TWISTED ROMANCE

DON JULIO'S MANSION

Chapter 5

Don Julio's mansion.

The Don Julio estate was a grand testament to the family's wealth and legacy. Cado Don Julio, the patriarch, stood in his study, gazing at a portrait of his late wife, Angel. She had been his everything, and her passing had left a void in his life. Angel had given birth to their son, Bryan, and had passed away two years later.

Bryan, now a young man in his mid-twenties, had grown into a handsome individual with chiseled features and piercing hazel eyes. However, a tragic accident during a business outing had left him crippled, forcing him to rely on a cane for mobility. His loyal bodyguard, Ryder, was always by his side, pushing him around the estate in his wheelchair.

Five years after Angel's passing, Cado married Lily, a kind-hearted woman who brought joy and love into their lives. Or so it seemed. Unbeknownst to Cado, Lily was hiding a deep secret. She had been having an affair with none other than Alex Williams.

Lily gave birth to Stephan, Bryan's younger brother. There was a five-year age gap between the two brothers, with Bryan being the older one. However, Lily's affection was not equally distributed. She favored Stephan, often praising him in front of Cado, while Bryan's achievements were overlooked.

The elevator doors slid open, and Ryder pushed Bryan's wheelchair into the hallway. As they emerged, they nearly collided with Lily, who was descending the stairs. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the air was charged with tension.

Lily's gaze narrowed slightly as she took in Bryan's imposing figure, her eyes lingering on the wheelchair before meeting his. "Where have you been?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of annoyance.

Bryan didn't bother looking up, his eyes fixed on the floor ahead as Ryder pushed him forward. "I'm busy," he muttered, his tone curt.

Lily's expression darkened, her eyes flashing with irritation. "Bryan, I'm talking to you," she called out, her voice rising.

But Bryan didn't respond, his wheelchair gliding smoothly across the floor as Ryder expertly maneuvered it. They moved swiftly, leaving Lily standing alone in the hallway, her eyes blazing with displeasure.

Despite the tension between Bryan and Lily, the bond between Bryan and Stephan remained strong. Despite being stepbrothers, they were incredibly close, their brotherhood forged through shared experiences and genuine affection. Lily's attempts to drive a wedge between them had been unsuccessful, and Cado often found himself grateful for the strong bond between his sons.

However, Lily's disapproval of Bryan was evident, and Cado sometimes found himself caught in the middle, torn between his love for his son and his loyalty to his wife. Little did he know, Bryan's instincts about Lily were spot on – there was indeed more to her than met the eye.

As Bryan and Ryder disappeared from view, Stephan emerged from the shadows, a concerned expression on his face. "Mom, where have you been? I've been looking all over for you," he said, rushing to her side.

But before she could respond, Lily let out a dramatic cry, pretending to have tripped and fallen. "Oh no, oh no!" she wailed, clutching her ankle in mock pain.

Stephan's eyes narrowed slightly as he rushed to help her. "Mom, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism.

Lily sobbed, her voice trembling. "Brian's bodyguard pushed me to the floor as I tried to ask him how he was and where he's been. He's been ignoring my calls, and now this..."

But Stephan wasn't buying it. He knew his mother's tactics all too well. "Mom, stop it. You have to stop this," he said firmly, his eyes locked on hers. "Brian hasn't done anything wrong to you, and I know he wouldn't push you to the floor. I know this is all one of your games."

Lily's face reddened with anger, but Stephan continued, his voice unwavering. "Let's get you inside, Mom. You don't want to make a scene."

As Stephan helped Lily to her feet and led her away, Ryder watched from a distance, a knowing glint in his eye. It was clear that Stephan saw right through his mother's antics, and Bryan's suspicions about her were not unfounded.