NO ONE BELIEVES HER

As Deep settled into his home, he decided to host a dinner to express his gratitude to Gia, his parents, Grace, and Simon for their unwavering support during his recovery. However, the presence of Ejay's mother, who had arrived uninvited, created an underlying tension that Deep struggled to conceal.

The evening began with a warm welcome from Deep as he greeted everyone at the door. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude for their presence and support during his challenging times. However, as his eyes met Ejay's mother, a wave of conflicting emotions washed over him. He maintained a composed exterior, despite the discomfort that stirred within.

"Thank you all for being here," Deep addressed the group, his voice carrying a note of genuine appreciation. "Your support has meant everything to me during this difficult period."

Gia smiled warmly at Deep, proud of his strength and resilience. Deep's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Azzua, exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting concern about the unexpected guest. Grace and Simon acknowledged Deep's gratitude with nods, unaware of the tension simmering beneath the surface.

However, Ejay's mother, who had been invited by a well-intentioned but misinformed family friend, seemed oblivious to the unease her presence caused. Her demeanor exuded an air of innocence, but to Deep, her presence was a stark reminder of the tumultuous past connected with her son, Ejay.

As they gathered around the table, engaging in polite conversation, Deep made an effort to maintain civility despite his inner turmoil. Gia, sensing his discomfort, subtly offered support, engaging in conversation to ease the atmosphere.

Throughout the dinner, Deep remained composed, exchanging pleasantries with everyone while subtly avoiding direct interaction with Ejay's mother. His parents, noticing his unease, attempted to alleviate the tension by steering the conversation to lighter topics, but the discomfort lingered.

Despite his efforts to remain cordial, Deep's internal struggle persisted. Ejay's mother's presence evoked memories of the turbulent past, and he found it challenging to reconcile her being among those he cherished during this intimate gathering.

As the dinner concluded and the guests bid their farewells, Deep expressed his gratitude once more, masking his inner turmoil behind a facade of appreciation. As everyone departed, Deep was left to grapple with the conflicting emotions stirred by Ejay's mother's unexpected presence—an unwelcome reminder of a past he was eager to put behind him.

After the dinner guests had left, Deep found himself alone with Ejay's mother, a discomforting silence lingering in the air. The unease he felt at her unexpected presence continued to gnaw at him, prompting him to address the underlying tension.

"Mrs. Johnson," Deep began, his tone firm yet composed, "I must admit I'm surprised to see you here tonight."

Ejay's mother looked at him, her expression attempting a facade of innocence. "Oh, I hope I didn't cause any inconvenience. I was invited by a friend who thought I should be here to show support."

"I understand," Deep replied, his voice tinged with restraint. "But given the circumstances, I hope you can appreciate that your presence here is unsettling for me."

Mrs. Johnson's demeanor shifted slightly, sensing the gravity of Deep's words. "I'm here to support you all, Deep. I care about what happens to you and your family."

Deep's gaze hardened as he spoke, a sense of distrust evident in his words. "With all due respect, I find it hard to believe. After everything that has transpired, it's difficult to trust your intentions."

He paused, his emotions restrained yet palpable. "I don't appreciate your presence here, Mrs. Johnson. I need you to understand that I don't trust you, especially considering your son's actions and the turmoil he brought upon us."

Mrs. Johnson's facade wavered, a hint of discomfort flickering across her face. "I'm here to show that not all of us are the same, Deep. I want to make amends for what my son has done."

Deep's skepticism remained unwavering. "Actions speak louder than words. I hope you can respect my feelings about this and understand why your presence here is not welcome."

With those words, Deep excused himself, leaving Mrs. Johnson with a lingering sense of unease. The confrontation had been brief yet firm, leaving no room for ambiguity about Deep's feelings regarding her unexpected presence.

Alone in his thoughts, Deep grappled with the complexities of the situation. He couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling that Ejay's mother's presence had stirred within him. His distrust and wariness remained, leaving him questioning the true intentions behind her sudden appearance in their midst. As he retired for the night, the unresolved tension lingered, reminding him of the intricate web of emotions and uncertainties woven around their lives.

Deep's unease about Ejay's mother's presence and potential motives weighed heavily on his mind. Summoning his resolve, he sought a candid conversation with Hellen, seeking answers to the lingering questions that troubled him.

"Hellen," Deep began, his tone a mix of concern and determination, "I need to understand something. Where is Ejay, and what is he planning?"

Hellen's expression faltered, a flicker of discomfort evident in her eyes. "I-I don't know, Deep. He hasn't been in touch with me for some time."

Deep fixed her with a steady gaze. "I find that hard to believe. You've been privy to his plans and movements in the past. Are you still working for him, spying on us?"

Hellen's eyes widened in surprise at the accusation. "No, Deep, I swear. I'm not working for Ejay. I left because I feared for my safety. He's become increasingly unpredictable and dangerous."

Deep remained skeptical, his intuition guiding his suspicions. "Your sudden appearance here, your proximity to us—it's all too coincidental. I have a strong hunch that you're still aiding Ejay in some way."

Hellen's voice quivered as she vehemently denied the accusation. "I'm not, Deep. I'm here because I had to flee. I am so afraid of Ejay and what he could do to me."

Deep's eyes narrowed, weighing her words against his intuition. The tension in the air was palpable as they faced each other, a sense of mistrust clouding the conversation.