I quickly got dressed today so that I could meet my parents. Thankfully, luck was on my side as Vaughn had already left for the office today as he has an important meeting.

I grabbed my purse and went downstairs. I quickly had juice and omelet and went outside towards my car.

I drove towards my parents house and only one thing was revolving in my mind, to get the answers.

I just want to know why I am suffering. What Ancestral Past my family and Vaughn's family share.

I passed through the gate of the mansion and parked my car. I stepped outside and prepared myself to face anything that is going to reveal.

I went inside ,my mom was in the kitchen. She noticed me and took me in a warm motherly hug.

"Honey, what a surprise!" She said with happiness. I gave her a small smile. I don't know what will I do if they really had hidden something from me. I just wish Vaughn is wrong.

"Honey is everything fine? Has something happened between you and Vaughn?", she asked while seeing my tensed state.

"Mom where is dad? I really want to talk to you and dad about something very important ,now", I said in a serious tone. She looked at me with concern and confusion but nodded.

"Your dad is in his study", we both went towards his study. I gently knock and stepped inside after hearing "Come in " from him. My mom followed suit.

"Aveliene is everything fine?What's the reason for this sudden visit ?", my dad asked with confusion as he stood up ,while my mom stood next to him.

"Dad I want to ask you something very important. And I want you answer me truthfully" , I said in serious tone.

"But what-", my dad spoke but I cut him off.

"Without any excuse", to which my mom and dad share glanced at eachother. Then he nodded.

We took our seats as I faced my mom and dad.

"Dad is there something you have hidden from me. Anything regarding our family past?" I asked and instantly their eyes widen as if I have caught their lie.

"Wha-what are you saying honey wh-why we will hide something from you?", my mom tried to defend but she stutter the thing which she did when she lie. Now I was feeling bad why is she lying?

"Aveliene has Vaughn said something to you?", my dad said in a calm tone although he was looking anxious.

"No dad Vaughn hasn't said something that's why I am asking you. Please tell me about our Ancestral Past. ", I asked while trying to calm myself.

"Aveliene there is nothi-", my mom spoke but dad stopped her and spoke-

"I think we should tell her. She has a right to know." He said and then turned towards me. His expression serious.

"Aveliene, my child, before what I am going to tell you ,I need you to remember this that me and your mom loves you and what we did was for your own betterment." He said in calm yet serious tone. I just nodded even though it made me more anxious. Was Vaughn right? My own parents lied to me?

"I think I should call Daniel and Liliana, they also need to be here to explain the situation more clearly", my dad said while mom nodded. I looked at them confused was Mr and Mrs Rodriguez also know about this.

My dad called them and we waited for them in the living room. Rest of the time mom tried to convince me that she and dad loves me alot whatever happens, while my curiosity and anxiety increased.

"What happened Richard? Why is Aveliene here?", Mr Rodriguez spoke. We all stood up.

"Has Vaughn done something, darling? Mrs Rodriguez spoke.

Before I could reply my dad spoke.

"She knows about the past", listening to which Mrs Rodriguez eyes widen while Mr Rodriguez remain calm.

"I knew it ,this was going to come, but I didn't thought this fast." Mr Rodriguez said as we all took took seat.

He then gestured my dad to began. And focus my attention to my dad.

"Aveliene when I told you that me and Mr. Rodriguez wanted this marraige between you and Vaughn because we wanted to be more powerful and also so that I could protect my gang " He paused then looked down and continued.

"It was half truth." He said then looked at me and I nodded for him to continue.

"We wanted this marraige because we wanted to correct the wrongs happened in the past made by our ancestors." He said, I gave him a confused expression.

"We were always a part of Mafia since decades ago. Your great grandfather Mr James Lawrence was the head of the group. He was very determined and wanted to gain more power so he met Mr Wilson Rodriguez" my dad passed and looked at Mr Rodriguez to continue.

"Mr Wilson Rodriguez was Vaughn's great grandfather he was the leader of most feared mafia at that time. When your great grandfather James comes for help to gain more power. Mr. Wilson agreed and signed a contract. From that time this partnership began." Mr Rodriguez stopped and gestured my dad to speak.

"Together these two mafia groups become undefeatable and feared by all but........Your great grandfather becomes selfish with greed. His eyes blinded to get more power so he betrayed Mr. Wilson. He deceived him and took over the entire gang and money." My dad stopped and looked down ashamed of my great grandfather's doing even I am feeling embarrassed. Why did a person become so greedy?

"Vaughn's great grandfather lost everything, his gang, his share of wealth ,even his honor." Mr Rodriguez spoke in a stern tone as if he was controlling his anger.

"But what's me and Vaughn has to do with it?" I asked breaking the silence.

"From there onwards this enemity formed between my gang and Mr. Rodriguez 's gang .And when Mr Rodriguez came here I thought he was going to take revenge for the past. But instead he gave me this proposal because we both know that what happened in the past was not our fault and so we should end this enemity as it will only cause harm to both the gangs and we don't want to be selfish and don't wanted to do wrong like our ancestors" my dad said to which Mr Rodriguez nodded in agreement.

"Dad I can't believe you hide such a big thing from me. You all kept me in deception. " I said with anger.

"Honey what we did was for your own betterment , we don't want you to get involved in it. Please just give us one chance." My mom said and hugged me.

"I know we should have told you this before but how could I tell such an embarrassing thing ,I don't want you to hate yourself because of your great grandfather's sins." My dad said trying to make me understand. His eyes are soft.

"Please forgive us" , my dad said with pleading eyes. I know that they lied to me and it is wrong but still they love me alot so I took a breath and closed my eyes and spoke-"I forgive you but never ever lie to me again", to which they both nodded and smiled sincerely.

I then turned to Mr Rodriguez and spoke-" But why Vaughn is affected so much due to this?"

"Vaughn couldn't forget it. He was unable to forgive the past. Some how it was my fault as in the early days I was also wanted to take revenge. But I stopped myself. On the other hand Vaughn was against this marraige not only because he doesn't want to marry but he doesn't want to keep any relation from your family. " Mr Rodriguez sighed and continued.

"He is not bad but has faced many challenges in his life since childhood. We were not always this powerful and what we have now, I gave this credit to him, my dear son Vaughn. He helped me since we started from scratch and to make our gang and business empire rise again. ", Mr Rodriguez sighed and continued " He wanted to become a football player, I remembered when he told me when he was ten. He was so happy but then we were not that wealthy and powerful. So he dropped his passion and helped me. Sometimes I felt ashamed that I can't gave my son what he deserves. I can't return him his childhood. I can't gave him a father's love. " Mr Rodriguez spoke as tears gathered in his eyes . Mrs Rodriguez patted his shoulder, her eyes also glistening with tears.

I touched my cheeks and didn't notice even I was crying. No doubt why Vaughn is so reserved ,why he always hated me, and how he kept those childhood pictures and awards locked. It is all just because of one thing my great grandfather's selfishness.

Although he is a jerk but still no one deserves such a childhood. Now, I just wanted to hug Vaughn and to take away all his loneliness and hatred. And shower him with love and care.

"Even though he always stood beside me and never argued or complained. I didn't realize that deep inside him was burning a fire of hatred and revenge." Mr Rodriguez spoke and turned towards me.

"When I saw you I knew it that you are perfect for my son. You can take away that sadness and loneliness from him. You can be the light in his darkness, Aveliene" he said with a smile.

I don't know if I should tell him about the debts or not.

"But Aveliene how did you come to know about this past", my dad asked ,I think I should tell them, there was no point in hiding.

"Mom, Dad, Mr and Mrs Rodriguez, I wanted to tell you that my and Vaughn's relation is not like a happy couple. First I thought he will change but his hatred increased." I spoke and explained them everything from the start of that contract. They all listened attentively as I spoke. I then told them about the debts to which my dad' s eyes widen with anger and Mr Rodriguez looked down in embarrassment, My mom held my hand. Giving me a concerned look.

I finished telling them and then looked up at them.

"How dare he could do that to my daughter." My dad said loudly with anger. While mom tried to calm him.

"Dad don't worry , I am fine. He didn't do that deliberately, he was blinded by hatred and revenge" , I spoke and trying to make him understand. Although a little part of me was still mad at Vaughn.

"I am sorry for my son's mistakes. I didn't know that he was so indulge in taking revenge. " Mr Rodriguez spoke and gave an apologetic expression while joining his hands infront of me in a pleading manner.

"I know he didn't do it deliberately, Mr Rodriguez. First I was also angry but after knowing the truth. I think his anger is justified even though he did something which hurted me. But still I wanted to give this marriage a try," I said even though I myself don't know if I could do this, but I will try just because of his parents.

"No you will not go back to him." My dad said loudly. While mom tried to calm him.

"Dad please let me go, I don't want him to burn in revenge. He is only hurting himself and his parents. Although he is a jerk but his parents doesn't deserve this." I explained to which my dad stayed silent for a moment before reluctantly nodded.

Mr and Mrs Rodriguez gave me weak smiles

"Thank you Aveliene darling for giving my son a chance ", Mrs Rodriguez said and hugged me. Then they left.

I then also took my leave. And this time I know what I have to do.