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But now, it seems like the decision has been made for me…possibly.
They might not be mine. They could be Nikhil’s. We both slept with her…more than once that night.
When Annalise returns, she’s holding the hands of two little girls who stare up at me with wide, curious eyes. Their resemblance to Annalise is striking, but there’s also something undeniably familiar about them—as if they’re a part of me I never knew was missing.
“Franny, Gina, this is…Cassius,” Annalise introduces me hesitantly, her voice wavering with uncertainty.
A part of me hates the way she calls me by my name. I’m so much more than just some kind of stranger to them, but for now I keep my mouth shut and go along with it.
“Hello,” I manage to say, my voice choked with emotion. The moment their small eyes lock onto mine, I’m captivated, completely and utterly enthralled by their presence.
I never wanted kids…until now.
Screw Nikhil…I hope they’re mine. But, even if they’re not, I’ll treat them like they are.
“Hi,” the twins answer in unison, their voices sweet and melodic.
A shiver of anticipation runs down my spine as I fall to my knees, making myself level with the twins. Their wide-eyed innocence is a stark contrast to the shadows that constantly lurk within my world. I reach out, gently taking each of their small hands in mine.
“Franny, Gina, it’s so nice to finally meet you,” I say earnestly, watching as they exchange glances before nodding in agreement.
“Mommy said you’re important,” Franny whispers, her gaze flickering between me and Annalise, who stands just behind them.
“Your mommy is right,” I reply carefully, trying to navigate the delicate situation.
“Why are you so important?” Gina asks, her little head cocking to the side.
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
“Can you tell us a story?” Gina asks, her eyes alight with curiosity. “Mommy always tells us stories before we go to bed.”
“Sure,” I agree.
Telling them a story is easy. I just use one of the ones my own mother used to tell me, unable to hold back my smile as they listen to every single word.
As I speak, I can’t help but study their faces more closely. The resemblance between us is undeniable. The same blue eyes, the same curve of their cheeks—it’s as if they’re mirrors.The question lingers heavily in the air: Am I their father or their uncle?
Does it matter either way?
I lose myself in the brilliant smiles of the twins, their laughter echoing through the small apartment. Their eyes, so much like mine, reflect a joy that I’ve rarely seen before. My heart swells with love for these little girls, and I ache to protect them from the dangerous world we inhabit.
This apartment isn’t safe for them, and I will keep the promise I made to Annalise. I’m going to keep them safe.
“Alright, girls, it’s time to go to bed,” Sienna says the second the story ends, the girls beginning to fall asleep.
“Already?” I protest, my hands involuntarily clenching into fists. The thought of parting with the children feels unbearable after such a brief encounter.
“Sienna’s right,” Annalise interjects softly, placing a gentle hand on my arm. “It’s starting to get late.”
I glance down at my watch. It’s almost nine.
“Please understand, Cassius,” she whispers, her emerald eyes pleading with me to accept this temporary separation. “This is new for them, and they need some time to process everything.”
With a heavy heart, I watch Sienna guide the girls toward their bedroom, my fingers itching to reach out and hold them close once more. The door closes behind them, leaving a void that seems impossible to fill.
Before I can stop myself, I reach out and firmly grasp Annalise by the upper arm.
“Listen to me, Annalise,” I growl, my voice low and urgent. “You can’t hide them from me or my brothers any longer. We’re a part of their lives now, whether you like it or not.”
