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I woke up feeling somewhat rested, grateful that my body wasn't sore from sleeping on the floor

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I woke up feeling somewhat rested, grateful that my body wasn't sore from sleeping on the floor. Then reality hit me—I wasn't in my own home anymore. Instead, I found myself on a plane, thousands of feet above the ground, with two practically strangers who claimed to be my brother and father.

Honestly, I hadn't cared much about their presence when I fell asleep. I was just utterly exhausted. As I got up, I instinctively checked if I was still fully clothed. It had become a habit, a precautionary measure in a world where trust was scarce.

Looking into the bathroom mirror, I saw a reflection of a broken person, someone who felt too far gone to find their way back.

Returning to my seat, I debated whether to join them or not. Just then, the guy who resembled me opened the door.

"Hey, sorry to disturb your sleep, but we're about to land. You need to return to your seat," he informed me.

"Yeah, sure, I'll come," I replied softly, waiting for him to leave. Instead, he lingered, his presence making me uneasy.

Getting up, I limped back to my seat, my thoughts drifting back to yesterday. I wondered what Alex was doing. Perhaps he thought I was dead too, but that wasn't my concern anymore. I could only hope these two weren't worse than him.

Cristián's hand waving in front of me snapped me out of my reverie, causing me to flinch. His expression seemed a mix of hurt and shock. Trying to dispel any suspicion, I quickly apologized.

"I'm sorry, you startled me. I was lost in thought," I explained, hoping he'd buy it.

His expression softened into a small smile. "Come on," he said gently.

As I settled back into my seat, exhaustion overwhelmed me, and I drifted off to sleep again.

When I woke up, I found myself in a car, with Cristián sitting in the back beside me, while Santiago drove.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty!" Cristián greeted me with a grin.

"Do you always sleep this much?" he teased.

"No, it's just been a long day," I replied, though the exhaustion etched on my face told a different story. But that's what happens when you've spent most of your life living in fear, right?

"We're almost home, just five more minutes," Cristián informed me.

I nodded in response, still half-asleep.

"Ella se ve como conejito cuando duerme," he whispered to his father.

(She looks like a bunny when she sleeps.)

I heard him whisper to his father.

The car came to a gradual halt, and I found myself gazing out of the window at a magnificent villa stretching out before me. Its grandeur was undeniable, evoking a sense of awe.

Cristián approached my door and opened it, but my focus remained fixed on the opulent estate in front of me as I voiced my thoughts.

"Are you guys, like, rich or something?"

"You could say that," Cristián replied with a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

"It's rather remarkable, isn't it?" he continued, gesturing towards the imposing mansion. "But wealth can't buy everything."

I nodded in agreement, feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension swirling within me. As I stepped out of the car, I couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place in such extravagant surroundings.

Cristián's hand reached out to guide me, but I instinctively pulled away, my anxiety bubbling to the surface. His expression shifted, a blend of hurt and confusion flickering across his features.

"I'm sorry," he murmured softly, his eyes searching mine for understanding.

"It's fine," I replied hastily, hoping to brush off the awkward moment. After all, we were still practically strangers, weren't we? Such reactions were only natural.

As we made our way towards the mansion, I couldn't help but notice two imposing figures stationed at the entrance, their stern demeanor hinting at their role as security guards.

"They must be their bodyguards," I mused silently to myself, momentarily distracted by the thought.

Upon entering the grand foyer, Cristián and I parted ways briefly, leaving me standing in the center of the room, surrounded by three unfamiliar faces.

Santiago's voice broke the silence, introducing the men as my brothers. The revelation caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but blurt out in astonishment.

"What?"

"Yes, my dear, these are your older brothers," Santiago confirmed with a warm smile.

I am Fernando, well I am your brother for start, but I'm 26 years old, and I'm working in a law firm. It's nice to see again, peanut." He said, his eyes glinting with tears. I was surprised he didn't go in for a hug.

"I'm glad we met again peanut, I'm Lorenzo, your other older brother. I'm 22, and I am a professional boxer, so if any of these give you any trouble, you'll come to me, sweetheart." He said given his brothers a stink eye, while they just rolled their eyes.

"Hey, I am Ramón, and I'm 19." The shortest said dryly.

As each brother introduced himself, I felt a mixture of emotions wash over me. Fernando's tearful eyes hinted at a depth of emotion that left me speechless, while Lorenzo's confident demeanor exuded a sense of protectiveness.

Ramón, on the other hand, seemed indifferent, his aloofness leaving me with a sense of unease.

Gathering my thoughts, I reciprocated their introductions, feeling a sense of both relief and apprehension at finally meeting my long-lost family.

With Santiago offering to show me to my room, I followed him hesitantly, my mind swirling with questions and uncertainties.

Entering the room, my eyes were immediately drawn to a family portrait adorning the wall. Santiago held me in his arms, surrounded by smiles and laughter a stark contrast to the uncertainty that now filled my heart.

As I took in the sight, I couldn't help but wonder if this newfound family could fill the void that had plagued me for so long. Thinking that what my mothers said is not really the truth.

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Broken souls Tahanan ng mga kuwento. Tumuklas ngayon