The First Heir

The atmosphere in the hospital room seemed different.

Giada smiled a smile that encompassed the warmth of a spring breeze, one that Philip knew there was more than met the eye.

It was a smile that removed herself from the narrative while she mocked and threatened at the same time.

Standing from her seat, she walked toward Philip who looked as if his entire world had crashed. She spoke gently, “Take your time as you explain to Wynn, would you? We’ll meet again, very soon.”

With that, Giada waved to bid Wynn farewell. “I’ll be leaving first then, Wynn. I’m sure Philip has his reasons to hide from you, so I do hope you’ll keep an open mind and hear him out.”

Wynn was about to stand and send her out only to be held back by Philip.

With no other choice, she smiled politely. “You can come over next time then, Aunt Giada.”

“Oh?”

There was a new hint of shock in Giada’s expression at the invitation. Her brows curved into a smile. “Very well then, I’ll visit when I have time. I’ll get going now, wouldn’t want to intrude on you two any longer after all.”

Only after Wynn respectfully bode Giada farewell did Giada leave the room.

This left Wynn and Philip alone in the hospital room.

the door,” Wynn

been caught red-handed, Philip hummed a sound of acknowledgment and went to close

in his chest for he felt a fear he had

did Giada

Was it his identity?

Was it something else?

wore an

school student,

Clarke. For how long have you been

inquired, though the coldness of her

at Wynn, Philip got a slap at his shoulder before

‘What?’

furrowed, unease written on her face as she pressed on. “Why’d you hide

too, felt disheartened. Tugging on Wynn’s hand, he played the guilty card. “Wynnie,

Philip crestfallen before her, Wynn reached out a pale arm and flicked Philip’s forehead with a slender finger. “You’re my husband, Philip. You have to tell me about these things, okay? Sure,

‘Stepmom?’

rush, he asked, “What else did Giada tell

“Yeah! She told me she got married to your father after the death of your mother, and that the actual reason why she’s here in Riverdale is to check on how you’re doing. She also said that she hopes I can persuade you to go home, something about how your family needs you and how your dad’s side of the family wants you back too. Why didn’t you say yes? You’re father and son, what resentment can there possibly be between a father and his son? Find a time and clear your schedule. Go back and take a

“Did she say anything about what my family does? Or

is

your family in the restaurant business?