Twins With Benefits

8

Gigi

As I toss and turn on my bed, the faint rays of the sun filtering through the window causing a dull ache in my eyes, I slowly attempt to open them. To my surprise, I find my stepbrother sitting on the couch, his gaze filled with curiosity and concern as he looks at me. Sitting up, I prepare to speak, but before I can utter a word, he asks, "What did you do last night?"

A lump forms in the back of my throat as the memories flood back, the realization hitting me like a ton of bricks. Someone had broken into the house last night and violated me. The weight of the truth settles heavily on my shoulders, leaving me speechless and overwhelmed by a deep sense of violation and fear.

As my stepbrother's gaze meets mine, waiting for an explanation, I struggle to find the words to convey the truth about the night's events. The memory of the stranger's violation and the conflicting emotions it evoked swirl within me, leaving me at a loss for words. Stammering and searching for a response, my stepbrother's impatience pushes me to speak up.

"I-" I falter, my mind racing to concoct a believable story. Before I can gather my thoughts, he interjects, "The lights went out and you freaked out." His expression softens, offering a half-smile of understanding. Seizing the opportunity, I nod in agreement.. "Yeah, the lights went out and I was freaked out. The security wasn't around when I tried to reach them," I explain, fabricating a lie to shield myself from the painful truth that lingers beneath the surface.

As my stepbrother keeps asking questions, I start feeling more and more nervous. When he asks why I was asleep on the couch, I realize I can't remember how I ended up there. I don't recall the stranger leaving me on the couch, and it's making me anxious. Fucker. Trying to come up with an excuse, I say, "I was probably tired," hoping to avoid revealing the true, unsettling details of the previous night.

Alex nods at me before standing up, and as he walks away, I can't help but admire how sharp he looks in his business attire. Biting my bottom lip, I watch him leave, feeling a mix of emotions as I reflect on the events of the previous night. Unsure whether to feel happy or concerned about it, I sink back onto the bed. Deep down, I know that this situation is far from normal, but there's a part of me that feels a strong pull towards that man, believing that only he can fulfill my desires.

I decide to have a conversation with him the next time we meet. Heading downstairs for breakfast, I observe the busy activity of the servants in the kitchen, which catches my attention. "What's happening?" I ask, confused by the commotion. A servant explains that my mother is sick in bed. Hurrying to her room, I find three doctors attending to her, with Alex standing in the corner, his arms folded across his chest, a look of concern and anticipation on his face.

"What's going on?" I ask, approaching him with a sense of apprehension. My heart sinks as he reveals that my mother is unwell. "What kind of sick?" I press, my fear mounting. Placing his hand on my shoulder, he leads me out of the room. Bracing myself for his response, he delivers the devastating news, "Your mother has a brain tumor. The doctors are working to contain it." The world around me blurs, the voices fading into the background as a wave of dizziness threatens to overwhelm me.

At the right moment, Alex reaches out and urges me to stay strong for my mother. "You have to be strong, Gigi. She'll get through this. I'll ensure she receives top medical care," he reassures me. Struggling to eat after the distressing news, I find myself seated alone in the garden, enveloped by the calming presence of nature. My heart aches with sorrow, the weight of the news bearing down on me, and I question my ability to endure the pain any longer.

Sitting beside me, Alex takes a deep breath as I gather the courage to ask, "Would you want me to leave if my mother doesn't make it?" Confusion clouds his expression as he responds, "No, why would you even think that?" Shaking my head, I mumble, "I'm not your biological sister, after all." With a sigh, he places his hand on mine, offering reassurance, "That doesn't matter. We're family. You belong here with me."

Restless and anxious, I find myself taking a peaceful walk in the garden, the night sky enveloping me. The chilly breeze wraps around me, tousling my hair, while the moon's gentle glow bathes me in its light. My thoughts are consumed by my mother's illness. How could this have happened to her? Was I careless enough not to notice her declining health sooner?

As I walk past the building, a faint scream echoes from the underground cellar, causing my brows to furrow in confusion. I ponder whether someone is trapped down there. The cellar has always been off-limits, as my mother warned me against exploring beyond the mansion's boundaries. I realize there is more to this estate than just a home, but I have never had the opportunity to discover its secrets or hidden areas.

The thought sends a shiver down my spine. What if the mysterious stranger is using the underground cellar as a means to enter the mansion? If he is indeed the murderer of my stepfather, then it's possible that he has sinister intentions towards the rest of the family, including my mother and me. The idea of living in a house that could be haunted or where dangerous killers have access is undeniably chilling.

The safety of my family and myself suddenly feels precarious, and the looming sense of danger fills me with fear and uncertainty. Feeling a mix of fear and exhaustion, I ponder whether to investigate the cellar myself. I decide to trust my instincts and head back inside to my room. The comfort of my bed beckons me, and I realize that a good night's sleep might help clear my mind and provide clarity in the morning.