Bound by Shadows

11

Seated around the long dining table, Zavian presided at the head, flanked by me and my husband. Opposite us sat Stella and, next to her, Tadashi. A tense silence hung over the table, with a meal untouched, our attention drawn to the bruised faces of Caelus and my brother. Zavian's busted lip spoke of a recent altercation, one that seemed to bring satisfaction to my husband.

We avoided having lunch together but it was only right to have dinner since it was a gathering after all, according to Stella.

As Tadashi reached for the roasted chicken, Zavian's fist met the table, halting him.

"We usually pray before we eat," Zavian explained, earning a confused expression from Tadashi.

"Since when?" His tone higher, eyebrows raised in genuine surprise as if witnessing this ritual for the first time. Maybe it was.

"Since now," Zavian cleared his throat, closing his eyes, bowing his head as all of us reluctantly followed suit. "Dear Lord, we gather in gratitude for this meal before us. We thank you for my sister's presence today, and may this nourishing food strengthen our bodies and deepen our bonds. Amen."

Tadashi opened his eyes, glancing at Zavian with a smirk. "So, this is a new tradition, huh?"

Zavian frowned, "Do you have a problem with it?" He stood, making his way across the table to grab a large piece of that roasted chicken, causing Tadashi to glower at him.

"I don't," Tadashi gritted his teeth as he took some of it, though it was a smaller portion than he desired.

Caelus's hand grazed mine as he added food to my plate, offering a gentle smile despite the cut on his cheek. "Do you want more?" He paused midway with the salmon, and I shook my head in response, expressing gratitude. He nodded, scooping some food for himself.

Stella began digging into the food, and the house resonated with the clanking of utensils. Silence lingered until I broke it.

"So, considering the questionable activities you're involved in, what's your monthly income?" My question hung in the air, directed at anyone willing to answer.

Zavian, busy munching, decided to chime in, "I make more than Hudson. He's not even close."

With a sigh, I tried to steer the conversation away from comparisons. "I didn't ask for a competition—"

Caelus, eager to prove a point, interrupted, "Your brother forgets he's not my only client. I've got a global clientele, and I'm launching my own legal company." He then whispers into my ear but loud enough for everyone to hear, "To answer your question, I make more than him."

Tadashi snorted, "Facts."

Zavian turned to Stella, seeking confirmation, and she nodded. "Mr. Hudson is establishing an asset management firm across cities, recruiting top analysts. The expected annual net worth is around 10 billion for all firms combined."

My skeptical gaze shifted to Caelus, silently questioning. His confident smile affirmed the astonishing figure. I was married to a billionaire in making.

Zavian, unconvinced, rolled his eyes and sipped his wine. "Billions in asset management? That's absurd."

Caelus leaned in, fork pointed like a sword. "Absurd, maybe, but achievable. By me, of course."

"Showoff," my brother grunted, resuming his feast. "Even with billions, you can't beat the memories my sister and I share." He dived into his pocket, taking out his wallet and flipping it open to reveal a picture of young Zavian and me, hands intertwined. Zavian, around 8, towered over my 3-year-old self. "See? Cute, huh?"

In awe, I took the photo. Zavian looked mischievous, and we both beamed, ice cream staining our grinning faces.

He continued, reminiscing, "I remember brushing her teeth, changing diapers, even drove her to school when I first had my drivers license. I was basically her best friend." He winked at Caelus, who nonchalantly sipped his wine, but I was captivated by the memories in my hands. "I have more photos. Our years together can't be compared to money."

Caelus responded with a simple, "Yeah, sure," taking another sip.

Zavian couldn't resist the comparison game, asking, "So, what have you done with her that I haven't?"

I shot a disapproving glance at Zavian, but my breath caught when Caelus leaned forward, elbows on the table, and coolly stated, "I fuck her."

Stella choked on her water, and Tadashi whistled, anticipating another brawl. Zavian's face turned red, his injured knuckles white, and I stood abruptly, chair toppling behind me, instantly diffusing the tension as all eyes focused on me.

"Can't we just have a normal conversation and eat in peace?" I raised my voice, glaring at Caelus and Zavian, who visibly gulped, recalling my wrath from earlier when I managed to separate them from the fight.

Tadashi laughed heartily, wiping away a tear. "Gosh, this reminds me of old times," he howled in laughter, and surprisingly, even Stella joined in, chuckling.

Zavian's expression softened, glancing at Stella, while Caelus, leaned back in his chair and locked eyes with me. I took a deep breath, pulled my chair back up, and sat down. Thankfully, Tadashi redirected the conversation to cars, celebrities, and a well-known company heiress who entrusted her assets to Caelus.

As we finished, Zavian summoned the maids and excused himself to his room. Tadashi and Stella chatted outside, leaving Caelus and me to head back to the guest room.

I settled into bed, sitting on the edge, and Caelus fetched my pills from my bag, a routine he followed every night whenever he had a chance. Handing me the pills and a glass of water, I swallowed them, and he placed the glass on the nightstand.

"Can I talk to you?"

I nodded, "Sure."

He then took a seat beside me, confessing, "I shouldn't have punched him."

I placed my hand over his, squeezing gently. "He had no right to say that to you. He should've used the right words. I understand your anger, but most importantly," I turned to face him, "you have every right to mourn their loss. My brother denied you closure. I'm sorry."

Caelus closed his eyes and, to my surprise, nestled his head on my shoulder. The fragrance of his hair gel wafted into my nostrils, delivering a delightful scent that I couldn't help but savor.

"Zavian is twisted, but he was right about one thing." His thumb traced soothing circles on my hand.

"When death knocked on your door, it dawned on me that revenge was utterly meaningless." his breathing slowed. "You are life itself to me, Zanya. Without you, I'm nothing."