The door burst open with a loud creak, the sound echoing through the quiet room. The man lying on the worn-out sofa stirred slightly, his eyelids fluttering as the unexpected noise pulled him from his thoughts. Although he was aware of the commotion, he didn't immediately make an effort to sit up.
With a lethargic movement, he slowly turned his head towards the entrance, his mind already anticipating the familiar figures he would see. As his eyes focused, he was met with the sight of his two sons, both with unruly hair and bright, shining eyes that twinkled with excitement. They mirrored each other in both appearance and spirit, radiating pure joy as they skipped towards him.
"Dad!" the first one exclaimed, with a voice that dripped with enthusiasm.
"Daddy!" the second echoed, grinning from ear to ear, making it impossible for him to ignore the sudden warmth blooming in his chest.
Kidlat and Zefhan, both five years old, bounded into the room where their father lay on the couch, a weary figure lost in thought. With bright eyes and vibrant energy, they called out excitedly to him. "Daddy!" chirped Kidlat, while Zefhan chimed in, "Dad!" Their voices were filled with the innocent cheerfulness that only young children possess, a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere that surrounded them.
But in moments when their father's emotions surfaced, the boys sensed a shift. Their exuberance would fade, replaced by an uncharacteristic seriousness. Even at such a young age, they were acutely aware of the weight of their father's struggles—a solitary man striving to keep them safe.
Despite their playful antics, Kidlat and Zefhan could feel the deeper currents of their father's distress. They had seen glimpses of his burdens, often caught off guard by the heaviness in his eyes whenever he thought they weren't looking.
They often see their father looking and tapping the old cellphone since they began understanding the world itself.
Waiting and hoping for a reply that never came, they noticed how their father seemed to grow accustomed to this strained silence, an unsettling image of resignation.
Determined to break through the gloom that seemed to settle over their father, the boys devoted themselves to making their father smile. They filled the mansion with their laughter, creating a world of joy that they hoped would chase away the shadows clinging to their father's heart.
Their father, the man who had brought them into this world, had done his best to provide for them, ensuring that they ate food or had necessities.
But they don't need to worry because they have a lot of food stacked in this lonely mansion where they are the only ones living in this.
"Babies, what's wrong?" Alrich spoke modestly. But the masculine voice was still there.
So Zefhan and Kidlat turned to each other. They both ods and their eyes spoke even though there was no need to speak.
They quickly approached where their father was. They grabbed his two arms and forced him to stand up from lying down on the couch.
Even though Alrich was wondering what his children were doing. He did nothing but follow them.
At the height of 180 cm, Alrich looked down at his children, who barely reached his thighs. At just five years old, Zefhan and his twin brother, Kidlat, were still on their way to growing tall, their small frames a stark contrast to their father's stature.
"Let's go outside, Dad!" Zefhan chirped excitedly, a sweet and gentle smile illuminating his face. A tiny mole beneath his right eye added a unique charm to his appearance.
"Yes! We have something really special to show you, Daddy!" the youngest twin chimed in, his voice filled with delight.
Alrich couldn't help but laugh at their eagerness, a warm feeling swelling in his chest as he watched their excitement. They quietly slipped out of the mansion, their footsteps soft against the cold marble floor, almost as if they were afraid of disturbing the silence that pervaded the grand hall.
Despite the challenges of raising two energetic boys, especially at such a young age, Alrich found immense joy in their existence. The past five years had tested his resilience and patience, but every moment had been worth it.
He gazed at his sons, unable to shake the overwhelming feeling whenever he was with them.
He felt a profound sense of belonging. This world, unfamiliar and daunting, became a comforting place as long as his children were by his side. The bond they shared was impenetrable, and he vowed to protect them fiercely.
Alrich would go to great lengths to ensure that no one—especially not their biological fathers—could take them away from him.
Yes, fathers.
Because it was only a year ago that he realized who Jin Linran and Jin Weilan were in his life.
But his husband. And like his children, they are also twins.
But he just can't figure out how their parents agreed to a marriage that should only be one.
Is it right for three person to get married?
Then how come they don't go home to the mansion anymore? Did they just leave the original Alrich Zane Falco in this isolated mansion?
What is their reason?
Alrich has many questions; he has to ask for an explanation from those in his contacts, but, no one texts him back.
So it immediately occurred to him that they might have changed their numbers or cellphones.
He also mentioned his intention to divorce the two individuals involved, yet despite his claims, no action was taken. Eventually, he chose to cease discussions surrounding the topic altogether, because it made no sense.
In addition, he took drastic measures to conceal their marriage certificate, ensuring that the kids didn't see it. He had stashed it away in a room located above the main living areas of the house, out of sight, and perhaps believing it was for the best.
Initially, he found it challenging to navigate the vastness of the mansion, which was both sprawling and designed like a labyrinth.
He was pregnant at that time, too, and the thought of climbing the numerous stairs was daunting, leading him to remain primarily on the ground floor, avoiding the upper levels altogether.
As the twins matured, they eventually gained the ability to understand their father's warnings and restrictions.
It was then that Alrich began to explore the entirety of the grand mansion, discovering hidden rooms and long-forgotten corners that had previously eluded them.
This exploration yielded significant findings for him. One of his lingering inquiries had been resolved—the Protagonists were indeed two, confirming his earlier suspicions.
However, there are still many unresolved mysteries that are waiting for him to be unsolved.