60

The Brown twins stood locked in a tight embrace. Time blurred, and they didn't care. Eventually, they pulled apart, their eyes still fixed on each other.

"I can't believe it's really you, Jake. I've missed having you around," Jerald sighed.

Jake shrugged, his eyes roaming over his twin. "You could've found me. It's surreal seeing you here now, right in front of me."

"It's a long story. I'll fill you in later," Jerald smiled. He glanced past Jake and spotted Ixora, her cheeks stained with dried tears, avoiding his gaze. He approached her. "You're the reason he's here, aren't you, Ixora?" He didn't need an answer; her nod sufficed. "I couldn't stand watching all of you suffer when I could help," she said, her voice trembling.

Jake stepped closer to his brother. "Don't blame her, Jay. Hurting her won't just affect her; it'll hurt me too. She's been through enough today." His defense surprised Ixora. "It's okay, Jake. I knew the risks when I planned this," she said softly, meeting Jerald'