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
Kailani sat on a swing in the backyard, staring at the lush, kaleidoscopic flowers. The wind was a soothing sensation against her tender skin. A soft, sorrowful smile spread across her face as her eyes wandered into the wilderness.“I wish you were here, Dad,” she muttered to herself, her tone filled with longing. “You would have been preparing for my birthday party by now. I miss our moments together—our laughter, our bond, and the way you loved me. Maybe Mom wouldn’t have turned out this way if you hadn’t left.” Tears rolled down her sunken cheeks. “I wish we could talk right now. I don’t know how long I can hold this secret in my heart. Miss Bennett is a good woman; she deserves to know the truth. Am I being selfish for not telling her she’s harboring the wrong child? Is it wrong to prioritize my own safety over the family that took me in? What if Aveline is up to something? What if she wants to harm Kaiden and his mom? Will I be able to forgive myself if anything happens to them?
Eureka burst into the house, her bag slipping from her hand at the sight of her servants gathered in the living room, trying to revive Aveline, who was slumped on the couch.“What happened to her?” Eureka rasped, dropping down and cradling Aveline’s head in her lap. Hearing her mother’s voice, Aveline opened her eyes, her chest heaving, heat coursing through her body.“Mom?” she muttered, trying to steady her breathing.“I’m here, sweetheart. What happened to you?” Tears rolled down Eureka’s cheeks, fear coursing through her veins.Aveline sat up with Eureka’s support, her hand clawing at her chest. “She… she tried to…” She pointed a shaky finger at Kailani, who stood with a worried expression, rubbing her clammy hands on her skirt.“She poisoned… my food,” Aveline gasped. Kailani staggered back, her eyes widening in shock. “She wanted to kill me, Mom.”“Kailani?” Eureka’s voice was barely audible as she looked at Kailani, who was already trembling. “What… wh
Eureka returned home, dragging her feet against the floor as if they were in shackles. Her heart was heavy. She had never regretted anything in her life as much as she regretted sending Kailani away. Kailani’s face loomed over hers, her teary eyes pleading for her to listen. The memory haunted her, making her heart skip beats. Tears brimmed at the edge of her eyes, and she fought to keep them from falling.“Mom?” Aveline called, meeting Eureka on the staircase. “Did he refuse to come along?” she asked.“I want to be left alone,” Eureka muttered, walking away. She could barely contain her emotions. Her conscience stabbed at her like a dagger to the heart. Aveline watched as Eureka trudged upstairs, burdened as if the weight of the world had been dropped on her shoulders.As she entered her room and closed the door, she let herself collapse into her own little world. Her emotions shattered her. Her bag slipped from her hands, and she dropped onto the stool, allowing the relentless tears
“Stop this madness, Kayla!” Kaiden snapped, pushing her back. “What has gotten into you? What did they give you at that party?” he jumped up. She grabbed his hand, pulling him back down on the couch. “Why are you so mean? I want you, can’t you see that?” she muttered. “Listen. Stop it and listen!” he gripped both her hands. “What did those friends of yours give you at the party?” he demanded, his grip instinctively tightening. “Ouch, you’re hurting me!” she cried, twisting her wrists in his tight hold. He quickly let go of her hands. “It’s just a kiss, Kaiden. Why are you hurting me because of that?” she cried, tears filling her eyes. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to,” he apologized. “Kiss me first, then I’ll accept your apology later.” “I can’t do that,” he declared. “Should I go meet someone else to do it?” “Geez! You can’t do that either.” “Then what? I’m feeling randy, isn’t that obvious?” she stated, her fingers entangling in he
The tension in the house grew as the family paced back and forth, their phones in hand, dialing Kailani and her driver’s number a million times. “I think you should call the police, Mom,” Kaiden suggested. “Did the driver kidnap her? What the hell is this?” he whined, sinking into the couch behind him as he felt dizzy. “Be careful, son. Mr. Thompson can’t do such a thing. He was recommended by the best agents in Beverly. Moreover, the cops will do nothing until it’s been twenty-four hours. I don’t think she’s missing,” Eureka stated. “Then, where did she go?” Eureka’s phone rang, the driver calling. She quickly picked up. “What’s this all about, Mr. Thompson? Where’s my daughter?” she demanded. “What do you mean, ma’am? I left her at school,” he responded. “Well, she’s not at school, so where is she?” “I wouldn’t know. I had to go see my wife at the hospital. I left the phone in the car, that’s why I missed your calls. Have you contacted the school, ma’am? I drove her in
Kaiden fidgeted in his seat, checking his wristwatch even though it had only been ten minutes since Kailani left. He stamped his foot against the floor, his eyes shifting between the door and his wristwatch. Stetson entered the class, spotting Kaiden tapping his finger on the desk as if counting the minutes. “Are you okay, Kaiden?” Stetson asked, moving closer to his side. “Did you see my sister?” Kaiden asked abruptly. “Not really. She was with you when I left. What happened to her?” Stetson replied. “She was summoned by the principal,” Kaiden stated, jerking up. “Watch over my backpack. I need to go get her.” “Relax, dude. If she’s in the principal’s office, I don’t see why you should go there. She’ll be back,” he assured him. “Get off my path,” Kaiden uttered, his tone tight. Just then, Kailani entered the class, a broad smile tugging at her lips. “I told you,” Stetson commented, going over to his desk. “What’s up? Were you missing me already?” she asked. Kaiden n
“Have you lost your mind, Kaiden? How could you tell Stetson such a thing?” Kailani scolded as she pulled him up to her room. “What do you expect him to think? Oh my God! I can’t believe this!” “Let me ask you a question, were you going to accept his stupid proposal?” he snapped. “What if I was? What if that’s the only way for us not to think we belong with each other? What if we need others to come between us? What if that’s the solution?” she asked, disappointment laced in her tone. “There’s no solution, Kayla. I love you means I love you. You can’t be with that smiling boy. What were you even thinking? I would sit and watch you accept him, spend more time with him, go out alone with him. God forbid. That’s never going to happen. Over my dead body,” he groaned. “Kaiden!” “Don’t Kaiden me! I don’t fucking care what society thinks anymore. You’re my sister and the same girl I love. If you think I’d watch you be with anyone else, think again.” “It’
“Let me go, Kaiden, please,” Kailani begged. “I don’t want to do this. You’re my brother.” Kaiden was jolted out of sleep by the noise. He sat up abruptly to find Kailani struggling and crying in her sleep. “Kayla? Wake up!” he shook her. “Kaiden!” she shouted, jerking up on the bed, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She cowered upon seeing him, her hand clawing at her chest. “Relax, it was a dream,” he soothed. “Stay… stay back!” she snapped, retreating to the edge of the bed. “You’re going to fall if you keep moving back,” he warned. “Were you fighting with me in your dream?” he asked casually. “Can you tell me about it? Why were we fighting?” She scanned the room, slowly calming down. “Was it… really a dream?” she asked, her lips trembling. “What do you think?” he replied. “Tell me about it. Did I hurt you?” She nodded. “You were… you were… gosh,” she stammered. “I was what, Kayla? It was just a dream. Why can’t you say it?” “Kaiden,” she called, adjusting
Kaiden moved back and forth in his room, his phone clutched in his hands, his expression dark and unreadable. He paused for a minute, stamping his foot on the floor. “That bitch won’t ever stop until you give her what she wants,” he pondered. “You can do this, Kaiden. Don’t let this get out of hand.” He sighed and held up his phone. He dialed Lucy’s number. “Wowee! You’re the last caller on my mind,” she laughed. Kaiden could already picture an irritating smile on her face. “What’s up, baby boy?” “I’m ready,” he said. “Where are we meeting?” “Come again. What did you just say?” “The last time I checked, you aren’t deaf. You heard me right. Let’s get this done once and for all. I’ll come see whatever you want me to see, and you won’t tell anyone about my feelings for my sister. But it’s going to be only one visit,” he stated firmly. “It’s a deal, boy. Just make sure you come alone. I’ll text you the address,” she spoke cheerfully. “I can’t drive,” he declared. “Then take
Eureka sat in front of the vanity table, applying her night cream. She returned home late from the office because of some new investors she had.“Come in,” she told the knocker at the door, and Raymond entered. He turned the key in the doorknob before moving closer to her. He leaned against the table, staring at her. “I thought you wouldn’t return,” she said, focused on her routine.“And I thought you wouldn’t call me a thousand times,” he retorted. “Talk to me, Eureka. Are you as confused as I was some years ago? Are you stuck between forgiving me and moving on without me?”She glanced up at him. “I don’t understand that,” she said.“Will you ever forgive me?”“I’ve forgiven you, have I not?” she replied.“Do you still love me?” he asked.“Are you worth loving twice?” she spat.“Do you love the other man?”“Is that any of your business?” She stood, trying to go get her ringing phone from the desk when he grabbed her hand and hauled her towar
Raymond didn’t show up at the house as Eureka thought he would. She waited all through the night, constantly looking out the window, hoping to see him come in, but he didn’t. She tried his line countless times. He didn’t pick up.Kailani was the first to wake up, going over to her mother’s room and knocking several times. Eureka was jolted awake, scrambling from the bed as the knock persisted.“Hold on a sec,” she said, rubbing her eyes and staggering to the door.“Mom,” Kailani entered. “Good morning, Mom. Did you send my dad away? He’s not in his room. He didn’t come home last night. He didn’t kiss me goodnight. Where did he go?” she asked, her eyes brimming with tears.“I... I didn’t send your dad away. Why would you think that?”“Did he travel? He would have told me,” she sobbed.“Stop crying, honey,” Eureka pulled her closer. “Your dad is fine. The thing is… he was with me in the office when I received a call from a client in Texas to come get a package.
Raymond straightened himself as Eureka elegantly approached him, dressed in a fabulous short red gown, her hair packed in a ponytail. Her steps were firm against the floor, her eyes meeting his briefly. Raymond’s heart skipped a beat, his eyes raking over her gorgeous stature. He loved her in red dresses. He swallowed, wishing he could grab her and kiss her to oblivion. When he realized he couldn’t anymore, he smiled disappointedly. He opened the door for her and entered. She watched him stride around the car before taking a seat behind the wheel.He looked at her through the rearview mirror, their eyes meeting again. “You look breathtakingly gorgeous, Miss Bennett,” he complimented her.“Thank you, Mr. Blackwood,” she said.“To the office or an appointment?” he asked, starting the car. She didn’t answer as her phone rang.“Hi, hon,” she picked up the call. Raymond felt his stomach twist as he glanced at her one more time. “Really? Aren’t you tired? You were all over