The Twins Obsession

CHAPTER 1

“Why am I not allowed to come with dad?” I asked, glaring at my father whose face never changed for once. I had already lived on this Earth for ten years and still, this man, Mikhail Roman, remained his youthful glow like he had achieved immortality. 

I tried not to show my fear when he stared at me while putting the plates down on the table. Diana was so busy with her iPad that she didn’t even know what was happening. 

Damn it.

Why did I even open my big mouth to ask something that would ground me for days? Maybe even months. I knew my father too well. He doesn’t speak much and showed zero emotions all of the time as it was reserved for his husband and my other father, Lucas. Sure, daddy knew how to handle his children. He would spoil us like there’s no tomorrow, and he would be sweet when he wanted to. But those moments were rare, especially now that he’s preoccupied with his job. 

What job you may ask? You might think I’m lying if I say both my parents were once a member of the Mafia. 

Astonishing, right? 

But my whole family was involved with the mob. My daddy, Mikhail Roman, was the former Pakhan of the Russian Mafia. I heard from dad that he had a terrifying reputation and that a lot of people feared daddy because of how ruthless he was when he was still the Pakhan. As for my other father, Lucas Roman, he was trained to become an assassin to avenge his parents who were kidnapped by daddy’s enemies. It sounded like a story that came from a movie, but to think that it was all real, was just mindboggling. 

Dad told me all about them at such a young age that I failed to understand the danger of our lives. It explained why we had to hide on this island, as my parents were fugitives.

I might sound like a brat for complaining. This place had everything amidst its remoteness. Electricity, food, shelter—we even had our own towers and satellites to provide the connection we needed to communicate outside. It’s been years since my parents had purchased this island, and Alexi, daddy’s supposed to be benefactor helped funded this place to make it so that we wouldn’t need to leave to get what we needed to live. 

I witnessed the island growing into the empire that my parents built. They’d been leading the black-market industry for years now after establishing the island as their base to create different kinds of medicines, illegal drugs, and of course, weapons that could only be bought in places like this. The demand for daddy’s creation was high, and with the help of the Blaise family and other people involved in the black-market business, they managed to distribute it across the world without even stepping out of this place.

Diana and I were not allowed to step in that place—what’s beyond the jungle was off-limits. We haven’t seen where they produce all this stuff. Several men were guarding the entrance to go further deeper into the woods where my parents operate their covert business. 

I wouldn’t have cared much about it if not for the fact that it felt like I’m being imprisoned in my own house. I couldn’t even remember the last time I had seen other people aside from my parents and Diana. 

Clark, my older brother, had been staying with the Blaise in New York for years now. I’m so jealous of him for being able to move away from this place without receiving that infamous glare daddy would always give us when we’re being naughty. 

Was it my fault that I’m so bored?

I don’t want to see the damn ocean anymore! 

I’m surrounded by nothing but water, it’s excruciating. I wanted to see Harry and Edward again. They joked about adopting me before to have their own child since they didn’t want one for themselves and the thought of not seeing my parents terrified me before. But now that I think about it, I’d rather stay with the Gunthers than rot here for the rest of my life! I could still visit my daddies whenever I wanted to, ugh!

“Not this again, Dylan.” 

I looked at dad who just showed up carrying his cameras that he’s probably going to bring to that photography contest that he always goes to. He told us last week that he had to go to New York first to meet Matthias and Earl before flying to whatever country he had to for his so-called job. 

Why couldn’t I come with him?! It’s not like he had to take care of me. I’m already old enough to take care of myself. “Because I want to go with you,” I said, groaning out loud. “You can even drop me at Edward’s place if you don’t really want me to come with you! I miss them.”

I gave him a pout that I knew would work every time I’m demanding something from them. Unfortunately, dad was getting immune to it. And so was daddy. 

“No, Dylan. I’m not going there for vacation. It’ll be dangerous if I bring you with me,” dad said.

He put the cameras down on the table while daddy began serving us our breakfast. Diana just finished whatever she was doing with her iPad. She squealed upon seeing that we’re going to have pancakes for breakfast. 

“My favorite!” She clapped her hands like a seal, it was annoying. 

“It’s just pancakes, what’s to be excited about?” I mumbled.

Diana shot me a glare that greatly resembled our daddy. “At least I know how to appreciate things that I already have,” she retorted, smirking at me. “All you do is complain about now going out.”

The urge to just pull her tongue out intensified, but I ignored the voice telling me to do it. I didn’t want to be locked in my room again for starting another fight with my twin sister. 

“That’s because you don’t have anything you want to do in your life because you’re boring as f**k. I can’t even believe Kurt is so into you, I feel so sorry for the guy,” I said through gritted teeth.

It was as if I flipped something in her that released the monster inside her. She threw the fork across the table, her face scrunching in anger as she tried to tackle me down on the ground. Fortunately, dad was fast enough to grab her before she could claw my eyes out.

“You little s**t! I’m so going to kill you! b***h!” Diana screamed at the top of her lungs. 

I’m so thankful I knew my sister too well to know what would set her off. And one of those things was none other than her childhood sweetheart, Kurt Blaise. Diana would always explode whenever I try to tease him, like an overprotective mother—it was creepy. Everyone knew the infatuation between the two, but unlike the adults who were rooting for the two, I knew that their relationship wouldn’t even last as they were both obsessed with each other. 

As I said, it was creepy.

We might have lived on this remote island, but from time to time, we’d be visiting the Blaise—the extended family that we had. Matthias and Earl were like our second parents. They would take care of us while our parents were busy doing whatever they were doing whenever we go to their place. Along with Kurt, we would play in the villa, swim in the lake, run around like energizer bunnies. I hated admitting it but I enjoyed the Blaise’s company.

Though of course, I get wary of the Blaise. Why? Because let me tell you about a famous saying that would go around like rumors. 

The Blaise were very loyal to their first love—like it’s some sort of weird imprinting. It happened to three generations now, from Marcus Blaise to Matthias, and now, it’s happening to Hiro and Kurt. Hiro had been obsessed with a kid he had met long before and was now working hard to find him again. If only I could tell the i***t that finding his princess wouldn’t be as easy as he thought it’d be, but since he was a Blaise and that they had infinite power and influence, I wouldn’t be surprised if he does find whoever that person was.

Obviously, Kurt’s already smitten over my sister. He’s like a puppy tied in a leash whenever he sees Diana. He would follow her around and would do anything to make her smile, it’s downright creepy. 

I hated the idea of being tied down. Everyone around me was so faithful to their soulmates that I just wanted to break free from that. 

I wanted to meet a lot of people and fool around with them.

I don’t want to be locked up like Damascus, Earl, Diana, or even that mysterious kid that Hiro was so in love with. I knew for sure that when he finds that kid, Hiro wouldn’t think twice about locking him up.

As loyal and loving as the Blaise were, they could be a little extreme when it comes to protecting their lover.

I had seen it.

So many times.

And I don’t want that.

I wanted freedom.

Their love just seemed so restrictive that sometimes, I couldn’t help but perceive it as being imprisoned.

Like how I am in this damned island.

I really don’t want that.

If there’s one thing I wouldn’t want to happen to me while I’m still alive, it’s to be involved with a Blaise.

“Dylan, go to your room,” dad said after calming Diana down. I wanted to tell him I’m not going anywhere unless he agreed on bringing me with him, but one warning glare from him made me stand up from the chair and begrudgingly leave the dining room.

I climbed up the stairs as fast as I could and rushed back to my room. I would always adore the view of the sea just outside the window, but right now, everything that surrounded me makes me feel sick.

I slammed the door as loud as I could to tell my parents that I’m angry.

Angry that they couldn’t even fulfil a simple request.

It’s not like I’m asking for the world…I just wanted to see it.

Stomping my wea

I would have kept my mouth shut to not aggravate Diana, but I was pissed off too. I’m so sick and tired of being trapped here in this house. I wanted to explore, to meet people, to see what the world was like. 

I climbed up the stairs as fast as I could and rushed back to my room. I usually enjoyed the sight of the sea just outside the windows, but right now, I’m not in the mood to adore it as I was getting sick of seeing nothing but blue and green around me. It’d become nauseating!

I slammed the door as hard as I could to let my parents know that I’m angry. I didn’t care if I’m acting like a brat. Why couldn’t they just do it? It’s such a simple request. It’s not like I’m asking them for the world. I just wanted to see it.

I pulled the curtains as I could only feel my blood boiling at the sight of the water outside. Damn it. It’s following me everywhere.

Throwing myself on top of the bed, I screamed in my pillow in hopes that it would relieve me of my frustration.

I’m so jealous of Clark. He’s the favorite kid, that’s why he gets everything. Sure, they also spoiled me a lot. But when it comes to things that I truly wanted, they won’t ever give them to me.

I hated living here.

I wanted to get out.

I had to.

I was woken up by the sound of knocking on the door. I didn’t even realize I had fallen asleep. Grunting, I got up and looked around my room. It was dark, and only the lights coming from the lampposts outside made it possible for me to see. 

“Dylan.”

It was dad. Of course, it’d be him. Whenever I throw a tantrum, he’s always the one who needs to calm me down. 

It’s as if daddy doesn’t even care about me.

I got up from the bed. My eyes were swollen from crying. I didn’t want to open the door, but dad would only break it if I refused to let him in.

He had done it twice now. 

Swinging the door open, I saw him standing in front of me. He wore a concerned smile, and I was immediately struck with guilt.

“May I come in?” he asked.

I let go of the doorknob. The lights turned on, blinding me for a second. I couldn’t hear dad’s footsteps as he entered my room, his eyes darting everywhere. “You’re still as tidy as ever,” he commented.

He’s making small talks to ease up the tension between us. Dad might be strict, but he was much affectionate than daddy. He would coddle us like an overbearing parent and would often act like we’re best friends as he always wanted to know what’s happening with me and Diana. Although his paranoia would sometimes get in the way, I couldn’t hate him for that after knowing what kind of life he had in the past. I’m sure dad only wanted what’s best for his kids, even if he doesn’t favor us like Clark.

Diana and I were aware of how much our parents loved our adopted older brother. They’d probably do everything and anything to protect him—even if it cost them their lives. And since I was supposed to have the sharp tongue and frank attitude, I asked dad why he seemed to love Clark more than us. I remembered Diana pinching me so hard on the side that I ended up having a bruise. But it all turned out well. Dad explained what happened to Clark and that he needed special treatment as he was abused by evil people. Who were those people? He wouldn’t tell us. 

They’re definitely dead. 

Dad killed for a living. And no matter how sweet and bubbly this man could be, underneath all that was a cold-blooded assassin who trained Hiro and Clark to become who they were today. 

“I know what you’re feeling, Dy.” I doubt that. He could leave whenever he wanted to. “But you know how dangerous it is for us if we leave this place, right?”

I sat on the swivel chair and stared at him. “I know that,” I said. “But you’re strong, dad. What are you so afraid of? You can protect me!”

Dad narrowed his eyes at me. “Do you think it’s that simple?” he asked as if daring me. “To just go and risk your life because I’m strong?” 

“The enemies won’t even know who I am,” I reasoned out. 

“Don’t ever underestimate them, Dylan,” he said, his eyebrows furrowing. “The moment that you do, they will go in for the kill.”

My heart skipped a beat. The way dad just said that sent shivers down my spine. At that time, I didn’t really understand the gravity of the situation. I was just focused on myself. 

“But dad…” I said exasperatedly, throwing my arms up in the air as I wanted nothing more than to get out of this horrid place. If only I knew what was waiting for me, I would have just stayed on the damn island for the rest of my life. “I want to see things. I want to meet other people. I want to live!”

“You’re acting like you’re being imprisoned here, kid.”

“I am!” I yelled. My face heated up as soon as I did. I was angry. I wanted to get out of this place and be free! “I want to leave!”

After a minute of staring at my face, dad stood up. “Dinner’s ready. Your father and sister are waiting for you. Make sure to wash your face. Mikhail won’t like it if he sees that you’ve been crying.”

He left me alone in my room. I closed my hands into a fist and resisted the urge to throw a pillow at him. Dad would only evade it and throw it back at me like it was a bullet. 

“I will,” I said dejectedly. 

I walked to the bathroom with a heavy shoulder. All my life, I was stuck here on this island. My parents were the ones who taught me everything I needed to know. The two were unbelievably smart, teaching us what one would do in a normal class. 

If they could have done it, why was Clark different? Why did he have to go to New York and study there? Why couldn’t we do that too? 

Ah, right.

Because he’s special.

I washed my face, patted it dry, and got out. I wouldn’t stop until they say yes to me. Even if I get hit, I don’t care.

I want to go outside.

I climbed down the stairs in a hurry and found my family eating dinner in the kitchen. I was asleep the whole day. They didn’t even bother waking me up.

Diana was talking to daddy, her face as bright as the sun as she tells her the messages she received from Kurt. Now that we had means of communication, she had been in contact with that Blaise kid twenty-four seven. She’s always on her phone like it’s her lifeline. My sister was so in love, it’s getting painful to look at her. She didn’t care if she was stuck here on the island, as long as she could talk to Kurt, Diana would survive.

I couldn’t do that.

I had big dreams.

And this place was stopping me from reaching it.

I pulled the chair next to Diana and stared at the plate in front of me. Steak with mashed potatoes and a side of veggies. My favorite.

I glanced at daddy. He was busy listening to Diana’s story about Kurt but noticed that I was looking at him. I quickly averted my gaze and began to eat. 

“You slept the whole day, Dylan. Are you feeling alright?” daddy asked.

He didn’t sound like he cared by using that monotonous voice that Clark also had. “Yes,” I murmured. “I was just…tired.”

Diana eyed me. “You’ve been crying like a little baby again, Dylan.”

She wasn’t teasing. She’s just that blunt that she doesn’t have a filter when she’s talking. I’m surprised she’s acting like a good, elegant princess that she thinks she was when she’s with Kurt. It’s comical.

“And what if I am?” I asked, rolling my eyes at her. 

I ate my dinner in silence. I was the last one to finish while Diana washed the dishes. Dad excused himself to get ready for his trip while daddy disappeared in the veranda, probably to smoke a cigarette.

I put my plates in the sink and was about to leave when Diana suddenly spoke. “Why do you want to leave so badly?” she asked.

I looked at her. “What?”

“You’ve been like this since we last visited the Blaises.” Diana stopped washing the dishes to look at me. “What changed?”

Diana might have an attitude, but if there’s one person left in this world that I could trust, it’d be my sister. We could read each other’s minds, could foretell if someone’s in danger—things like that. It’d be better for me to just tell her what’s been weighing on my mind for the past few weeks.

We did take a vacation and that changed my life. I knew about Edward before, but I haven’t had the chance to meet him. I heard so many things about him—that he’s been running the Gunther group in Germany and was also an infamous hacker that could do anything impossible as long as he had a computer in front of him. The tale of this man intrigued me, and when I finally met him, I knew that I had to learn everything he knows about hacking.

I loved everything related to computers. Daddy gave me a laptop for my seventh birthday, and it was life-changing. You could do so much with technology, it’s such a waste to not do anything with it. 

So, when I heard about Edward and what he could do, I longed to meet him. 

“I want to learn more,” I said, looking away from Diana. “I want to know what I can do without our parents' help. I just want to…” 

I was embarrassed to admit this to her. I might be snooty at times, and my sharp tongue usually brings more trouble than I could handle, but still…I wanted to be honest with Diana. No matter how embarrassing it was. 

“Alright,” she said. “I’ll help you.”

“What?”

Diana flashed me a mischievous smile. “I know a way that can make you leave this island.”

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