The Twins Obsession

CHAPTER 3

“The Blaise twins?” I asked, repeating what Dominik just said.

“Yeah, the former capo’s sons with his consigliere,” he explained to me. “You haven’t met them yet?”

He turned to me, temporarily leaving the stove to have a proper conversation with me. I eyed him, one brow raised. “No, I don’t think I’ve met them before,” I said.

I think I only met Matthias’ grandfathers once or twice before. They lived in Germany now after they retired from the Mafia and only attend family gatherings when absolutely needed to. I haven’t had the chance to talk to them at all, as they seemed to be in their own world whenever I see them. Besides, I don’t think Marcus Blaise liked children at all, although he’s particularly fond of Hiro. I’m guessing it’s because he’s going to take over the Blaise family in the future.

Dominik blinked at me. “Really? They’re still teenagers now, but their fathers are already training them to take over the business.”

I was confused. “Business? I thought Hiro’s going to be the next capo.”

“No, no, I mean the normal business the Blaise have,” he said, correcting me.

“How many businesses do they even have?” I asked as I rolled my eyes from annoyance.

I knew for a fact that Hiro’s family was loaded, like really, really loaded. I wouldn’t be surprised if they could purchase a country or two with the money they had. The Blaise had been in the Mafia for decades and they already established a legacy that no one could beat. The underground world feared and respected them for everything they had done in the Mafia. The Blaise had ventured out of what they were known for and built hundreds of corporations under different names that were all owned by the family. They owned several enterprises—from real estate, constructions, oil, firearms production, banks—there were too many that I’m beginning to have a headache just thinking about it.

The bottom line was that the Blaise family was not just known for being the scary Mafia family.

“Well, they have a lot, and Matthias refuses to take care of them. That’s where the Blaise twins come in,” Dominik answered.

I stared at him. “And how old are they?” I asked.

“Around the same age as me,” he said.

I snickered. “So, they’re old.”

“Hey! I’m not even eighteen yet, brat!” Dominic retorted, puffing his cheeks at me.

“I’m here!” Diana announced as she came running into the kitchen. Upon seeing the feast that was set on the dining table, she clasped her hands together and gasped in glee. “That looks so good, Dom!”

Dominik grinned at her, completely forgetting his anger for me. “Of course, I made it especially for us! Though your daddy and Dy won’t be joining us for dinner,” he added, sporting a pout.

Diana. “Oh, the meteor shower?” she asked while pulling a chair to sit down. “Are you going to spend the night on the yacht?”

“Yes, daddy said he wants to spend time with me,” I murmured.

My twin sister gave me a sly grin. “That’s because you’ve been acting like a brat. Maybe he’s planning on locking you up there, so you won’t make a fuss about leaving again,” she said.

I shuddered. I wouldn’t doubt daddy would do something as drastic as that. Like I said, it’s easy to forget that he was once a feared Mafia leader in the past. Even if he had changed for the better, there’s a chance that the sadistic and cruel Pakhan still resides in him.

“H-he won’t do something like that,” I said, glaring at Diana. “I’m sure he just wants to be with me. Unlike you. Because you’re a diva.”

She scoffed. “I’m very sure he favors me over you, brother.”

“Okay, okay, stop the quarrel, kids,” Dominik said as he knew where this was going.

Diana and I were known to have barbaric fights and it would take a lot of pulling and tugging before someone other than our parents could stop us from ripping our skins out of anger. I loved my sister, but her brash attitude just makes me want to strangle her.

I sighed. “I need to get ready,” I said, rolling my eyes at Diana who stuck her tongue out at me. “See you tomorrow, losers.”

I walked back to my room, my head flooded with the idea that there’s another twin in the Blaise family. It’s strange that Hiro and Clark never told us before, or maybe there’s a reason why I haven’t met them before.

The curiosity as to who those twins were occupied my mind for a long time. I took a quick shower and prepared the things I needed to bring to the yacht for my little getaway with daddy. I had to be honest, now that I had something I’m looking forward to, it’s taking my mind away from my desire to leave the island. It didn’t help that Dominik mentioned the Blaise twins. I couldn’t stop thinking about them. I was fascinated that even if I was close to Hiro and Kurt’s family, I still had a lot of things I didn’t know about them.

I grabbed my bag filled with things I couldn’t live without—phone, laptop, iPad, and my Nintendo. By the time I was done, everyone in the house was already eating dinner.

Running down the stairs, I hurried to the living room. It’s hard to admit but I had been excited to eat everything that Dominik cooked for tonight. Seeing someone other than Diana and my parents sitting at the dining table thrilled me. It’d been the four of us for a long time now that seeing other faces just makes me feel like I’m not trapped in this damned island. Even if that other person was Dominik who usually frequented this place, it’s still a breath of fresh air.

“What took you so long?” Diana asked, munching the shrimp that looked too tasty to ignore. It was coated in butter and garlic and the smell was divine.

I didn’t want to insult dad’s cooking abilities, but Dominik was just another level. I’d say he could win a cooking contest with how talented he was to make the food that we always eat into something we haven’t tasted before.

I was sick of eating seafood, but if it’s Dominik who prepared it, I’d devour it in seconds.

“I was getting ready,” I answered Diana who smirked at me.

“What? For your overnight vacation?” she teased.

“Shut up, bi—” I didn’t get to finish what I had to say when daddy looked at me.

“Sit down, Dylan.” I did what I was told, shooting my sister a glare before facing daddy with a big smile on my face.

“So, are we going to play games tonight? Watch movies? Catch fish?” I asked.

My enthusiasm made daddy smile. And that’s rare. “How about we just relax, huh? I think we both need that,” he said.

I nodded. “Sure,” I said.

I finished everything Dominik cooked for dinner. Daddy stood up and whispered something in his ear after they were done. Whatever daddy told him wiped that smile off his face.

“Excuse us,” Dominik said, standing up to follow daddy outside. Diana and I both looked at them through the window, curious as to what they were talking about.

“Did you hear?” Diana asked, turning to face me. “About why Dom is here?”

I stared at her with furrowed brows. “What? About the people hunting him?” I asked.

“Yeah, and that dad has to go to clean it up.”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “Wait, I thought dad went to New York to attend that contest,” I said.

Diana looked back at daddy who was still talking to Dominik. Based on their faces, whatever they’re discussing about seemed serious—too serious for even someone like Dominik. His arms were crossed in front of him as he listened to what daddy was saying.

“Wow, surprise, surprise, dad can lie to us too,” Diana said sarcastically, waving her arms in my face. “Don’t be dumb, Dylan. Why do you think they’ll tell something like that to us? Especially when you’re so stubborn about leaving the island?” she asked.

“But Dominik told you about it, right?”

Diana smirked at me. “Only because I overheard what you guys were talking,” she said. “And I forced everything I need to know from him.”

Forced? Jesus, my sister’s starting to sound like our parents. “And? What exactly did you find out?” I asked.

“There’s a man, he’s called Alfred Boyce, very wealthy, the usual stuff. He wants to buy a big portion of the Blaise’s business, but Dominik already purchased it before he could,” Diana said in a hushed voice.

“Dominik did what?” It’s still hard to believe that someone as young as Dominik was already handling multi-billion businesses as if it’s child play. I understand that there’s a lot of people around him that give him advice, all that stuff, but still…he’s still a kid.

“And this Boyce man is very angry. Because he lost that bid to someone like Dominik,” Diana finished, her eyes darkening as she flashed me a smirk. “Very dangerous stuff. That’s the reason why Dominik will stay here until dad and Alexi sort everything out.”

I thought for a second. “So, why did Dominik mention the Blaise twins?”

Diana stared at me. “Aren’t they the ones managing the Blaise business? This Boyce guy is accusing them of siding with Dominik since he knew they have some sort of connection.”

“The Blaises and the Romans,” I murmured.

She nodded. “Correct.”

“How dangerous is this Boyce guy?”

“Apparently, very,” Diana answered, dropping that amusing smirk she’d been wearing. “Alexi doesn’t want him to go anywhere without daddy.”

I sighed. So that’s why dad was adamant about not letting me come with him. Because something’s happening with Dominik and the so-called Blaise twins.

“Hey, how come we never met the twins?” I asked Diana.

She blinked at me, realizing that my question was legit. Why haven’t we met these two before? We attended countless reunions and family gatherings that the Blaise arranged in the past and yet we hadn’t seen a shadow of the Blaise twins. Were they like…kept children?

No, that couldn’t be. If they were Marcus and Damascus’ sons, they’d be like us too. Daddy explained to us how Diana and I came to life—about the scientific procedure that created us. Or maybe the Blaise twins were adopted? I knew that Damascus co-owned an infamous adoption center in Germany.

Ugh, the mystery around them made me even more excited to meet them. To think that there were also twins in the Blaise, I want to be their friend.

“Maybe they’re in training or something,” Diana said while shrugging her shoulders. “They’re taking over the Blaise business after all. I’m sure Matthias will want his brothers to know how to handle something as grand as that.”

Diana had a point. But was it enough for the twins not to attend any of the family gatherings?

My thought was interrupted when Dominik and daddy came back from their somber conversation. Dominik was now back to his cheerful state. “How’s dinner kids? Did you like it?”

“Of course,” Diana said as she grinned at him. “You should really teach dad how to cook the shrimps like that, it’s so good.”

Dominik giggled, loving Diana’s little compliment about his cooking. “Of course! Maybe I’ll teach it to you too, huh? You can cook for Kurt,” he teased.

Diana’s cheeks flushed. “I’m not sure if my cooking skills are up to par,” she said sheepishly.

I could only gag at how fake that sophisticated persona she’s showing right now. Diana was a presumptuous little b***h—very cunning too. For her to suddenly change like that side of her doesn’t exist just because of Kurt just disgusts me.

“I’m sure that even if you cook s**t, Kurt will still eat it,” I commented.

Diana glared at me. “Being bitter is a very ugly trait, baby brother, do change that,” she said. She pushed the chair back and grinned at daddy. “I’ll be going to my room to finish the rest of my homework. Enjoy your yacht vacation. Good night!”

We watched her leave the dining room. I wanted to chase after that b***h and punch her in the face, but I fought the urge as I didn’t want daddy to punish us both for being so petty.

“Did you prepare your things, Dylan?” daddy asked.

“Yes, I did.”

“Good. Wait for me. I just need to make some phone calls,” daddy said.

Leaving the room, I was left alone with Dominik. He was gathering the plates while humming a random tune. I got up and took over for him. “Let me,” I said.

Dominik eyed me, amused. “Oh, does the little prince have a sudden change of heart?” he teased.

I scoffed. “You cooked so I will clean. That’s fair, right?”

His smile was proud as he watched me take the dirty plates to the sink. “You’re becoming more and more mature, Dy. I’m happy.”

I shrugged my shoulders. It’s not like me and my sister grew up with a nanny, unlike Hiro and Clark who were pampered like princes. Our parents made sure that the chores were divided fairly and that we’re not allowed to complain if we ever do it. Even with all the luxury in the world, they didn’t let us grow up helpless. Diana and I knew how to cook simple dishes, clean, do the laundry—every house chore there’s known to men.

After I was done cleaning up, daddy returned from his phone call. “Ready?” he asked.

“Yes!” I answered a bit too eagerly.

Daddy smiled. “Let’s go.”

Dominik walked with us to the door. “Have fun,” he said, waving a hand.

I waved back at him before latching onto daddy’s arm. I’m not going to lie, I’m excited about this little trip of ours. Sure, it was just an overnight in the yacht, we had done it a hundred times in the past, but daddy must have known that I needed quality time with him. I’d been stubborn about the whole leaving the island situation. Daddy knew that I’m not going to drop it anytime soon, not when I’m too bored to even do anything.

Daddy led me to the yacht that was waiting at the docks. There were three men who were preparing the vessel and upon seeing us, they straightened their backs and nodded at daddy.

“Good evening, sir,” they greeted stiffly.

I looked at them. It’s rare to see people that worked beyond the jungle on the island. They had a lodging there, complete with everything they needed to survive. I’m not sure how many workers daddy had in the factory, but from what Alexi said, they’re all men who had to leave their previous lives as most of them were being hunted by either the mob or the authorities.

“Put your things in the cabin,” daddy said.

“Sure.” I let go of him and boarded the yacht.

Daddy approached the men and they engaged in another hushed conversation. I didn’t mind them as I went into the cabin to set my things up. I don’t know why dad kept buying these yachts for us, it’s not like we needed eight of them that were parked in that giant parking dock on the north side of the island. But it seemed like a lot of those luxury yachts were gifted by the Blaise to us. Others were bought as gifts by daddy. They also owned several jets and choppers hidden in the jungle. Even if we’re living an isolated life, those two still loved anything expensive. I guess it’s the lifestyle they were used to after being in the Mafia for so long.

It’s not like we could use them anywhere other than the neighboring islands that my parents were also planning on owning to expand their black-market empire.

Going into the living room, I could feel the cold breeze coming in through the open windows. The cabin was spacious, with leather couches neatly placed in the middle. The large smart screen was brilliantly hidden on the wall, and it could only be accessed by a remote that could control everything in the yacht.

I walked across the room and took a deep breath of air as I plopped down on a beach chair. The small swimming pool just outside was perfect for relaxation, and I couldn’t wait to take a dip tomorrow when the sun’s out.

I stared at the night sky and admired the stars that brightly shined.

No matter how wide my view was, it still felt like I’m being imprisoned. The world was so vast, it makes me want to just go out there and explore as much as I could.

It’s not that I’m getting tired from seeing nothing but blue water, I’m just scared that I’m going to die in this place without seeing what the world could offer.

I briefly closed my eyes.

I wondered if the Blaise twins felt like this too. I don’t know them but if my theory was right about the twins—about being kept in their chateau in Germany, training to take over the Blaise business, do they also feel like they’re being imprisoned?

I turned to the side and bit my lip. How dumb was that question, huh?

Why am I assuming things when I haven’t even met them yet?

Am I just acting this way because they’re twins too?

So stupid indeed.

“Enjoying the view?”

I jolted when I heard daddy’s voice. When did he come up here? I didn’t even hear his footsteps, damn it.

“Daddy!” I gasped.

He sat on the other beach chair. He had already grabbed a bottle of beer. I didn’t even get to check the pantry if we were fully stocked but seeing that beer in his hand, I’m sure we’re more than prepared to go on for another week or two in this yacht.

“Are those guys going to sail us around?” I asked.

I hadn’t seen their faces before. Were they new? “Yes,” daddy answered.

I stared at him. “How come you never tell us anything about the business?” I asked out of nowhere.

Daddy turned to look at me, his brow raised high. “I don’t think it’s smart to share the business with you and your sister, Dylan.”

“Why?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “Because you’re still young.”

I rolled my eyes at him, grunting. “You were young when you joined the Mafia, didn’t you?”

The corner of daddy’s right eye twitched as if I triggered bad memories that he already suppressed long ago. “That was different, Dylan. I had to join the Mafia. You don’t.”

Daddy never told us about how exactly he became the legendary Pakhan. All we knew was that he worked very hard to get that position and it turned him into this…cruel man that terrorized hundreds of lives in the past.

But I do understand that he had his reasons for keeping his past from us. I’m sure it wasn’t pretty.

I pouted at him. “What about Dominik? He’s still young, isn’t he?”

“Dominik is different. Alexi has reasons to train his child,” daddy said, brushing off my question like it’s some dumb query from a kid.

“And what are those reasons?”

He didn’t answer.

Now my good mood was gone. I crossed my arms, grunting. “Everyone is doing their own s**t and I’m stuck here!”

I heard daddy sigh. “This is for your safety, Dylan.”

“Then train me,” I exclaimed.

He scoffed. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. Let’s just enjoy this night and—”

“I want to join the Mafia, daddy,” I announced, standing up. My hands were clasped tightly on my shirt, my eyebrows furrowed hard.

Daddy’s scowl scared me, but I didn’t back down.

The only reason why they didn’t want me to leave the island was that I’m weak.

Then I only need to be stronger, right?

I can do that.

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