Only Raised Children
98. Rico Drama

Amidst his shock, Santi and Irfan smiled with relief as they said their intentions. Even they did not care about the shocked look on his son's face when they accidentally met a look.

"For all of you who already know our family secrets, here we just want to make it clear that there is no such thing as a foster child or adoptive parent in our family. Which means, Rico is our biological son, regardless of who gave birth to him. Although we consider Rico to be our biological child, but we will not forget who gave birth to Rico to this world."

Irfan's unfinished words really made the invited guests who did not know the reality again surprised for the umpteenth time. Irfan's words state that Rico is not their biological child.

They did not expect if all this time Irfan and Santi did not have children. Various questions began to appear in the heads of the people who were there, they were very curious who the parents of Rico's birth.

When viewed from his handsome face and also his cleverness in business, they guess if Rico is the son of a businessman who has died. And they will be very surprised to find out that the intelligence and good looks of Rico comes from the son of a driver and also a maid who had worked for the Renaldi family.

Irfan and Santi have no intention to respond to the visitors in front of them. They ignored him and continued to speak.

"For those of you who think that if Rico has forgotten who gave birth to him for our sake or the rule of the Renaldi family, then you are wrong. Rico's a great kid, a very good-natured kid, despite knowing that we gave him all this world, but he never forgot where he came from."

"We purposely announce all of this here not because we want to demean our son, but rather we want you to know directly from us rather than hear obscure rumors out there. We also ask you not to look down on Rico because for us, Rico is the only son of the Renaldi family."

"Alright, it seems to be enough for us to speak at length. We hope that what we have said is acceptable to all of you. So many of my wife and I, thank you for your co-workers and invited guests for your time at noon today."

After saying a long word, Irfan and Santi left the stage to take their children away from the building. The invited media crew began to approach their families, especially Rico who was attacked completely by various questions. Fortunately the bodyguards that had been prepared by the family of the two brides were quick to guard their superiors so that they were safe until they got into the car.

...**...

Arriving at the Thomas Wilson residence, it turns out that some media crews have also been there. News that spread very quickly made the media friends do not want to miss the slightest information about the Renaldi family and Wilson.

Thomas and his family have been secured in the house, as well as the newlyweds who are also there. Irfan and Santi were not left behind to join the house because they knew if their children needed an explanation for the announcement a few minutes ago.

"Pa, Ma, everything what does that mean? Why do Mom and Dad talk like that in public?" ask Rico.

By now they were all gathered in the living room, ignoring the media friends still waiting out there.

"Rico knows it, Pa. Papa and Mama have repeatedly said that in front of Rico, but what makes Rico does not understand, why Papa and Mama say if they want to retire and leave everything to Rico? Rico doesn't matter if Papa announces who Rico really is in public, but to…."

Rico's words stopped, he couldn't continue. He was completely confused by his parents who took the decision without consulting him again.

"Dear." Santi opened his voice. "Mom knows you must be surprised by this news, but Mama hope you can understand our intentions. Mama has often told you that everything Mama and Papa did all this time was none other than just for you, Bang, Bang, so when we felt enough and you could be trusted to handle this job, Papa decided to take a break and make you the company manager. To be the successor of the Renaldi family."

"But Ma, isn't it excessive? Rico got a luxurious facility and considered as a child in this honorable family alone was very grateful. But for all this, Rico doesn't think Rico deserves it, Ma."

"Darling, Mom and Dad have no one but you. Since long ago, Papa worked hard to be at this point with your help. When Papa gets old, the company and all the assets of this family will fall to a child. A child will be the successor of what his parents have. You know for yourself, don't you think we only have you, Bang. If not for you, who else?"

Santi, who was right next to Rico, clasped his two sons' hands. He bowed for a moment while sighing, then looked gently at the son.

"Dragon, Mama didn't mean to be selfish to you. We're doing all this because we love you, Bang. Mama wants you to be able to make your family happy with all that we have. Mama knows if you can support your family later with your own efforts, but please."

Rico wants to hear his mother's words. He still did not understand the decision of his parents that easy to give all his property for him. 

"Rico, Uncle knows how you feel." Thomas is now speaking. "It is not easy to accept something very big with your current situation. Uncle understands even though Uncle does not feel in your position now but you also have to understand how your parents feel. They were sentenced from the beginning to not be able to have any more children and now you are the only son they have. Hope for their happiness. For a businessman, they should have passed on what they live to his heir, and your position here is clear who will be the heir of the Renaldi family. You can't argue with that, let's just say that this is the destiny that God has set for you and your parents now."

"Yes, Co. Consider all this the destiny that God has set for you. We cannot choose who we are born with or who we grow from, all we need to do now is be grateful for what we have got. It's not easy to be where you are now, Co. A lot of disadvantaged people out there want to be in this position of yours, so you should be grateful for that," said Alfian who also helped justify his father's words. 

"Co, why are you confused? You should be happy because what you're getting right now is wealth, not poverty."

The words from Morgan were about to make Alfian rebuke him, but because what his sister said was true and only to make Rico aware of his displeasure, he said, so Alfian this time allowed his nosy sister to express her opinion. 

Rico, who had been given advice from his parents, in-laws, and brother-in-law, could only sigh. He did not know what to do because he thought all this was very heavy, even though what the same people said there was indeed true. He should be grateful for what he has got, but he also cannot just fight his still doubtful feelings.