THE GOVERNOR'S KEPT WOMAN (ENGLISH)

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

"Eat something first."

Top entered my room with two of the housemaids carrying a tray of food. I didn't even spare it a glance. I sat motionless on the couch, staring blankly into space.

The frustration from my conversation with my so-called friends still lingered, but it was nothing compared to the worry consuming me over my father's situation.

"Come on, eat. You'll need your strength." Top set the tray on the coffee table. "We'll leave it here for now. I'll have Manang pick it up later."

He walked over to the television and switched it on.

"Governor Colton Andreras is about to make a statement to the media. Watch it. But eat while you're at it, okay?"

Top had always been like an older brother to me.

When I'd decided to stay in the city, Dad had entrusted him with looking after me.

As soon as they left the room, I forced myself to eat.

I had to stay strong.

This wasn't going to be an easy fight—for my father or for me.

I was halfway through my meal when the news broadcast began.

"I'm Governor Colton Andreras."

A strikingly handsome man stood behind the podium.

So...

That was Governor Colton Andreras?

The man my father and I were up against?

"Governor, thank you for inviting us to cover this press conference," one of the reporters said.

"The pleasure is mine. Thank you all for coming."

It was obvious he was used to moments like this.

Speaking before cameras.

Facing crowds.

Commanding everyone's attention.

I didn't know him.

Even though I was born here in Santa Dominga, I'd never paid attention to the politicians who ran this province.

"Governor, how is Dominador Abwerbos's family coping with his death?" the first reporter asked.

"Mrs. Abwerbos is still struggling to accept what happened to Domeng." His expression turned solemn. "I've been close to their family for years. As soon as I heard the news, I went straight to their home to check on them."

He paused briefly before continuing.

"Domeng's two children are still very young, so they don't fully understand what's happened. Mrs. Abwerbos is carrying this burden alone now. They're not doing well. Losing the head of their family has been devastating."

He spoke like a seasoned politician.

Confident.

Measured.

The kind of public speaker people couldn't help but listen to.

"What assistance has your office provided to the family, Governor?"

"We've already extended financial aid to them. We've also assigned personnel to ensure their safety."

His expression hardened.

"This case doesn't involve an ordinary suspect. The man accused of killing my friend and trusted subordinate is someone with influence. That's precisely why the family needs protection."

"Governor, do you believe Aio Re Vinci will spend the rest of his life behind bars?"

"I'll make sure the guilty party faces justice."

His answer was immediate.

"But the legal process must still take its course."

He folded his hands in front of him.

"Domeng meant a great deal to me. His wife and I agreed that my office would support the family throughout this case."

"Governor, what about the witnesses—"

"They're safe," he interrupted before the reporter could finish. "And they're under our protection."

Question after question was thrown at him.

He answered each one calmly and confidently.

It was obvious.

They were completely convinced that my father had murdered Dominador Abwerbos.

Whenever the questions touched on confidential details of the investigation, Governor Andreras politely declined to answer.

"One last message for the public, Governor."

He delivered his closing statement with the same composure he'd maintained from the very beginning.

Every word was carefully chosen.

Every sentence deliberates.

The interview ended, and the program immediately switched to the next segment.

Only then did I realize I'd stopped eating entirely.

My full attention had been fixed on the television.

That man...

Governor Colton Andreras...

He was the one standing between my father and his freedom.

"Top!"

I raised my voice.

I knew he was waiting just outside my bedroom.

"Top," I called again.

The door opened almost immediately.

"Yes, Miss Lucinda?"

"I need everything you have on that governor," I said the moment Top stepped inside. "Anything that could be useful."

"But isn't Attorney Gaille already handling—"

"I know you've been gathering information too, Top." I cut him off. "I know you wouldn't just sit around waiting. I need to know the man we're up against. I can't walk into this battle unarmed."

He studied me for a moment before letting out a sigh.

"Fine. But finish your food first."

The fierce expression on my face softened ever so slightly.

"Come on," he said gently. "Your father would worry if he saw you losing weight. He's used to seeing you healthy."

His lips curved into a teasing smile.

"You look like a zombie. It seems like you haven't slept all night."

"I'll eat." I glanced at the tray. "I'll finish everything. Just make sure you give me the information I need."

"Deal."

He left the room while I forced myself to finish every last bite, just as he'd asked.

When he returned, I'd already finished eating.

He had one of the maids clear away the dishes before placing his laptop on the coffee table. A presentation was already open on the screen.

"This is everything I've managed to gather so far."

A photograph of the governor filled the display.

"Governor Colton Andreras. Thirty-one years old. Single."

Top click to the next slide.

"He won the most recent gubernatorial election by a landslide. Before becoming governor, he served as mayor. His record in public office is spotless, which explains why he won so overwhelmingly."

Another click.

"He's the son of Tony Andreras, one of Santa Dominga's most influential businessmen and politicians. The Andreras family is also very close to the Buenve family."

I frowned.

"And who are the Buenves?"

"They're another prominent business family in Santa Dominga. Most of them are lawyers."

His tone became noticeably more serious.

"There are rumors they're dangerous."

He looked directly at me.

"So, stay away from them."

I nodded.

I understood exactly what he meant.

I wasn't born yesterday.

"Governor Colton Andreras and Dominador Abwerbos were close friends," Top continued. "Domeng had been his bodyguard ever since Governor Andreras was still mayor. The governor is also close to Domeng's family."

He folded his arms.

"So, you can expect him to give them his full support in seeking justice."

I listened quietly as Top continued sharing everything he'd uncovered.

I committed every detail to memory.

"That's all?" I finally asked. "You couldn't dig up anything... dirty? Something we could use against him?"

Top shook his head.

"The Andreras family is highly respected throughout Santa Dominga. Their businesses are all legitimate. As far as anyone knows, there's not a single stain on their name."

"That sounds too good to be true."

He simply shrugged.

"Don't worry, Miss Lucinda. I'll keep investigating. Maybe I'll find a lead that points us to the real killer."

I lowered my gaze.

"But who is the real killer?"

The question escaped in a whisper.

"Did my father unknowingly make an enemy? Did someone hate him enough to frame him?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

"I feel so sorry for him, Top."

"I know."

His voice softened.

"Sir Aio doesn't deserve any of this. But who knows? Maybe God will hear our prayers. When the truth comes out, your father will be free."

"Thank you, Top."

"Oh, one more thing."

He reached into his pocket and handed me a folded piece of paper.

"This is Governor Colton Andreras's office address and contact number. If you decide to meet him, let me know. I'll go with you."

"I will."

I stared at the paper in my hands.

"When I'm ready... I'll see Governor Colton Andreras myself."

After Top left, I spent hours studying every piece of information he'd gathered.

I searched for the governor online as well.

But every article praised him.

Every headline painted him as the ideal public servant.

By the time evening came, I'd spent the entire day locked inside my room.

Eventually, exhaustion caught up with me.

The only reason I managed to sleep was because loud music filled the room.

I'd never been able to sleep in complete silence.

Not unless I was drunk.

When I finally woke up, my body felt slightly lighter than it had that morning.

A knock sounded on my door.

"Ma'am? Are you awake?"

I climbed out of bed and opened it.

One of the housemaids stood outside.

It was already five in the afternoon.

"What is it, Manang?"

"You have a visitor downstairs."

She smiled politely.

"A friend of your father's."

Curious, I followed her.

The moment I reached the living room, I froze.

An elderly woman, around my father's age, immediately stood up.

"Ninang!"

I rushed into her arms.

She hugged me tightly.

"Thank God, I finally found you, Inda."

She was my mother's best friend.

The last time I'd seen her...

...Was at my mother's funeral.

"I heard about your father," she said softly. "The moment I found out, I hurried back to Santa Dominga because I couldn't stop thinking about you."

"Ninang..."

My composure shattered.

"Dad and I are in so much trouble."

It felt like I'd finally found someone I could pour my heart out to besides Attorney Gaille and Top.

"I know, hija."

She gently stroked my hair.

"I've already heard what's happening."

She hesitated before speaking again.

"My husband is friends with the Andreras family."

My eyes widened.

"Really, Ninang?"

Hope surged inside me.

"Then... could you help me arrange a meeting with Governor Colton Andreras?"

I clasped both of her hands.

"He's helping the Abwerbos family with the case. I have to talk to him."

"I'll try."

She gave me a reassuring smile.

"But, hija..."

Her expression darkened.

"If the Andreras family truly gets involved, your father's situation will become much more difficult."

She sighed heavily.

"If they choose to interfere... even an innocent man could be made to look guilty."

"That's exactly what I'm afraid of."

My voice trembled.

"I'm terrified of my father's safety."

"Oh, my poor Inda."

She hugged me again before pulling away.

"Wait. I'll call my husband."

I watched anxiously as she took out her phone and dialed his number.

After several rings, he answered.

"Honey," she began, "I'm at Aio Re Vinci's house. I'm here with Inda—our goddaughter."

She glanced at me, hopefully.

"Do you think you could help us arrange a meeting with Governor Colton Andreras?"

"Nadja," her husband's stern voice echoed from the phone, loud enough for me to hear, "I already told you we're staying out of this."

"You need to come home."

"Don't drag me into this."

"If we interfere, we'll be making enemies of both the Andreras and the Buenve families."

"Go home, Nadja."

He let out an irritated sigh.

"Honestly, you never stop creating trouble."

"Honey, that's not fair."

Her voice softened.

"I just feel sorry for Aio. We've both known him for years."

"We both know he could never do something like this."

"We also both know that he could."

His answer was immediate.

"Didn't he already do it to his wife?"

My heart stopped.

"Excuse me..."

I stepped closer.

"What did your husband just say?"

I stared at my godmother.

"'He already did it to his wife?'"

My voice shook.

"Ninang... My father didn't kill my mother. You know that."

Her face turned pale.

"Hija..."

She lowered her eyes.

"I'm sorry. I truly thought my husband and I could help. But I was wrong." She turned to leave.

I hurried after her.

"Ninang..."

Tears blurred my vision.

"You're leaving already? You're not going to help us?"

"You heard my husband."

She forced a sad smile.

"He doesn't want to get involved."

"I really believed I could help. That's why I came. But I can't."

"Ninang..." I grabbed her hand. "Then please... help me on your own. Maybe you could call Governor Colton Andreras?" She sighed.

"Hija, why don't you go to the provincial capitol instead? Governor Colton's office is there."

She squeezed my hand.

"I'll ask around through my friends. If I hear he's in his office, I'll let you know."

"T-Thank you."

She left in a hurry.

For a brief moment, I'd believed she'd become our lifeline.

After all, she had influential connections throughout Santa Dominga.

I truly thought she could help us.

But after hearing her husband's fear—and seeing how quickly she left—I knew better.

No one wanted to stand against the Andreras and Buenve families.

It was all right.

I'd find another way.

My father had more than one friend.

Maybe...

I just had to contact every single one of them.