"I specifically told you not to disappear!"
The stinging in her ears was beyond anything she had ever experienced.
"Every bathroom has a button for the automatic door! You see this? This button right here? You PRESS it!"
I knew he complained a lot…
And he never shuts up…
"And that little weird thing going on in the bathroom, NOT ALLOWED. 18 is not an adult yet. This is the second time, within two days, you've sneakily been around weird men!"
But I didn't realize it was this much.
"You said 18 was an adult earlier—!"
"Are you contradicting me—!?"
"Do we have to do this in the bathroom?"
After kicking out the man who helped her earlier, Matthew has been constant with his nonsense.
"Fine, the show is about to start anyway." He glared at Keira, sarcastically pushed the handicap button, and wheeled her out with a snort.
The hallway was chaotic, everyone rushed for last-minute checkups, moving in and out of each room with speed. The corridor led them to a VIP area right in front of the large stage.
The whispers of fans and staff alike didn't help the ringing in Keira's ears. She frowned slightly, following her brother's lead, and settled down in one of the chairs. All eyes were on them, watching with curiosity and excitement as a few audience members whispered Matthew's name.
Keira didn't bother paying any attention, her eyes were focused on the stage, watching as the idols and celebrities rehearsed for the last time.
"No! Don't even look his way!" Matthew wrapped his arm around her head, blocking her view of the fun that was happening. He whispered through gritted teeth, forcing her head to turn to look at him instead. "If you need to look at a handsome face, your brother's is much better."
"Are you serious?" The gasp from around them made her uncomfortable. She attempted to push him away, but Matthew didn't budge.
"Of course. The hottest male actor and model is me after all." He looked proud of his own narcissistic comments, this made Keira feel sour in her heart.
Crazy…
"What's so bad about admiring someone?" She could feel the arm loosened at her words. The complicated look in Matthew's eyes was strange to Keira, causing her to question if it was truly wrong to do so.
"When did this happen? From the TV shows you watch?" His eyes were sharp, glancing at her own, hoping to dig into her soul. He didn't have much patience for topics of love.
"As the most popular male idol, wouldn't it be weirder if I didn't admire him?"
"…" Matthew silently watched the man they were talking about. Everything, from his looks to his manners, was picture-perfect. "If you truly like him, I suppose he isn't a bad choice."
Keira felt amazed at his approval. She thought he would rebuke her for wanting the person that Selene could have dated. Her eyes narrowed with suspicion.
What's going on? Something is weird.
The two looked harmonious as they bickered, catching the attention of many, including the people on stage.
"Alright! Everyone, back to your assigned location! We will begin in 5!" The producer shouted with eagerness. The excitement in his voice tickled everyone's feelings, making them excited for the upcoming program.
One by one, the guests were slowly introduced to the audience. The host asked them each a few personal questions, causing their anticipations to ramp up even more.
"Our next guest is a personal favorite of many, a boy that had recently entered manhood, stealing the hearts of many with a glance, let's welcome, EREN ADLER!"
"AHHHHHHH!" Screams of fans were loud enough to deafen even the viewers watching it live.
"Amazing! I felt like my ears were about to blow out!" The hosts laughed, shoving a finger in his ear and comically twisting it around as if to clean it. "That's Eren for you!"
"Hello," Eren said his greetings, going from the host to the other guests, and finally the fans. "Although the sun is warm and spring is around the corner, the cold air can still cause illness. Please think of me and wrap yourself tightly in your jacket."
His words were laced with a hint of warmth, causing the cheeks of many to redden from the casual flirting.
He's very good at his job as an idol. Keira stared at him in a daze. This was the person she had a crush on in her past life. He is still as dazzling as ever…
"OH LORD! Look at me blushing up a storm! How embarrassing!" When the crowd settled down, the host guided him to his seat and they chatted for a bit. "I'm curious about something, you can choose not to answer if the question is too much."
"I understand."
"Now that you're 18, any interest in finding yourself a sweetheart?" The question was very direct. It startled his fans seated here and watching from behind a screen.
"If I do end up falling for someone, yes." Eren didn't waste any time answering. His words were straightforward, causing the host to choke.
"Wha—Uh? I was not expecting that. I think I asked the wrong question!" He quickly gathered himself and continued, "Do you…currently have a sweetheart? Or perhaps, someone you find yourself to be interested in?"
"Um…no?"
"Hahahaha! How about this! A celebrity that fits your ideal type!"
"That would be you." Eren grinned, sending him hearts through his gaze. His words were playful and charming, making everyone blush.
"Where did that boyish nature go!? Making us blush with such words, I'm done speaking with you!" The host was very good at making things lighthearted. He coughed and sent a joking glare towards Eren. "This next guest is also good at making the heart flutter. The newly rising female idol dominating every song chart with her catchy tune! Please welcome the owner of the number one hit "In the Meadows," Selene Castillo!"
Screams, rivaling that of Eren's shook the stage. Her delicate smile and dainty walk made everyone's heart jump.
She wore a light nude sweater, soft and snuggly, knitted perfectly for her body. Her skirt was long with multiple layered pieces, making it fashionable and comfy. It was stylish yet homey, giving her the girl-next-door look that made all the guys swoon.
"Hi everyone!" Her eyes crinkled with her smile, making the already-lit stage even brighter. "I was very nervous before getting on stage, but seeing my brother and sister here, I'm filled with more courage! Oh! And my darling fans as well!"
She waved happily in their direction, this prompted the camera to follow her line of sight. The hearts of every girl nearly popped out of their chest at the sudden appearance of Matthew. His grin was wide and his eyes sparkled, waving back to his beloved sister.
Matthew noticed that the person beside him sat like a wooden doll, neither reacting nor caring about the situation. He quickly turned toward Keira, eyebrows quirking as he grabbed hold of her hands. One arm wrapped behind, lifting the left, while the other grabbed the right.
"Smile." His whisper was strained with annoyance. Keira glanced at him briefly, while he animatedly forced her to wave at Selene. The corner of her lips curved upwards, revealing a dazzling smile, playing along to the ridiculous act.
"What a family!" The host gasped with surprise, his eyes were filled with excitement as he scrutinized the two in their seats. "Having Matthew as your brother, yet you can still shine so bright, this is a testament to your charming nature!" He couldn't help but flatter the star of tonight's show.
"Not at all." Her cheeks reddened at the sudden compliments. The small movement of her hand gripping the hem of her sweater was adorable.
"Let's sit down for a better talk."
The camera no longer lingered on Keira and Matthew, she took this opportunity to push him off her, creating distance in an instant.
"You are currently 17, correct?"
"Yes, I'm 17."
"I heard your birthday is coming up soon, April 14th?" Seeing her nod, he continued, "You must be very excited about turning 18, and the college entrance exam is coming up next week, are you nervous?" Selene seemed a bit flustered by the question.
"Yes, I'm very nervous! Although, I feel like my sister would do well with hers." Attention was turned toward Keira again. "Like my sister, I also want to turn 18 quickly!"
The implications of those words were enough. For a graduate to be 18 before the school year ends was already odd in society. It was the social norm to enter your child into school at the age of two, that way they graduate around 17 and enter college at 18.
People often associate 18 or 19-year-olds, in their senior high school, as slower or problematic kids.
Did she do it on purpose?
Selene seemed blissfully unaware of what her words might have sounded like to the ears of the public. Her lips were still shyly smiling as she waved toward Keira again.
"Oh…" The host wasn't sure of what to say. His eyes scanned Keira and then Selene, switching back and forth until he finally asked the question he had in mind. "I, for sure, thought you two were twins. Not that you look the same, but because I heard a few things here and there."
Selene let out a giggle and continued with her sweet words. "We are twins…kind of. My dear Keira is considered the princess of our household, very dear to all our hearts."
"How so?" This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to glimpse the inner secrets of the Castillos. The host was not willing to end the topic at that, he urged her with more enthusiasm. "Is that why she is kept so well hidden from the world? It must be my past life's fortune to have a chance of seeing Miss Keira in person!"
"Well, that's…Mom and Dad told me not to talk about such things." She rubbed her hands nervously, contemplating whether she should be talking about this or not.
"I'll go kneel and beg for a whole week on behalf of you if you get into trouble with your parents!" His eager gaze along with the encouragement of the audience got to her. She couldn't bear them and relented.
"I suppose saying this is okay since it doesn't reveal much." The entire room had become dead silent. Everyone collectively held their breath as she continued, "It's because Keira was born with two moms!"
You call this not revealing much? Everyone collectively thought as they glanced at Keira with visible surprise written all over their faces.
Matthew unconsciously frowned.
Keira felt reality crumbling around her. The last bit of dignity and grace her family gave her had disappeared from that single sentence. Her innermost insecurity was now laid bare for the entire world to see—not from herself, but revealed by another.
It didn't matter how the program continued, none of that registered in Keira's mind. Her mind was only occupied by the past and truths of her birth.
Why did the questions change? Why did Selene answer them like that?
Even Selene from my past life knew better!
Keira couldn't fathom why such a change had occurred. The novel emphasizes this program as the spark of Selene and Eren's love story. The host should have asked about her romance, just like he did with Eren.
Is it because I'm here today? Because I accidentally changed something, am I now being punished for it?
Yesterday's debacle greatly influenced her appearance at the show today. She had never left school, returned home with the 'future me' paper, and was grounded for wanting to become an actress. Selene never begged for her to come, and she was never dragged here by Matthew.
Even so, how could she so casually ruin my life like this!?
Having two mothers? She might as well have said the truth! That I was a child born from surrogacy!
The stigma around an unnatural process of birth was extremely prevalent in their society. The people saw it as unethical to pay a woman to carry a child. It was seen as devaluing and treating women as livestock, only needed for such a demeaning act.
This was the reason why the Castillos had kept it hidden, even until her death, not once was this secret leaked. They fueled the rumors of Selene and Keira being twins, using the mouths of others to promote it as a fact. Only close inner circles and relatives knew the true story behind Keira's birth.
"Hey…" A pat on her cheek woke her from her thoughts. She was now at home, sitting on her bed.
Did the show end? When did I get here?
"Selene hasn't said much, so don't feel too strongly about it." Matthew had a conflicted look in his eyes. "You should eat something and head to bed. June will help you." He didn't stay after speaking, immediately leaving the room without even a glance at her.
Don't feel too strongly? Is he asking me to not blame Selene for the things she said?
"Miss!" June didn't waste a single moment, she entered with a tray of pasta. "Quickly eat and head to bed. I wonder if we should call the Doctor and have him come check on you. You are far too pale!"
"June…" She let out a soft sob, reaching out to hug the only person that cared about her.
"Miss?" June was overwhelmed by the sudden display of affection. Her eyes widen as he gently pats Keira's back. "You truly look unwell, let me inform the Master and have the Doctor come!"
"No…just stay here with me. Just for a moment, please…"
Her worried gaze brought about tears in Keira.
If June were still alive…Maybe I would have been able to overcome it all.