Rebirth (A Remington Leith AU)

Chapter 23

I couldn't speak or move as the woman, Amina, waited for a response. I prayed that this was a dream and I would not be discovered as someone who wasn't my sister. My legs felt like they were growing heavier and I ended up collapsing on the ground, I watched as Remington rushed to my side before everything turned dark. A loud ringing infected my ears and the next thing I knew, I awoke on a couch with Remington kneeling close to me and we were alone in a room. I felt a throbbing pain in my head as I rubbed my temple and slowly sat up before asking, "What...what happened?" Remington brushed some hair away from my face as he explained, "You fainted after the maid, Amina, recognized you as Lillian. I took you back here and told everyone you were exhausted from the trip here. I'm so sorry, Lulu. I didn't expect someone from Lillian's life to see you and mistake you for her." I shook my head and leaned my head against his, "No, Remington, don't apologize. I probably should've expected this anyway. But what am I going to say if I have to confront her again?"

Remington went to sit next to me and hold my hand securely in his, "Maybe you can tell her it's been a while and you've just forgot about her." I shook my head, "I can't do that. I have no idea what Lillian was like and how close those two were. I could give off the wrong impression and she might end up hating me." I thought about the situation as I rested my head on Remington's shoulder. I knew this would be my life now, but the last thing I expected to happen was for me to encounter people who knew my sister before her disappearance who may or may not have been close to her. Since Sebastian and Emerson had seen what had happened, they must be confused as well. If I was going to be a part of this family, I must be fair to them and not keep secrets even if it could threaten my reputation. I was scared to expose myself, but I didn't want to be hiding thus secret from Remington's family for the rest of my life when they're good people. I heard someone knocking on the door before I heard it being opened and soon enough, Sebastian and Emerson cautiously entered with concern on their faces.

Sebastian stepped forward to say, "Princess Lillian, we just wanted to check that you were okay. The maid, Amina, would have also as well, but she had to return back to her employer's home after visiting us for today." Looking at both of them, I realized I needed to do the right thing but I also needed to tell Remington the one thing he doesn't know about me and Lillian. I asked them both, "Do you think you can spare a few minutes so I can tell you all something? And can you promise you won't cast me out of your family because of what I'm about to tell you?" They looked at each other then at Remington, who nodded that it would be okay, and then they each took a chair to sit close by me and Remington before telling me, "We promise, you can tell us anything." I took a deep breath and braced myself for the worst as I prepared to confess to them, "I'm not really Princess Lillian...", their reactions were expected, but I shut my eyes closed before confessing to all three of them, "...I am actually Luella. Lillian's peasant twin sister."

It took all of my energy and composure to explain to then about what happened since the day I was taken to my father's castle and how he revealed to me who I really was. I shamefully had to express how I was put in Lillian's shoes to take her place in marrying Remington so my father's union with his kingdom would go as planned. That even though I was scared and confused of everything about myself that was kept from me, I went ahead and did it because I believed it was the right thing to do and I wanted to help my father from failing as a good ruler. I was in tears then and didn't dare to look into any of their eyes as I added, "But despite getting married to a complete stranger I've never met in my life, Remington has accepted me as I am, shown me compassion and trust, and...I've come to love him and care for him because he's just the most wonderful person I've ever encountered." I cried quietly, awaiting them to reject me and throw me out, but I was startled with a hand gently touching mine and their thumb gently caressing my hand.

I opened my eyes and looked up slowly to meet the eyes of Emerson, who was softly touching my hand and giving me a warm smile as he expressed in a soft tone, "You've been through so much. I could never cast you out of our family when it looks like you've managed to make Remington so happy and alive. I accept you as you are, Luella." My eyes widened with intense shock to realize his words were genuine and held no lie behind them. Sebastian laid a hand on Emerson's shoulder as he agreed with him looking softly into my eyes, "And I, as well. I'm truly sorry about any grievances you had since then, but I hope we can help you feel at home with us and comfortable enough to trust us with your secret. You don't need to be scared anymore, at least with us. We already love you, Luella." Just hearing them call me by my real names felt like the sweetest sound to ever hear, and I broke down then as I cried out all of my fear and anxiety. Remington wrapped his arms around me and held me tight as he let me cry on him.

"Shh, it's okay now, my princess", he whispered in a sweet tone, I took slow breaths to calm myself and lean into Remington's touch, "We will share your burden now and help protect your secret to our graves. As a part of this family, we will be here to help you and accept you with open arms." I sat up to look at Remington and he helped to wipe away my tears, his beautiful smile succeeded in warming my heart and I managed to smile back as he planted a kiss on my forehead. He helped me to stand up then and I turned to his brothers as I beamed with gratitude, "Thank you all so much, you're truly a beautiful family. If you'd like, you may call me Lulu. I'm genuinely happy to be a part of all of you." They smiled and hugged me tightly and warmly as I felt relief that I have more people to trust my secret with and accept me as I really am with no hesitation. As I revealed myself to their mother, she was just as accepting as well and told me she was eager to get to know me as I continued to make Remington happy and love him as more than just a husband, but also as his soulmate.