after they met her

twentyone

Callisto and Castillo is also the same surname, if anyone is confused, I seem to switch it every now and then :3 I will edit it as soon as I finish this story, but for now, bear with me <3

My father stood in the middle of the grand living room, his face a mask of barely-contained fury. He glanced at me, then turned his steely gaze to Ray. I could see the anger boiling beneath the surface, ready to explode.

"Ray," my father's voice was low and dangerous, "you have crossed a line today."

Ray stood tall, his face calm, though I could sense the tension in his posture. "Sir, I only did what I thought was right for Ivana. She was—"

"Silence!" my father roared, cutting him off. "You do not get to decide what is right for her. That is my duty. And you have not only disrespected me but the entire Castillo family."

I felt a lump in my throat, my eyes stinging with unshed tears. Ray had only tried to protect me, to offer me some comfort when I felt utterly broken. Yet, here he was, being condemned for it.

"Raymond will be sent to a-." he paused. „Disciplinary program," my father continued, his voice icy. "He needs to learn respect and loyalty to this family. Perhaps a week away will remind him of his place."

"No," I whispered, the word escaping my lips before I could stop it. "Please, it's not his fault. He was just trying to help me."

My father's gaze snapped to me, his eyes burning with anger. "You will remain silent, Ivana. This is not your concern. This is a family matter, and Ray has overstepped his boundaries."

Ray turned to me, his eyes softening. "Ivana, it's okay. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Just...stay quiet and wait for me."

His words were meant to comfort, but they only deepened the pit of despair in my stomach. How could I wait when the person who had been my only source of comfort was being taken away? My father's expression remained hard and unyielding as he motioned for two other bodyguards to take Ray away.

"Get him out of my sight," he ordered. Ray shot me one last reassuring look before he was escorted out, leaving me feeling more alone than ever.

Once Ray was gone, my father's focus shifted back to me. "Ivana, you have embarrassed this family enough for one day. Matthew, Gray, Asher—handle this situation. Make sure she understands the consequences of her actions."

My brothers stood in a tense line, their expressions a mix of concern and resignation. Matthew stepped forward first, his usual cheerfulness replaced by a grave seriousness. "You need to understand that running away like that was dangerous and irresponsible."

"I just...I needed to get away," I tried to explain, my voice trembling. "I couldn't stay here after what happened."

"You have to obey father," Matthew said, shaking his head. "We can't help you if you keep disobeying. You need to be a good girl and listen to what's best for you."

I felt a sob rising in my throat. "Matthew, please. I'm scared. I don't want to go back to how things were in the orphanage. I feel like I'm losing everything."

Matthew's eyes softened with a hint of regret, but he stepped back, indicating his hands were tied. "Just do as you're told. It's the only way to keep you safe."

Gray's stern voice cut through the air. "Ivana, you will not be attending school for the next two weeks. You will be monitored closely to ensure you gain weight. We will deliver your missed work, and you will complete it here."

His expression was harsh, his disappointment palpable. "You've let yourself get to this point, and now we all have to deal with it. I'm disappointed, Ivana. You've made your body like this, and now it's time to fix it."