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IT IS SUNDAY THE NEXT day, and I can probably rest more in my room. I stretch my arms and legs and step out of the bed.
Butterflies fill my stomach as I suddenly remember the steamy kiss I had with Brandon. I touch my lips and smile. I want to see and kiss him again. Last night was perfect. Well, he was perfect.
My thoughts are abruptly interrupted when I hear my phone beeps. I sigh and lazily pick it up from the bedside table.
I scowl at the screen. I have four missed calls and three messages from an unknown number.
I checked the time logs, and the last call was thirty minutes ago. I don’t usually answer unsaved phone numbers, but given the fact the caller bombarded my phone, the call must be urgent. Or maybe it was from home.
I try to call back the number.
“Hello?” someone answers right away. It’s a man’s voice.
“Hello, may I know who’s calling?”
“Alayna,” I hear him clear his throat, “it’s me.”
“Who’s me—” I pause; the voice sounds quite familiar. “Cassius?”
“Yep,” he answers and chuckles. “You left without saying goodbye. How are you?”
“I’m fine,” I answer simply. “What’s up?”
“Good. I just want to know if you’re okay,” he says straightforwardly.
“How did you get my number?”
“Hmm,” he hums. “I asked Ollie. He had to babysit me because I was already getting furious.”
“Furious, why?”
God, what am I doing right now? Brandon doesn’t want me talking to him.
“Because I’m attracted to someone who’s already taken,” he confesses and forces a laugh.
I remain silent, unsure of what to say.
“Anyway, I heard it worked,” he continues. “Brandon came out of the house officially after a decade. But I’m sorry I ruined it last night. I didn’t mean to get in the picture.”
What worked? Get in the picture? “Hold on. Don’t make me answer a riddle right here.”
“I’m not supposed to tell you a patient’s condition.”
“But it’s Brandon. I know what is going on with him now, so what is holding you back?”
“I wasn’t supposed to tell you that before too, but I had to know what went on the last time he had an episode. Anyway, I’m finding a way that could help his condition... help him get better, especially now that we have seen hope. You are his hope.”
I shake my head. “I don’t like being called such a thing, Cassius.”
“But you are. I knew that when Brandon found out you were with me, he’d have no choice but to come out and get you. Fortunately, he responded positively.”
“Wait,” I interrupt him. “You might not want to tell me what you did, but are you saying you plotted all that?”
“Is that bad?”
“Nothing, I just...” I pause. “Cassius, Brandon came out now because of you, and while he thought it was because of Oliver’s help.”
He pauses a little. “Uh, yes. Brandon didn’t want to see me so I had to ask Ollie,” there’s melancholy in his voice.
“But Cassius, even if you do this, Brandon will still—”
“Hate me?” he presses. “I don’t mind. I have a debt to pay.”
Debt? What kind of debt? I want to ask him, but I keep the thought in my mind.
“Why are you telling me this?”
“So, you won’t misunderstand me. I want to clear my intentions. I am a very honest person, Alayna, but I just really wanted to help Oliver. He’s in a tight situation right now. You know what I mean.”
Instantly, I thought of Ollie being engaged. On the other hand, I still don’t understand why Brandon doubted him. There must be something more to it. Something he didn’t tell me. He wouldn’t hate or distrust his cousin for no reason. He clearly said that he doesn’t trust him, but Cassius is obviously doing everything he could to make it up to him.
“The next few weeks are going to be tough for Brandon,” he goes on. “He might not be able to see you for a while.”
“I know.” I sigh. “He just told me, but he said it’s not going to take another month.”
“Brandon didn’t know that it was going to be difficult this time. It’s going to be very painful.”
“Does he know now?”
“How could we possibly tell him that? This could be his second death,” he pauses, “I mean not literally, but he needs to be strong to make it work this time. He’s not completely healed.”
The mask. He still has the mask.
“When are you going to tell him then? He’ll eventually find out.”
“Brandon needs time. You’ve seen the scar on his chest, but you haven’t seen his face, and you will never wish to see it. It’s his biggest insecurity. I want to help him make it go away, but he’s just too afraid of my hands.”
“What is it like?” I snap. “His face... What is he hiding under the mask? Is it anything like the scar on his chest?”
“Look, I can’t disclose something private, but at this moment, you are the only person whom he listens to—more than Oliver. Have patience with him, Alayna. I have a feeling he will open up to you soon.”
My heart lifts. “I hope for that too. Thanks, Cassius.”
“Anytime. Oh, I have to go. I’m flying to Athens tonight, but I’ll be back next week. I’ll keep in touch.”
“Sure.”
“Alayna.” He hangs up.
Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like if I didn’t know any of them. I usually imagine myself in a restaurant cooking to my heart’s content. But how empty it must be if I didn’t get to know Brandon. Right now, even if the path I’ve chosen is hard, I can’t see my future without him in it.
I FEEL A BIT REFRESHED after a cold bath, but my head is still throbbing. It’s my rest day, but I want to check my supplies. Oliver or Madam Lennie is in charge of the Master’s meals on the weekend. I found Madam Lennie at my station with a new girl.
She looked so young and charming. She has wavy, dark brown hair, pouty red lips, and curvy hips. She is wearing a similar uniform as a cook, only simpler. I couldn’t help but wonder. Did they hire new kitchen staff? If so, why was she at my station?
“Good morning, Madam Lennie.” I greet her. “I’m just going to check the supplies so I can ask the grocer to fill it up,” I told Madam, but my attention diverts to the brunette beauty next to her. She’s slicing the salmon into thin strips.
“Good morning, Alayna. No need, dear. I already asked someone to fill up the supplies,” she informs. “And Alayna?”
“Yes, Madam?”
“I’d like you to meet Casey. She’s going to be your assistant, and she’s only in charge to cook on the weekends. Oliver decided to leave the kitchen to you, and Casey will deliver the food to our Master.”
Wait. What? If I heard her right, she clearly said this Casey will deliver food to the Master.
Who is she exactly? Jealousy struck my chest. I’m afraid Brandon probably allowed someone else other than me to enter his room.
I lean in Madam’s ear and whisper, making sure my voice is almost inaudible. “I need a further explanation. Did the Master hire someone else? I thought I was his private chef now, and—”
“Casey will be delivering the food in his study,” she interrupts me with a faint smile. “She is also Oliver and Cassius’s sister. She’s their youngest,” she answers in a whisper, and Madam clears her throat.
Sister! I didn’t think of that. And why wouldn’t I?
“Oh, Casey? Come here, dear,” Madam calls her.
When she raises her face, I see the most beautiful face I’ve seen in my life, but there’s no hint of the Katrakis brothers’ genes on her. I’m instantly star-struck with her doll shaped face, dark hair, small nose, and firmly etched pink lips. And her mesmerizing gray eyes... they’re just like Brandon’s.
“Lennie,” she prompts and smiles sweetly.
“Casey, this is Alayna. She’s the Master’s private chef. She’s going to help you with everything that you want to know. You probably heard of her from your brothers.”
She grins kindly and waves her hand a little. “Hi, Alayna.”
“Casey is a new culinary transferee at the Institute of Culinary Arts in Manhattan. She’s only a sophomore so she still needs your supervision. She’s going to be staying here with her brother until she graduates. Also, she’s your age.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Casey.” I smile as I reach out a hand and she takes it with a light squeeze.
“You too, Alayna,” she answers and smiles back.
“Well then, I still have chores to do. I’ll leave you two for a moment,” Madam Lennie excused herself and left.
Casey continues slicing the salmon into bite-size pieces. It’s probably best if I don’t disturb her. I still don’t know how I’m going to approach her. She also seems different from her brothers, and the atmosphere suddenly felt awkward.
“Um, I’ll probably see you tomorrow. It’s my–uh–rest day today,” I announce.
“You are beautiful,” she says unexpectedly but didn’t bother to look.
I flush. “Oh, thank you.”
“No wonder my brothers were so smitten with you.” Casey stops and looks up at me. “I wondered what you looked like. Now that I’ve seen you, I finally understand what’s going on.”
“What do you mean?”
“My brothers like you, Alayna.”
I blink, confused. “Well, I don’t think Oliver likes me since he’s engaged.”
“No, he likes you. He’s engaged to Betty, but it doesn’t mean he can’t like you. He’s just too gentlemanly to say it. On the other hand, Cassius might’ve made the first move already?” she says meaningfully, as if certain.
“I... I have nothing to say to that.”
Her eyes gleam. “But the Master is the one you like?”
I frown. “How did you know about all of that?”
“My brothers talk about you and Brandon. I happen to know everything, and when I say I know everything, I mean it.”
I chuckle nervously. “I don’t know how to put this, but I certainly don’t want them speaking about me,” I frankly say.
She blinks her long eyelashes. “Okay, how about we talk later? I’d really, really like to get to know you, Alayna.” She grins.
I laugh softly. Honestly, there is something pleasant about her. I don’t know if it’s her smile or her sweet soothing voice. It would be nice to speak with someone else in the house other than Oliver.
“There’s nothing I could tell you.”
“I’m sure there’s probably a lot to know.” She speaks very softly too. “But, I don’t mean to intimidate you. It’s okay if you’re busy. I don’t want to take your free time.”
This might be quite burdensome, but I’d like to know more about the family as well—or probably know more about Brandon.
“No, no. It’s okay. I’d love to talk a bit later.”
She smiles again. “Really? Honestly, I know that you are curious about a lot of things, and I’m quite inquisitive. I want to know what’s going on in this house.”
I smile. “I’ll see you later.”
“I’ll come by your room. See you, Alayna.”
A KNOCK ON MY DOOR interrupts my browsing. I go to the door and see Casey carrying a tray of potato chips, French fries, and two bottles of orange juice.
“May I come in?” she asks with a grin.
“Sure. Come in!” I step aside to let her get in.
“Whoa, you have a nice room!” She walks towards my study desk and places the tray down. Casey settles in front of my computer, picks up a potato chip, and pops it in her mouth. “We used to visit this mansion when we were little. This was our grandmother’s before it became Brandon’s. I kind of missed it, but don’t you think it’s too lonely now?”
“A little, but really?” It’s the first time I heard of that. “I thought this was—”
“Brandon’s house? Sure is, but this house was only given to him when he turned eighteen. But oh, I’m sure you already know what’s going on with his life.”
“Not anything... besides his condition. Brandon isn’t very open.” I slump at the edge of my bed, and Casey swivels the chair around and rocks herself forward. She offers me a snack.
“Would you like some?”
“Thank you.” I slide my hand into the chip bag and grab a couple.
“I don’t know many things as well,” she continues. “But there’s something.”
“Alright, so tell me why you want to speak with me?”
“Hmm. That. I want us to get along first. I want us to properly introduce ourselves. Is that fine with you?”
Talking about myself isn’t always a good idea. There are details I’d like to remain undisclosed. I am always just a simple girl from Kansas with a mother and twelve siblings to people. “I think you already know about me, so I’ll skip with mine. Tell me more about you? Oliver did mention he has a sister.”
“They are nice, my brothers, aren’t they?” She grins.
I agree, “Well, they are.”
“Yes, even though I’m adopted, I feel like I’m a princess.”
Whoa, what an introduction! I blink, unable to speak.
“I know that it’s not something to brag about,” she continues. “Mom always wanted to have a daughter after she gave birth to Cassius, but she wasn’t able to bear another child. She almost died giving birth to him. They adopted me when I was three.”
“Then, that’s probably why you’re not blonde?” I mumble unintentionally. I didn’t mean to sound nosy.
“You noticed?” She touches her wavy chocolate brown hair. “I always wanted to dye my hair blonde, but it would be fake, no?”
“I think your hair is beautiful as it is,” I say in all honesty. It matched her ash-colored eyes.
“Thanks.” She smiles sweetly.
“And at what age did you learn that you’re adopted?”
“My whole life!” she breathes. “But I didn’t get along with them at first. I remember Ollie and I didn’t get along very well when we were kids. He was kind of hard-headed when he was young.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Oliver was like that?”
“Yeah!” She chortled. “Cassius, on the other hand, was very thoughtful. We were very close, and he’s very kind. I’m sure you find him charming too.” She winks. It is marked by her reactions that she knew something.
I force a smile. “That I should admit.” But that’s it. My mixed feelings about him should stop there.
She puts the bag of potato chips aside and grabs the bottle of juice. “But you’re in love with Brandon,” she concludes.
My head shot up. My chin almost dropped at her straightforwardness. “I don’t want to put it like that for now. I mean, that’s strong speculation. I like him, but I’m still figuring out myself... and these things about him.”
“It’s because you are confused. You’ve been shaken by these two guys.” She smiles kindly. “But don’t worry, I don’t judge. I actually understand you. Brandon is very complicated.”
“I’m still trying to understand him, but I’m not giving up.”
“That’s the spirit.” She chugs the bottle of orange juice straight and heaves a sigh of relief.
“So... are you close to Brandon?”
“Very. We all used to hang out together. My brothers and Elga as well.”
“I hadn’t heard that before.”
“Brandon and his family always lived here in Manhattan. They used to have a small house in Queens, and we moved there too for a brief time. But then we all moved back to Athens when Aunt Grethe and Elga passed away. Since Brandon needed someone at his side, Oliver and Cassius stayed with him here. Then he inherited this mansion.”
I nod. “Is it alright if I ask you something else?”
“Shoot.”
“I heard this certain kind of rule that women in the family should only marry someone from these two families—I’ve forgotten the names.”
She nodded, recognizing. “Stavros and Dragoumis. I’m surprised you know this. That could be my fate too, even though I’m adopted. What about them anyway?”
“Did Brandon’s mother marry someone else?”
“You are very perceptive, Alayna.” She sighs. “Well, yes. Our family has always been complicated. Our grandfather cut his ties with Aunt Grethe when she married Brandon’s dad. She was exiled from the family, and they moved away and lived a modest life.”
“That rule is bullshit, to be honest,” I say, frankly.
“Yeah, right? Who wants to marry a distant relative? Gross.” She grimaces. “My father hates that too. However, when Aunt Grethe gave birth to three children, our grandfather miraculously changed. He didn’t care about those rules anymore. He was willing to welcome them back, except, of course, for Brandon’s dad. Aunt Grethe was his favorite after all, but she didn’t want to leave her husband.”
I shake my head in slight disappointment. “But Brandon’s dad did abandon them for his mistress.”
“And much worse, he was a son of a servant—one of the Katrakis’ oldest servants. So much for the movie-like drama, right?”
I don’t think that kicking your own family was right because of the rules, but in this case, I couldn’t blame their grandfather. Brandon’s mother married an irresponsible man. His son was suffering here alone, and he is his only family left, but still chose to abandon him.
“But despite being poor, Brandon has always been the smart one,” Casey continues while munching a piece of the potato chip. “Look at what he achieved now. He owns the world, but he just can’t see his own worth. Cassius became a doctor to help him and Oliver spent his whole life building the company. Honestly, for my brothers, I hope Brandon escapes all this. He deserves to live a normal life. Thanks to you, he’s beginning to see the light now.”
I smile a little. “I didn’t do anything. Honestly, it’s all him. He decided to finally go out.”
She grins back. “That’s also true.”
“Hey, I don’t want to ask this, but it keeps bothering me...”
“Carry on, Alayna.”
“Do you perhaps know how his family was killed? Does he know the culprit?”
There was a pinch of disgust in her eyes. “Honestly, Brandon doesn’t tell us a lot about what happened that day, but we all know that the suspects are inside the Katrakis circle. The family is a vast clan. When grandfather found out that Brandon and Elga existed, he wanted to make two of them his successors. But the elders weren’t up for this idea since they thought they’re the offspring of ’sins.’ There’s also this rule that those who already exiled don’t have the right to a single cent of the family inheritance.”
“But Brandon made all his wealth by himself, right?” I point out. “I’m sure they are all going to leave him alone now.”
They should. He suffered all alone. His family was murdered because of it, and he almost lost his own life because of it.
She shakes her head, her expression hardened. “The Katrakis possess unimaginable wealth. We are talking about billions here, Alayna. The family has three heads, and we usually call them ‘the Elders.’ It’s a very long story, but my grandfather alone owns one of the biggest banks, shopping malls, and automotive manufacturing industries in Greece, as well as private airlines. Now, can you imagine all their wealth combined?”
I cover my mouth. Brandon’s family is that powerful. It’s almost overwhelming how powerful Brandon would become if he acquired this fortune.
“And Brandon is still going to have this wealth?”
“I don’t know, but I heard he would.”
“So that’s where the problems land,” I conclude.
“Since Brandon is the son of a prodigal daughter that fell from grace, they believe he didn’t deserve to receive anything at all, so they were kind of protesting,” she explained, disgust never left her eyes.
I scowl hard. “And they wanted to eliminate him and his family, is that it?”
“Brandon already rejected his rights to the fortune, but they are still threatened.”
Things are more apparent to me now. I now understand why he couldn’t say a word. His blood—his own family, betrayed and literally killed him inside and outside. I still couldn’t believe some people could actually kill a family member.
My poor Brandon. My poor, poor man.
How hard it must be for him. I suddenly want to hold him and tell him that we are still here for him—that I am here for him.
“But how about this thing with Lucia—um, I mean Annette? Do you know anything about her?” I ask, suddenly remembering the reason why I’m here. “She’s the reason why Brandon hired me. I know her privately, and I know where to find her, but she doesn’t seem like a person who could hurt someone.”
She looks at me with a deep frown. “I can’t believe you’re involved in this, Alayna. I’m really sorry,” she says, her face expressing regret. “Annette was the reason why his father left. I don’t know what else is the deal with her, but Brandon might know something we don’t. She could be a part of his misery.”
I fall back on the bed, my knees feeling weak. “I even looked up to her. I was so clueless.” I bury my face in my palm, already on the verge of tears.
“It is hard to know everything, Alayna.”
I lift my head. Earlier, I remember she said something about three children. She said Brandon’s mother gave birth to three children. Who’s the other one? Does Brandon have another sibling?
I want to ask Casey that, but I keep the thought in mind since I probably misheard something. At this point, my head is spinning.
I wipe my face down to my chin. “There’s a lot more I want to ask, but my head is going to explode just by thinking about it,” I say.
“I think I told you enough for one day,” she says. “But would you like it if we watch Netflix? I really wanted to watch this new show with someone...”
