Ethan hurried into his car before he was called by his sister
"E, where are you headed?" She asked fully aware he was going to see that girl from the hospital
"I have a project with someone going to see my project partner so we can discuss it"
"You are the first person who has made me believe people can actually lie to their twins so simply"
"Since you already knew, why bother asking me?"
"Whenever you and that girl get things straight probably if you ever decide to ask her out and she agrees remember to bring me along" Ethel said with a sly smile
"It not what you think it is, as a matter of fact vesper and I aren't even friends yet" he said
"Make sure you don't branch the friend zone make it clear where you want to be put in to avoid further misunderstandings"
"Ethel quiet, mom is still home afterall"
"I know, I know, I won't say anything again wouldn't want her to face similar fate as reeka did"
"Can I leave now"
"Wait a minute, are you really going over to her place and how exactly do you even know where she lives?"
"Connections, remember to phone me as soon as he returns, bye love you "
"Tell her that"
"Ethel!!!" Ethan said as he sat at the passenger seat of his Audi 18 and asked the driver to move
__ __ __ __ __
Vesper stepped out of her mom's car, noticing a familiar figure leaning against a sleek, black vehicle. Ethan. His eyes locked onto hers, and he smiled.
"Hey," Ethan said, pushing off the car.
Sofia's curiosity sparked. "And who are you?"
Ethan extended his hand. "Ethan. We met at school. I'm a friend of Vesper's."
Sofia's gaze narrowed. "What brings you here?"
Ethan's confidence faltered. "I, uh, wanted to discuss school stuff with Vesper."
Just then, a luxury sedan pulled up behind Ethan's car. Julian and his father, Godfather Leonard, stepped out.
"Julian, you're also here?" Sofia asked, surprise etched on her face.
Godfather Leonard smiled warmly. "We were in the neighborhood. Thought we'd drop by."
Vesper's mind whirled. What was Ethan doing here? And why was Julian suddenly appearing?
As the group stood awkwardly, Ethan spoke up. "I was just about to ask Vesper about our school project."
Julian's eyes flicked to Ethan, then back to Vesper. "Project?"
Ethan nodded. "Yeah, we have a group assignment."
Godfather Leonard intervened. "Why don't we discuss this inside? It's getting chilly."
Sofia hesitated before inviting everyone in.
As they entered, Vesper's unease grew. What was Ethan's true motive? And what did Julian's sudden arrival mean?
Inside, the group settled into the living room, an air of tension hanging over them. Julian and Ethan kept exchanging threatening glances.
The silence became unbearable.
"Tell me something, Ethan," Julian said, his tone laced with skepticism. "What subject does this assignment actually come from?"
Ethan's smile faltered. "Uh, history."
Julian raised an eyebrow. "History? I wasn't aware we shared a class."
Vesper's eyes darted between them. What was Julian implying?
Godfather Leonard leaned forward. "Boys, let's not quiz each other. We're all friends here."
Sofia poured coffee, attempting to ease the tension. "So, Ethan, how's your family?"
Ethan's expression turned guarded. "They're...fine."
Julian snorted. "I'm sure they are."
Ethan's eyes flashed with anger.
Vesper sensed a deeper animosity between them.
"Julian, Ethan, let's focus on the project," Vesper intervened.
Julian leaned back, his gaze never leaving Ethan. "Of course, Vesper. We wouldn't want to disappoint our teacher."
The undercurrents of hostility and rivalry swirled, leaving Vesper uncertain.
What secrets lay hidden beneath their polite facades?
"I don't remember telling you, you were part of the project it's just *I and vesper*" Ethan said emphasizing on the I and vesper part
"Yeah yeah I know but I'm also in history class and I don't remember any projects or was it specifically delivered to the *Blackwood mansion* " Julian said with a smirk as he said the words blackwood and mansion
"Julian dear, did you just say blackwood " Sofia asked
"Yes Aunt" Julian replied
And the atmosphere in the room plummeted.
Sofia's eyes widened, her voice trembling. "Vesper I didn't know you were friends with the Blackwoods"
Godfather Leonard intervened, his tone calm but firm. "Sofia, it's okay. It's good that vesper now has friends"
Ethan's face darkened. "What's going on?"
Vesper's confusion deepened. "What do you mean mom"
"Is anything wrong Aunt" Julian asked as he scanned his dad and vesper's mom, he was sure they were hiding something but what was it and what does it have to do with the Blackwoods.
Suddenly Ethan phone rang and the caller id showed Ethel 😡 💖
"Yes mily" Ethan said as he picked up the phone
"Dad is angry he is waiting for you and the elder brother just returned" Emily said
"Dad's home?" Ethan said and excused himself.
"Mom what's wrong?" Vesper asked curious
"Nothing V" Sofia said as she went upstairs
Vesper's curiosity lingered. What was troubling her mom?
Julian's eyes narrowed. "Dad, what's going on? You and Aunt Sofia seem tense."
Godfather Leonard's expression turned guarded. "Just old family matters, son."
The air remained thick with unspoken secrets.
Ethan returned, his face pale.
"Everything okay?" Vesper asked.
Ethan nodded curtly. "Yeah."
Julian's gaze lingered on Ethan. "Dad, huh? Welcome home."
Ethan's eyes flashed with warning.
Vesper sensed a deeper rivalry.
Suddenly, Sofia descended the stairs, her eyes red-rimmed.
"Vesper, dear, I think it's time our guest left."
Godfather Leonard stood. "Of course, Sofia."
As they departed, Vesper noticed Ethan's hurried goodbye.
"What's wrong, Mom?" Vesper pressed.
Sofia's voice trembled. "Just promise me you'll stay away from the Blackwoods."
"What's wrong mom?"
"Don't ask questions you shouldn't, it's simple. Moreover I thought you didn't like mingling with people"
"Yes I didn't, but it was you, Godfather and Rachael who insisted I try and moreover Ethan and I aren't close I was also really surprised at his visit "
"Good, if you really want to hang out more with Julian he is a good kid from a good family but the Blackwoods aren't off limits" Sofia said standing her ground.
Vesper's heart raced. What secrets lay hidden?
End of chapter eight 😍🎱