Chapter 40 - Strict

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In the next chapter, I spent weeks with each of the brothers while still trying to escape. Leonard, the eldest, was the embodiment of emotion. His heart was an open book, each page inscribed with the depth of his feelings.

How could someone be so vulnerable and yet so strong?

I often wondered. His openness was both a comfort and a challenge, as it forced me to confront my own guarded nature.

Stefan, the middle brother, stood in stark contrast. Cold and reserved, he wore a facade of detachment that shielded him from the complexities of human connection.

What lies beneath that icy exterior?

I questioned silently. His aloofness was a barrier, making it difficult to gauge his true intentions. Yet, there were moments when a flicker of warmth would break through, hinting at a hidden depth.

Julian, the youngest, inhabited a space between his two brothers. Pragmatic and adaptable, Julian balanced the emotional depth of Leonard with the calculated demeanor of Stefan.

Is he the key to my escape?

His ability to navigate between his brothers' extremes made him a potential ally, but also a potential threat.

During my time with Leonard, I was enveloped in a whirlwind of emotions. He shared stories of their childhood, each tale a testament to the bond they shared.

Could I ever be part of such a bond?

His openness was disarming, making it difficult to maintain my resolve to escape. Yet, the urgency of my mission kept me focused.

One evening, as we sat by the fireplace, Leonard turned to me with a wistful expression. "You know, our mother used to read to us by this very fire," he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

"What happened to her?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity any longer.

"She passed away when we were young," Leonard replied, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "She was the glue that held us together."

"I'm sorry," I said softly, feeling a pang of empathy.

Could this be why Leonard is so open with his emotions?

With Stefan, the days were marked by a tense silence. He rarely spoke, and when he did, his words were measured and precise.

What is he hiding?

I often asked myself. His detachment was a constant reminder of the danger I was in. Despite his cold demeanor, I couldn't shake the feeling that he was watching me closely, waiting for me to make a mistake.

One afternoon, I decided to break the silence. "Why do you keep everyone at arm's length?" I asked, my voice steady.

Stefan looked at me, his eyes cold and unyielding. "It's safer that way," he replied curtly.

"Safer for whom?" I pressed, hoping to get a glimpse of the man behind the mask.

"For everyone," he said, his tone final.

What happened to make him this way?

but I knew better than to push further.

Julian was a different story altogether. His pragmatism made him approachable, yet his adaptability made him unpredictable.

Can I trust him?

He seemed to understand my predicament, offering subtle hints and advice that could aid my escape. But his loyalty to his brothers was unwavering, making it difficult to discern his true motives.

One day, as we worked in the garden, Julian turned to me with a thoughtful expression. "We all have our roles to play," he said. "Leonard feels, Stefan thinks, and I adapt."

"And what is my role?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"You're the wild card," Julian replied with a smile. "You could change everything."

Is he hinting at something?

His words were a reminder that I was an outsider, a variable in their carefully balanced equation.

As the weeks passed, I found myself caught in a delicate dance, balancing my interactions with each brother while plotting my escape.

Time is running out,

I reminded myself. The need to find Victoria and ensure her safety weighed heavily on my mind. Each day brought new challenges and new opportunities, and I had to stay vigilant.



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(A/N)


WRITERS BLOCK IS KILLING ME

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