The triplets are the epitome of cuteness—I could easily spend the entire day simply watching them. It's as if Lucy struck gold in the genetic lottery. Not that I'm trying to sound overly boastful, given that we share such a striking resemblance. But it seems Julian has also inherited some remarkable genes, because their children are, quite literally, the picture of perfection.
It's rather amusing when you think about it—how in so many stories, the female lead always ends up marrying someone impossibly handsome, leaving her family members to grapple with that beauty standard. It's a trope that's as predictable as it is amusing. In my own life, though, Lucy didn't even entertain the idea of falling behind in the looks department. She made it a point to ensure that she was every bit as captivating as her husband, Julian. And while it pains me to admit this—especially since Julian has carved out a special place in my heart for his constant teasing and annoying antics—he is undeniably handsome. He's fully aware of it, which only seems to fuel his penchant for playful teasing.
I often find myself wondering where Lucy managed to find someone like him. Julian is the complete antithesis of her. Where she is calm, collected, and effortlessly graceful, he is brash, confident, and unabashedly charming. It's as if they shouldn't complement each other, yet somehow, they balance each other out in a way that's both intriguing and irritating. Their dynamic is a curious one, and it never ceases to perplex me. The fact that they work so well together, despite their stark differences, only serves to irritate me more than I'd care to admit. Their harmony is a testament to their compatibility, but it's also a reminder of just how annoying Julian can be, even as he somehow manages to be so endearing.
"Are you jealous?" Julian asked, walking in.
"Huh?" was my usual response whenever he spoke.
"You're jealous, right?" he asked again. What's he talking about now? "Because they look like me and not you," he said.
"Why would they look like me?" I asked, already feeling annoyed.
"Because you're a twin, dummy," he said, shaking his head. What will it take to turn this into an action story?
"They don't look like you—they're cute and adorable…" I stopped talking when I saw him start to blush.
"Sister-in-law, hearing you compliment me like this is just…" he trailed off, covering his mouth.
I know my life isn't a novel, but if it can be, dear author, please give me powers so I can beat up my brother-in-law.
"I know how you feel about me, but I love someone else. I don't only look at faces," he said.
"They don't look like you!" I shouted.
"You can't take back what you said just because you're shy."
"Julian." We both turned to the door where Kael stood.
I hadn't seen him since we arrived, and I had been operating under the assumption that he had already left. So why was he still here? His sudden appearance took me by surprise, and I couldn't help but be puzzled by his continued presence. It was as if he had some reason for sticking around, something that wasn't immediately apparent to me.
What could be keeping him here? Was there something specific he wanted, or was there a deeper reason for his lingering? His unexpected presence stirred a mix of curiosity and unease within me. I found myself wondering what his motives might be and how they might affect me. The uncertainty of his intentions only compounded my growing sense of discomfort.
Every moment that he remained in view seemed to stretch out, adding to the tension that was already simmering beneath the surface. The questions swirled in my mind, each one adding another layer to my anxiety. His presence was a constant reminder of the unknown, and it left me with a gnawing sense of unease that I couldn't easily shake.
"Coming, coming," Julian said, waving at him. He kissed his kids and then turned to me. Moments like that make him almost tolerable. "Do you expect me to kiss you goodbye?" he asked. How can someone be so annoying? "Don't miss me too much—I'll know if you think about me," he added, turning to leave.
"As if," I mumbled.
My eyes met Kael's, but he remained silent, his gaze steady and unreadable. Without a word, he simply turned and walked away. A sudden urge to chase after him gripped me, an inexplicable need to talk to him and understand what was behind his expression. Yet, as I stood there, uncertainty gnawed at me—I wasn't sure what I would say or even why I felt so compelled to follow. The emotions stirred within me were confusing, a tangled mess that left me rooted in place, watching as he disappeared from view.
4o mini
"Okay, my cuties, Auntie will take you outside for a minute." The perfect distraction.
Later that night, I sensed something. Someone was in my room. Someone was here. I pretended to be asleep, hoping it was just my imagination.
"You're awake, aren't you?" a voice said. No way... he can't be here. "Wake up," he said, grabbing my hand and dragging me up.
"W-What are you doing here?" I asked, frantically thinking of every possible way to escape.
"I was so nice to you, Lilien, so nice," Callum said. "What is it about Kael? I don't get it at all. You keep running back to him."
Stay calm, Lilien, stay calm.
"What do you want from me, Callum?" I asked, trying to act unafraid.
"I never told you, right? That's my mistake. Well, you'll figure it out soon," he said, forcing me up. I yanked my hand back and tried to push him away, but it was useless. I'm disappointed in my own weakness.
"Just leave me alone. What did I ever do to you?"
"You should have prayed to the deities to make someone else Kael's bride," he replied. Huh? What does that mean? I don't understand. "Explaining is pointless. Just know I tried to protect you, but you rejected my generosity," he continued.
I'm lost.
"Protect me?"
"Lilien, do you want me to alter your memories? Will that be enough? I might not have that level of expertise, but I'm willing to try if that's what it takes," he said, shaking me.
"Let go," I demanded, pushing him away again.
"How many times? How many things have I done, all to protect you, and yet you won't let me," he said, holding his head.