The World Above

Chapter 30: The Illegitimate Heir

I'm at Mike's house. Being my twin, he's the only one who can console and understand me.

As I push open the door to Mike's home, my heart racing with a mix of fear and desperation, I'm met with an unexpected sight.

Mike's living room is filled with the lively chatter and laughter of Alex and Brandon, as they enjoy a boys' night in. But as soon as I enter, the jovial atmosphere fades, replaced by a palpable sense of concern and curiosity.

Alex is the first to speak up,his voice laced with playful sarcasm. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the queen herself gracing us with her presence," he quips, his grin faltering as he takes in my tear-streaked face.

I offer a small smile not wanting to recall all of that infront of the boys. But Mike, ever perceptive and protective of me, sees through my facade in an instant. His brow furrows with concern as he approaches me, his voice soft and gentle as he asks, "Haven, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

As Mike approaches with concern etched on his face, my resolve wavers, and I find myself unable to hold back the flood of emotions any longer. With a choked sob, I collapse into the nearest chair, my tears flowing freely as I struggle to compose myself.

"I'm sorry," I manage to whisper between gasps for air,"I just... I can't..."

Mike's eyes widen in alarm, his own emotions mirroring mine as he moves to comfort me, his arms enveloping me in a protective embrace.

"It's okay, Haven," he murmurs softly, his voice a soothing balm against my frayed nerves. "You don't have to explain if you don't want to. Just take your time." But I don't have time.

Taking a breath I begin to recount the events of the evening, from sleeping in Felix's bed to the confrontation with Areum, a heavy silence descends upon the room, punctuated only by the occasional gasp of disbelief from Alex and Brandon.

"Are you serious?" Brandon interjects, his voice tinged with disbelief. "You slept in his bed? Why would you do that?"

My cheeks flush with embarrassment as I struggle to find the right words to explain. "I didn't plan on it," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper. "It just... happened."

"Did... did he do anything to you? Is that why you're crying? That Bastard! Where does he live? Let me at him!" Mike jumps up, his brotherly instincts kicking in. But Brandon and Alex hold him down.

"He didn't do anything of that kind, I promise! He just..." I pause. "He What!?!" Mike looks at me as if daring me to lie. "He just confessed."

"Wait, he confessed?" Alex repeats, his voice filled with incredulity. "To you?" I nod. Mike's jaw clenches with anger, his fists tightening at his sides as he struggles to contain his emotions. "That bastard," he curses under his breath, his voice low and dangerous.

"Next question, Why was Nora there?" Brandon asks. "She was there to confront Felix," I explain, my tone laced with bitterness. "She wanted to know why he had broken off his engagement."

Alex's eyes widen in shock, his features contorted with disbelief. "I didn't know Areum was engaged," he murmurs, his voice tinged with confusion. "To a nameless businessman, no less."

I shake my head, my expression grim. "She wasn't," I  replies. "Her sister was. Felix's real identity is Xiao Jun, the billionaire CEO of TechShion."

"Xiao Jun?" Alex repeats, his voice filled with disbelief. "As in, the second richest person on earth?" He is?! I knew he was rich but not that rich!

I expect Mike to curse again as that is the only he has done up till now but I'm surprised when it is Brandon who does so.

"That son of a ...." Brandon's jaw tightens with anger, his fists clenching at his sides as he struggles to contain his emotions. "To think that asshole thought that he could toy with your feelings like that."