Switched

Chapter 10 - Secrets of the Heart

Hazel's POV

Suddenly, Celeste erupted into laughter. "Imagine discovering it was his twin you were dating all along. Now that would be a shocker!"

"Don't be ridiculous!" I chuckled, rolling my eyes and shaking my head. "Anyway, I should go. I need to get ready or I'll be late."

"Okay, call me later. I want to hear all about your future in-laws, especially your charming future brother-in-law," she teased.

I grinned, rolling my eyes playfully. "Sure thing. See you."

***

As I stepped onto the grounds of the Matthews mansion, Jayden appeared in the garden to welcome me. With a gentle grasp, he took my hand, guiding us toward the living room, where the housekeeper guided us inside with a polite nod.

Entering the room, we were met with warm greetings from a middle-aged couple. The man, with smoky gray hair and eyes as blue as the ocean, exuded a magnetic charm. Despite his age, he possessed a striking allure and charisma that was impossible to ignore.

As I met the gaze of the middle-aged man, a familiar glint in his eyes evoked memories of to the early days of my relationship with Jayden. There was no denying the resemblance between the twins and their father.

Jayden's mother greeted me with a warm smile, her husband's hand gently resting on her lower back, drawing her close. Despite our brief acquaintance, their affection for each other was palpable.

Draped in a navy blue wrap dress, Jayden's mother exuded elegance and beauty. Her brown hair, highlighted with strands of blonde, framed her face, while her brown eyes sparkled with warmth and kindness.

"Hazel, allow me to introduce you to my parents," Jayden's voice held a note of formality as he made the introductions. "This is my mother, Mira Matthews, and my father, Draco Matthews." His gaze shifted from me to them. "And this is my girlfriend, Hazel Sullivan."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Hazel," Mira greeted warmly, her smile radiant.

"Nice to meet you, Hazel," Draco added with a friendly smile.

"Likewise," I replied softly.

"Where's Kade?" Jayden inquired, turning to his parents.

"He's in his room. He'll be joining us shortly," his mother answered softly.

"I'm here," Kade's voice announced his presence.

Jayden and I swiveled around at the sound of a familiar voice, a strange sense of déjà vu washing over me. It was uncanny, reminiscent of Jayden's voice but exuding a distinct confidence that set it apart from his twin's softer tone.

"Hazel, meet my brother, Kayden," Jayden introduced warmly as his twin approached.

"Nice to meet you," Kayden husked, extending his hand towards me.

"Likewise," I replied with a friendly smile, accepting his handshake. As our hands met, a subtle jolt shot through me, prompting a quick withdrawal. Kayden's smirk hinted that he'd felt it too.

"Shall we begin dinner?" Mira suggested softly.

Taking my place beside Jayden, I noticed Kayden seated across from me. Throughout the meal, I sensed his eyes drifting to me intermittently, yet whenever our gazes met, he quickly looked away.

"Is everything alright, Kade? You seem quiet tonight," Mira asked, her concern evident in her tone.

"Yeah," Kayden responded with a nod, his attention returning to his plate as he picked at his food.