Extra-Changing Fate

Chapter 45 ==Straight Talk With Brother==

The ride home was quiet. I sat with my legs crossed, facing my brother, who wasn't looking at me—his gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the carriage window.

"Is this the first time we've been alone since mine and Lia's birthday, sister?"
His sudden words startled me.

I smiled softly.
"Yes, it is. Though, with how we've both been avoiding each other, it's no surprise we haven't spent time alone."
I answered honestly, and that led us straight back into silence—awkward, but peaceful.

After a while, I spoke up.
"May I ask where you've been, brother? It's not like you to be wandering around this part of the city."
As I spoke, I touched the gift I'd just received—the Dragon's Tooth Necklace.

"I've been visiting Smiley. I've been doing so ever since I returned from the academy," he replied, his tone calm and open.

That surprised me.
He rarely mentioned anything personal—especially not about Smiley.

"If it's not too rude to ask... how did you end up attached to Mr. Smiley? Weren't you still at the academy from the time you were fourteen?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

It's not like I minded. In fact, I was proud of how open I was. I'd been a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community in my past life.
But to realize it exists here, in this story too? I had to admit—I applaud the author for that.

But then again...

Is that why my brother never got married in the original book?

And yet...
He had a child?

So, was he gay in this life, but still ended up having a family later?

Did the author change that part—or was it just not written clearly?

I was seriously confused.

"Back at the academy," he began, bringing me back to the moment, "Smiley was an exchange student. The first time I saw him... it was love at first sight. But he dropped out not long after we broke up."

He paused before continuing.
"It was my fault. I was too afraid to be exposed. I didn't want to ruin Father's expectations. After all, I'm the heir."

He spoke so honestly, and I could feel the pressure weighing down on him.

Gently, I reached over and placed my hand on top of his.
"I understand, brother. That kind of pressure isn't easy. But you're free to love who you want."

He looked at me with quiet hope.
"Even if it's a man?"

"Even if it's a man," I said confidently.
"Love doesn't come with rules or limits. If your heart chooses him, that's all that matters."

He smiled softly at me before pulling me into a warm hug.

"You're right. Love isn't about gender. I'll do my best to win his heart back," he whispered.

And in that moment, I realized—my brother, always trying to be perfect, had his own flaws too.
And maybe... just maybe... another part of this story had changed.

"We've arrived, Young Master. My Lady," the coachman announced from outside.

I waited patiently as the carriage door opened. Brother stepped out first, then turned and offered his hand to help me down.

Seriously? Does he still think I'm some damsel in distress?

Just as you'd expect, I turned him down and stepped down on my own.
"It seems like you've got your own set of rules now, sister," he whispered.

I smirked, flipped my hair, and walked inside, leaving him momentarily speechless.

But as soon as I stepped into the entrance hall, I saw Mother by the stairs—pacing, clearly restless. When she spotted both of us, she rushed over and pulled us into a hug.

"Thank the heavens you're both safe!" she exclaimed.

Brother and I exchanged confused glances.

Sure, it was late—but I'd debuted in society. I had the right to move freely now. And I was with my brother, after all. There was no real reason to worry.

"Mom, what happened?" Brother asked.

She slowly let go, took a deep breath, and began explaining.

"Amelia was nearly kidnapped on her way home from visiting my parents. None of her belongings were stolen, which makes it clear—she was the target."

Brother and I were both stunned.

Who would dare attempt to kidnap a Silverton?

Even the Emperor wouldn't dare cross us lightly. We held too much power.

"How is she?" I asked, concerned.

"She's being treated," Mother said, her voice a little shaky. "She has a few bruises—she fought back before passing out from exhaustion. Fortunately, Marquis Allan was nearby and saved her."

Marquis Allan...
A name I hadn't heard in a long time.

I'd shut him out completely. I had my reasons.

"Where is she now?" Brother asked urgently.

"In her room—" Mother began, but he didn't wait for her to finish. He took off immediately toward Amelia's room, his concern for his twin overwhelming everything else.

Of course. He's always cared deeply for her.

Mother turned to me next.
"Alyssa, while we investigate the person behind this, I want you to stay within the Dukedom's grounds. Understand?"

I nodded firmly.

"Good. Go to your room, and please avoid stepping outside the estate gates," she added.

I nodded again and began walking toward my room, but my mind wouldn't settle.

Amelia... why her? Why not me?

She's the villainess, for crying out loud.
She's supposed to be the mastermind—the one pulling the strings.

Not the victim.

How much more is this story going to change?