Eryx ᯓᡣ𐭩
I sat in the VIP area of the bar, sipping my drink, lost in thought. The evening had been a blur of loud music and clinking glasses, but my mind was elsewhere. I kept replaying the image of Evelia's smile from earlier in the day. It was a smile I hadn't seen in years-genuine, warm, and completely unexpected.
It was strange, really. I hated to admit it, but she had looked beautiful. The way she smiled, how her eyes softened, and the genuine interest she showed in that girl, Rhea... It was disorienting. Since her return, I hadn't seen her smile at anyone, not even remotely close to how she had smiled today. Seeing her like that made me miss the days when we were close, when things were simpler, before everything went so wrong.
Fuck.
My thoughts were interrupted when Cassian walked over, his presence breaking the bubble of my introspection. He sat down beside me, a grin plastered on his face.
"Still brooding over Evelia, huh?" he teased, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You've been quiet all night."
I looked at him, trying to mask my emotions. "I've just been thinking about curtain things."
Cassian raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Oh? What's got you all nostalgic?"
I shrugged, not really wanting to dive into the past too much. "Just seeing Evelia today, how she was with Rhea... It was different. I didn't expect her to be like that."
Cassian's grin widened. "You know, I heard she and Rhea are getting pretty chummy. Must be weird seeing her like that, considering how cold she usually is."
"Yeah, weird," I agreed, taking a sip of my drink. "But you know what's even weirder? You seem pretty interested in Rhea yourself."
Cassian's eyes widened slightly, and he chuckled. "Me? Interested in Rhea? You're imagining things."
"I don't know," I said, leaning back in my chair. "You've been pretty attentive around her. Just wondering if there's something going on."
Cassian shrugged, but I could see a flicker of something in his eyes-something he wasn't entirely ready to admit. "It's been a while since you showed interest in anyone."
Cassian laughed, shaking his head. "Well, maybe there's something there. Maybe not. Either way, it's not a big deal."
I nodded, though I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story. Cassian's interest in Rhea seemed genuine, but I couldn't ignore the way it intertwined with my own thoughts about Evelia. The way things used to be seemed like a distant memory, overshadowed by the complicated web of emotions that now surrounded us.
As Cassian continued to talk, I found my thoughts drifting back to Evelia, her smile, and the way she interacted with Rhea. It was unsettling, this mix of nostalgia and irritation. And now, with Cassian's interest in Rhea, it seemed like the past was catching up to us in ways I hadn't anticipated.
Cassian leaned back in his chair, casually swirling his drink. "So, how's everything going with the company? Must be a mess with Hades running it."
I tightened my grip on my glass, feeling a familiar surge of anger. "Everything's under control for now. I've got plans in place. Hades won't hold onto it for long."
I took a deep breath, my gaze steady. "It's only a matter of time before we can expose him for what he really is. He's already made a lot of enemies, and I intend to make sure he faces the consequences."
Cassian nodded, his expression serious.
A cold edge entered my voice as I spoke. "Hades will pay for what he did. My father's death wasn't just an attack on him-it was an attack on everything we stood for. I won't rest until Hades faces death for his actions."
Cassian's eyes held a knowing glint, but he said nothing further, his silence indicating his understanding of the gravity of my words. The tension between us was palpable, each of us fully aware of the stakes involved.
Cassian nodded, as if he had expected this. "And what about the revenge part? Is that still on your agenda?"
I took a deep breath, letting the words come out slowly. "Absolutely. Hades won't get away with what he did. Not just taking over the company, but everything else he's responsible for. He'll face the consequences for my father's death and for everything he's done."
Cassian gave a small, knowing smile. "I've no doubt you'll make sure of that. It's just a matter of time."
"Exactly," I said, my voice cold and resolute. "This isn't just about the company. It's personal. I'll make sure Hades pays for everything."
Cassian raised his glass in a slight toast. "To taking back what's yours, then."
I clinked my glass against his, a fierce determination in my eyes. "To revenge and redemption."
꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦
Evelia ᯓᡣ𐭩
I texted Rhea, letting her know I'll pick her up in an hour. The anticipation of spending more time with her stirs something in me-a mix of curiosity and a strange sense of responsibility.
After an hour, I pull up in front of Rhea's house, the engine purring softly as I wait. She comes out, looking slightly surprised but composed as she slides into the passenger seat.
"Hey," she says, closing the door. "Thanks for picking me up."
"No problem," I reply, keeping my tone casual as I start driving.
She fidgets slightly before turning to me with a curious expression. "So... I have to ask. How did you get my number? I don't remember giving it to you."
I glance at her, a small smile playing on my lips. "I have my ways."
She raises an eyebrow, still looking puzzled. "That's not an answer, Evelia."
I let out a soft chuckle. "Let's just say I'm resourceful."
She narrows her eyes at me, clearly not entirely convinced but deciding not to press further. "Well, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. You seem like the type who gets what she wants."
I don't respond immediately, just keeping my eyes on the road. "Sometimes," I finally say, my tone thoughtful. "But sometimes what you want isn't what you expected."
She falls silent at that, perhaps sensing the weight behind my words. As we continue driving, I can feel her watching me out of the corner of her eye, still trying to figure me out.
We arrive at the restaurant, and after we're seated, I quickly glance over the menu. I already know what Rhea likes, so when the waiter comes by, I order a few of her favorite dishes without hesitation.
Rhea looks at me with surprise as the waiter leaves. "You ordered all my favorites," she says, her tone a mix of curiosity and disbelief. "How did you know?"
Not wanting to reveal too much, I replied "Coincidence, maybe. I like them too." Then, before she can ask more questions, I shift the focus back to her. "But tell me, do you like these dishes?"
She looks at me for a moment, she nods, a smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, I do. It's just surprising, that's all. You're full of surprises, Evelia."
I nod, keeping my expression neutral. "I suppose I am."
As we continue our conversation, I make sure to steer it towards her interests, getting to know her better without revealing just how much I already know.
The food arrives, and I glance at the dishes laid out before us. I try to keep my expression neutral as I take a bite, even though it's not something I particularly enjoy. But I ordered it because Rhea likes it, and that's what matters right now.
Rhea looks at me curiously, noticing the slight change in my expression. "Are you okay, Evelia?" she asks, concern lacing her voice.
I nod quickly. "Yeah, I'm fine."
But Rhea doesn't seem convinced. She tilts her head slightly, studying me. "You sure? You don't seem like you're enjoying the food."
Caught, I hesitate for a moment before I answer. "I usually like these dishes... if my mom makes them." It's a lie, but one that feels easier to say than admitting the truth.
Rhea looks surprised by my response, but she doesn't press further. Instead, she offers me a sympathetic smile. "I get it. Home-cooked meals always have that special touch, don't they?"
"Yeah," I agree, keeping my tone light. "There's just something about the way she makes it."
Rhea smiles softly at that, and we continue eating. The conversation shifts to other topics, and I find myself relaxing, even as I stay mindful of every word I say.
After we finish eating, Rhea excuses herself to go to the restroom. I watch her leave, then glance around the restaurant, but something in me can't fully relax. I pay the bill and wait for her. Minutes pass, and I start to get an uneasy feeling. She's been gone too long.
I stand up, heading towards the restroom, my steps quickening with a growing sense of urgency. As I near the hallway leading to the restrooms, I hear a voice, a man's voice, low and insistent, and Rhea's tense response.
I round the corner to find a guy standing too close to Rhea, his hand gripping her arm as she tries to pull away.
"Let go of me!" Rhea demands, her voice tight with fear.
The guy just chuckles, leaning in closer. "Don't be like that. We're just getting to know each other."
My cold demeanor turns to ice as I step forward, my voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "Is there a problem here?"
The guy looks up, surprised to see me. "Who are you?" he sneers, but his grip on Rhea doesn't loosen.
"Let her go," I say, my voice calm but laced with an unspoken threat.
He looks me up and down, then smirks. "Or what? You think you can-"
I don't give him a chance to finish. In one swift motion, I grab his wrist, twisting it sharply until he yelps in pain and releases Rhea. But instead of backing off, he lashes out, throwing a punch in my direction.
I sidestep easily, catching his fist mid-air with my other hand. I twist his arm behind his back, forcing him down to his knees with a practiced movement that leaves him struggling.
"Let me make this clear," I say, my voice low and dangerous as I lean in close to his ear. "If you ever try something like this again, you'll regret it."
He grunts, trying to pull free, but I apply more pressure, making him wince in pain. "Alright, alright! Let go!"
I release him, shoving him away from Rhea and stepping back. He stumbles, glaring at me with a mix of anger and fear before he scurries away, muttering curses under his breath.
As we step outside, Rhea takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She turns to me, her eyes wide with a mix of gratitude and shock. "Thank you, Evelia. I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't shown up."
I nod, giving her a reassuring look. "You're safe now. That's what matters."
Rhea seems to study me for a moment, still processing what just happened. "I had no idea you could... fight like that. Where did you learn to do that?"
I shrug slightly, trying to downplay it. "Just something I picked up along the way."
She shakes her head in disbelief. "No, seriously. You were amazing in there. I've never seen anyone move that fast."
"I've had practice. Let's just say I don't like to rely on anyone else for protection."
Rhea continues to look at me with a mixture of admiration and awe. "I'm glad you were there. I wouldn't have known what to do."
"You don't have to worry about that," I say, my voice firm yet gentle. "As long as I'm around, no one's going to hurt you."
Her expression softens, and she gives me a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Evelia. Really."
"Anytime," I reply, keeping my tone casual despite the seriousness of the situation. "Now, let's get you home."
As we walk towards the car, I can feel Rhea's gaze flicker towards me every now and then, still processing the side of me she just witnessed. I keep my focus ahead, my mind already shifting to what else I need to do to keep her safe-and to learn more about the sister I've finally found.
꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶ ๋ ࣭ ⭑꒷꒦
When I get home, the Vila is quiet, save for the soft hum of the chandelier lights in the hallway. As I walk into the living room, I see Hades sitting on one of the leather couches, sipping a glass of wine. My mother is beside him, flipping through a magazine.
They both look up as I enter. Hades sets down his glass, a small smile playing on his lips. "Evelia, good to see you. How was your evening?"
I shrug nonchalantly, settling into a couch across from them "Eventful," I reply, keeping it vague.
He raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued, but doesn't press further. "I wanted to talk to you about something," he says, leaning back. "There's a business party in a few days. It's to celebrate a recent success, and it'll be a good opportunity for you to meet some important people. Media will be there too, of course. You know how they love a good story-especially when it involves our family.
I glance at him, noting the careful way he frames it, like he's trying to sell me on the idea. "I'm sure they'll be thrilled," I say dryly. "Nothing like being paraded around for the cameras."
My mother looks up from her magazine, giving me a pointed look. "Evelia, it's important. You've been away for so long. People need to see you're back, that you're part of this family and the business."
My eyes softened as I looked at her. Keep my tone even, I replied. "I'm aware, Mom. I just hope it's worth all the fuss."
Hades chuckles, clearly amused by my attitude. "It will be. And besides, it's a good chance for you to show everyone that you've grown into your role. You'll be the center of attention, which-let's be honest, you've always handled well."
I held back the smirk before it could reach my lips. I leaned back on the cousin "I'll be there."
My mother gives me a soft, knowing smile. "Just be yourself, darling. That's more than enough."
I nod, giving her a small, appreciative smile before turning my attention back to Hades. "Anything else I need to know? Or is this just a heads-up that I'm going to be put on display?"
He waves a hand dismissively. "Just a heads-up, for now. I'll have more details closer to the event."
"Great," I say, standing up. "Let me know if you need me to do anything special."
"Nothing, just be there and look the part."
"I think I can manage that," I reply, my tone light but with an underlying sharpness. With that, I turn and head up to my room, leaving them to their evening.
As I reach my room, I close the door behind me and let out a breath. The conversation plays back in my mind, and I can't help but feel the layers of deception that linger under the surface. Hades may think he's in control, but he doesn't know how much I already know.
And soon, I'll make sure he realizes that.
As I settle into my room, my thoughts drift back to Rhea. The realization that she's my twin sister still feels surreal, But now that I've found her, the question of what to do next looms over me.
I pace the room, my mind racing. I should tell her. She has a right to know. But how do you drop something like that on someone? Especially someone like Rhea, who's just starting to trust me.
Then there's the business party. Hades will be focused on showing me off to his associates and the media, but it could be the perfect opportunity to introduce Rhea to mom.
I stop pacing, leaning against the window as I look out at the city lights below.
I'll tell her about our father, about the life we were supposed to have together, and about how I've been looking for her all these years.
I push away from the window, my resolve hardening. This is it. I've found my sister, and I'm not going to lose her again. I'll tell her the truth, and I'll bring her into my world- our world.
Rhea deserves to know who she really is. And I'm going to make sure she does.
The party is in a few days, I should tell Rhea the truth before that...
The sound of the ringing if my phone interrupted my thoughts. I picked up the call. "Miss, Allis" the voice came from the other side. "He's dead" A satisfying smile crossed my lips. "Good" with this I hung up.
How dare a useless shit like you touch my sister. I would've killed him at the spot but I didn't want to scare Rhea away. She's innocent and naive. She isn't ready for my this side. I can't lose her now that she has started to trust me.