Enemies to lovers with a family twist!
Alora Frank has been living her life under the abuse of her mother and father. Hiding secrets and unimaginable pain behind her perfect smile. Except one day she finds her father isn't her father, she had family...
Cold and ruthless - that's the persona I've cultivated, the only side of me that people are privy to. Despite my fathers persistent encouragement to be more open, to smile more, I find myself unable to. I am not him, no matter how much I yearn to emulate his confidence, his ability to separate his personal and professional life. Ever since Serine left, he has been spending more time at home, being there for all of us. I don't refer to Serine as mother, for I don't recall her ever playing the role of a mother to me or my brothers. It was our aunts and grandmother who, alongside our father, raised us.
Alora, mia sorella (my sister). We are still in the dark about why Serine kept her hidden from us, but I am glad shes here now. However, she always seems on edge, as if anticipating something terrible. I cant help but wonder if something happened to her. Currently, I am in dads office, waiting for Bruno and Luca to bring her here so we can discuss the rules that we all abide by. Just then, the door opens and in walks Alora, accompanied by my brothers.
My brothers and I share a close bond, even though we seldom express it. Bruno is the house prankster, always ready with a joke to lighten the mood. Marco is quick to anger, easily irked by the smallest things. Lorenzo and Luca are the calm ones, while Vincenzo and I are known for our cold demeanor. And then there is Alora, about whom we know next to nothing.
"How did you like everything?" Dad asks, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Its good", she replies, her gaze sweeping over all of us before settling on the doors. Is she scared? Or are we making her uncomfortable?
"Well, we wanted you to know the basic rules of the house, all your brothers follow them", Dad continues.
"Would you feel better if some of us leave the room?" I interrupt Dad.
Vincenzo gives me a puzzled look, as does everyone else in the room. Alora shakes her head in response to my question. "Why would we leave? Shes the one that should leave!" Marco retorts. I stare at him blankly. He has always been this way - quick to anger, always ready for a fight, always hurting people.
"Now, let me continue", Dad says, warning us all.
"The rules are:
Inform us where you are going, for safety and so we can be informed of your whereabouts.
Try not to swear.
No dating until 18, but if you are, we would like to meet and approve the guy.
Bedtime is your choice. You're old enough, but just ensure you get enough rest.
If you ever need any help, just come to one of us.
Most importantly, respect. Please have respect for all of us and we will return it. But if one of your brothers is being disrespectful to you, you have my full permission to retaliate. Any questions?" Dad finishes.
"No", she replies.
"Great, can I leave?" Marco grits out.
She looks at him blankly, devoid of any emotion. I can tell that surprised him. But before he could say anything, Alora turns to Dad and asks something that shocks us all. "Can I move out at 18"? she asks, so casually. I can tell that hurt Dad, and surprisingly, it hurt me too.
"Why?" Lorenzo asks, but she doesn't answer.
"Um if that's what you really want. But Alora, we will try, and you have to as well. Try to see us as your family, and if until your 18th birthday you really want to leave, you can", Dad says, looking down.
"SO, NOW YOU WANT TO LEAVE?" Marco yells, making her flinch. Why did she flinch?
She turns to look at him. "You wanted me to leave. What is the problem now?" she retorts in a monotone voice. She turns to leave but looks at Dad before exiting and says, "Thank you for taking me in, but I don't want you to keep any hope. I will leave." I place a hand on my chest, hoping to alleviate the pain, but it doesn't work.
"YOU ARE SO UNGRATEFUL!" Marco yells at full volume. Alora looks at him with a raised eyebrow and asks, "Anything else?" She begins to walk towards the door, but Marco blocks her path. "You cant disrespect me and leave", he snaps.
"I would disrespect you if I respected you in the first place", she retorts coldly and walks out the door, leaving us behind.
After a few minutes of silence and glaring at everyone, Marco storms out and slams the door. Luca and Bruno follow him. Now the only people left are me, Dad, Vincenzo, and Lorenzo. "Shes a badass", Dad finally says, breaking the silence.
"Did you see her flinch?" Lorenzo asks, deep in thought.
"I did", Vincenzo confirms.
"She has a lot of reasons to be scared. It doesn't matter if that hurts us or not. She doesn't know us, nor does she trust us", Dad whispers.
We nod in agreement and leave the room. She is definitely hiding something, and Ill be damned if I don't find out what it is.
Author's note
Hii, I know this is a short chapter and for that I am sorry.
Quote of the day :
Don't underestimate the power of darkness, even the purest hearts are drawn to it. - Klaus Mikaelson
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