Lucien woke up slowly, He stretched his arms lazily, expecting to feel the warmth of Zayn beside him. His hand touched only cool sheets. He frowned, rolling over and finding the space empty. āWhere did he go this early?ā he mumbled to himself, rubbing his eyes. With a sigh, Lucien pushed the blanket aside and got out of bed. He padded toward the bathroom, brushing his teeth, splashing water on his face, and staring at his reflection for a moment. His hair was a mess, his eyes still sleepy, but there was a small smile tugging at his lips. Today was special. Not just any dayāhis birthday. His and his twinās birthday. That thought made him chuckle softly. After washing up, he headed out, his bare feet brushing against the cool floor. He walked straight to the calendar hanging on the wall near the dresser. His eyes landed on the red circle he had drawn days ago, with a little heart beside it. āFinally,ā he whispered, his smile growing wider. He touched the date with his fing
After that day, everything seemed to change.Zaylien loved his Papa and Dad even more, and he cherished them with a heart full of gratitude. He woke up every morning with a new kind of energy, as though the weight that had once followed him had fallen away. His parents had told him the truth and that gave him confidence.On Monday morning, he walked into school with a smile. His backpack bounced lightly on his shoulder, students noticed the change in him. Some stared, wondering why he looked brighter than usual. Others whispered, curious about what had caused this sudden glow.As Zaylien made his way toward his classroom, someone stepped in front of him. Derek. Zaylien tried to sidestep, choosing not to give Derek his energy, but Derek moved quickly and blocked him again.āWhat do you want?ā Zaylien asked flatly, his smile fading but not his courage.Derek folded his arms and smirked. āI just wanted to see how a boy without a mother is faring.āA few students passing by slowed their
It was the weekend, but the Kinsley mansion didnāt feel lively like it usually did. The laughter that often filled the vast halls seemed absent. The warmth that once surrounded the family table had grown cold. Zaylien, after having breakfast, had gone straight up to his room and didnāt come down for lunch. Now it was already dinner time, yet there was still no sign of him. Lucien sat in the sitting room, his hands folded together, his eyes fixed toward the staircase. Every minute, his gaze drifted upward, hoping to see his son descend. He wanted to see him eat, laugh, or at least say something. But Zaylien never came down. Lucienās chest tightened with every hour that passed. He had always been sensitive to Zaylienās moods, and this distant behavior had been eating him alive for days. Tonight, he could not take it anymore. His son was growing colder, shutting them out. Something had to be done. At that instant, Lucien made up his mind. It was time to reveal the truth. He had been
For the past one week, things had not been the same for the Kinsleys family. Zaylien had grown distant. He no longer lingered in the living room to chat, nor did he laugh when Lucien tried to lighten the mood. He spoke less and less, keeping to himself, sometimes locking himself in his room for hours. Lucien, of course, had been frustrated by this sudden change. Zayn was not around often. He was busy handling business wars with rival mafias, refusing to bend to their demands. That left Lucien alone, trying to patch the cracks that were forming inside his own home. It was Saturday morning. Zaylien had refused to step outside his room since breakfast. He stayed upstairs, pretending the rest of the house didnāt exist. Lucien sighed as he looked up at the ceiling, as though his gaze could reach his son. He sighed again, long and heavy. He had tried speaking, tried reasoning, but Zaylien only gave him short, cold answers. There was one person Lucien always trusted when he felt helples
Zayn came home later that evening,as he stepped into the living room. The quiet was unusual. Then his eyes fell on the couch. Lucien was sitting there, bent forward with his elbows resting on his knees. His hands covered his face, and his whole body shook slightly. āLucien?ā Zaynās voice was soft but carried worry. Lucien raised his head slowly. His eyes were red and swollen from crying. Zayn didnāt waste another second. He crossed the room quickly and crouched in front of him. āLucien, baby, what is it? What happened?ā The moment he spoke, Lucien broke. He reached forward, hugging Zayn tightly, pressing his face against his chest. Sobs slipped out, muffled but raw. āHey, hey,ā Zayn whispered as he wrapped his arms around him. He rubbed Lucienās back in slow, comforting circles, his lips brushing his hair. āCalm down first. Iām here. Iām here.ā It took a while, but slowly Lucienās cries softened. His breathing evened out though his face was still wet with tears. Zayn tilted
~~~~~TWO DAYS LATER~~~~~ Carden sat at the dining table, his spoon turning slowly in the bowl of rice that had already gone cold. His shoulders slumped. Arden came in a moment later and sat across from him. Carden let out a heavy sigh. āShouldnāt we tell someone? I feel bad for their parents.ā Arden poked at his food without looking up. āYeah, thatās true. But⦠wonāt Zaylien be against us? You know how he gets.ā Carden clenched his jaw. āHe doesnāt even see it. He thinks itās just a game. But those families⦠they looked broken.ā Before Arden could reply, the soft sound of footsteps filled the room. Their mother walked in, her hair neatly tied back, a calm expression on her face. The boys went quiet immediately and focused on their food. She took her seat at the head of the table, glancing at both of them. āWhy are you two so quiet today?ā she asked. āNothing, Mom,ā Carden said quickly. Arden nodded, forcing a smile. āJust tired, thatās all.ā Their mother hummed softl