Twin Flames

Chapter Five: A Dire Warning

Yuri woke up from his nap feeling more rested, but a quick glance at the clock showed it was already five p.m. He stretched, trying to shake off the lingering grogginess from sleep. The events of the day had been more exhausting than he anticipated. Just as he was about to check his phone, there was a soft knock at his door.

Expecting the butler, Yuri was surprised to see Mrs. Valentino standing in the doorway.

"Yuri," she greeted with a polite but firm tone. "I trust you’re feeling well-rested?"

Yuri straightened up, nodding. "Yes, Mrs. Valentino. I feel much better."

She stepped further into the room, her presence commanding. "Good, because I need to speak with you. First, we’re having dinner at 7 p.m. sharp tonight with some relatives and close friends. You’re expected to be there with your camera. We want to capture the evening properly."

Yuri nodded, though he felt a knot forming in his stomach. He had known he was there to take photos for the family, but something about this dinner felt more formal than he anticipated. "Of course, I’ll be ready."

Mrs. Valentino continued, her eyes sharp as they scanned the room before returning to Yuri. "I don’t believe you’ve been fully briefed on the significance of your project with us, have you?"

Yuri blinked, caught off guard. "I was told it was for some promotional images, but… no, not in detail."

Her lips tightened into a thin smile, the kind that didn’t reach her eyes. "This is far more than just a few images. We’re working on a documentary—an exclusive look into the lives of families like ours, people of wealth and status. Every photo you take will be used in a publication we’re putting together. This is a highly important project, and we expect nothing short of excellence. You’re not just here to take pictures; you’re here to tell our story through your lens."

The weight of her words hit Yuri hard, and his pulse quickened. A documentary? He wasn’t expecting the project to be this massive. "I… appreciate the clarification, Mrs. Valentino. I’ll do my best to meet your expectations."

"Good." Her gaze softened briefly, but then her expression became serious again. "There’s something else, Yuri. About the twins."

Yuri felt a strange chill at the mention of them. "What about them?"

Mrs. Valentino stepped closer, her tone lowering. "I love my boys, but they can be so fucking difficult. I saw how they acted earlier, and I’m sure you’ve noticed. They don’t respond well to being told what to do, and they certainly don’t make things easy. I’m telling you this for your own good—keep your guard up around them. They like to play games, and if you’re not careful, they’ll take advantage of you."

Yuri’s stomach knotted, her words carrying a quiet warning. He tried to mask his unease. "I understand."

"They have a way of drawing people in, but you need to stand up for yourself, Yuri. Don’t let them think they can control you. And if anything happens—anything you feel is inappropriate—you come to me or Mr. Valentino directly."

Yuri swallowed hard, nodding. "Thank you for the advice. I’ll keep that in mind."

Mrs. Valentino studied him for a moment longer before offering a small nod. "Good. Now, I’ll see you at dinner. Wear something appropriate."

As she turned to leave, Yuri sat back down on the edge of the bed, processing everything she had said. He had never imagined this assignment would be so complicated—especially with the twins involved.

After a moment, he pulled out his phone and dialed Sadie’s number. She picked up almost immediately.

"Hey, Yuri! How’s it going?" Sadie asked cheerfully.