The Billornaire's Secret

A Bond Beyond Blood

As Alexander stepped into his apartment, the familiar scent of popcorn wafted through the air, instantly easing some of the tension that had built up during the day. He dropped his bag by the door and made his way to the living room, where he found his cousin Sophia plopped down on the couch, crunching into a bag of chips she had snatched from the kitchen counter.

"What are you doing here Sophia," he said with an annoyed tone.

“Oh, come on, Alex,” she said, looking up with a playful grin. “Don’t be so uptight. I just wanted to help you pick out an outfit for the gala grandpa is hosting.”

Alexander raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he leaned against the door frame. “You know I can dress myself, Sophia. I don’t need a fashion consultant.”

Sophia rolled her eyes dramatically, her curls bouncing with the motion. “Please, like you’d know what to wear without my expert guidance. Last time you wore that ridiculous yellow shirt, and I nearly cried. You need help.”

“Fine, but I’m not wearing anything you pick out,” he retorted, trying to maintain his stern facade, though a small smile crept onto his lips.

“Good! I’ll just make sure to pick something that’s not a fashion crime. But seriously, what’s the deal with you and Liv? She looked like she needed a little lightening up,” she continued, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Alexander glared at her, a hint of annoyance seeping through. “Leave Liv alone, Sophia. She’s not your concern. We’re just working on a project together.”

Sophia chuckled, tossing a chip into her mouth as she relaxed deeper into the couch. “Oh, come on! She’s cute, and you could use a little fun in your life. Don’t you think it’s time you stopped sulking around and started actually enjoying yourself?”

“I'm not sulking,” Alexander snapped, though the way he felt after their recent conversations with Olivia gave him pause. Maybe Sophia was right.

“Sure, you are. You’ve been cooped up in here too long, and if I have to be the one to drag you out of this mood, then I will,” she declared, her expression shifting to one of mock seriousness. “Now, what do you say to a movie marathon? We can laugh at bad acting and eat snacks. It’s practically a family tradition.”

Alexander sighed, unable to suppress the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Fine, but no scary movies. You know I can’t handle them.”

“Deal!” she exclaimed, jumping up from the couch with excitement. “I’ll even make some popcorn.”

As Sophia flitted around the kitchen, grabbing bowls and tossing popcorn kernels into the air like confetti, Alexander settled onto the couch, shaking his head in amusement. Her energy was contagious, and even though he’d initially been resistant to her presence, he felt a warmth spreading through him.

The first movie flickered to life on the screen, and Sophia settled beside him, her enthusiasm palpable. As the credits rolled, she dug into the popcorn, her laughter filling the room, the sound a reminder of the many times they had spent together in this very spot.

“Remember the time we watched that awful romantic comedy, and you thought it would be ‘educational’ for your dating life?” she teased, her eyes shining with mirth.

Alexander chuckled, recalling the cringe-worthy scenes and over-the-top plot twists. “I was young and foolish then. And hey, I never claimed to be a dating expert.”

Sophia nudged him playfully. “Well, I’m glad you’ve accepted your fate as the family hermit. But you know what? You can’t stay like this forever.”

His expression sobered slightly, and he glanced at her, a flicker of vulnerability surfacing. “I’m just not ready for all that yet, Sophia.”

She reached out, patting his knee reassuringly. “I know, but you have to let people in sometimes. Like Liv. You two have this chemistry, even if you won’t admit it. I saw the way you looked at each other earlier.”

“I’m not ready for a relationship, and you know it,” he replied, shaking his head. “It’s complicated.”

“Yeah, but so is life. You’ve been through a lot, Alex. You can’t just keep shutting everyone out,” she urged, her tone gentle yet firm. “I won’t let you.”

The warmth of her support wrapped around him like a comforting blanket. He knew she meant well, and her relentless optimism often pulled him back from the edge of his own thoughts. “I appreciate you looking out for me,” he finally said, glancing over at her. “But I’m just not there yet.”

“Fair enough. But I’m not giving up on you,” she replied, a teasing smile returning to her face. “Now, back to the movies! This one’s a classic. You’re going to love it.”

As they settled into the next film, the room filled with laughter and the crunch of popcorn, Alexander felt a sense of normalcy return to his life. Sophia was right; she had a way of breaking through his defenses, and for that, he was grateful.

He couldn’t help but reflect on how much she had been there for him over the years. She’d dragged him out of his darkest moments, forced him to confront his fears, and somehow managed to make him smile when he thought he’d never find joy again. She was his rock, his confidante, and his partner in crime.

“Hey, Sophia?” he said during a lull in the movie.

“Yeah?” she replied, looking up at him, her attention fully on him.

“Thanks for being here, cuz. For always being here,” he said sincerely, feeling the weight of his gratitude wash over him.

Sophia turned to him, her eyes brightening. “Anytime, Alex. That’s what family is for.”

The two shared a moment of understanding, a bond strengthened by the trials they’d faced together. As the movie played on, they fell into comfortable banter, jokes flying back and forth like the popcorn they shared.

But as the credits rolled on yet another movie, Sophia glanced at him, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. “So, how about I help you pick out an outfit for that gala? I promise I won’t let you wear anything embarrassing.”

Alexander chuckled, shaking his head. “You really think I’m going to let you dress me?”

“Absolutely! Consider it an adventure. And who knows? Maybe you’ll impress Liv,” she teased, nudging him with her elbow.

He rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at his lips. “Alright, fine. But only if you promise not to pick anything yellow.”

Sophia grinned widely. “Deal! This is going to be so much fun!”

And as the night wore on, filled with laughter and sibling-like teasing, Alexander felt a renewed sense of hope. He might not have everything figured out yet, but with Sophia by his side, he knew he wouldn’t have to face it alone. Their crazy, annoying, wonderful friendship was a lifeline he would always cherish, a bond that would see him through even the darkest of times.