Under the protection of my twin brother

Chapter 2

Richard Radrigies was a man whose personality was controversial to everyone who knew him. On the one hand, he was the epitome of strength and determination, a man who could take responsibility for the fate of an entire family. On the other hand, his strictness and sometimes harsh parenting methods made the household feel fear and uncertainty.

His character was intricately intertwined with kindness and severity, wisdom and intolerance of the shortcomings of others. Richard was tall, with dark hair that was slightly streaked with gray, and stern features. His gaze was often cold and calculating, but in rare moments of elation, his eyes flashed warm sparks. He knew how to be affectionate and caring, but when someone broke his strict rules, there was a sharp note in his voice and an inflexibility in his movements.

Richard's influence on the family was enormous. He set the tone in the house, defined the rules, and enforced them. His word was law, and no one dared to contradict him. The twins Tod and Sarah grew up in an atmosphere of respect for their father, but also fear of his anger. They knew that their father valued discipline, hard work, and integrity, and they tried to live up to his high expectations.

Evelyn, the twins ' stepmother, tried to keep on good terms with Richard, but sometimes there was a hint of annoyance in her demeanor. She admired his determination and fortitude, but at the same time, she could not accept his excessive severity and unwillingness to compromise. However, outwardly, Evelyn always showed deference and respect for the head of the family.

Richard was also respected, though feared, in the area. His business acumen and ability to make quick and correct decisions earned him a reputation as a person who is better not to mess with, but if necessary, you can and should cooperate. Neighbors often turned to him for advice or help, and Richard rarely refused, though he made no secret of his displeasure when he was interrupted.

He spent a lot of time at work, often staying late at the office and often bringing things home. Richard believed that his family's well-being depended on his success in business, and he was willing to sacrifice his personal time for the prosperity of the Radrigies. His dedication and willingness to overcome any difficulties was admired by some and irritated by others.

At home, Richard tried to be fair, but his ideas of justice sometimes seemed too harsh. He demanded that children behave flawlessly, study hard, and follow all the rules he set. Tod tried to meet these requirements, seeing in them the path to success and well-being of the family. Sarah, on the other hand, sometimes broke the rules, giving in to her impulsive desires, for which she often received a reprimand from her father.

However, in his rare moments of relaxation, Richard could be very different — gentle, caring, and even funny. He liked to have family parties, where everyone gathered around the big oak table, shared the day's events, and just enjoyed socializing. At these moments, the house was filled with warmth and comfort, and the tension that hung in the air gradually dissipated.

But even in these happy moments, Richard's eyes sometimes showed a hint of worry, as if he had a premonition of trouble ahead. His uneasy gaze moved over the faces of those closest to him, as if trying to read the answers to his unspoken questions. Perhaps it was this inner tension that made him so strict and demanding — he wanted to create a reliable rear for the family, to protect them from all possible dangers from the outside world.

Others respected Richard for his integrity and fortitude, but at the same time they were afraid of his straightforwardness and implacability. Rumors about his business success and intransigence in negotiations spread throughout the city, creating an aura of grandeur and a certain mystery around his figure. Many people were eager to get to know him, but only a few dared to openly confront him, knowing that Richard was not the type to leave a grudge unanswered.

The twins grew up in the shadow of their father, trying to live up to his ideals, but secretly dreaming of a freer and easier existence. They loved Richard, but sometimes regretted that their childhood was spent under the yoke of his strict rules and high demands. However, they understood that their father meant well for them, and his methods, while harsh, were designed to prepare them for the challenges of adulthood.

Over the years, Richard's influence on the twins ' character became so profound that they unwittingly adopted some of his mannerisms and habits. Tod had inherited his judgment and grit, and Sarah had inherited his determination and ability to stand up for herself. But at the same time, they also retained their unique traits, which often made Richard think about how difficult it is to be a parent and how important it is to find a balance between strictness and kindness.

Richard's death was not only a personal tragedy for the family, but also a shock for the entire town. His departure left a void in the hearts of loved ones and gave rise to many questions and doubts. The twins and Evelyn found themselves face to face with a new, unpredictable world that no longer had their father's reliable shoulder and wise guidance. They had to learn how to live without him, while maintaining the values and principles that he bequeathed to them.

The memory of Richard continued to live on in the walls of the house, in his books and things, in the lessons he taught his children. His character and life path became the foundation on which the twins will build their future, and at the same time — a stumbling block, forcing them to rethink their views and actions again and again.

Thus, Richard Radrigies ' influence extended far beyond his earthly life, determining the fate of those close to him and leaving an indelible mark on their souls. His image-strict but caring, harsh but fair-has always remained in the memory of his family and others, reminding them that fortitude and loyalty to their principles can be both a blessing and a curse.

Evelyn did not enter the life of the Radrigies family immediately, but she was firmly established in the house and hearts (or so it seemed at first glance) its inhabitants. She was a woman with a refined manner, a soft smile, and a piercing gaze that could both calm and alert. Her appearance — elegant figure, neatly coiffed hair, restrained but refined clothes — gave the impression of a person who knows her own worth and knows how to keep up with society.

Evelyn tried to create an atmosphere of comfort and harmony in the house. She paid a lot of attention to small things: choosing tablecloths and napkins, making sure that the flowers in the vases were always fresh, and lovingly preparing breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Her dishes were distinguished by refinement and taste, which could not but please the household. Evelyn was able to keep up the conversation, listen and give advice, thanks to which she quickly won the sympathy of others.

However, under this outward veneer of kindness and concern, the first signs of insincerity gradually began to show. Sarah and Tod, while acknowledging her efforts to create a comfortable atmosphere in the house, couldn't shake the vague feeling that something was wrong. Tod often found himself thinking that Evelyn was trying too hard to seem like the perfect stepmother, like she was playing a role instead of living a real life. Sarah could see the occasional hint of annoyance or even anger in her eyes, which was immediately hidden behind the usual smile.

Evelyn took a special interest in family affairs, sometimes too much so. She delved into financial matters, asked clarifying questions about the past, and inquired about relationships between family members. On the one hand, this might seem like a sign of concern and a desire to get to know your new family better. On the other hand, it aroused suspicions that her interest was more pragmatic.

The twins began to pay attention to small details that had previously escaped their attention. Evelyn, for example, often stayed in Richard's office longer than it took to clean or search for something. Sometimes Sarah noticed her stepmother poring over documents that didn't seem to concern her. Tod had often caught Evelyn listening to conversations that weren't meant for her ears.

In addition, the twins increasingly felt ambivalent about Evelyn. On the one hand, she could be affectionate, caring, and considerate, but on the other hand, she could sometimes slip into her words sharp remarks, hidden reproaches, and even hints that Sarah and Tod did not deserve the attention and care that Richard was giving them.

Over time, suspicions began to grow stronger. Sarah was beginning to wonder just how genuine Evelyn's feelings were for them and for Richard. Tod, on the other hand, tried to analyze her behavior, looking for hidden motives and goals in it. He knew that his stepmother might be a threat to their family, especially after Richard's death, when the inheritance and other family values would be called into question.

Evelyn, for her part, continued to act as if she didn't notice the twins ' growing distrust. She maintained her outward benevolence, but her eyes were increasingly steely, indicating that she was ready to fight for her own interests.

Sarah and Tod weren't sure exactly what was behind Evelyn's mask of kindness, but their intuition told them that someone with very ambiguous intentions was living in their house. They began to carefully gather information, look closely at their stepmother's behavior, and search for clues that might confirm their suspicions.

Nevertheless, Evelyn remained a model of virtue and care for many in the town. Her ability to keep a straight face, create the appearance of an ideal family, and maintain small talk made others turn a blind eye to possible flaws. Only the twins, who had grown up in Richard's strict and watchful atmosphere, were beginning to see something different behind that mask — calculation, cunning, and perhaps even danger.

The atmosphere in the house grew more tense with each passing day. Evelyn became increasingly involved in arguments with Sarah and Tod, and her attempts to control all aspects of family life caused the twins to become increasingly irritated and distrustful. They understood that they were facing a difficult confrontation, and they prepared for it, trying to remain calm and not give away their true feelings and intentions.

The first suspicion of Evelyn's insincerity was only the beginning of a long and dangerous journey that Sarah and Tod would have to go through. They didn't yet know what secrets they would have to face, but they already knew that their home was no longer a safe haven, and their stepmother wasn't who she claimed to be. Ahead of them were difficult challenges that will test the strength of their bond, trust and love. But for now, they were only cautiously taking their first steps in this new, dangerous world, where everyone could be an enemy and those closest to them could be a threat.