THE GOVERNOR'S KEPT WOMAN (ENGLISH)

Chapter Four

Chapter Four

"Inda, I'm really sorry, but we can't help you right now. My husband is currently handling one of the governor's biggest projects here in Santa Dominga. We can't get involved or take any action to help you."

This was already the nth godparent I had called, and like the others, she had her reasons to refuse my plea. I was desperate.

I understood them. It wasn't unreasonable. They had something to lose if they helped Dad and me, and I understood why they wouldn't make that sacrifice.

I had only hoped.

But in the end, none of them were willing to stand by us.

As soon as my godmother ended the call, I immediately played the music waiting on my laptop. I couldn't bear the silence. Within seconds, loud, almost ear-splitting music filled the room.

I threw myself onto the bed.

I'd only been in Santa Dominga for a few days, yet I already felt completely drained.

When hardship comes... that's when you discover who will never abandon you.

Unfortunately, when Dad and I needed people the most, it felt like ninety-five percent of everyone we knew had already turned their backs on us.

Only a handful hadn't.

My bodyguard. Our lawyer. Our household staff.

But the people who used to surround Dad at the height of his success in the business world? They had vanished like bubbles bursting into thin air.

Where were they now?

I knew they weren't obligated to help us. It wasn't their responsibility.

But did they really have to turn their backs on us?

Did they truly believe Dad was a criminal?

Even moral support would have meant something.

If only they could visit him in jail... ask how he was doing.

I'm sure it would lighten Dad's heart to know that his friends hadn't forgotten him.

That thought made me call one of his closest friends.

"Uncle Charles?" I said as soon as he answered.

"Inda?" he replied in surprise.

"Uncle, do you have a minute? I just wanted to ask you a favor—"

"I'm busy. But go ahead, I'll listen. What is it?" he asked seriously.

"Could you please visit Dad in jail? Even just for a little while... maybe check on him—"

"Didn't I just tell you I'm busy? I barely leave this chair because of all the work I have. And you expect me to visit your father in prison? Hija, that's bad luck for business."

"...What?"

"Why would I visit a murderer? What if my clients find out? They might think I support a killer."

"Uncle Charles..."

The words escaped before I could stop them.

I couldn't believe this was the same man who had always treated me with kindness. We used to run into each other at shopping malls back in Metro City. He and his family would invite me to eat with them at restaurants, and we'd spend hours talking and laughing.

Now...

He was like a completely different person.

And the way he accused Dad—it was as though he had already decided the case himself.

My father was innocent.

"I'm sorry, Inda. I really can't help your father. First, he killed someone. Second, I can't afford to go against Governor Colton Andreras. Everything I've built could fall apart if I grant the favor you're asking. I'm sorry, but I'm only protecting my own future. Helping a criminal could ruin everything I have."

He hung up.

I stared at my phone after the call ended.

"My father isn't a criminal," I whispered in my tears. "We'll prove it to all of you. He's a good man. He's not a murderer."

The situation was exhausting every ounce of strength I had.

But I couldn't give up.

I wiped away my tears and stood.

I was going to the provincial capitol to see Governor Colton Andreras myself.

We need to talk.

I had already tried calling the number Top had given me, but no one answered. I had even sent a message, yet there was still no response from the governor.

I changed into something suitable for going out.

I didn't bother putting makeup on my face.

My complexion had turned pale from everything that had happened, and even my naturally wavy hair seemed lifeless from the stress.

If I were still in the city and had nothing weighing on my mind, I'd probably be at a salon right now, pampering myself.

But now...

Saving Dad was far more important than worrying about how I looked.

I stepped out of my room.

Top was just coming upstairs with a tray of food when he stopped upon seeing me.

"Miss Lucinda, where are we going?" he asked politely.

"We're going to the capitol. Governor Colton Andreras isn't answering my calls or my messages, so I'll go there myself. I need to see him and speak to him in person."

"We're not even sure he'll agree to see us. It would be better to schedule an appointment first."

"No. A governor like him would never squeeze me into his schedule. It's better if we just go."

"As you wish. Let's go."

He turned around and headed back downstairs.

The housekeeper we passed looked surprised when Top suddenly handed her the tray he had been carrying.

I followed him out of the mansion.

By the time we reached the driveway, he had already opened the rear passenger door for me, silently gesturing for me to get in.

It was already late afternoon.

Hopefully, we'd still catch Governor Colton at the Capitol.

As soon as I settled into the back seat, I put on my earphones and played music. I couldn't stand being surrounded by silence.

After Top got into the driver's seat, he fastened his seat belt before pulling the car onto the road.

"What are you going to say to him if you actually get the chance to meet him?" he asked.

I lowered the volume of my music before answering.

"I'm going to ask him to stop interfering with the case. If they stay out of it, Dad still has a chance to win. We still have a chance to prove that he's innocent."

"Do you really think he'll listen to your request?"

"He should," I answered firmly. "My father is innocent, Top. He shouldn't even be in jail because he wasn't the one who killed Dominador Abwerbos. People refuse to understand that because they've already closed their minds. Instead of waiting for the court's decision, they've already judged him themselves."

"Miss Lucinda, your father will clear his name. We'll help him. Speaking to Governor Colton is simply one step toward helping your father."

I nodded, even though Top couldn't see me.

I turned my gaze toward the passing scenery outside the window and silently offered a prayer.

Please let me speak with you, Governor Colton Andreras.

For my father's sake...

Please listen to me.

Lord, I'm placing everything in Your hands.