The Twins Obsession

CHAPTER 2

After washing the plates, Diana grabbed my hand and led me upstairs and into her bedroom. It felt like it’s been so long since I last entered her room. We used to share one until she demanded to have her own when we turned seven. She kept complaining to dad that I cling to her whenever we sleep and that it annoyed my darling twin sister because I kept smacking her. Diana thinks I’m doing it on purpose just to annoy her, but I told them so many times that I don’t remember hurting her when I’m deep in my sleep.

Daddy told me that it might be some sort of sleep disorder, and they wanted to get it to check by the doctor. But I refused as I hated going to the hospital. As much as I wanted to go outside, it would never be on my bucket list to visit a place such as a hospital. Just the smell of the disinfectant—so strong and nauseating makes my stomach churn. Besides, the sight of the pure white wherever I look just crept the s**t out of me.

Pushing me inside her room, Diana closed the door behind her and grinned at me. “Kurt just got a phone.”

I raised a brow at her. “What does that have to do with getting out of the—” I froze, quickly realizing what my sister was talking about. “You’re not thinking of using Kurt, are you?”

Diana loved Kurt to death. It was a well-known fact that the Blaise were loyal to their first love, and I could only fear for the worst as Kurt was already so in love with my sister that he’s ready to do absolutely anything to be with her. And even if I wanted to tell her that Kurt’s affection could be a little bit dangerous, as he had a one-track mind and doesn’t see anything, Diana was just as blind like him. They’re like horses with blinders. And it doesn’t excuse us that we’re still young and naïve about love. That’s bullshit. Our parents were never shy in showing how much they loved their partners—both the Blaise and the Romans were not shy in showing their love no matter who’s in the room. It couldn’t count how many times I walked into our parents about to make love as if they don’t share the same house with someone else.

And witnessing their behavior, we’d been exposed to what’s it like to be so madly in love with someone. That even at our young age, we recognize our feelings and were more mature about it than other kids who think it’s just some puppy love or something petty as that.

Diana and Kurt were meant to be lovers and everyone in our family was rooting for them. If ever they get married in the future, that would unite the Blaise and the Romans and imagine how powerful their kids would be because of what their family was.

It’s terrifying.

Nevertheless, I kept my mouth shut about Diana and Kurt. She turns into this massive b***h whenever I tease Kurt as he was so easy to make fun of. The i***t had no backbone, and even Diana was the bossier one in their relationship. She’d never think twice to hit me the second Kurt burst into crying because of my teasing. Was it my fault that her boyfriend’s a crybaby?

“I’m surprised Kurt even knows how to use a phone,” I murmured to myself. Fortunately, Diana didn’t hear me as she was too busy with her phone. She’s probably already sending messages to Kurt. “When did he even get one?” I asked loudly.

“A few months ago,” she said. Right, I forgot she’s been holding her phone as if it was her lifeline the second, we returned from New York.

“A gift from his parents?” I inquired.

“Yeah, I asked Earl if he could buy Kurt a phone of his own. He never wanted one but kept borrowing his dad’s phone.”

I eyed her, amused. “And Earl said yes?”

“Yeah, Kurt never really needs it since he doesn’t go out and doesn’t have any friends at all, except us. But after teaching him how to use a phone, he liked it and insisted on borrowing Earl’s to text me,” Diana explained to me while wearing a passionate smile. She’s truly in love with Kurt that everything he does would be adorable to her.

“He didn’t even think he can have a phone of his own?” I asked, scoffing. That’s Kurt for sure. I felt bad that he’s so sheltered thanks to his overprotective parents. He had a weak body and going out would sometimes make him sick for days. It was hell for Matthias and Earl who were also busy handling the Blaise group.

“He’s been busy painting. That’s his new hobby,” Diana said proudly.

I raised a brow. “Oh, painting, huh?” I would never think there’s creative blood in the Blaise family. They’re smart, for sure. They wouldn’t be ruling the underground world for decades if they’re dumb. But then again, they’re intellectually gifted—picking up a new hobby and be talented enough to excel even without exerting much effort was normal for anyone who had the Blaise family. “Godly genes, I told you,” I said, snickering at Diana.

She grinned at me. “I know!” she said. “Look, Kurt just replied.” Showing me her phone, I could only laugh at how formal Kurt’s messages were.

From Kurt

Yes, I’m doing well.

I had a cold last night, but I’m much better now.

I can ask dad to invite you again.

I miss you so much. I wish you’re here with me.

I gagged after reading the last part. “Is he trying to be a poet? Why is he texting like he’s sending you a love letter?”

Diana rolled her eyes at me. “It’s because you can’t relate. You’re going to be single for the rest of your life.”

I hit her on the arm. “I’m just not interested in whatever you two idiots have,” I retorted.

“Just expect a text from Earl inviting us,” Diana said while wiggling her brows at me. “If it’s Kurt, I highly doubt he’ll say no.”

I couldn’t agree with her. Sure, Kurt rarely asks requests from his parents. He’s shy and aloof. Having fathers’ who were too busy to take care of him, I wouldn’t be surprised if Kurt feels alienated in his own family. Matthias and Earl’s attention was always on Hiro.

I can relate to Kurt in that matter.

“Are you sure about that?” I asked, voicing out my concern. “Didn’t he just say he was sick?”

Diana pouted. “Right. Just don’t expect too much.”

I smiled a little. I appreciate her effort in helping me, even if she’s doing this just to see Kurt again.

A knock on the door made the two of us jump. Diana almost threw her phone as if we were just caught doing something illegal.

“W-what is it?!” she asked, her voice cracking.

“Is Kurt in there?”

Damn, it’s daddy.

Diana snapped her head at me, her eyes piercing. “Play it cool,” she mouthed to me.

“I know,” I said.

Standing up, I walked to the door and opened it. Daddy stood in front of me, his gaze going past my shoulder to see Diana sitting on her bed. I don’t know what kind of face she’s making, but I could only imagine she’s looking at daddy with that huge grin of her as if telling our parents were not up to something when we’re clearly up to something.

But instead of interrogating us, daddy let it go. “How about we go out tomorrow?” he asked, a little smile appearing on his face.

I raised a brow. “What?” Go where? Was he inviting me to go for a swim? I’m not really in the mood. Dad would be leaving tomorrow, and I’m still not done sulking. I’m sure a huge fight would only break between us as I didn’t want him to leave without taking me.

“Just a little…picnic,” he said, forcing a crooked smile at me.

This was strange. Ever since their black-market business started, my sister and I were never allowed to leave this villa where we live as the majority of the island had been turned into factories. There had been men personally picked by Alexi to send here and work for my parents. A lot of them were also like us—hiding from the world as they’re being targeted by their enemies. This place became a safe place for this kind of people, and in exchange for hiding here, they agreed to work for the Romans.

“Where?” I asked.

“Outside.”

“Outside where?”

Daddy’s lips curled into a smile, amused. I trust them with all my life, but at times like this, I couldn’t help but be suspicious.

“The yacht,” he said. “We can watch movies, play games, whatever you want.”

My ears perked. The yacht, huh? We had a few since my parents loved living in luxury. Some of those fancy yachts were gifted to dad by the Blaise. Sometimes, when we’re bored, daddy would take us for a ride around the island. Diana and I would spend the rest of the day diving to see the marine wildlife and it’d always cure me of boredom.

But…

I pouted at him. “I will. But I still want to leave.” I was being stubborn, I knew that. But I’m not backing down.

Daddy smiled at me. “I know,” he said, caressing my hair. “But this is all I can do, Dylan.”

--

Dad had already left the island when I woke up. He purposely didn’t wait for me to wake up. He knew I would throw a tantrum.

Damn it! Why did I wake up so late?

I came running down the stairs, still in my pajamas. “Where’s dad?!” I asked the second I appeared by the kitchen doorway.

“Oh, good morning, Dy!”

It was Dominik, Alexi’s son. “Why are you here?” I asked.

It shouldn’t be a surprise to see him here. Dominic would always visit us when he had nothing better to do outside. He and daddy were business partners. He was never shy about his admiration towards my parents as he was always ecstatic to see them.

“Should I have a reason to be here?” he retorted.

I rolled my eyes at him. “Whatever. Where’s dad?”

“He already left,” Dominic said, flashing me a grin. “Dad came here with me, and they went back to New York together.”

I grunted out loud. “F*ck!”

Dominic dropped his cheerful demeanor and glared at me. “Hey, no cursing, kid.”

“I don’t care!” I yelled at him. I looked at him from top to bottom, taking note of how hideous that pink apron was on him. Dominik’s always doing his best to receive praises from daddy as if he’s living for his sake, it was annoying. “And you look stupid wearing that apron, Dominik.”

His face turned red, annoyed that I still noticed what he’s wearing while cooking. “Shut it, brat!”

I found daddy in the living room, watching television. Thanks to the technology provided to us here on the island, we’re able to use Golberg’s signal, the nearest civilization to us to watch the latest news happening around the world.

Daddy noticed me walking to him, my nostrils flared. “Dad didn’t even tell me he’s leaving?!”

“You were fast asleep, Dylan. He didn’t want to wake you up,” he said, unruffled by my screaming.

“But he could have at least…I don’t know, wake me up!” I said as I threw my arms up in the air in frustration.

Daddy turned the television off and faced me. “And what? So, you can be the stubborn brat that you are and demand to come with him?”

I hated it when he gets sarcastic with me. He’s very good at letting other people feel how stupid they were in his presence. But I’m not giving up, not until I get what I wanted. “You’re so selfish!” I cried out.

Was it really that hard to just fly me to Germany and allow me to stay with the Gunthers until I’m ready to go home and be with them? Dominik’s able to do that, and he’s closely affiliated with daddy. Wasn’t his life supposed to be in danger too? If I were to know better, I’m sure Dominik was important to my parents as he was their partner in handling their black-market business. Maybe, he’s more important than me and Diana. Dominik was far more useful than us, after all. Then why in the hell was Dominik able to leave the island at any time he wanted?

Ugh, I’m so upset right now I couldn’t think rationally.

“Are you done acting like a spoiled brat, Dylan?”

I shuddered. I recognized that tone of voice from daddy. He’s far from amused. He’s angry. And it’s terrifying as dad rarely gets angry.

I was about to dash out of the room and hide somewhere on the island but daddy’s glare stopped me from going.

“Sit down,” he ordered.

I didn’t need to be told twice. I’m not that callous not to know when to stop being a hysterical i***t when daddy’s making that face. Sometimes, it’s so easy to forget that he was once a very dangerous man who managed to terrorize a country because of how powerful his influence was. Daddy was just so forgiving every time I throw an attitude, and as much as he loved Clark, I’m sure that he adored me and Diana too.

Unlike dad whose attention is always on my older brother.

“Sorry,” I said, looking down on the floor. I was ashamed of my behavior, but I just couldn’t stop. I didn’t want to stay another minute in this house. I’m so ready to go out and explore and find myself and what my purpose was. “I’m just…frustrated.”

“I know,” daddy said. “But you also need to understand our situation, Dylan. This is the life I can provide for you.”

I had the sudden urge to tell him that this wasn’t my choice, but I’d rather bite my tongue than say it out loud. I should be thankful for having this kind of life. My parents fought hard to reach this point in their lives, and as rewards, we were conceived to be their children. They give us everything we needed and wanted, and I should be grateful that I had that kind of parents. As opposed to Hiro who had to carry his father’s burden, Diana and I had it easy. It’s not like our fathers’ demand us to take over their business or something like that. This was more of a hobby for them rather than a passion. They couldn’t possibly think they would spend the rest of their time on this island doing nothing.

That would bore them.

The same thing that’s happening to me.

I’m young. My parents had already experienced a lot in this world for their age while I’m just starting.

“I just want…to do something for myself,” I murmured.

It’s difficult for me to open up my feelings especially if it’s Daddy I’m facing. It’s not that I don’t trust him, I just felt like he’s not going to understand my sentiments as he could be detached and cold at times. But right now, I didn’t mind telling him what’s really on my mind. Maybe then, he’d understand why I’m adamant about leaving.

Daddy stared at me for the longest time. Standing up, he stretched his arm to offer his hand to me. I looked at him with a raised brow, confused. “How about we go to the yacht, huh?”

“What? Right now?”

I haven’t even washed my face or eaten breakfast yet. I realized how stupid I was for losing my temper so early in the morning. It’s no wonder dad chose not to wake me up. He knew I’m going to do this, and instead of enduring my nasty attitude, he left without saying a word.

“Yes, we can stay there overnight. Dominik said there’s going to be a meteor shower tonight. How about we wait for it, huh?” daddy offered, smiling kindly at me.

It’s not rare for us to see one on the island though the thought of spending time with dad while watching a meteor shower sounded too nice to say no to. “Okay,” I said, pouting.

“I’ll tell Dominik to prepare something for us. Get your things and we’ll go.”

--

“You’re going to watch a meteor shower? I want to go,” Dominik said.

His whining was annoying, but daddy always finds it adorable to watch the guy act like a kid when he’s clearly not. Although it’d be hard for other people to understand that this man was one of the few people who managed the Romans black-market business, I could see why our parents trust him to this extent. Amidst his childish behavior, Dominik could be shrewd when he wanted to. His charm would always captivate people’s attention. It’s so easy for him to light up the room with his face and cheery attitude that one might look past his real intentions.

“Yes, and you’re not coming with us,” I said, sticking my tongue out at him.

Dominik pouted. “Why? I came here to spend time with you guys and you’re just leaving me here?”

Daddy was busy talking on the phone, probably to one of his employees about work. I waited for him in the kitchen where Dominik was preparing lunch for us to take to the yacht. I hated admitting it, but this guy could cook. It’s so delicious that I couldn’t help but think he’s putting some sort of potion to make it taste this heavenly.

The seafood platter he’s preparing for us looked so damn good. Even if I spent my life eating nothing but fish, Dominik’s cooking was just too good that I’d never get tired of eating the same thing over and over again.

“How long are you going to stay?” I asked, munching the stick of celery that Dominik cut up for the side dishes.

“About a week or two,” he said, grinning at me. “Lucas is with dad, so I need to stay here with you guys until they come back to pick me up.”

“What? Your dad doesn’t want to leave you alone too? Aren’t you old enough to be a responsible son?” I teased, wiggling my eyebrows at him.

Dominik giggled. “Dad’s just worried I might set the house on fire.”

I shrugged my shoulders. “Yeah, I can imagine you doing that,” I said.

“That or I might get abducted and sold to the Mafia, you know, the usual stuff,” he said, snickering at me.

Ugh, as if the Mafia could even do something to Alexi. His mysterious organization had been profiting serving the same kind of people who wanted out. “Why? Is someone targeting you?”

It was just a stupid question, something I didn’t even think hard. But Dominik’s face changed—from calm to serious in a snap. “Yes,” he said.

I froze. “What?”

“I’ve started a business with the Blaise. And someone’s not happy.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Have you met the Blaise twins?”

I gulped.

--