It had almost been a fortnight since we returned from our mini vacation. If you could call it that and the drama on the island had not yet cooled down. Needless to say there was a heck lot of drama after Diane and Alexander Tay left to go to wherever they were going I wished then I had brought a few more body guards, I could have sent a couple to tail her. Why was I always unlucky?

The atmosphere at dinner had quickly turned. No one had much to say, I think we were all still in shock. It seemed we had so many questions, and we didn't know where to start from. All we know was that it needed to be answered otherwise we would all go crazy.

After she left with that Alexander Tay fellow, the table went back to the way it was. But you'll be an idiot not to know that something was wrong. I think even Roger and Angela felt it as well. Dinner could not end soon enough. We said out goodbyes and we all headed back to the hotel. Except my folks. They decided to take a romantic walk on the beach.

So the rest of us trudged back to our hotel not saying much. Ashley was pissed off and understandably so. But tonight was just not the night. I was l in no mood to hear her rants. Or the series of speculations and innuendos. That was why she had her sister. I was mentally exhausted I bid everyone a quick goodnight in the elevator and headed to my room to pour myself a good scotch.

To this very day and very minute the shock has not died down. I thought it would wear off but it hasn't. Every single time I think about it my mind would and could not wrap my head around it. This was fate, this was meant to be. I was supposed to find her. Maybe God wasn't punishing me after all.

To be honest I had searched Diane Reyes up. But I got the wrong name. There were only a couple Diane and Reyes but they didn't match her profile. Robert said she was famous but there was no pictures or blogs that gave evidence of the said woman. I had no choice but to wait for the investigators report. But I was driving myself crazy with the wait.

Every single hour of every single day my mind was on Diane. I couldn't help it. It was like she was permanently etched in my brain forever. Whenever I thought of her I thought if my child. Where was she or he? Did Diane bring her on her trip? Who was he with and were they responsible people? Is he alive? I was really driving myself crazy.

I can not stress the impatience I was enduring for the report of the the private investigator.

I couldn't believe I had found her. Deep down I figured I would never need her or see her ever again.

But now here was my chance. And nothing and I mean nothing would tear me away from her. Why the hell was this bloody call taking so long?! Damn, I was really over working myself. This past two weeks I had been avoiding almost every call, allowing my p.a to handle them. I am pretty sure my friends and colleagues thought I was going crazy. I had not attended any part or social event in well over a month.

I even ignored all calls of my family. I couldn't deal with two dramas at once. I think I received about 200 missed calls and over a 100 text messages. They were all wondering how I was doing and if I was okay and all that sentimental crap. Finally, I had enough. Sending them all a group text basically saying "stop calling me. I'm fine!" It certainly got the message across. I had to cut them off they were blowing up my phone. But I promised to inform them as soon as I found something.

But in order to do that I needed my phone to ring. And that would never be achieved if they were calling me every five seconds. I think they understood and the calls stopped. Maybe they finally realized how important this phone call was beyond important to me. I had never been this anxious and this nervous about anything in my entire life. And here I was at a diner drinking wine and going out of my mind.

My cell began to vibrate in my chest pocket. I knew it was too good to be true. I guess not everyone understood to leave me alone. It was probably my mom. Checking the I.d to press dismiss, I saw it had none; it was an unknown number. Could this be it? I pressed accept and before I could get a word out

"I have it" a voice said across the receiver.

A breath I didn't know I was holding, was released from my diaphragm and I was able to breathe once again. "Good. Meet me at this address I am going to give you in the next hour" my voice was a bit strained because of my barely contained happiness, fear and trepidation. Somewhere my subconscious mind was the warning me not to expect to much.

The guy didn't say anything else just grunted his name understanding and hung up. I was still in a daze when I finally set my phone on the table. Could this really be happening? Was this some sort of joke? Was I ready to know my fate?

I decided I was. This was it, in the next hour give or take I was going to know my fate. It was now or never. I gulped the last contents of the wine and proceeded to place a call to my parents house.

"Hello?"
Thank God it was my dad.

"Hi dad its me"

"Hey son how you doing?"

"Not bad. Listen dad I don't have much time. I just called to tell you that the report arrived and I am headed over there to get it" I got it out quickly.

"Of course son. Anything you need" he said in a very tight controlled voice.

"Thanks dad. Oh one more thing, dad can you please call and invite the Timmons. I promised them they would also be the first to know"

"Sure sure. Like I said anything you need. And son everything is going to be okay, alright?" He said softly. It felt like I was a little boy again.

"Thanks. Gotta run. See you in an hour" I hung up.

I needed more wine.

Eric had wanted to be updated on the investigation. After all it was concerning his 'daughter'. I think it affected him more than he was letting on. No matter how many times he denied her. I shook my head. That was not my problem. Throwing a couple of hundreds on the table I left, driving to the reading of my fate.

................................................................ ....... .

I had finally arrived at my parents house. I came later then expected. I had to deal with my family's lawyer, he had been out lawyer for as long as I could remember and he was the best in the state. He was also the one who had drafted up the document between Diane and I. I needed him on standby just in case something happened. Well, it had taken over half an hour to see this guy. It would have saved me some time by just calling him. But this matter was too delicate to discuss on the phone. Hence why I was late.

Driving up I saw a couple of cars out in the driveway. I guess everyone was here. Before I could knock on the door my mom was opening it.

"Hello sweetie. Everyone is here including that p.i" she said giving me a kiss on the cheek.

Damn he was efficient. I didn't expect him to be here this early. I nodded my head and strolled into the living room. Everyone was here, Eric and Rachel, my dad, Zion, Michael, Judy and Brian, Sara and Ashley. There was an uncomfortable silence in the room.

"OK what do we have?" I said to my p.i. No use beating around the bush.

We all took a seat. Then the investigator took out a pad with notes. Then he proceeded,

"Diane Reyes. Used to be known as Diane deVilluneba. Legally changed her name 6 years ago. Her mother, Esther fell pregnant during her time as a maid in the Timmons mansion"

At this Eric flinched. I have a pretty good feeling that there was going to be some airing of dirty laundry.

"Her father was supposedly Ramón deVilluneba. At least that's what was listed on her birth certificate. But there is some inconstancies with the said birth certificate. Ramón had been dead for two years before Diane had even been conceived, in Colombia"

"I'm sorry, what?! You didn't sign her birth certificate?" Rachel demanded of her husband.

Eric said nothing. His jaw was shut in a stubborn manner. Wow, Eric did not even sign her birth certificate. Wow he really wanted nothing to do with her. I don't know how I should feel about him. The man was my godfather for crying out loud. He used to babysit me in his office. I loved and looked up to this man. I was confused. I didn't know how to feel anymore.

"Actually no he was not on the certificate" the p.i answered Rachel. At this Rachel glared at Eric with so much hate and contempt. Nevertheless, the p.i continued with his report.

"Well, going on. Two days after Esther had given birth to Diane, mother and daughter were arrested by the U.S Immigration Services. An anonymous tip came in and they were both set to be deported back to Columbia. It seemed her mother had entered the country illegally.

Well she was given one phone call during lockup for help. Her phone call was to a Mr. Eric Timmons; her employer. Well there are no records that suggest Mr. Timmons sent any help or came to the lockup"

He was once again cut off by Rachel.

"You bastard! How could you? To your own flesh and blood? What were you thinking? Oh I know. You were counting on her being deported and shipped out of your life, huh?" She yelled at him, raining curses on him. Eric said nothing at all. His eyes were kept trained on the investigator. Glaring daggers at him. Probably because he was the cause of his wife's meltdown.

When she finally calmed down (meaning Morgan had to be pull her off and set her far away from Eric) the p.i continued unfazed. I really got to learn his name.

"Well they weren't deported. Luckily Diane's mother had lived in this country for five years and through the help of an attorney was granted temporary citizenship. After her release she continued to live in the Timmons house for almost nineteen years with her daughter. Still working as a maid" he paused for a sip of water.

"The child Diane, grew up in the Timmons mansion. She went to the Regent Academy and was severely bullied and abused at school. Beaten, tossed down stairs, teased, pranked, insulted by both her teachers and fellow students" at this he glanced up at the Timmons children. I finally clued in. Wait come on they couldn't have done those things. There had to be a mistake. They couldn't be that cruel. But the way that Ashley was shifting her eyes uncomfortably was starting to make me doubt myself.

"Diane met and started to date Mr. Collins Dwight. She fell pregnant and left the Timmons mansion with her mother. She and Esther were homeless for six weeks. Occasionally, they were able to find a room in the Women's shelter. They both worked three jobs, Diane taking up extra shifts up at work all through out her term. After saving up enough money and with some help rented a one bedroom in Frisk"

When he said this I felt pain in my chest. My child did not have the best prenatal care that I was more than capable of giving. Who knows what could have gone wrong when Diane was pregnant? I screwed up big time. Big time.

There was no way I could ever atone for what I had done. I had done wrong them both wrong. There would never be enough apologies I could ever say or plead that will make up for what I had done to her/him and his/her mother. And I had no one to blame but myself. This was all my fault. I was a coward and a fool.

As he went on my heart and gut clenched in horror and pain. He talked on and on of how her struggles and pain. How she had to keep two jobs until her eighth month. It talked about her one and only visit to the hospital because she did not have the time or the money. Her doctors report stated that she was suffering from pre-eclampsia. Coupled with her overworking, it must have been hell. It certainly was not good for the baby.

Thankfully he stopped and I figured he was getting to the good part.

Damn was I wrong. It got worse, if that was even possible.

"Three weeks before her due date Diane tripped down the stairs of her apartment building and fell three flights down"

My gut clenched. No. No. No. This could not be happening.

"She was taken to the hospital. And on February 4th 2005 she gave birth to a boy. Named Jaun-David Mario-Jose Reyes after her grandparents"

To this I let out a big sigh of relief and gratitude. Yes. She hadn't lost the baby. My mom has tears in her eyes and my dad looked proud. They were grandparents. I had a son. A son!

To say that I was thrilled would be an understatement. I had not cared what I had conceived. But I was finally put out of my constant speculations. I had a son. A son. I was ecstatic. My parents were beyond thrilled. My mom was still crying with joy. I knew exactly what she was thinking and feeling. This was so surreal. Everyone congratulated me. Well everyone except Rachel. She was sitting there by herself.

When the excitement died down, the p.i continued his report. It gave details about how she struggled and keeping two jobs working day and night. It was so sad and pathetic. But at this point I just wanted to know how my son was doing. Diane's mental and physical health were not really my primary concern at this moment. Call me heartless but right now my main worry was my son.

My son. It felt so great to finally say that. I was picturing what I would do with him and what I would teach him. How to get girls and play pranks in his friends.

I was so caught up in my world that I did not hear his next words. He started talking about her life right now. I embraced myself for the worst. I could only imagine what horrible environment my son was facing.

But what shocked me was it was not anything I near imagined. I could not process what I was hearing right now.

Diane was a freaking A-class worldwide screenwriter. If that was not enough she was producing and directing her own shows. At this everyone looked stunned. Even Rachel. We could not believe what he was saying. How was this even possible?!

"I wonder how many people she had to sleep with to get where she is?" Sara chuckled dryly.

Well we were all thinking it.

"None to my knowledge"

Excuse me?"Sara asked him.

"You asked how many people she slept with and I answered none" he answered her question.

"In actual fact, she started her career working with George Sinclair. She entered into a play writing competition and won. The play was a success. They produced seven more which were met with equal success. After obtaining a loan from the bank and their savings they went into business together. Together they produced the critically acclaimed film Sands. She wrote and he directed. Then it took off from there"

She was partners with George Sinclair! Damn the man was a legend internationally. And I hear he has a tremendous work ethic. The guy that is the make version of Meryl Streep according to critics. The guy could act, produce and direct. Damn. And to top it all off he was business partners with my ex-girlfriend and the mother of my son.

When he went through the movies she wrote, produced and directed we totally lost it.

Heck some of those movies I went to see. Like take Sands for an instance, I loved that movie. I was royally pissed when it didn't even get nominated for an award. Wow.

Her life was like one of those fortune 500 success stories. As if movies and film were not enough, she was a renowned author, songwriter and television producer. She even owned her own publishing company. Right now she was collaborating with world famous R&B singer Catya to produce a new album. At this Michael and Zion perked up. They were totally into her. The woman was hot even I got to admit that.

Everyone had their mouth wide open that could catch a tilapia. We were both stunned and shocked. That was why she knew Alexander and Robert. She frickin was a celebrity in her own right.

He ended that she lead a very private life. And that he could not get anything else on her. She had no current boyfriend. Had never been involved in a scandal with any celebrity. She was clean as a whistle. And that he could not obtain any other information.

I asked for pictures of my son. But he said he couldn't get any. She was too well protected. And that included the people around her. Besides the great state I lived in had set limitations for taking pictures of a minor and the laws were more stringent in this state. He could be risking a federal crime, without the approval of the government.

"Is she a good mother?" my mother asked.

"Excuse me ma'am?"

"I mean is she a good mother? Is she irresponsible, negligent, a partier, I don't know any thing that could prove the child was in an unsafe environment?"

"Are you serious Lilian?" Rachel asked incredulous.

"What is your problem Rachel? Can't I ask a question!" My mother yelled at her.

"Questions to get her child taken away, aren't they?" She stood up in anger.

Whose side was Rachel on anyway?

"I am his grandmother I have the right to know about the welfare of my grandson!" She said indignantly. Standing up as well to face Rachel.

"Too bad that you didn't think that ten years ago. When you, yes you encouraged your son, to denounce your own flesh and blood! Some grandmother you are" She sneered at her.

That was a low but true blow. I guess everyone was as guilty as I was. In fact they were the one who encouraged me to denounce my child

My mother looked taken aback for a moment. "How dare you?" She whispered to Rachel. But I think deep down she was ashamed and knew that Rachel spoke the truth.

"The truth hurts, huh Lilian? Well let me just make this crystal clear to you. In fact let me make this clear to all of you in this room. Leave Diane and her son alone! You guys try anything underhand to try and get her son taken away from her and you'll make an enemy out of me. I swear it. I will not let this one slide nor will I stand idly by. I will stand by Diane's side and fight alongside with her, don't try me" she threatened.

I think I got my answer. Rachel was not on my side. It was sad to say this but Rachel is a threat to me. She couldn't be trusted.

"Why do you always defend her mom?" Ashley asked he mother angry and hurt.

I felt her pain. It's gotta hurt when your own mother was always against you and always seems to love and prefer and protect Diane for some unknown reasons. Diane was not even her daughter.

"Why do you always seek to destroy her, honey?" She questioned her back.

"Her and her slut of a mother destroyed our family!" Ashley yelled at her mom.

Rachel chuckled at this "Yet you adore your father and hate her. A bit two faced don't you think, sweetie?" She questioned Ashley sweetly. At this Ashley said nothing.

"And honey, Esther was not the first woman your dad cheated on me with"

Hell no!

All eyes turned to Eric. Except for my folks. Did they already know? This revelation had caused the room to grow quiet once more.

Eric looked at his wife in shock and dismay. She just cleared her face of any emotion and stared her husband straight in the eyes.

There was heavy tension in the room. One that could be cut with a chainsaw.

"Umm, no ma'am, there has never been any police reports. She does not attend much social functions. I believe her kid is homeschooled. Not much about either of them. They are certainly kept out of the media. She also lives with her mother. So my guess is the grandmother looks after the boy when she is not around" my p.i said nervously.

"I see" my mom replied.

He finally asked to take his leave I think he was feeling the tension and the uncomfortable situation in the ring. I was in such a daze that I think I mumbled something about him swinging by the office to get his check.

But I got out of my daze long enough to remind him that he had signed a nondisclosure, nothing about what happened here should ever get out. I made it very clear that I will destroy him and anyone he cares about if anything gets out. He answered that nothing that occurred here would ever be known.

And without anything else he showed himself out.

As the front door closed we looked at each other in shock. This was too much to take all in.

I looked at my family. I knew this was not going to be easy. But I never thought or imagined it would be this bad and hard. I was doomed. To be honest I was counting on a poverty-stricken, hopeless shell of a woman in Diane. I was certainly not counting on a strong independent woman. A woman that was making a name for herself and working her way to the top.

There goes my chance of convincing her to give up her child. I was always going to use the excuse and the logic that her child would have a much better life with me. A mother would give her child up for a better life for child right? She had enough money to give our child the life he deserved. I was screwed.

There is nothing worse than a woman scorned. Remember, the saying "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" Truer words had never been spoken.

But now these were wiser words "Hell hath no fury liked a woman scorned with power and money"

She was by no means on my level or even Timmons level of worth. I mean I was worth $15 billion dollars.

But Diane was not doing too bad herself. The report we had received puts her net worth at around $146.2 million.

There was no way I could buy her off. The contract we signed was sealed. Technically I was not even his father in the eyes of the law. I had no rights. And if she was like anything I saw at the island she despised me. She wouldn't even look at me.
I was doomed.

I slumped in my seat with my head in my eyes. How was I ever going to get my kid. My son Juan David Mario Jose Reyes.

I guess it's time to call my lawyer.