The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, but Sebastian's mind was elsewhere, replaying the bitter conversation with Mrs. Catherine. Every word she'd said echoed in his head like a mocking reminder of the life they were forced to live. His real mother, locked away in her own home, was a secret shame his father and Mrs. Catherine refused to acknowledge.
His phone buzzed, snapping him out of his thoughts. It was a message from Rae.
Rae: "I'm at the airport. Just landed. Come get me, twinnie."
A rare smile broke across Sebastian's face. Despite everything, Rae's return felt like a light piercing through the dark chaos of their family. Quickly, he typed his response.
Sebastian: "I'll be there in 30 minutes."
The sleek black car purred through the bustling city streets as Sebastian made his way to the airport. He thought about how much had changed since they'd last seen each other. Kingsworth Academy, their complicated family, the twisted web of expectations—it was all so exhausting. But Rae was his twin, his other half. If anyone could make sense of the mess, it was her.
As he pulled up to the airport, his eyes immediately caught sight of Rae. She stood at the curb, a small black suitcase beside her, her posture as confident as ever. Yet, there was something in her eyes that hinted at a new depth—something he couldn't quite place.
Sebastian parked and stepped out of the car. Rae's face lit up when she saw him.
"Twinnie!" she called out, running toward him with her arms open.
Sebastian laughed softly, pulling her into a tight embrace. "You're finally back," he said quietly, holding her like he'd never let go.
Rae smiled against his shoulder. "I missed you, Seb."
"Missed you more," he replied, pulling back slightly to look at her. "How was England?"
"It was... fine," Rae said with a shrug, her smile faltering slightly. "But I'm glad to be home."
Sebastian nodded, grabbing her suitcase. "Let's get out of here. You need to see Mom."
"I just need to use the restroom first," Rae said, glancing toward the airport's entrance.
"I'll wait here," Sebastian replied.
As Rae entered the restroom, she paused when she heard muffled voices. Moving toward the sink, she glanced into the mirror and caught sight of Jeffrey—her ex-boyfriend—kissing a girl in the corner. She quickly averted her gaze and hurried out, her heart pounding.
Outside, she forced a calm smile as she walked back to Sebastian. "I'm fine," she said when he raised an eyebrow at her slightly flushed face.
"Let's go," he said, opening the car door for her.
The drive home was quiet, filled with the comfortable silence only twins could share. Rae gazed out the window, lost in her thoughts. She was both excited and nervous to return home. The house was a strange place—full of grandeur but weighed down by the family's unspoken tensions.
When they arrived at the sprawling mansion, Rae took a deep breath. The house stood as it always had: immaculate and imposing. The maids greeted them at the door with polite bows, their faces carefully neutral.
"Welcome home, Miss Rae," one of them said as she reached for Rae's suitcase.
"Thanks, Claire," Rae replied with a small smile, stepping into the marble-floored foyer.
The house smelled of freshly polished wood and the faint floral perfume their mother always wore. Rae's gaze instinctively darted toward the grand staircase, where she expected to see her father, President Smith. But the space was empty.
"Where's Mom?" Rae asked, setting her bag down.
"In the sunroom," Sebastian replied, his tone tight. He didn't need to say more. Rae knew their mother's life was confined to the house. While she was allowed luxuries and comfort, she was never permitted to step outside—a rule enforced by their father and Mrs. Catherine.
When Rae stepped into the sunroom, she saw her mother seated by the window, her hands delicately folding a scarf. The sunlight streaming in framed her face, making her look ethereal and fragile.
"Mom," Rae said softly.
Her mother looked up, her face breaking into a radiant smile. "Rae, my darling." She stood, opening her arms wide as Rae ran to her, burying her face in her shoulder.
"I missed you," Rae whispered, her voice cracking slightly.
"I missed you too," her mother replied, stroking Rae's hair. "It's been too long."
Sebastian appeared in the doorway, leaning against the frame as he watched them. He gave his mother a faint smile, his usual stoicism softening.
"Dinner will be ready soon," a maid announced, interrupting the moment.
"We'll be there," Sebastian said, his tone sharp enough to dismiss her. He turned to Rae. "Let's get you settled before Father decides to make his grand entrance."
At dinner, the family sat around the massive dining table. Their father, President Smith, was at the head, his expression as unreadable as ever. Mrs. Catherine sat to his right, her cold gaze flickering between Rae and Sebastian.
"It's good to have you back, Rae," their father said, his tone devoid of warmth. "You've done well representing the family overseas."
"Thank you, Father," Rae replied, keeping her tone polite but detached.
Mrs. Catherine, however, remained silent, her eyes narrowing as Rae smiled at Sebastian.
The tension was palpable, but Rae was determined not to let it ruin her first night back. No matter how twisted their family dynamics were, she knew one thing for certain—she and Sebastian would always have each other's backs. And together, they would face whatever storms came their way.