Kaiden was stepping out of his room as early as 6:20 AM to get a glass of water when a soft knock came at the door. He checked the time, his forehead creasing. “Who would be at someone else’s house at this time?” he muttered. The knock persisted, and he had to open the door. “Who is it?” he asked, pulling it open. “Mom?” Without a word, Eureka pulled him into a hug, her eyes watering. “I missed you so much, son. I’m sorry for everything that happened. I promise to keep my temper in check,” she assured him. Kaiden pulled away to meet her gaze. “It’s okay, Mom. I shouldn’t have overreacted. I was just hurt,” he admitted. “How did you get here so early? It took us over five hours to get here by flight.” Eureka shrugged, stepping inside. “I know how long it takes, so I left Beverly last night,” she explained. “You did?” Kaiden asked in surprise. “But you didn’t have to.” “It was necessary. Where are Desmond and his mom?” she asked, sinking onto the couch. “I think they’re still asl
Kailani left with Kaiden, Eureka, and Desmond the following day. Desmond sat beside Eureka on the plane, while Kailani sat next to Kaiden by the window. She kept staring outside, memories of traveling with her father flooding her mind. She had been younger then, but she remembered everything as if it had happened yesterday. Kaiden leaned forward and whispered, “Are you mad at me?” She turned to face him, making him pull away. “For what reason?” she asked. “You haven’t said a word to me since we boarded. If you’re not mad, then what’s wrong?” “I’m not mad. I’m just thinking about Alicia and her mom,” she lied. “I’m going to miss them, you know?” “More than you’d miss me if I left without you?” he asked, raising a brow. “I don’t even know what this is anymore, Kaiden,” she said. “It’s been a while since I had to deal with someone hating my presence, and now I’ll have to go through that again.” “And who hates your presence?” he asked, tilting his head. “Never mind. Just let it go
Kailani pulled away abruptly, her heart leaping to her throat. “Good… good day, ma’am,” she greeted, her voice trembling.“Good day, dear,” Eureka responded warmly.“How was the meeting, Mom?” Kaiden asked nonchalantly.“It was good. Wow, who braided your hair?” Eureka asked, moving closer to touch it.“Kayla did. How do I look?”“You look captivating, son,” Eureka said before turning to Kailani. “You did a great job. Did you learn hairdressing?”“Yes, ma’am. My mom taught me,” Kailani responded. Hearing her call another woman her mom tightened Eureka’s chest, but she pushed the feeling away, reminding herself that she owned her daughter now. “Excuse me.”“Hold on, dearest. I want to talk to you and Kaiden,” Eureka said, moving to the couch.Kailani exchanged a puzzled look with Kaiden before they both sat on the bed, facing their mother.“After leaving the office, I visited Dreamer’s League Academy. I checked out the school, and it’s great. I’m sure you both will like it. I’ve provid
Kaiden was seated on his bed, his back relaxed against the headboard as he scrolled through his phone.“Come in,” he responded to a knock. The door creaked open, and Kailani walked in.“Kaiden?” she called, her voice barely audible as she shuffled closer.“Are you okay?” he asked, putting down his phone.She shook her head and climbed onto the bed beside him. She moved closer and tried to rest her head on his shoulder, but he flinched, surprising her.“Your sister can do that too,” Kaiden reminded himself. “Sorry, you can rest your head now,” he told her.“It’s fine. I’ll just stay like this.”“I’m sorry,” he repeated. “I wasn’t thinking straight. Come on,” he said, holding her hand. She moved closer again, snuggling her head against his shoulder. “Tell me what’s wrong. Why aren’t you okay?”“Why are you fighting with your mom?” she asked.“Why do you think that?”“You’ve been withdrawn for days, and I’ve seen your mom crying a couple of times. It’s overwhelming,” she expressed. “Your
Kaiden and Kailani walked into his room after leaving the beach."Thank you so much, Kaiden. Today was fun," she said, flopping onto the bed. "I don't remember the last time I was at the beach."Kaiden slowly closed the door, leaning against the doorframe as he stared at her. He had promised to tell her the truth. The longer he held onto it, the more complicated things became."What's wrong?" she asked, sitting up. "Did I say something wrong?"Kaiden shook his head and walked closer. He sat beside her on the bed, his heart pounding, his expression heavy with sorrow. This wasn’t how he wanted things to be. If they had known she was his sister from the start, he wouldn’t have developed feelings for her."I need to tell you something," he murmured."Before you do, can you close your eyes?" she asked."What for?""Just for a minute, please. I have a surprise for you.""What surprise?""Just close your eyes first.""Kayla, you can't do that," he said, already sensing her intention."What c
Kailani regained consciousness a few minutes later. She opened her eyes, rubbed them, and sat up, only to find Kaiden and their mom seated on opposite sides of the bed as if they were guarding her. She gasped when her eyes met Eureka’s and shifted nervously toward Kaiden.“How do you feel now, dear?” Eureka asked, reaching out to touch Kailani’s hand, but she flinched.“I’m... I’m fine, ma’am,” Kailani replied, her voice shaking.“Look, sweetheart, I know this revelation is shocking, but believe me, I never intended for us to be separated. We’ve been searching for you for the past seventeen years, even coming down to the States. Aveline was a mistake. You are my biological daughter, Kaiden’s twin,” Eureka explained, her voice soft, eyes brimming with tears.Kailani glanced at Kaiden, who sat quietly. “Ma’am, you... you’re making another mistake, please,” Kailani said. “I know how much you want to find your child, but that child is not me. I have a mother. Though she’s unwell now, she
A week later, Kaiden sat with Kailani in the back seat of the car as the driver took them to school. Kailani was focused on her new phone, while Kaiden was busy staring at her. Though he had promised to keep his feelings in check, he hadn’t gotten over them. His heart still skipped a beat whenever he looked at her.“Kaiden?” Kailani called when she caught him staring.“You’re beautiful,” he said, brushing her hair from her face.“Thank you,” she muttered.He quickly composed himself before he lost control and stole a kiss. “So, would you like me to take you to the office after school?” he asked.“Do you have a shoot?”“Not really. But I can take you. Don’t you want to meet my colleagues?”“I’d love to, but you know your mom is…”“Our mom,” he corrected.Kailani scratched the side of her neck.“Go on, what about Mom?” Kaiden asked.“I think it’s best we’re home before she returns from her trip. That’s all,” she said.“She’ll be home before we leave school, so there’s no point. We’re go
After closing, Kailani waited patiently by the car for Kaiden, who had gone to see the principal. She leaned against the car, her eyes glued to her phone, while the breeze made her hair flutter, cascading around her. Stetson approached, his usual soft smile creeping onto his face. “Hi, Kailani,” he greeted warmly. Kailani lifted her eyes to meet his. “Hi,” she responded. “Aren’t you going home yet?” “I’m waiting for Kaiden,” she said. He moved closer. “Um, is it okay if we become friends? My mom told me about you and your brother,” Stetson said. “Who is your mom? What did she say?” she asked, seeming interested. “She’s your mom’s childhood friend. She wants us to be close too. What do you think?” “It’s not a bad idea, but I’m afraid…” She paused, seeing Kaiden approaching with clenched fists. “I think it’s best you leave now. I don’t want Kaiden losing his temper again,” she said. “It’s okay. See you tomorrow,” Stetson said with a wave before leaving. “What took yo
Kailani withdrew her hand from Kaiden's, stumbled back, turned, and took to her heels.“Hey, wait!" Kaiden rushed after her. “What's wrong, Kayla? You need to stop."Kailani didn’t stop. She ran as fast as her trembling legs could take her, pushing past people and crashing into their shopping carts.“Sorry," Kaiden apologized to the shoppers. “Wait up, Kayla!"Kailani stumbled upon a staircase, falling to the floor with a soft thud. That didn’t stop her. She swallowed the pain, scrambled to her feet, and tried to dash off when Kaiden grabbed her hand."Let me go!” she cried, tears rolling down her cheeks."Stop, Kayla. You need to relax,” Kaiden said gently."I want to go home, please,” she sobbed."Fine, let's go,” Kaiden agreed, leading her out of the mall."What's wrong? Where are your shopping bags?” Raymond asked as the twins reached the parking lot."Just drive and stop asking silly questions,” Kaiden snapped, opening the door for Kailani. She quickly got in and buckled up. Raym
Eureka sat by Kailani's side on the bed after she regained consciousness. The therapist had to leave, advising Eureka to make the girl see reasons why she needed her service. Eureka promised to try."I'm sorry, Mom," Kailani apologized, her voice quiet."About what, honey? You did nothing wrong," Eureka said warmly.Kailani glanced at her, her eyes beaming with tears. "Mom, can I tell…you something?" she asked, her voice shaky."Always, sweetheart. I'm all ears."Kailani swallowed a lump, the ugly torture she was subjected to flashing through her mind. "When I was…with those people," she paused, watching Eureka's concerned expression. Kailani scanned the room, shifting closer to her mother as her hands began trembling."Relax…you're safe with me now," Eureka assured her, draping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her closer. "I'm here for you.""Mom, the principal…at my school connived with…with that…there was a woman, she was wicked to me," she stuttered, her body trembling slig
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