•ESTELLE ARZHEL'S POV•
The moment I stepped into the grand foyer, a wave of anxiety washed over me. The high ceilings loomed above, adorned with intricate chandeliers that sparkled like diamonds. Every corner of the room was filled with opulence—velvet drapes, polished marble floors, and ornate decor that screamed wealth. I felt like a misplaced puzzle piece, the kind that doesn't fit no matter how hard you try.
Standing in the living room, I felt like I was drowning in a sea of unfamiliar faces and emotions. The moment I stepped through the door, I was bombarded with an intensity that made my heart race and my breath catch in my throat. Everyone was smiling, but there was an undercurrent of tension that I couldn’t ignore. I could feel their eyes on me, their expectations pressing down like a heavyweight.
When that brother spoke, his words hit me hard. He seemed to view me not as a long-lost sister returning home but as a potential threat, a liability. It terrified me, a reminder that even in this place, I was still a burden. My stomach twisted at the thought. After escaping the treacherous guardianship of Sir and Ma’am, I thought I could finally breathe and have a chance for a new beginning, a chance to be part of a family again, but now it felt like I was stepping into a minefield. I had survived so much, only to feel this same fear and insecurity creeping back in.
“Sorry for that, Estelle. Micah can’t control his anger at times. He will come around” I nod my head not exactly believing his words.
“Alright boys….. Introduce yourselves” Father says after a moment of silence.
“It’s so nice to have you back, Estelle. I’m your second-eldest brother, Orson. I’m 25 years old, and I work as a doctor and trauma surgeon at our business’ hospital facility,” he says politely.
“Hello, piccola stella. I’m Nerio, your third eldest brother. I’m 22 years old. I’m a trainer at Dad’s gyms” says Nerio with a warm smile.
“Good to have you back, sorellina. I’m Magnus, and the one who stormed out a few moments ago was Micah, my twin. We’re 20 years old. He is older by 40 minutes. I’m a professional hacker and great with computers. I’m studying computer networking along with helping out Dad with tech here and there. Micah is a professional fighter but is also studying business in college. Also, I apologize for his outburst. It’s hard for him to see you after all these years. You reminded him of that unfortunate night. Give him some time. He’ll warm up to you soon” he says with a small smile.
“WELCOME HOME, ESTELLE!!! I’m obviously the coolest and your favorite brother. My name is Arthur, the eldest triplet. There’s Asher who trailed off after Micah, and lastly Aziel. We’re all 18 years old and in our senior year of high school. We’re gonna have soo much fun” he says excitement oozing off of him in waves.
Aziel waves at me politely and I wave back.
“I’m excited to have you back, Estelle. I’m Marlow your youngest older brother. I’m 15 years old and a sophomore. Don’t listen to anything Arthur says. I’m the coolest one in this family” he says practically bouncing off his feet.
As I stood there, frozen, I noticed a few of the brothers wiping their eyes, tears brimming as they welcomed me back. A flicker of warmth ignited in my chest, but it was overshadowed by a deep-seated fear. Would they really want me here? Or was I just a reminder of what they had lost? Each name and face was a reminder of how much I had missed, of the life I had been ripped away from. I could see their excitement, but it felt overwhelming. I wanted to belong, to feel safe, but all I could focus on was the familiar fear that gnawed at my insides.
YOU ARE READING
Castling Deceit
Teen Fiction"The art of manipulation. My dear pawns, so oblivious to the game being played around them. I am the grandmaster, always thinking several moves ahead. My opponents, mere pieces to be used and discarded at my whim" "I'll start by making a subtle ope...
