Book Two: Branch Eighteen

Joshua waited for the hired driver he had requested. As he got into the car, his phone buzzed with a text message from his friend, Anette. Despite their differences, they had been friends since childhood because their parents were best friends.

Anette had just returned after studying abroad for three years and wanted to see Joshua urgently. He put the phone in his pocket, knowing that spending time with her could be overwhelming. Although he loved her, he was aware of her tendency to dominate conversations.

As they drove towards his father's mansion, Joshua contemplated his relationship with Aletta. He knew that if he pursued a relationship with her, he would have to move out of his family home. He wondered how his mother would react to the idea.

As they entered the gate of the house, Joshua received a call from Anette's twin brother, Andrew.

"Anette is back," Andrew said.

"I got her message," Joshua replied, annoyed that Andrew had given him away.

"Why didn't you respond?" Anette's vo