Episode 15

"Mother, did you know she's an educator?" I asked to divert her attention and to calm my heart… "Why don't you hire her to teach the twins? Don't Alexis and Alma want a new teacher?"

"I would like to, but we're only here for a few days," Alondra said. "Isn't that right, dear? We'll be leaving soon," she said while stroking his cheek.

I thought Charles liked tough girls; his past girlfriends weren't like her.

"It's a shame," said Mom. "What kind of education do you provide?"

"Elementary and secondary education, ma'am, I'm quite effective."

"We will stay for two or three months, so to avoid boredom while I handle my father's business, you could educate the little ones," said Charles. "You know I'll be very busy."

"Okay."

The girlfriend glanced at me and then bit into a piece of bread.

Choke on that bread.

"And you, little Daniela, it's finally nice to meet you. Welcome." Mom said.

Alessandro and I exchanged looks. Mom didn't know Daniela? Was Dad keeping secrets from Mom?

"Thank you, Mrs. Nicolette. I've heard a lot about you all thanks to Mr. Kevin. I feel like I already know you – your beloved wife, your four children including the two sets of twins, and the family friends, Mr. Javier and his wife with their children, and then there are Stephanie and Charles Walker, the significant others of your older children, though Charles no longer fits that description," she said with a cold voice, before taking a buttered bread and biting into it.

"You do know about us," said Mom with a smile. "I see my husband has taught you well. Please eat, you look very thin. Come sit by me, children scoot over, little Daniela is too far away and she is our guest."

"Yes, Mom," Alessandro and I said, sliding over on the bench, leaving Alondra at the far end of the table.

"Thank you for the invite."

Daniela said while we all looked at her.

"I think we've talked enough, let's eat," said my father who's been quiet the whole time.

We ate in silence.

After dinner, we retired to the living room, while our twins took Charles to play video games, and my brother Alessandro took Stefy to his room – they must be getting intimate by now.

I stayed downstairs listening as my mother spoke with Alondra and Daniela.

"Ladies, I have a slight headache. I'll go to my room to rest, welcome to the city Alondra, and Daniela, welcome to the family, Little Sister," I said, giving Daniela a hug.

"You look awful, go to bed," Dad said.

"Yes, Daddy," I ran and hugged him, and he hugged me back.

"I love you, Alessia," he whispered in my ear. Dad doesn't lie, but he does keep secrets.

"I love you too, my handsome Daddy," I said, pulling away from Dad, kissing Mom on the cheek, and dashed off.

I didn't head to my room; I passed by Alessandro's but when I heard Stefy's moans I didn't knock and went to the twins' room instead.

When I entered, Charles was smiling at them as they played a racing video game on the TV.

"Guys, can I have a moment alone with Charles?" I said.

"Only if you let us play in your room!" said Alma.

"Okay, but don't go downstairs to see Mom and Dad, you're not allowed to leave my room," I directed, and they nodded before running off.

I closed the door.

"It's good you're back, but why with a girlfriend?" I said, shedding my sweet façade.

"Do you have a split personality? It's more common than you think," he said, meeting my gaze with that cold look that excites me.

"I don't have a split personality unlike someone who had imaginary friends as a child. Do you still see them, Charles?"

"Most kids have imaginary friends, but I don't know if you had them."

"We both laughed.

"You never called!" I said, and he fell silent.

"Alessia… I don't want a psychopath by my side."

"Of course, you prefer a sweet girl like Alondra, but you know I can be sweet," I said, and he shook his head.

"I did love you. But you didn't care about being with other men and women."

"I thought you enjoyed seeing me kiss other girls."

"But... there came a day when I wanted you only for myself."

"We laughed. You sound like my brother, and I like you. We're both not exactly virtuous, and in this case, Daniela would be Alondra."

"Daniela and your brother?"

"Nevermind Daniela," I said and hugged him. "I missed you so much," I murmured, burying my head in his chest.

"Aless... I..."

"I know you have a girlfriend, but just hold me."

"Are you pretending to be sweet with me?"

"Pretending to you?"

"Charles, look into my eyes, I would never fake anything with you," I said, meeting his gaze. There were moments I thought we might kiss, but he just hugged me.

"I missed you too, but nothing will happen between us, okay?"

"Because of her?... I could make her disappear."

"If you do that, I will never speak to you again," he said and released me.

"I'll be good."

"Alright," he walked towards the door. "Are you still studying business at university?"

"Yes!" I replied eagerly.

"How about interning at my father's company? I need someone by my side," he said without waiting for my answer before leaving the twins' room.

"Is that an invitation to be by his side?" I wondered with a smile.

Hours later, we said goodbye to the Walker twins.

Walker.

"Thanks for the dinner!" they said while leaving.

Stephanie headed to her car while Charles left with Alondra in his.

"So, she's Alessia, the woman who broke your heart, Charles!" Alondra asked.

"Yes, she still looks beautiful," Charles said, watching Alessia shrink into the distance in the rearview mirror.

"Why did you introduce me as your girlfriend? You never date anyone. Besides, it gave me chills because that family is as cold as ice," she shivered, rubbing her arms.

"Alessia was my girlfriend, or something like it, but seeing her made me just want to draw her into my arms. She would never value me if I laid myself at her feet; that's how she is. She wearies of the game and discards you when it's no longer challenging."

"I saw how she treated you at the table. Haha, you really held back from making a scene."

"Be quiet, you mischief-maker. If we had been alone, I would have taken her right there on that table, but I need to be strong."

"Sure, I'll call Dad to let him know I'm in town, cousin."

"Ah, Uncle Jose, he's always thrilled to see his princess. Do you want me to take you? I need to speak with my father when I get home; he and Mom are going on a trip soon."

"Is that why you came back? Was it to see little Alessia?"

"Both reasons."

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