The King's Twins

Chapter 1

Angelina's pov

Beep.

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Ughhh! I hate Monday mornings. Hate is a small word; I loathe them. Let me introduce myself. I'm Angelina, 17 years old, with a twin sister named Lila, who is younger than me, and an abusive stepdad. When my mom married Aaron, he was sweet, loving, and caring towards us, but after her death, he changed. He turned to alcohol and drugs, and he started hitting me. I always protected Lila from his abuse by making a deal with him, giving him money monthly so he wouldn't harm her. Lila and I were inseparable, but I had to maintain some distance when the beatings started, to shield her from the truth. I act cold towards her sometimes, and I fear she resents me for it. But there's more to my family story that I'll share later.

As Lila and I entered school, our friends greeted us at our usual spot. Our group of five included me, Lila, Avery (my best friend for 10 years), Aaron (like a big brother to me who knows all my secrets), Avery's little sister Jasmine (the innocent-looking but fierce member of our group), and Jack (the flirtatious player). We were popular, feared by many, but Lila remained kind and beloved by all.

In class, with a boring math lesson underway, my eyelids grew heavy, and sleep threatened to overtake me. I'm the class topper, so getting caught sleeping would mean trouble. Suddenly, an announcement interrupted the lesson, summoning Lila and me to the principal's office. It wasn't uncommon for me to visit, but it was Lila's first time, surprising everyone, myself included. I silenced our friends with a glare as we left for the office.

I kicked open the door without knocking – a privilege granted by my relationship with Principal Kelvin, who saw me as a daughter figure. But what awaited us was unexpected.

"Hii Kelvin, I know you miss me, but it's the first lesson, dude, and I promise I didn't do anything today," I quipped, trying to lighten the mood.

"Angelina, I know you didn't do anything wrong today, but I have sad news for you both," Kelvin began, delivering the news of our stepfather's overdose-induced death. I felt a wave of relief wash over me, though I kept my composure. Lila, however, burst into tears.

"Okay, now what? Orphanage or foster system?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation pragmatically.

"No, Angelina. You're going to Italy. Your older brother, Mr. Alexander King, is your legal guardian, and he's here," Principal Kelvin said, motioning to a figure sitting in the back.

"Sorry, sir, but you have a misunderstanding. We don't have a brother," Lila interjected, unaware of our family's past. Alexander's hurt was evident, though he quickly masked it with a cold expression. Memories flooded back, painful reminders of a family shattered long ago, but now, a new chapter was beginning.