I'm In Love With His Son

A Beautiful Home

Fred's POV

My sad countenance was replaced with a hearty smile as I saw Bella running towards me with her usual exciting self wagging her tail. She's always the first to announce my presence to everyone with her barking.

"Hey, Bella," I said as I brushed my hands through her skin and giggled when I saw the relaxed look on her face in response to my touch.

"I heard you guys won", my little sister, Sonia, said with a beaming smile, distracting my fun with Bella.

Sonia wasn't so little anymore and always frowned when I referred to her as little sister. She was sixteen, and I was older than her by two years. She was my mom's replica.

"Yeah. We did," I replied and walked into the house through the backdoor.

"You don't sound excited about the win," Sonia said curiously as she noticed my countenance was down. She was used to my ranting after my team won a game.

"How did you get to know about the win?" I asked, trying to change the topic, and she shook her head.

"Never mind," she shrugged and went into the corridor.

I walked towards the refrigerator to get a chilled juice to help calm my nerves after my chaotic day. My favorite Apple juice was missing, and I was sure it was Rex's doing. Rex was my younger brother. He loved Apple juice like me. Mom had always provided enough, but Rex always found a way to take it all for himself.

"Looking for something?" I heard my Mom asked from behind.

"Rex won't let me be. He's always fond of stealing my apple juice," I grumbled, and Mom smiled.

"Orange juice isn't a wrong choice, you know, "Mom said and hugged me from behind. It was as if she could feel my heartache and knew what I needed. I relaxed in her arms and took a deep breath of relief. Nothing could be compared to a mother's love.

"How's school today?" She questioned, rubbing my head, and I sighed as I took my juice and closed the refrigerator.

"I wouldn't wanna talk about it, Mum," I replied.

"It's fine, baby. Wherever you are ready to talk, I'll be here for you," she assured me, and I nodded.

"Thank you, Mum,"

I walked into my room, threw myself on the bed, and dozed off almost immediately.

I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling.

"I must have dozed off," I muttered as I stared at my alarm clock.

How did I manage to sleep for two hours, forgetting I had an assignment that was due for tomorrow? I sighed as I rolled from the bed and sat on the edge of it. My eyes were still sleepy as I stood up and walked straight to the bathroom like a zombie. I washed my face and gradually got myself back.

I could hear my stomach rumbling as I walked to the dining to join my family for dinner. Everyone was seated except my dad. They gazed at me like they were surprised to see me at the dining.

"Where's dad?" I asked, breaking the silence.

"Your dad is outside; come have a seat, Fred," Mom said, pointing to my usual seat in the dining.

I was curious to know what my dad was doing outside when we were supposed to be having dinner. I excused myself from the dining and walked out. There he was, exactly what I guessed he was doing. My Dad was in a phone conversation.

"Who's he talking to now? I was certain it wasn't work-related. He just got back, so it can't be work." I muttered and shook my head.

"Yes! It must be her. The beautiful lady with a dark hair. He must have enjoyed her company so much that they are already getting close, and perhaps they have begun a relationship. I felt an instant rage of anger towards the lady. Mom had always respected Dad by staying away from his extramarital affairs. She has always been the pillar of our united family, and I wouldn't tolerate a lady ruining my mom's effort.

I recalled her having a chauffeur; she must be a wealthy woman, and many thoughts ran through my mind. But what if I was wrong? A part of me felt she was the one. Dad hardly gets new concubines during the week. It was a weekend routine, according to him. I was sure he was talking to this weekend concubine, and with the way he looked happy. It was apparent. I was already too angry to remain there watching him. So I walked away to join the dining table.

Mom dished everyone's food as usual and made us recite the lord's prayers. Mum was a Christian, and her faith was one of the reasons she was still with my dad. She was so practical about her faith.

"You are not eating," my mum said as she observed my meal.

"He has been acting moody all day despite his team winning the football game," Sonia said bluntly.

"Fred darling..." Mom flashed a smile at me.

"Good news, everyone," Dad interrupted her as he walked in, beaming with joy, and sat beside Mom.

We looked at him with anticipation.

"Our new apartment is ready!" He announced proudly, and everyone screamed with excitement. Mom hugged him and planted a kiss on his lips. Sonia and Rex jumped and couldn't contain their Joy.

Dad looked at me in disbelief.

"You are not excited, Fred," Dad asked sternly, and I smiled.

"Congratulations," I replied and munched on the chicken in my mouth.

"You don't like the meal?" Mom asked, and I nodded.

"I always love your cooking, Mommy," I assured her to calm her down.

I watched how my parent had hearty conversations after dinner in the living room and wondered why Dad couldn't just be faithful to a woman he adored and cared about so much. You could see the sparkles in their eyes as they spoke. My mom truly loved my dad, but his consistent cheating has constantly drained her even though she tried hard not to show it in our presence. I've seen her repeatedly with teary eyes whenever rumors of Dad's promiscuity are circulated among his staff. Dad had instantly sacked one of his ladies who acted rudely to Mom during her visits to Don Santos.

"What will happen to this apartment?" I asked, gaining the attention of my parents.

"Oh, we may sell it or put it out there on lease," Dad replied confidently as he fondly played with Mom's hair.

"The new apartment is closer to town. You won't need to cycle to school, and I won't need to drive over fifty kilometers just to get home. Most importantly, your mum won't complain about shopping anymore. It's all for our good." My dad said, and everyone giggled.

"Who is she, Dad?" I asked, breaking the silence in the room after a few seconds.

"Who is who?" My Dad replied, looking confused.

"The lady this morning. Black hair, long sleeves, and your signatory black boots. Who's she? I have never come across or seen her before?" I asked, this time focusing my attention on my Mom, who was just silent, waiting for a response from my dad.

"Oh! That must be Susan, CEO of Suso Gallery," my dad said with pride as he gulped from the cup of coffee Mom had made for him.

"Wow! You met with Miss Susan, my number one role model. I watch her a lot on TV," Sonia said with bewildered eyes.

"Why didn't you call me to come get an autograph?" She cried as my dad patted her back.

"I should have called you instead. You obviously would have enjoyed her company more than your brother," my dad said with a frown.

My Mom smiled as she noticed my sister trying to tease me with her facial expression because of what my dad had said.

As I walked into my room, my thoughts were clouded with guilt.

"How dumb could I be not to recognize Miss Susan?" I wondered. Perhaps I was distracted and too angry with my dad's promiscuous lifestyle and didn't want to pay attention to who I supposed was one of his ladies.

"Was my Dad having an affair with Susan? Was she just a client? Is she the one planning to buy our old house? What's her motive?" I asked myself, lying down on my bed.

"You haven't done your assignment, Fred." I reminded myself.

"No need to rush; it's the weekend.

I yawned and went back to bed.