Adeline's Pov
It's hard keeping a secret.
When it isn't something that can be buried in the past and forgotten by time.
My baby is a reality.
It's a huge part of my present and future.
Hiding my truth for the fear of judgement makes me feel like a culprit when it isn't even my fault in the first place.
Why do I have to live with the consequences? Why am I scared of my brother's reaction? I didn't do anything and they'll understand. They have to.
"When will you tell everyone about um... my baby..." I asked Lucius two days ago as we drove back from the clinic.
He looked at me from the rearview mirror as I was seated at the backseat while Rhyett took the wheel next to him.
"I'm just waiting for Cyrus to be back. Since your brothers are already mad at me, it's good if I have him by my side when I break the news to them." He explains calmly.
I know Cyrus had been sort of a mother to them and while our father was who he is —a father— Rhyett took up the strict parent job and needless to say none of the siblings go to him for comfort or care.
But I'm so far most comfortable with him.
He's sweet. Even if he doesn't let that on, I know he loves his brothers and they know that too.
I contemplated whether I should stay quiet or ask what's been on my mind for days now. "Will they have a bad reaction?"
He stays silent for a moment. "Don't worry about it, sweetheart. I'll talk to them. They're grown ups, they'll understand." I nod unsure of whether I should believe his words.
I want my brothers to not overreact as they did to the freaking call. They were way angrier than I had expected them to be over something so petty.
Marcus is a disgusting guy but he's harmless. And now that I had changed countries, there was no reason to make such a huge deal of him.
The logical thing that Lucius later did was to just get me a new number and forget about what happened. But Ewan and Altas had to take out their frustration on me.
"Can you remember taking your meds on time or do you want me to remind you?" Rhyett turns the wheel and his muscles flex.
I've gotten new meds now as Valerie had brought in a gynecologist for the checkup. She's an old lady that must be in her late sixties and thankfully she's very kind.
I didn't even know Valerie was a trauma surgeon, she seemed to have known everything about pregnancies.
I really appreciated that she stayed next to me throughout the whole checkup because I was much comfortable telling her what I felt.
To my surprise even if Lucius was accompanying me this time, Rhyett insisted on coming as well.
I thought he'd have some Mafia stuff to do but apparently he prefers to stay with me. As much as I admire that, it was terrible as he was asking thousands of questions during the exam.
The old lady was very patient with him —though I could tell she wanted him out of there but I'm guessing she knew who he was. Valerie on the other hand, was getting really frustrated.
At one point she actually kicked him out of there so later I had to explain him everything that happened once he left.
Lucius stayed in the room silently. He must've already know about everything as he was with mom for five pregnancy, even half of the last one; when she was carrying me.
"I won't mind doing that though." Rhyett politely adds to convince me I can depend on him for the one thing I should be doing for my baby.
I already don't do enough for my little life.
"No it's fine, I have alarm set up for the ones mom bought me so I won't forget to take them." I reply yawning from the exhaustion of travel.
I'm always so tired and now I really prefer to stay at home than going out. Nor will Rhyett let me go anywhere ever since Valerie told me to rest.
"You won't take those now. Take the new ones and don't take any other medicine either. Even if you want a pain killer you will come ask me." Lucius ordered. "Ok?"
"Ok." I replied obediently.
Something I've learnt all this time living with them is that my father, eldest brother and now Ewan care for my baby so I do as they tell me.
Even when Rhyett told me to spit out the chips yesterday, I knew if he's telling me to do it then it must've been something bad for me. But I hadn't realized what it was.
I had read through the whole list he sent me of the things I should avoid but I genuinely didn't know the chips had papaya in it.
If I had known, maybe I wouldn't have to reveal the truth to Ewan myself. I had wanted Rhyett or Lucius to do that. I didn't have it in me to reveal the whole thing to anyone.
If someone comes up to me asking about the father of my baby, I know I'll have a hard time explaining. I'll surely breakdown into tears.
But I don't regret telling him. Unlike my initial assumption of him, Ewan was extremely calm even if I felt him shiver during our hug.
I hadn't expect him to be so gentle and caring.
I don't know if things will change between us or if he'll go back to being rude with me. I haven't seen him since last night when he left after Julian interrupted us.
I didn't realize when I dozed off during the ride back home from the clinic but I woke up in my bed. Either of the two men must've carried me to my bedroom.
A small smile creeped up to my face and I laid there thinking of how cute of a gesture it was until a bile rose up and I had to rush to the bathroom to throw up.
When I realized it was midnight I groaned knowing that I won't get a hot meal at this hour. But the luck was on my side as I came face-to-face with my only brother who can cook.
He was walking right outside my bedroom with a book in hand. Adam had told me our brother was into classical literature but this is the first time I'm seeing him read and he looks amazing.
He had glasses perched up on his nose making him look like a detective from 19s. His hair were ruffled just like the last time I saw him this late. And his demeanor was as relaxed as ever.
He's always calm or maybe he just doesn't give a damn about anything.
Even before he asked I had expected to be fed. I hoped he'll make me something and he was kind enough to do it.
The sandwich was even more delicious than I had imagined. We even had some small conversations that he initiated. Although they didn't go quite as well but I think we're making progress.
It's a possibility that he does like me. Because judging from Altas' reaction, he doesn't cook for anyone and everyone.
As I now sat at the dinning table being as hungry as ever and hastily chewing on my food. I get startled as Julian suddenly enters the room.
"Is that Valerie's car outside?"
"Valerie's here?" I ask excitedly which make all three of my brothers present turn to me.
"You know about her?" Adam asks furrowing his brows. Now that's a question I don't know how to answer.
I think everyone in our family knows her because she's their employee who works in their shady Mafia hospital.
But she could also be their family doctor which is why Rhyett had a preference for her. Or if my analysis was right.... They had history together?
Half a minute passes by and I'm still just awkwardly making eye contact with Adam going over the millions of excuses running in my mind. None that sound convincing.
"I uh..." Before I could say anything, the said woman walks in and the attention shifts to her.
"Hey guys." She smiles at them and weirdly they all reply back to her.
"Take a seat." Julian offers.
"All good, sweetie?" She asks me as she comes to sit beside me.
"Yes. Rhyett's very caring." I don't know why but I felt the need to put in good word for him. "How're you?"
"I'm great. Just came by to drop something your brother asked for. Where's he?"
I turn to Adam as I have no idea why Lucius and Rhyett aren't here for breakfast today. He gets the cue and answers.
"They went to the warehouse. There was an attack at a facility in west."
Sometimes I wonder if they're just nonchalant about their family business or they know I already know about it. I do wanna ask them to see if they'll lie.
"How can I forget that? Some nasty piece of shit fucking with us for no reason." She rolls her eyes. "I was on duty the whole night. I really deserve a raise but my boss is cheap." She chuckles.
"Well my lady," Adam starts. "We don't use such language any more since we have a child living with us now." He gestures to me.
"Shit, my bad!" She hisses.
"No it's fine. I'm old enough." I protest and she smiles at me.
"You're lucky Rhyett's not here. He's been babying her so much. He would've definitely hated that." Altas laughs at his own joke that wasn't even funny.
"What's he gonna do? Punish me? He can try." Valerie snorts.
She picks up a bowl and fills it with some cut fruits before standing up. She opens up her bag and takes out a cloth bag that seems to have a book inside.
"Adeline, can you give this to Rhyett please?" She asks handing me the bag and I take it from her. I get up to bid her a good bye when she pulls me in for a hug.
"Don't give this to anyone else." She whispers to me and leaves carrying the bowl of fruits but not before one last sentence addressed to my brothers. "You monsters, take care of your little sister."
Altas snorts while his twin dramatically salutes in agreement. Julian gives a small wave and tells her to have a 'good day'.
They all seem to be quite comfortable with her.
Just as I was about to ask where's Ewan, "What is it?" Altas points to the bag in my hand.
"It's Rhyett's." I say shooting him a disapproving glare.
"We don't have secrets. I'm sure he won't mind me taking a little peak."
"No." I say firmly and get up to leave.
As I've been doing for a few days now, I fill up an extra plate to eat from time to time so I don't have to get up from my bed so often. I grab the plate and the bag and left.
Julian's Pοv
"You're staying home? Don't you have college today?" I halt in my steps.
"You guys go, I'll leave in a bit." I answer Altas who looks at me weirdly but nods nonetheless.
He knows I'm always on time and it's unlike me to not leave with the twins even if we go in separate cars and to different institutes.
I immediately get back to work and stride towards Adeline's room hoping to catch her before she gets there.
"Adeline." I call after her and she stops.
"Yes?" She looks at me confused.
My mind races to come up with the best excuse that'll surely not seem weird. "I just came to ask if you wanna go eat out sometime?"
She hesitates. "I'd love to but I have to ask Lucius." That's fucked up.
There's a difference between asking for permission and letting your guardian know of your whereabouts. I'm her brother she can go out with me whenever she wants.
"Sure. Let me know then, we can go to any place you want." Her eyes lit up. I knew food was the way to her heart.
"Let me help you." I offer and move to grab everything she's carrying.
I first take the plate and then go for the bag, both of which she easily hands over to me. She doesn't realize what I'm doing as she looks at me with so much fucking adoration.
I gesture her to move forward and she opens her bedroom door for me. I step inside and had to do a double take to confirm this is a room in our home.
She's completely transformed it.
From hanging weird string of beads on the drapes to the sketches of cartoon characters she has hung up on the walls.
There's an army of plushies on her bed and sofa. What intrigued rather —irked— me the most was that she had two frames on her bed side table.
One had a picture of her mother and the other had a picture of her and Mary laughing with their step family like the perfect happy family they were.
I avert my eyes from the infuriating images to the hot pink glittery alarm clock she had which was set on a small transparent organizer which looked to have some sort of pills.
Must be painkillers, she might have a preference for her Australian meds.
She gestures for me to set everything on the table in the center of her room. I make the slowest moment towards it and just like the genuine I am, I'm struck with a brilliant idea.
I stumble on nothing and purposely twist my wrist inward spilling the contents of the plate on myself.
"My bagel!" She gasps. Good to know my sister cares more about her food than me.
"Shit!" I curse to make it more believable and straighten up to my feet again. "Can you get me a washcloth?"
She looks devastated at the mess I've created and nods before rushing to her ensuite.
The moment she's gone, I set to work.
I put the plate down and open the bag Valerie handed her. As I could already tell from the outside, it's a book. I reach in and take it out.
I don't feel a least bit guilty for snooping in someone's matter. I never claimed to be a good guy and I know I'm not.
Whatever it is, it's somehow related to everything that's happening in our home lately. I for sure know it's something Adeline is involved in.
If it was something related to Mafia, Valerie would've preferred to hand it over to one of us brothers in the absence of Rhyett. And it can't be a fucking love letter cause she would never have given it to any of us, let alone an innocent kid.
As I turn the book over I'm momentarily shocked. My brain shuts down as I'm unable to decide what I want to think of it.
It's a guide for men on how to take care of a pregnant woman.
This could only mean one thing.
Valerie's pregnant.
And somehow Adeline knows about it. That's why Valerie trusted her to hand over the book and that's how they both knew each other.
I don't understand why Rhyett would decide to tell our youngest sibling about it but I guess he let loose on the drive they went for.
And maybe that's what they're bonding on. Rhyett's worried and Adeline's helping him deal with it-
Then I suck in a harsh breath as another thought crosses my mind. What if.... Adeline? No. That's impossible. I'm tripping.
I stare at the book in my hand and all the dots starts joining one by one.
Her eating habits, always being tired, throwing up. Rhyett and dad supervising her diet and shifting next to her room downstairs.
Her avoiding pineapple... I don't even know if it's bad for pregnant women —I need to read another one of these books.
And the most apparent one, the extremely weird demeanor of the boss and underboss of USA after talking to her. They know and they're hiding it from us.
They don't want us to know that our fourteen year old sister is pregnant.
I.... I never thought I'd be so clueless of my own feelings.
Finding out after all these years that my mother was alive and I have a sister that my parents conveniently hid our whole lives, was fucked up enough.
But now my sister's pregnant with I don't know who's kid.
Fuck I wanna kill the guy who manipulated her into it.
I just hope she was smart enough to not fall for someone like the guy we brought to the warehouse. I don't know who I'd rather want the father of her child to be but her own age and a good guy would be better.
I didn't want her to date so soon and now I'm making up scenarios of her co-parenting. I hate my fucking life.
Before I could think any further I hear footsteps approaching and shove the book back inside the bag placing it on the table.
Adeline comes back and her sad eyes meet the now dead bagel again. "Here." She forwards me a wash cloth.
I look at her for a heartbeat before my eyes drop to her stomach. Nothing there. Maybe I was wrong? Or she's in her early stage? I wouldn't know because I've only seen her in huge oversized sweatshirts.
My head pounds and I can't think straight. Now the meds on her side table and her knowing Valerie makes shit ton of sense.
I take the cloth from her and barely use it as having my new button up messed up is the least of my concerns right now.
"Thanks. I'll send someone to clean this up." I gesture to the carpet and abruptly leave.
Once I'm outside I suck in a harsh breath as my lungs seem to be out of it. I really want something strong. Vodka, Tequila, gin, anything.
I want to think and alcohol helps me do just that.
But I also desperately want to go back and just ask my sister if what I'm thinking is true but I already know it is and I'm not ready to hear it.
I had imagined to feel a satisfaction when I finally find out what the whole secrecy is about. But this victory isn't fun as I thought. I'm more baffled than anything else.
I'm not ready to be an uncle. But it's not about me. My baby sis isn't ready to be a mother. She's a child.
The door behind me abruptly opens and Adeline sticks her head out. "Can you also tell the staff to get me a new bagel. I haven't eaten anything."
She's had three already with a bunch of fruits, ham and cheese. But who's arguing? She's eating for two.
I nod to her. She smiles at me again and disappears into her room. She doesn't look sad. Maybe she does want the baby.
But why would dad hide it from us? He knows we're gonna find out eventually. It could be that she's scared of us judging her. Or they're planning to.... abort.
It's her decision. Whether she keeps it or not, I'll support her.
Even if it was an accident, it is a reality. I just hope she does what's best of her and won't regret it later.
I want to talk to her. I want to get this off my chest but I can't be with people right now. I want some time alone.
As I move to the stairs I remember I have a responsibility now. I have to make sure she's fine and fed well.
I go to the kitchen and the staff looks at me for any orders I may have. I always cook when alone and none of them even have an idea that I can suffice my hunger myself.
Rather than saying anything I move to the fridge and take out all the ingredients to make her a bagel sandwich —one better than the one I threw on the carpet and myself.
I realize my shirt is stained and I'm standing in front of people in a rough state as they stare at me with wide eyes but I could care less.
Once the sandwich was ready —which took hell lot of time since I had to Google each ingredient to make sure it was safe for her to consume— I send it off to her room with her personal helper, instructing her to also clean the carpet.
I hope Adeline tells us about it soon. Because I don't know how long I can go before asking her about it. I can't sit back while she struggles through such painful months.
Maybe that's what tomorrow's meeting —after Cyrus' arrival— is about. I think Rhyett and Dad are finally gonna tell the rest.