Chapter 114: Unraveling Astrid's Past

It was Astrid's turn to share her story, and she began hesitantly, clearly burdened by her family's complex history.

"My family's pretty complicated," she starts, her voice wavering. "I have five siblings, and I'm the eldest daughter from both my parents' sides. My dad had a son before he met my mom. My parents were planning to get married, but things fell apart, and my mom left without telling my dad she was pregnant.

"She ended up having two babies, my sister and me, but we were separated at birth by my dad's new wife. She took my sister into her home as a hostage, while my mom thought my sister had died. Meanwhile, my dad had no idea he was living with his daughter all along. My dad's wife also had twins, a boy and a girl, who are a constant pain. I only recently found out I have a dad."

Dexter and Phoenix exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of shock and empathy. They had never heard anything quite like this before.

"Your family sure is complicated," Phoenix remarks gently,