Always

05| chapter four: rivals and dinner invitations

GENIEVE

I watched the bonfire as if it could burn up all my inner rage, as if my frustrations and anger were the fuel that turned to black confetti. I felt the heat drying and cracking my skin, ordering a few steps back, but no. I watch. I sit back and I observe. Eyes open, posture square to the flames. Here I will stay until the glowing embers die, until the wind blows cold once more. Home is easier when the others sleep, faux solitude, no need for a mask of docility.

Tapping my fingers on the kitchen island, I waited impatiently for them to return. Luca was sitting by my side. His face looked pale; I'd offer him some comfort but I haven't done that in years. He'd think I've gone crazy. With dad gone, I didn't have time to look after my siblings and handle the business. I had to sacrifice something in order to provide for my siblings, and in the process, it was them who had to be sacrificed.   

When Alexis and Carina walked through the door a day ago, so did my chance at redemption. To be better, not only for myself, but for my family too. It was an opportunity too good to be missed. So I would take advantage of it, while I could.  

I heard the door creaking and the sound of footsteps followed it soon. Luca rushed forward to pull Carina in a hug.  I stood up and turned to them. Observing them, my eyes reached dried blood on Romeo. "Come here," I commanded, pulling out a first aid box. 

Pulling his hand, I dipped a cotton ball in antiseptic. He hissed as I wiped his wound.

"Does it hurt a lot?" I asked frowning at the large gash running from his wrist to his knuckles.

"No, just a throb,"   

"Wash up and rest," I said, nodding, then turning away from him and to Carina. Here we go again.  

"I know you have a lot of questions about this; come sit."

She nodded and hopped onto the chair.   

"About sixty-five years ago, our grandfather and his best friend, Silas Harnandez  opened a company together. Their company thrived under their leadership and soon they grew to be a great empire. That is, until one of them betrayed the other. The company was divided into two halves, our dad took over after grandfather died, he followed everything grandfather had taught him, under his care, we grew and expanded. Meanwhile, Derick Hernandez, the oldest son of Silas made some bad investments. 

For a while, they were in a lot of debt. Derick eventually turned up at our door for help, but when dad turned him away, he made it his life mission to see us miserable. Hurt us, destroy us, and I want you to know that they will go to any lengths to hurt any of you, I need you to be careful." Carina held onto Luca's hand tighter, "I will be careful, I promise."  

_______

I sighed, turning  to the pile of papers in front of me. Scribbling down some notes, I scrolled through the information on the screen. All shipments had arrived on time and there was no reported suspicious activity around the docks. Why was this happening then? I needed to find out, and fast. My siblings had already gotten injured, and I can't bear to have that happen again.

I pinched the bridge of my nose when my phone rang, I really ought to change the cacophony sound of my ringtone. It was probably the most annoying and infuriating sound I had ever heard. It was a miracle I hadn't gone deaf from it already.

"Hello," I mused, picking up the call.

"Ciao," came the voice on the other end.   

"Is there a particular reason for this call Aiden, or are you, dare I say, upto your old ways again," I said primly, a hint of amusement in my voice.

"Your words hurt me, there is infact a reason for this call," 

"Well, spit it out already," I said, tapping my keyboard impatiently.

"I've heard that your sisters have returned, is that true?" he asked.

I gave my door a sidelong glance, "It is, would you like to meet them?" I questioned, signing some paperwork absent-mindedly.   

"I would. Dinner on the weekend?"   

"Sounds good, we will see you then," I replied, cutting off the call and going back to my paperwork. Dammit.  

Time really flew by; it was hours later when Romeo poked his head in, "Are you coming down for dinner?"

My brows furrowed at his statement. "Dinner?" I asked, poking my head out the window. 

I looked back at Romeo, who raised his eyebrows. "You should take a break." he said, "You've been here for almost three hours." I nodded. "I'll be there in a while," I said. He huffed and left the room, closing the door behind him, leaving me to my work. 

Three hours turned to six and I was yet to complete my work. A knock on my door pulled me out of my thoughts. "Come in!" I called out.

Ace pushed the door open, a tray in his hands and a grim smile on his face. Plopping down the tray of food on my desk, his eyes rose up to mine. "Do you realise how long it has been?" 

"Six hours, what's your point?" I asked, propping my hands up. "My point is that, you are too busy caring for everyone else around you, that you forget to take care of yourself. Someone needs to remind you to take care of your needs," he said, serving me some food. 

"Siri, remind me to kill my brother tomorrow," I said while pressing the home button on my phone.

'Alright, reminder set for eight a.m tomorrow.'

Ace scoffed, snatching my phone out of my hand. "You're horrible," he affirmed, biting into my food.   

"That's my food," I pouted, snatching the plate out of his hands and picking up a different fork. He shrugged and put away the papers while I ate. "Thank you." I said after he finished.

"Don't worry 'bout it."

I smiled and leaned forward to hug him.   

"You don't have to take on all the responsibility, you know?" I nodded, getting up and pushing my chair back in. "I know," I replied, walking up to my room. 

"Goodnight Ace, I love you dumbass."   

"I'm not a dumbass, and if I were one, you'd be the bigger one." 

I smiled.

A/N

Comment your favourite names for a boy and we'll pick one of a new charecter that is coming in the next few chapters.

Who do you think Pedro is? Any theories about the next chapter?

Also, what do you want me to raise awareness about?

Thank-you so much for reading! This book is now #1 in the dysfunctional tag and it couldn't have been done without you guys! ❤️