationship with the president before."

"And they also said that you had a child?"

"OMG... I think that question is too personal, but we can't hide things from you since it seems everything about us is being investigated. So yes, He and I had a past, and we had a child."

"Where is your child, Ma'am Marcos?"

"Ah... that makes me cry. My last-born baby has been missing since she was born. I have one picture of her, but it’s been 20 years."

"Does the president know you have a child?"

"No. I didn't tell him."

"Madam Marcos, how are you fit to be a senator if you yourself won't tell the President that you have a child?"

"OMG. This is our problem: we judge people without knowing their stories. And besides, I don't need to explain what's happening in my personal life. As long as it doesn't affect my work as a senator, there's nothing wrong with that."

"Ah, next question, Madam Ma—"

"No more questions, Madam. You are looking too hard for cracks in Imee's personal life. Focus on her platform instead of looking for dirt," Cynthia interjected.

"Okay po, ma'am," the student replied.