Dedicated to all Glimpsers!!!
Thanks for being so supportive to GLIMPSE.

                  *****★****★****★*****

The night was cold and the sky was decorated with all the bright stars in heaven. I am light hearted as we travel the city leading to the Perantes mansion.

"Ken called me before we left the hotel." Gus broke the silence

"How is he? Is he coming to the party? I ask Gus still looking outside the window of the car.

"Yes he'll be there. He'll meet you there K." His answer gave me joy knowing that I will see Ken and my parents with grandpa too.

"That's great. I'm happy to know that."

After a few minutes of driving, Gus made a smooth left turn towards a well lighted private road. A grand mansion stands tall and proud at the end of it. Gus drove slowly following the car ahead of us.

"This is a big party Gus." My remarks as I observe cars moving slowly ahead of us. There are more of it tailing us and with the looks of it, it carries wealthy people.

Gus made our entrance at the grandeur of the property where flashes of camera added to the lights of the place. He stopped the SUV and assist me in going out of the car. I wear my smile as flashes blinded me momentarily. The society page will be full of Perantes faces tomorrow, a very well respected family holding a homecoming party for a long lost son.

A guard signalled Gus to park at the right side of the property where lots of cars were already lined up and parked neatly.

I started to take the red carpet towards the entrance of the Perantes Mansion when I heard someone called my name.

I saw Callie in her red gown. She's beautiful as ever.

"You're fabulous!" Her remarks when she stand beside me with Jim on her side.

"You look beautiful as ever bestie and you have a dashing escort." My compliment made them smile.

I'm happy that Callie meet Jim and the relationship lasted for almost six months now.

She never had a relationship longer than what she had with Thomas. It may be the pain that stopped her from trusting a man again. They've been very much in love with each other. An ideal couple was what they portrayed for the longest time they've been together but in a blink of an eye, Callie caught Thomas on the act of having an affair with his childhood friend Megan.

It was the most painful experience for Callie that made him swear not to trust her heart to any man again. She started dating again after three long years but relationships did not last for long.

The longest she had after Thomas was four months and it takes a lot of effort to last that long. Jim was lucky to surpass her tantrums and insecurities.

"Let's go?" Jim lead the way inside. He let me go first as they followed me inside the big hall.

The party just started and the hall of the mansion was full of guests with party attendants roaming around serving the food, drinks and sweets.

I scan the tables for my parents and grandad and saw them on the third table from the right side if the hall with Callie's parents.

I lead Callie and Jim towards their table and joined the old folks.

"You're beautiful sweetheart!" My father complimented when I gave him a hug after mom and grandpa.

"You're handsome Dad and looked young in your tuxedo." I returned the favor which made him smile. Same as the others sitting on the table.

Callie and Jim sit with Callie's parents and I took a seat beside grandpa.

"There's a lot of gorgeous bachelors around sweetheart." He whispered on my ear which brought a smile on my lips.

"They must be good looking and smart grandpa to interest me." I answered jokingly as I thank the attendant who served me dinner.

"Eat sweetheart! We'll chat later." And I started to eat. The food was delicious and perfect paired with the white wine I asked from the passing attendant.

Callie and Jim are enjoying their food while my father was enjoying a chat with Callie's father while mom and Aunt Sophia were engrossed with their topics too.

Grandpa is my best company in this circle and I thank him for being present here today. The food was great though I did not eat a lot but most especially the wine. I spotted Gus at the far end table and I mouthed "Ken" to him when he looked my way. He raise his phone telling me he understands what I mean.

I'm excited to see Ken and more excited to see my parents and grandpa's reaction when they get to see him. I know they'll be surprised and will be happy to see him.

"Katie!" A voice called me by surprise and I saw Jensen at my side who looked even more beautiful in her black long gown.

"Hi Jen! You look beautiful." I complimented her after a kiss of greetings.

"You're more beautiful Katie. Enjoying the party?" She asked but seems like her smile didn't reach her eyes.

"Yeah of course. You didn't mention that you have a brother."

"It came to me by surprise too." Now I see sadness in her eyes.

"Oh! Any problem?" I asked as I hold her hand.

"Can I have a moment with you Katie?" She asked which I smiled and nod. I excused myself from the group and go with Jensen.

She lead me to the garden and let me sit in the swing. It was a secluded area and not so many guest were there.

"What's the problem Jen?" I ask her reading worries written all over her face.

"I have a brother I just met and I don't know how to react to the situation."

"You mean a step brother?" I ask to confirm what she just said.

"Yes and they were hiding it from me all this years. I just met him the other day."

"Oh! I guess you're reaction is purely out of shock Jen. I mean maybe they have enough reason why they hide him from you. Have you talk to your parents?" I ask while looking at her intently. She is almost crying but I know she's trying not too or else she'll need a retouch once she'll look like a panda.

"I talked to mom but I'm not convinced by what she said. I know she don't want Dad to be the bad guy but I felt betrayed Kat." This time a tear came running down her cheeks which she wipe in an instant.

I took her hands in mine to tell her that everything's fine. She'll be fine. The situation is fine.

"I may not understand how you felt right now but one thing is for sure Jen, you'll get over this shock and betrayal that you feel. Maybe, your Dad thinks that was the right time to tell you coz he knows you'll fully understand the situation." I want to ease the pain she felt right now, if not totally at least a bit.

Jensen is one of the few friends I had after I assume office in the company. She's a sweet woman knowing she's an only daughter.

"I hope I'll understand the situation and their reasons Kat. Thank you for listening." She said and accepted my hug as I pat her back.

"You will Jen. I know you will." I said in assurance with a smile that she reciprocated.

"I guess you must meet Rufos." She uttered the words clearly that made me feel cold hearing that name.

"Oh! I meet your father already Jen." I said back.

"No! I mean my brother Rufos. I'm sure he'll like you."

Her words stunned me realizing that this Rufos is here at this very moment and I am close at meeting him.

I force a smile and ask Jensen to go back to the party. I feel like walking out of that place and go straight home. I don't want another reminder of him again.

Can't I just be happy yesterday and today because my brother is back? Do I need to be reminded over and over again?

We storm back to the party and I joined the group while Jensen went to her room for a retouch after her crying scene.

Dad and Callie's father were not on our table. Grandpa just returned from wherever he came from.

"Where did you go sweetheart? Your father was looking for you." My grandfather's spell the moment I took my seat beside him.

"Just had a moment talk with Jensen Grandpa. Why is he looking for me?"

"Mr. Perantes wants to personally introduce his son to you."

It was like another wave of news to me hearing about this "son" that made me feel uneasy and nervous. Why is it that I felt something not right about the whole thing especially on the idea that I am going to meet this stranger brother that Jensen haven't known all her years of living in this world until now.

I just smile to my grandfather and search Gus in the crowd like looking for a rescuer.

Honestly, I feel like going home right now. Anyway, I can surprise my family at home tomorrow if Ken is available.

I saw Gus on the table he occupied earlier and I whisper grandpa some alibis of not feeling well at the moment so I need to make an exit from the party.

He remind me to schedule a meeting with the Perantes the following day if my schedule permits. I just agreed to him to make the conversation short and  kiss him goodbye. I kiss Callie and promised to call her when I get home.

"Katie!" I was almost at Gus table when I heard that voice calling me. I turn to the voice slowly and saw my father with Mr. Perantes.

I force a smile and saunter towards them. I breath deeply and grab the side of my dress to stop my hands from shaking. I don't like the feeling I have right now.

"I was looking for you sweetheart. Where have you been?" He ask as he approach me with Mr. Perantes in his side smiling.

"J..Just lo..looking for Gus. I guess I left my phone in the car. Good evening Mr. Perantes. Such a great party you have here." I tried not to sound nervous when I greeted him.

"Thank you Katarina. You're such a lovely lady tonight. I'm sure a lot of young bachelors here tonight are eyeing on you." I smiled to his words thinking how I would react since no one seems to make me interested in the last half an hour stay in the party.

"Thanks for the compliment Mr. Perantes." I uttered with a smile feeling impatient as to where the conversation is going. I felt that someone is looking at me intently aside from the two gentlemen in front of me.

"I hope you are enjoying the party. I want you to meet my son a while ago."

"I am sir and yeah that would be lovely meeting him in person."

"That sounds good and oh here he is. Rufos!" He called someone behind me.

It sounded cliche but I feel more uncomfortable than what I felt a while ago. I did not move an inch nor take a peek from where I stand to see the man standing behind me.

"Son, I want you to meet Katarina Chantelli. Katarina, my son Rufos." Mr. Perantes voice echoed in my ear hearing the name he uttered.

I slowly turn around to see the man with a forced smile plastered on my face only to see him standing in three piece Armani suit.

"It's him! Yes it's him!" My brain shouted while my smile slowly vanished when my eyes meet those eyes full of anger and hatred. He looked at me with clenched jaw while both hands were on his pocket.

I want the floor to open and eat me right at that moment. I don't know what to do, how to react and what to say to him while looking at his cold demeanor.

I feel my eyes slowly burning hot and tears almost escape if I don't blink it away. I bite my lower lip to stop it from quivering and force a smile as I lay out my hand to him.

"It's nice meeting you Rufos... I-i mean Mr. Perantes." I manage to say it. I see no reaction nor any movement from where he's standing. It was the longest five minutes in my life.

I was about to take my hand back ready to humiliate myself when he took it and kiss the back of my hand.

His lips were hot burning my skin and electrifying my whole being.

"It's an honor to have met the lovely heiress of Chantelli Hotels. You have such a lovely daughter Mr. Chantelli." His remarks to my father with his deep voice. How I miss those voice way back then but learned to be afraid of it since the last time I heard words full of anger and disgust.

"Thank you Rufos. Hope we can invite you for dinner at home sometimes."

"I will arrange my schedule and I'll give you a ring. Now, will you excuse me for a while. Nice meeting you Katarina." He said my name with gritted teeth and left me speechless. It brought shivers to my spine.

He left without a glance and a tear escape from my eyes. I wipe it as quickly as I can and gather myself before facing my father and his best friend.

"Dad, Mr. Perantes, I'll excuse myself for a while. I just need to make some important phone call." I did a clean alibi trying hard to suppress myself from breaking down.

"Okay sweetheart. Don't be long. The party just started." I smiled at my father's words and give a nod to Mr. Perantes before I turn and walk towards the entrance of the big hall.

I walk straight to the parking and called Gus before I breakdown. I have to go home. I can't take another minute in this suffocating venue knowing he's here. It was him!

It's him! It was him I met a while ago. It was him who looked at me with anger and hatred. And it was him who spoke of flowery words but disgust is in his eyes.

"Oh my God! It's him!" reality now slowly sink in.

    **** ★ **** ★ **** ★ ****

Well, now they meet again. After six long years.

Let's find out what will happen now that their path crossed again.

The journey begins and don't miss the next chapter

Don't forget to vote and thank you for reading.

*Marga 🐶*