Twisted fate

CHAPTER 11: Confusion.

The morning sunlight streamed through Kemmy’s window, brushing softly against her sleepy face. She turned lazily on her bed, a small groan escaping her lips as memories from the previous day trickled back — the relocation, the unpacking, the exhaustion. Her muscles still ached, but beneath her fatigue, a quiet excitement glimmered.

The air smelled faintly of new paint and polished marble floors — reminders of how much their lives had changed overnight.

She finally got up, straightened her uniform, and admired her reflection in the mirror. Her hair shimmered under the light, neatly combed into a ponytail. Her shoes — brand new and sleek — sparkled slightly as she shifted her feet. But despite all the newness around her, her heart felt… the same.

“Ready?” Shane called from downstairs, jingling the car keys.

Kemmy smiled faintly and grabbed her bag. “Coming!”

Moments later, the siblings were on the road, the quiet hum of the engine filling the car as the city blurred past the tinted windows. Kemmy watched the familiar roads slip away — the old bus stops, the narrow footpaths she once walked every morning. A soft ache tugged at her chest.

When they finally arrived at school, the car rolled to a stop.

As soon as Kemmy stepped out, the chatter began. Heads turned. Eyes widened. Even the sound of the car door shutting seemed to echo with unspoken whispers.

“Is that… Kemmy?” one girl gasped.

“She looks different!” another murmured, her gaze dropping instantly to Kemmy’s shiny designer shoes.

But Kemmy didn’t walk like someone who wanted to be admired. She walked with the same gentle confidence she always had — modest, polite, grounded. Her quiet smile disarmed every envious stare that followed her.

“Hi, Kemmy,” a voice said suddenly.

She turned, blinking. “Hi…” she replied automatically, but her tone faltered. She didn’t immediately recognize the face — or rather, she almost did.

The person smiled, and for a moment her heart skipped. His eyes held that same calm, soft look that reminded her of Christian. But something else lurked beneath — a glint too mischievous, a grin too confident. Her stomach twisted.

This isn’t right…

Her brows furrowed slightly. “Christian…?” she asked carefully, her voice barely above a whisper.

The young man’s smile didn’t waver — if anything, it widened. “Yeah,” he said, his tone light. “It’s me. Christian.”

Something about the way he said it — too fast, too easy — made her chest tighten.

She blinked. “Oh! Christian, I’m so sorry. I didn’t recognize you for a second.”

He chuckled, brushing it off. “No worries, Kemmy. I just wanted to say congratulations. I heard about your family’s move — that’s amazing. How’s everyone adjusting?”

Kemmy’s expression softened instantly. “They’re doing great! We’re all still getting used to the new house, but… it’s beautiful. And peaceful.”

Her smile brightened, glowing with gratitude. “And… thank you, Christian. For everything you did for my family. I owe you a lot.”

For a split second, Ryan’s composure faltered. What is she talking about? But he recovered quickly, forcing a laugh. “Oh, uh—yeah! It’s nothing, really. What are friends for, right?”

Kemmy giggled lightly. “You’re the best,” she said, her voice soft.

As they walked side by side, she glanced at him again. Something about his walk felt… heavier. His laughter was louder than usual, almost nervous. His tone didn’t carry that calm steadiness she had grown used to in Christian’s voice.

“Hey, Christian,” she said gently, narrowing her eyes, “are you okay? You seem… different today.”

Ryan stiffened for a heartbeat but quickly forced another smile. “Yeah, yeah, everything’s fine, Kemmy. Let’s just get to class before the bell rings.” His chuckle sounded strained.

Kemmy studied him for a moment longer, unease flickering in her chest. She couldn’t explain it, but something about “Christian” felt… off.

---

Across the courtyard, Christian stood frozen by the stairway.

His jaw clenched. His eyes burned with disbelief and fury. He watched as Ryan — his own brother — laughed beside Kemmy, pretending to be him.

“That sly fox,” Christian muttered under his breath, his tone low, dangerous. “He’s trying to trick Kemmy into thinking he’s me.”

Beside him, Jake and Chris exchanged a confused glance.

“Bro, what’s going on?” Jake asked, squinting toward the pair.

Christian’s eyes never left them. His pulse raced beneath his calm exterior. “That guy,” he said quietly, “is trying to steal my crush away.”

Chris frowned. “Wait… what? You mean Ryan?”

Christian nodded, his voice tense. “Little wonder he asked me to exchange seats with him yesterday.”

Jake blinked, realization dawning. “Oh man. That guy’s up to something. This is bad.”

The three of them stood in the shadow of the hallway, watching the scene unfold below.

Kemmy’s laughter rang through the air — soft, unsure, but still genuine — and it stung Christian’s chest like a sharp echo of betrayal.

Jake leaned closer. “You need to act fast, bro. If he keeps this up, she might not even realize it’s not you.”

Christian exhaled slowly, his jaw tightening. “No,” he said, his voice low but resolute. “I need to know if Kemmy can see through Ryan’s disguise. If she really knows me — she’ll figure it out.”

The determination in his tone silenced them both.

Chris folded his arms, still uneasy. “Alright, man, but if things get ugly, we’re stepping in.”

Christian nodded without looking at them, his eyes locked on Ryan like a hawk watching its prey. “Deal.”

The morning bell rang loudly, cutting through the tension, but Christian didn’t move.

Somewhere deep inside him, his anger burned — not just at Ryan’s deception, but at the insult behind it. That Ryan thought love could be stolen with a disguise. That he could wear his face and twist Kemmy’s trust into confusion.

Christian’s fingers curled into fists. “Let’s see,” he murmured under his breath, his eyes narrowing as Ryan and Kemmy disappeared into the hallway. “Let’s see how long you can pretend to be me.”

And as the sunlight glinted off the school’s high windows, its glare caught Christian’s eyes — bright, sharp, and silently promising war.

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Kemmy laughed at something Christian said, her laugh light and genuine, the kind that felt effortless when she was around him. The way his words floated in the air made her feel at ease, like she was drifting in a soft breeze, her worries momentarily forgotten. She hadn’t realized just how much she’d missed this feeling—the warmth of being with someone she trusted so completely. She didn’t even question it. Christian was always there for her, wasn’t he? His presence was as familiar as her own breath.

But what Kemmy didn’t know was that Ryan, with his sly, calculating smile, was carefully guiding the conversation, every word designed to mask the truth. Ryan was setting a trap, making sure that Kemmy believed she was speaking to Christian. His voice, though smooth and confident, was laced with a subtle nervousness, a flutter of uncertainty under the surface.

Ryan watched her laugh, that soft, melodic sound filling the space between them. Inside, a small, victorious smile tugged at his lips. He’s got her—he thought to himself. He was winning. Or so he thought.

But then, his eyes flickered toward Christian, who stood a few feet away, watching them with an intense, burning gaze. Christian’s eyes were narrowed, his body tense. A storm raged behind his calm exterior. It sent a chill crawling up Ryan’s spine. What if I’ve gone too far? He shook off the doubt. No, I have to finish what I started.

Ryan’s breath hitched slightly as he tried to steady his nerves. He had to keep control of the situation. His heart raced, but he pushed the feeling down. He needed to act normal. He needed her to keep believing the lie.

"Hey, Kemmy," Ryan said, his voice careful, the words falling from his lips with the weight of something more than just a question. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his composure, but his pulse was quickening. “Would you be busy tonight?”

Kemmy paused, her eyebrows knitting together in curiosity. “No, why?” she asked, her voice light, but a touch of warmth in it as she looked at him. She didn’t notice the flicker of unease in his expression, only the easy smile that never seemed to leave his face.

“I want us to have dinner together tonight,” Ryan said with a smile that stretched just a little too wide, like it was rehearsed, practiced. He was eager, too eager, and his eyes glinted with something she didn’t recognize. Please buy it, please—he thought, though he masked the desperation.

“A date?” Kemmy laughed slightly, her eyes crinkling at the edges, unaware of the truth she was walking into.

Ryan’s heart raced as he nodded, his voice a little quieter this time. “Yeah, more like a date,” he said, trying to sound casual, though his words felt heavy in the air.

Kemmy’s laugh lingered, and for a moment, it was all that mattered. “Alright, see you then,” she said, her smile soft, unguarded.

“Alright, thank you!” Ryan exclaimed, a little too quickly, a burst of excitement and relief crashing over him as he saw her turn to leave. His chest tightened with a rush of triumph. He had done it.

Kemmy’s voice drifted back to him, light and airy. “Thank you too!” she said, laughing once more. Ryan stood there for a moment, watching her walk away, his heart still pounding in his chest. He had convinced her. But something gnawed at him—something unsettled him as he watched the way she walked. He pushed it aside, trying not to dwell on the unease creeping in.

---

PROMP—the most anticipated event of the year—was fast approaching. The excitement in the air was palpable, with the entire school buzzing with the frenzy of finding dates. It was all anyone could talk about. The classrooms, the hallways, the cafeteria—it was as though every conversation somehow circled back to the big event. But as the days passed, the pressure of finding the perfect date weighed heavily on many students.

Cassie, had mustered the courage to approach Ryan, or rather, Christian—though she didn’t know it. The thought of walking into PROMP with one of the most coveted guys at school made her heart flutter with both excitement and nerves.

She took a deep breath, pushed back the anxiety in her chest, and approached him. “Hi,” Cassie greeted, her voice barely louder than a whisper, her cheeks pink as she nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

Ryan, who was really Christian, looked up, his expression neutral but guarded. “Hi,” he replied briefly, his tone clipped, as though he hadn’t quite decided whether he was in the mood for small talk. His thoughts were elsewhere, and his gaze wandered for a moment, but Cassie’s nervousness caught his attention.

She gathered the courage to ask what had been on her mind for days, her words tumbling out. “Will you be my partner for PROMP?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly, the uncertainty clear in her eyes.

Christian hesitated. His first instinct was to decline. But then, the thought of Kemmy, the girl he loved, walking into that dance with his brother—Ryan—sharply cut through his hesitation. He swallowed the bitter knot in his throat and pushed the pain down. It hurt. But he knew he had to endure this. For her.

He forced a smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Sure, PROMP!” Christian said, his voice betraying none of the discomfort that twisted his insides. He thought of Kemmy again. She still doesn’t know who I am.

Cassie beamed, her face lighting up in a way that only added to the ache in Christian’s chest. She was thrilled to have secured a date with Christian, the guy every girl in school seemed to dream about.

In the depths of his thoughts, Christian wondered how Kemmy was handling everything, how she could still be oblivious to his presence. So sad... he thought, his heart aching as he watched Cassie walk away, her joy obvious. He knew it wasn’t her fault. But it didn’t make the ache go away.

Kemmy doesn’t recognize me. The thought was like a stab in his chest.

Cassie, still floating on the high of her successful request, walked back to her seat, a smug thought lingering in her mind. Now, Kemmy and Christian will know they’re not the only story in class. They’ll see.

---

Harrison’s name echoed through the company halls like a rising anthem. His designs — bold strokes on rare fabrics, dripping with originality and life — didn’t just impress, they stunned. Executives paused mid-stride just to marvel at the samples pinned across his glass-walled office. Staff whispered about him in admiration, glancing his way with wide eyes and hopeful smiles.

Lucia and Ronald treated him like a rare treasure — someone who didn't just work, but transformed the company. With every passing week, more deals closed, more designs trended, more praise poured in. The once-quiet Harrison Victor was now the heartbeat of the building.

But where light shines… shadows tighten.

Across the hall, George stood frozen more often than he moved — jaw clenched, knuckles white, a storm brewing behind his eyes. Every clap Harrison earned felt like a slap to his pride. Every “Well done, Mr. Victor,” sounded like mockery to him. His resentment spread like poison, and Rhoda stood beside him, absorbing his anger, feeding it.

“Just wait,” she whispered to him one night, lips curling in a dangerous smirk. “Success like that never lasts. We’ll create the perfect storm.”

Their eyes glimmered with silent malice.

Meanwhile, the Victor household bloomed like spring after a harsh winter.

Shane worked from home now — hunched over glowing screens, sketching designs for his father’s company, eyes full of pride every time his father walked past. Kate shone in her chef’s whites, her name whispered with respect in international kitchens. And Kemmy — her notebooks were filled, her school fees paid, her dreams finally breathing freely.

Peace didn’t visit their home — it settled there, warmly.

And then evening came.

---

Kemmy stood before her mirror, fingertips trembling as she adjusted her silver earrings. The soft glow from her lamp kissed her skin, highlighting the fluttering excitement in her eyes. Her dress hugged her frame gently, flowing down like air — she looked soft, radiant, almost unreal. Every now and then she exhaled sharply, trying to calm the butterflies rioting inside her.

She didn’t know why she felt so nervous… or why her heart beat so hard when she thought of Christian — or who she thought was Christian.

Kate peeked into the room and froze at the sight of her daughter.

“Kemmy…” she breathed, hand resting against her chest as though steadying her heart. “You… you look like a princess.”

Kemmy smiled shyly and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Thanks, Mom.”

Kate stepped closer, studying her daughter’s glowing face.

“Now tell me — who is making my daughter dress like an angel on a weekday evening?”

Kemmy looked down, cheeks warm, voice tiny.

“It’s… Christian.”

Kate’s brows rose slowly.

“Christian? The same boy who visited? I thought you couldn’t stand him.”

Kemmy swallowed, eyes darting aside.

“It’s complicated,” she whispered. “I’ll explain when I get back. I promise.”

Kate didn't like it — her lips tightened, worrying at her bottom lip — but she forced a smile and touched Kemmy’s cheek gently.

“Okay. Just be careful. And don’t let anyone make you feel small, you hear me?”

Kemmy nodded. “I won’t.”

She hurried out before her nerves betrayed her.

Kate watched her leave, arms folding. Her mother’s heart tugged.

Something isn’t adding up, she thought.

---

The garden was a dream.

Dim fairy lights draped the trees like fallen stars. Blossoms brushed the night air with soft perfume. A single table stood centered beneath a circle of silk curtains swaying with the breeze — the kind of setup girls whispered about in sleepovers.

Kemmy stopped in her tracks, breath catching.

Her eyes widened, lips parting in awe.

“This… this is beautiful…” she whispered, voice shaking with surprise and wonder.

Ryan — playing the role of Christian — stepped forward from the shadows, hands in pockets, trying to look casual though excitement danced wildly in his eyes.

“I knew you’d like it,” he said, completing her sentence with practiced confidence.

Kemmy turned toward him, eyes sparkling.

“Christian… I never knew you were a designer.”

Ryan’s laugh was small, nervous, almost guilty.

“Well… surprises make life interesting,” he shrugged.

He pulled out her chair with exaggerated charm.

“Please, have a seat.”

She giggled softly and sat, smoothing her dress as her heart raced. Ryan sat across from her, eyes soaking in her beauty shamelessly.

Dinner passed in warm glances and nervous laughter — two young hearts pretending to be sure of themselves.

Then, as the crickets sang softly around them, Ryan rose to his feet. His hands shook — whether from nerves or guilt, even he didn’t know. He pulled out a delicate flower, knelt before her, and looked up with tears shimmering in his eyes.

“Kemmy…” his voice cracked. “Will you be my prom queen? I’ve… I’ve liked you for so long. I’m falling for you. Please… say yes.”

The world stilled.

Kemmy’s breath hitched; her hand flew to her chest. For a moment, she saw only sincerity — only the boy before her, offering his heart with trembling courage.

“I never knew you could be so sweet,” she whispered, eyes misting.

“And yes… yes, I feel the same. I’d be honored.”

Joy exploded across Ryan’s face and he wrapped her in a warm, shaking hug.

But in that closeness… something felt off.

Kemmy inhaled — her brows dipped.

His scent… it’s different.

A tiny wrinkle formed between her brows.

Did she just imagine it?

“You changed your perfume, huh?” she teased lightly, masking the flicker of doubt with a giggle.

Ryan laughed, trying to appear confident.

“Yes — special night.”

Their smiles danced in the warm lights, but beneath Kemmy’s happiness… curiosity began to stir.

---

Christian — the real Christian — watched from afar as the car drove away. His hand gripped the railing beside him, knuckles white. His jaw trembled. His eyes shone with unshed pain.

And somewhere deep in his chest… something shattered quietly.

---

When Ryan dropped Kemmy at her gate, he spoke softly.

“See you tomorrow.”

She waved, dreamy, but as she walked inside a strange feeling followed her — warm joy wrapped in a whisper of confusion.

Tonight changed everything.

.............

The afternoon sun filtered through the branches, soft rays dancing across the quiet school garden. Leaves rustled gently as a tired-looking Shane dropped under the tree, exhaling like someone who had carried the world on his shoulders all morning.

Danielle sat there already, hugging her knees, her gaze lost somewhere far away. She didn’t even blink when he approached.

“Hey,” Shane said softly.

Her eyes flickered — distant at first — before she looked his way.

“Hi,” she whispered, barely able to fake a smile.

“How are you doing today?” he asked, leaning his back against the trunk, searching her face.

Danielle lifted one shoulder in a defeated shrug.

“The same as always.”

There was a tremor beneath her voice — quiet pain she’d grown too familiar with. Shane’s brows pulled together, noticing the frustration she tried to swallow.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, shifting to face her fully now. Concern softened his tone.

For a moment, she held her breath — as though deciding if she could trust him. Then she let out a slow, weary sigh.

“Just… the usual,” she muttered. “Being bitten, shouted at, insulted…” Her voice cracked, and she laughed bitterly. “Of course. What can I say? That's life… right?”

Shane’s jaw tightened. That laugh — the one people use when pain becomes normal — stabbed him.

Danielle’s face darkened, and she leaned closer, lowering her voice like someone sharing the kind of truth that could get her killed.

“Those people… that couple,” she whispered, eyes darting left and right. “They're evil, Shane. Truly. Snakes in the grass. I’ve heard things — terrible things. Plans. Revenge. They’re after someone named Mr. Harrison. They want to ruin him.”

Shane froze — heart slamming against his ribs.

“M-Mr. Harrison?” His voice wavered. “Are you… sure?”

Danielle nodded without hesitation. “Yes. That's the name. Do you know him?”

Shane’s skin went pale, breath catching.

“He’s… he’s my dad.”

Danielle’s eyes widened — shock flooding her features.

“Oh my God.” She grabbed his arm. “Shane, you have to tell him. Warn him before they do something. Please.”

He swallowed hard, nodding slowly.

“I will. Thank you, Danielle. I owe you more than you know.”

His worry shifted to her now, eyebrows lifting with concern.

“And you? Are you going to keep living there?”

Her laugh shook — a hollow, fragile sound.

“Where else would I go?” She forced a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Don’t worry. I’m used to it.”

Shane felt something burn in his chest — a mix of anger and helplessness.

“You can stay with my family,” he said softly. “We’d welcome you. You don’t have to suffer alone.”

Her eyes shined — hope flickering — but she shook her head.

“I wish… I wish I could. But I can’t. Not yet.” She tucked hair behind her ear, blinking fast. “But thank you, Shane. Really.”

He nodded, gaze firm.

“One day soon, all of this will end. I promise.”

Their eyes held for a moment — heavy with unspoken comfort — before they stood and walked off to get dinner, laughter slowly thawing the weight around them.

For just a little while… she felt seen.

---

The next morning, the classroom buzzed — students chattering, chairs scraping, papers fluttering. Kemmy sat quietly, twirling her pen, a dreamy smile tugging at her lips. Her cheeks still carried the glow of last night’s emotions.

Christian walked in and spotted her — his heart beating a confused rhythm.

“Hi, Kemmy,” he said gently.

She looked up — and immediately her cheeks flushed pink.

“Oh— hey, Christian,” she answered, shy smile blooming.

He raised an eyebrow playfully.

“Why are you blushing?”

She bit her lip, giggling lightly. “It’s nothing. I just… remembered yesterday.”

Christian blinked.

“What yesterday?” he asked slowly. “What date?”

Kemmy laughed softly. “Don’t pretend! You know what I’m talking about.”

Christian’s smile dropped. His eyes darted in panic, heartbeat thudding.

She confessed… to Ryan. Not me.

His throat tightened. Does she love me? Or him? Am I losing her?

“Never mind,” he rushed out as the teacher entered, masking the storm in his chest.

But his mind spun wildly.

Ryan… you’re playing with fire. I can’t lose her.

---

At home, Harrison reclined on the couch, sipping tea and reviewing sketches. Peace wrapped around him like a warm blanket — a rare moment of rest.

Then his phone rang.

Lucia.

Urgent.

His stomach dropped.

Minutes later, he was speeding down the road, hands gripping the wheel, heart pounding with dread he couldn’t explain.

He entered the office and felt the air change — cold, accusing, tense.

Lucia stood stiff-backed. Ronald looked unsettled.

George stood smirking beside a stranger — a man with cold eyes and a smile made of venom.

“Harrison,” Lucia said sternly, “serious allegations have been brought against you. You have been copying this man’s designs and claiming them as your own.”

The stranger rose like a storm.

“You thief!” he thundered. “You think you can steal my artistry and get away with it?”

Harrison staggered back, color draining.

“What? No — no, I create from my imagination. I never—”

“Enough!” Lucia snapped. “You have disgraced this company. You are dismissed. Effective immediately. Return all company property.”

George stepped forward, voice dripping poison.

“You brought this on yourself, Harrison.”

Harrison’s eyes burned with betrayal.

“How could you do this? We worked side by side.”

George leaned in — eyes dark, victorious.

“Business is business. And you just lost.”

The room blurred. Voices faded. Harrison’s chest tightened — like the world had collapsed inward.

He walked out slowly, vision swimming.

Everything he built… gone in one breath.

---

The house felt different that evening — quieter, heavier. Shoes lay untouched by the door. No laughter. No warmth.

Kemmy sat on the edge of her bed, arms wrapped around herself. Her breathing shook as tears streamed silently down her cheeks.

“This isn’t true,” she whispered, voice breaking. “Dad would never do that. He wouldn’t. Why is this happening?”

Kate hugged her, rubbing her back, whispering soothing words — but she too blinked rapidly, fighting her own storm of fear.

Their once-bright home felt like winter without warning.

Everything felt uncertain.

Everything felt fragile.

And life — once beautiful — suddenly felt like it was falling apart.

---