Episode 6

We spent a lot of time together after that and got to know each other better.

Can I ask you something? he asked, his voice hesitant.

Yeah, what’s on your mind? she replied.

I’ve been searching for you for the past two years, and I couldn’t find anything. Even though I know which family you’re from.

Don’t ask me about that, she said quickly. I’m confused about it too.

Wait, are you looking into my family background? she asked, surprised.

No, I didn’t mean to, he said shaking his head. I just....I was searching for you.

So, what did you find out? she asked, curious.

He handed her a picture and a report. This is what I found.

What’s this report about? And... Why does my DNA match 99.7% with Arius’s father?

Think carefully, he urged her.

She paused, her eyes widening in realization. What the hell?! Am I Arius's sister? But how?

You don't seem surprised at all, he said.

I had my doubts about this too, she replied.

She looked at the label on the report, which was read 35 years ago.

But I’m just 25, she blurted out.

Tell me more about this, she asked.

Your mom and dad were scientists. They tried to develop lab babies because they didn’t love each other. They thought they could get their family heir that way. They took your mom’s egg to grow it in a lab.

And? How did I end up being Arius’s sister? she asked, still confused.

Your mom was in love with Arius’s father, but your grandpa didn’t approve of their relationship. So, she had to marry Mr. Ruthwell instead. They worked together for a long time.

Wait, so what does this have to do with me? she asked.

They decided to try developing lab babies, he continued, but they struggled to create an environment similar to the mother’s womb. They froze the embryo for nearly 10 years, hoping to find a suitable setting. Eventually, they gave up and decided to implant it into her womb.

But what they didn’t know was that she was already pregnant with you.

Because your mom and Arius’s dad... they got together when they were drunk at a party.

Her mind was racing. And then what happened?

You and Ren were born but your mother died unfortunately. Later, Mr. Ruthwell found out you weren’t his biological daughter because your eyes were very much similar to Arius. So, he did a paternity test.

Wait... so he hid me because I’m not his daughter? she asked, shocked.

That may not be the full story, but yes, that’s part of it, he replied.

She shook her head in disbelief. I can’t believe this.

Go home. Maybe you’ll get answers there, he suggested.

She ran to her house, calling out, Father! Dad! Mom! (She is used to calling Arius's father and mother as Dad and Mom)

Both families came outside as they're having weekend lunch together, shocked and happy to see her return.

Her father was about to hug her, but she stopped him.

No, stop. I want to know something first.

Who’s my real father? she demanded.

How much do you know? Ashton (her biological father) asked, his voice calm but serious.

Not much as what you're hiding, she replied, her voice shaking with frustration.

Hana, stop it, Arius said, trying to calm her down.

Why should I, brother? she asked, turning to him, her tone sharp.

His heart sank at her words.

Calm down, Hana, her father said gently.

You didn’t even include my name in the family register, she said, hurt.

Because I’ve included you in mine, Ashton replied softly.

Huh? she asked, confused.

Yes, dear, he said, stepping closer, still wanting to hug her.

We wanted to protect you, Ashton explained. You had Alexithymia when you were born, and Ren was the complete opposite of you. We didn’t want anyone to hurt you and worsen your emotional status, so we kept everything hidden.

She was silent for a moment, taking it in. And about the military training... that was your choice. We never forced you into it.

But there’s more. You were kidnapped by our enemies once after they found out that you're my daughter.

You have lost all your memories after that incident.

You spent a year living with the family who rescued you, as their daughter. They said that you were half dead when they found you by the riverside. You overcame your alexithymia after spending time with them.

When we found you, we gave you a new identity because it was safer for you that way. And we added your new identity in our family register. You are our little “Hana Lilith Ashton”

Her voice broke, tears welling up in her eyes. You’re all making me the bad guy here, she cried. I even made a fool of myself by telling him I loved him…*pointing at Arius*

How can you accept this Mom? She asked. How can you treat me like your own daughter when you know the whole truth?

We were all best friends from college. And we all know how they both loved each other. So, when we found out we were not very sad because we had her little self here after she died. You are so much like her that I can't help but love you more.

I want to be alone for sometime. Hana ran away and locked herself in her room. 

Arwin jumped inside through the window.

What are you doing here? she exclaimed, breathless. 

I'm here to see my girlfriend. So, how did it go?

I feel so pathetic, she admitted, wrapping her arms around him. You know Renita is not my name. *hicc*

Shhh!....Get some sleep.

No, let’s fuck! I want to forget everything, she blurted out. 

What? Just remember, don’t regret it later; I’ve already warned you.

I won’t, she said, tugging at his collar and kissing him. 

I know my dearest girlfriend is still a virgin, he teased. 

Yes, why don’t you like that?

No, my dear shithead. If you're feeling horny, I can help you with that. But let’s wait until after our wedding. You’ve treasured it just for me all along. Why spoil your effort? Let’s save it for our first night together, he teased again. 

What? You’re such a weirdo. Let’s just sleep. Come here and hug me, she said, raising her arms like a child.

Of course, he replied, his gaze softening and hugged her.

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