Chapter 5 : Meeting the elder brother

Diana’s POV

I inhaled deeply and steadily, pushing myself to stay calm. I refused to provide them the pleasure of witnessing my hesitation or worry.

Instead, I let a small, knowing smile curve my lips. "So that's what this is about", I scoffed, "You think you can just erase me because Serena is back? Like I was never on the surface of this earth?"

"We wouldn't mind doing that if we could." Anna blurted out.

I scoffed, ignoring her, making sure my composure and smile were intact.

"Let's get one thing straight, I didn't beg for this... I didn't beg to be adopted, I didn't beg to carry the name Kensington...."

"Oh good, which means you wouldn't mind if we strip you of that name." Serena snapped

I ignored her.

"I was chosen, and for many years, I lived as their daughter. Relationships were built, memories were made, and I became part of something bigger, than just a name." I folded my arms, my voice growing sharper. "You can't change all of that just because it's suddenly inconvenient for you."

"Oh dear, we certainly can change it ", Mrs Riley interrupted.

A flicker of something unreadable passed over Marcel’s face, but he quickly masked it.

"You sound so desperate Diana... is that how badly you want to be one of us"

"One of you? " I scoffed. "I was the one who ended things with your brother; I don't want to end up with a cheat, a liar and a manipulator."

"How dare you speak of my brother in that manner?" Anna interrupted, her voice laced with anger.

"Oh dear Anna, shouldn't you be with your husband, or have you had another divorce?" I taunted

Anna bit her lips.

"That's enough" Mrs Riley ordered

Silence followed.

For the first time, I saw uncertainty in their eye, then I knew I was hitting the right places.

I stood my ground; I was going to do exactly as Ciara had said: MAKE THEM KNOW YOU ARE OKAY, LEAVE A LONG LASTING IMPRESSION IN THEIR HEART.

That was what I was doing, so weakness wasn't a thing to consider.

My gaze was steady as I faced all of them. "Family isn't solely defined by blood," I said, my tone firm. "It's beyond that; it's concerning connections, loyalty, and those who decide to support you." I stopped for a moment, allowing my words to sink in, observing their changing facial expressions.

"You all can stand there try to discredit me, but that doesn't change the fact that I was part of the Kensington's long before Serena arrived, and that will never be erased" I paused "Newsflash, legally I still belong to the Kensington's" I chuckled

"Only for a matter of time" Serena smirked

Her words cling to my heart.

Only for a matter of time?

Are they trying to disown me?

I immediately shoved those thoughts down the deepest part of my heart as it was beginning to weigh me down.

I couldn't let them see that.

"You are bluffing" I shot at her.

"Bluffing? Why should I? Besides my parents don't need you anymore, they found their real daughter."

My heartbeat increased.

No, this can't be true.

"I am a member of the Kensington's"

"Serena's eyes rolled. "Don't be delusional, Diana", she muttered, "No one here sees you as a family anymore; my mom and dad do not want you anymore."

"Really?" My gaze travelled through the room, briefly seeing Lorenzo Senior; his expression was unreadable. "Well, I don't want to be a part of this family either; I stopped trying to be one three weeks ago." I moved closer to where Serena stood. "As for mom and dad, I don't think they will ever try to send away a daughter they had known all their laugh."

Serena let out an evil laugh "Let's see," she said, folding her arms.

Mrs. Riley scoffed "you are holding onto something that was never yours."

"Oh my gosh, Riley" I blurted out

Everyone had a surprised look, hearing me call her by her first name.

"You think I want to be among this sick family? Hell no."

"How dare you speak to my mother like that." Marcel shot at me.

"And how dare you try to humiliate me in front of your family members."

"The Kensington's will never choose you" Anna yelled

Marcel's tolerance was wearing out. I noticed his jaw clenching as he moved closer, his gaze fixed on me with a blend of irritation and another emotion, one that I couldn't fully identify.

"That’s enough" he stated, his tone quiet yet resolute.

"You don't belong here anymore Diana, stop embarrassing yourself and just leave"

I let out a soft chuckle, shaking my head "Embarrassing myself?" I echoed, "You think I am the one embarrassing myself when your whole family staged this little act just to humiliate me? If anything this says more about you than it does about me.

Marco scoffed: you behave like you still have some power here. Newsflash: Diana, you don't.

"You don't get it, do you? I don't want to be here, but now that you say that, why do I have your attention? " I countered smoothly. "If I was truly nothing you wouldn't have to try so hard to break me now, would you?"

"Marcel exhaled sharply, " clearly growing more irritated. "Diana, just leave," he said pointing his hands towards the door

But I didn't move, at least not at that time. At that moment, I noticed Marcel wasn't saying those words because he wanted me gone; it was because all their attempt on trying to ridicule me and make me feel as powerless as they wanted me to be were fruitless.

Just as the tension in the room reached its peak, the doors swung open with a commanding force. The sound echoed through the grand Hall, drawing every eye towards the entrance.

I knew instantly it had to be the brother I had always heard about the one whose aura commands authority.

Marcel's eldest brother Raphael strolled in like he owned the planet Earth. His presence shifted the atmosphere. His sharp gaze swept across the room before it finally landed on me.

The way Everyone began to adjust themselves, I could tell he was feared among all.

"What the hell is going on here?" He demanded, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

"We are setting things right?" Mrs Riley replied, straightening her shoulders, "She has no place here, and yes, it's time she understands that."

Raphael let out a humourless chuckle "Is that so?"

I could see his gaze resting on Lorenzo Senior; he made a slight bow.

A quick smile appeared on Lorenzo Senior's face.

He turned to me, assessing me carefully before speaking again.

"Because from where I stand, it seems like you all her ganging up against someone who's done nothing wrong."

"Oh Raphael, she's done everything wrong?" Mrs Riley Replied almost immediately

"I have been listening to everything that has been going on in here," he moved back, standing next to me "She's done nothing wrong; what's wrong with being an adopted child?"