Kaiden sat on his bed, his back reclined against the headboard as he scrolled through his Instagram page. It had been a week since he last checked his account because of Kailani’s illness, and he had spent over two hours replying to messages.“Get some rest now," Eureka said, walking in without him noticing. He glanced at her while typing a reply. “You've been on this since morning." She sat beside him.“Just a minute," he gestured with a finger. When he was done, he put down his phone and turned to his mother. “I've replied to all my messages."Eureka ran her fingers through his hair. "You're stressed out,” she said. "I know this isn't the best time to say this, but the company needs you. We're advertising our new collection, so we need you for a shoot on Monday evening.”"It's not a big deal," Kaiden said, his voice firm. “As long as you pay me," he added, and Eureka smiled.“Also, Mildred has prepared a guest room for Kailani. She'll be staying there from now on," she said.“Is tha
Kaiden stormed into his room, slamming the door shut. He dashed to the bedside table, grabbed his phone, and dropped onto the bed, dialing his manager’s number. “Cancel the interview. I’m not attending,” Kaiden said firmly.“What? Why? We already made arrangements. The press will be at the office this evening,” the manager explained.“I don’t care. And I suggest you hire another model. I quit!” he declared and hung up. The manager called several times, but Kaiden rejected every call.“Kaiden?” Kailani called, entering.“Lock the door, and let’s continue,” he said, picking up the textbook from the couch. “Where were we?” he asked.Kailani sat beside him, studying his expression as he opened the book. She hesitantly cupped his face, turning it to hers. “I’m sorry, okay?” she muttered. “She honestly didn’t mean to hit you.”Kaiden removed her hand from his face. “I think we stopped here: electrolysis.”“Kaiden,” Kailani called again. She knew he was hurting, just pretending to be fine. “
Eureka entered Aveline’s room and saw her seated on the edge of the bed, crying. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?” she asked, sitting beside her.It had been a week since Aveline moved in, and it had been one problem after another. Eureka was exhausted; this wasn’t what she had expected. She thought Kaiden would easily accept his sister since he had longed for her. She no longer understood where his hatred was coming from.“Why doesn’t Kaiden like me?” Aveline sobbed, her chest heaving. “I’ve been trying to get close to him, but he keeps pushing me away and choosing Kailani over me. What else does he want me to do? Is it my fault I was stolen at birth?”Eureka sighed, pulling her closer and stroking her hair. “It’s not your fault,” she said. “I understand how you feel, okay? But you have to know it’ll take Kaiden some time to accept you. You two started on a bad note, but he’ll come around. Just give him time.”Aveline pulled away, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. “He’ll never li
Eureka and Kaiden entered the house, chatting about the meeting they had just attended. “Kayla?” Kaiden was the first to spot her. His heart caught in his throat as he dropped his power bank and rushed toward her. “Kayla?” He shook her gently. “Mom, she’s not waking up. What happened to her?”“I’ll call the doctor,” Eureka said, taking out her phone while stepping out to call one of the security men. Kaiden sat on the floor, cradling Kailani’s head in his lap.Over two hours later, Kailani regained consciousness, her vision blurry at first as she adjusted to the white light. “Kayla?” Kaiden called. She looked at him and forced herself to sit up.“What happened to me?” Kailani asked, meeting the gazes of Eureka and Aveline, who were watching her closely. Her heart raced as she turned back to Kaiden.“You collapsed,” he said. “How do you feel now?”“Didn’t the doctor say you shouldn’t stress yourself? Why did you ask the maids for clothes to wash without a washing
“Where the hell is it?” Kaiden groaned, pulling open and slamming shut each drawer in frustration. “I thought I left it here.”“What are you looking for?” Kailani asked, stepping inside. Even though she had her own room now, she still preferred being in Kaiden’s. He was the only person she could interact with in the house.“My earbuds. I left them on the bedside table,” he muttered, hissing in annoyance as he dropped onto the bed.“You’re always with them. Are you sure they’re in the room?” she asked, helping him search.“I don’t know.” He stood abruptly. “I think I’ll ask my mom. I was in her room earlier.” He headed out, and Kailani followed.“Mom,” Kaiden called as he descended the stairs, finding his mother watching a program with Aveline.“What is it, Kaiden?” she asked, looking up.“Are my earbuds in your room?”“I don’t think so. You were using them after leaving my room earlier, weren’t you?”“I can’t find them. I never misplace them, so why have they suddenly disappeared?” he
Eureka stepped out of her car, swept her hair sideways, and headed to the restaurant where Raymond was waiting. She collided with Melissa, who was stepping out, and they both stumbled back.“Sorry,” Melissa was the first to apologize.“It’s you again,” Eureka said with a warm smile.“Why haven’t you been taking my calls or returning them?” Melissa asked, her tone unfriendly.“I’m deeply sorry. I’ve had so much on my mind,” Eureka apologized. “Besides, I got random calls that day. I didn’t know which one was yours.”“You still don’t remember me, do you?” Melissa asked, holding Eureka’s confused gaze. “We really need to have a private moment to talk. You can’t keep living like this, with no memories of your past. If not for your parents or husband, then at least for the time we shared together. We promised never to forget each other. I know it’s not your fault, which is why you need to reconnect with those you knew to help you remember. Are you interested or not?”“I think I should have
Eureka stood on the balcony, different thoughts running through her mind. She was wondering how to settle the disputes between her children. Last night, Aveline had cried to her, saying she was tired of Kaiden hating her and that it would be better to return to her father, who loved her more than anyone else. Eureka had promised to make things right between her and Kaiden, but she didn’t know how. Kaiden had always been a stubborn, adamant child. Once he made up his mind, he never changed it, and she had learned to give in to him. An old woman once told her that twins were complicated beings and that if she didn’t learn to live by their rules, she should prepare for the worst. She had never fully understood the woman’s words. Kailani stepped out of the house, staring at Eureka with pity in her eyes. She hesitated before moving closer and touching Eureka’s shoulder, causing her to jolt slightly. “Sorry, ma’am,” Kailani apologized quickly, stepping back. “It’s okay. Do you need an
“You need to calm down, Kaiden!” Kailani called after him as he stormed out of the car, leaving his backpack behind. She grabbed it and hurried after him. “Don’t do anything stupid. Just listen to me, please.”Kaiden didn’t listen. His loud, thumping heartbeat drowned out her words. He burst into the house, slamming the door so hard that Kailani jerked back as it nearly hit her face.“Aveline!” Kaiden shouted, his voice ringing through the house and alerting everyone. Even Eureka, who had been taking a nap, jolted awake. Everyone rushed out to see what was happening—except Aveline. She knew what she had done, so she stayed in her room.“Son? What is it?” Eureka asked, her heart racing at the thought of something bad happening to him.“Where is that psycho you brought into this house?” he demanded, his hands trembling with anger. “Aveline!” he shouted again. “If I come up there, you’ll regret stepping foot into this house. Come out right now!”“Relax, son. You’re boiling. Tell me what
Kaiden walked into the room after leaving to get some snacks for Kailani, but she had already fallen asleep. He sat on the edge of the bed, his soft eyes trailing her from head to toe, then he held her hand, squeezing it gently.“I knew something was off when that bitch entered the class on that ugly day," he thought. “The energy felt different. She had your voice, your face, but she didn't have your heart. I wish I had pointed that out, I wish I could have looked her in the face and told her she was not my Kayla. How could I? She bloody had your face and there was no way you would be two in the world with striking resemblance,” he paused as she stirred. He patted her arm gently and she relaxed again.“I'm deeply sorry, Kayla. The second time you need me and I wasn't able to help you. Even Mom couldn't. We all couldn't, probably because we didn't know evil exists to that extent. You'll heal perfectly, okay?” he said with a warm smile appearing on his face.
“You said she would be fine, doc. What the hell is wrong with my daughter now? Why is she so scared? What does she see?” Eureka asked as she barged into the doctor's office.“You need to relax, Miss Bennett. Please have a seat," the doctor said calmly. Eureka hesitated before sitting down.“Your daughter is traumatized. She must have experienced some ugly events that are causing her reaction. You need to understand that it takes time for her to get over that scene. That’s why I suggest she starts seeing a psychotherapist,” the doctor explained."Are you saying that my daughter has a mental disability? She spoke just fine to us, then all of a sudden she started reacting strangely.”"Your daughter is emotionally affected. Psychotherapy doesn’t mean she’s crazy. I can assure you that with her medication and therapy, she will be fine in due time. You just have to be patient with her, and make her feel safe again," he stated.Eureka took a dee
Eureka entered the doctor's office, gently closing the door behind her. “You asked to see me, doc. What's the condition of my daughter?" she asked, sinking into the visitor's chair opposite the doctor.The doctor sighed, closing the folder he was holding. “What I'm about to tell you is temporary, so relax, Miss Bennett," he said."I'm calm, doctor. Just assure me my daughter will be fine,” Eureka stated softly."Your daughter was diagnosed with Chlamydia.”"I don't even know what that means.”"It's a type of sexually transmitted disease, Miss Bennett,” the doctor said.Eureka's heart caught in her throat as she shifted forward on the chair, her stomach churning. "What…what are you saying?" she stuttered, her voice trembling.“We discovered signs of sexual abuse on your daughter. She had injuries around her genitals, bruises on her thighs and wrists. Trust me, Chlamydia is treatable,” he explained.Tears rolled down Eureka's cheeks. "You're saying that my daughter suffered sexual abuse
“Kayla?” Kaiden muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. He dropped on his knees in her front, cupping her face, his hands trembling. “Kayla, can you hear me? It's Kaiden," he said, then untied her. He checked her pulse, listened to her heartbeat, but heard nothing. Silence. The kind that paralysis someone with fear. Her body? She was cold; eerily cold. “Kayla, I'm here now, okay? I came to take you home. Are you listening? You have to say something to me. You have to get angry, to scold me, to tell me how disappointed you are. I should have protected you as I promised but I failed again. I'm sure you'll forgive me, so say something, please,” he begged, tears filling his eyes as he stared into her closed eyes."Kaiden?” Raymond called, barging into the room. He staggered closer, freezing on his spot."What's happening, Mr. Raymond? Why is she not responding to me?" Kaiden asked, his tone filled with sorrow as tears slipped out of his eyes.Raymond took a deep breath, composing him
"Slow down, goddamn it!" Kaiden yelled, his grip on the handle tightening as Raymond sped through the street. "I thought you enjoy speedy rides like this." Raymond smirked, not yielding to his request. "Says who?" "Says your passion, Jackie Chan," Raymond teased, a smug smile appearing on his face as he slowed down slightly, then pulled up in front of a mini bungalow. Kaiden stepped down, leaning against the car, catching his breath. "You see why I'll never like you?" Kaiden groaned, relaxing. "I only thought of treating my son to what he likes. Sorry if I made you fear," Raymond apologized, locking the car door. "Fear? You wish," Kaiden scoffed. "Where is this place?" he demanded. "Kaiden..." Raymond walked to Kaiden's side, meeting his serious eyes. "We're here to rescue your sister, that's if we haven't missed our chances yet. My candid advice is for you to follow my steps when we step into that house. They might be bad guys and I don't want to answer to your mom if y
Kaiden jumped back abruptly, landing on the hard floor with a thud as a black car swept past the spot he had stood just seconds earlier. Blood seeped from his elbow, which had been bruised by the rough marble floor. His head spun for a moment, his vision blurring. Hayley rushed forward, crouching beside him. “Kaiden, are you okay?” she asked, checking his arm. Kaiden regained himself, leaped to his feet, and pulled his hand away from her just as his driver ran over. "Don't touch me!” he snapped, startling Hayley, who trembled a bit. "Go inside!” "What did I do? Why are you mad at me?” Hayley asked, her voice shaking. "I said go inside! Don’t you listen?” he yelled, and she quickly rushed inside, locking the gate. “Are you fine?" Kaiden's driver asked. “Isn’t it obvious?" Kaiden retorted, walking back to the road. “Did you get the plate number? What car was it?" he asked as they crossed the road, this time looking carefully. “It’s a black Chevrolet, but I couldn’t get t
Kaiden stood along the street, leaning against his car, waiting. He stamped his foot on the ground, his attention shifting from his phone to the house before him. His driver stood nearby, patiently waiting on Kaiden. They had been there for over an hour, yet nothing. Kaiden said nothing, just staring at a certain house, while his driver, choiceless, didn't utter a word either.Kaiden straightened from the car, relief washing over him as Hayley stepped out of the gate across the street. She looked left and right before crossing over to him. "Hi, Kaiden,” she greeted, a broad smile plastered on her face. "It took you ages to come out,” he hissed, opening the car door for her. "I'm not entering. Do you want to kidnap me?” He hesitated. "There are better people to kidnap out there. What would someone do with you?” he sneered. “Are you entering or not?” "I wish I could punch you… so hard!" she groaned, entering th
Dark room. Low whimpers. Stench of blood. Thumping heartbeat. Fear, pain, and loneliness lingered in the ominous air. The moon, as if it noticed the helplessness of the life in the small room, peeked its warm, dim light through the small opening of the window.Kailani, slumped on a chair, her head lolled to the side, her ruffled hair cascaded around her, soaked in sweat and tears. Her body trembled slightly, her hand clawed at her clothes against her chest as if protecting the remains of her innocence. Being locked up in the damn room for days had taken a toll on her. Her eyelids heavy against her eyes, she could barely see. Fear crept under her skin like a thief breaking into a house.Hard patting of shoes jolted her, her frail body coming back to life as she forced herself to sit up, scared of what came next. Her ears narrowed as if trailing the sound of the footsteps. Suddenly, something clicked against the wall, causing white light to flood her face, blinding her. Her head dropped
Kaiden entered the car beside Kailani. She had her phone in hand, scrolling through social media as usual. People do change, he knew, but not this fast. Not a sister he knew so well transforming into a nightmare in the blink of an eye. Whenever he stared at her, something gnawed at him, a feeling he couldn’t quite comprehend. The excitement, the unstoppable feelings, the joy he felt at seeing her were no longer there. He could no longer hear his heart thump loudly in his chest like it would explode if he stopped seeing her. He could feel the distance, the void, the silence between them even when they talked often. Something was missing, though he couldn’t place his hands on it at first, but Hayley’s video sparked a lot of imagination. Constantly, his mind twirled back to that day at school, when everything changed. He knew he felt it then. The sickness meant something. He hardly fell sick, but everything changed when he met her, when he connected with her, and her absence always cos