Adam's Pοv
We watch her walk towards us.
Wrapped in a navy blue dress that scrunches up around her waist to hide the bump.
She was so worried of someone noticing it. She chose the dress after visiting five different websites but it was worth the effort because she looks so pretty in it.
It's an off-shoulder dress, I know because she wouldn't shut up about it. She's cute when she blabbers of something she's passionate about —like her outfit and its styling.
It's a reflection of the real her.
When she talks without thinking that's when she's the most comfortable and that's when I see how adorable her thought process is.
The dress ends till her knees and has subtle glitter which makes her face glow up even more.
The pregnancy has been treating her good. She's been looking healthier and prettier everyday. Which now that I think about, I should tell her some time.
She's wearing the lightest of makeup which lets her natural glowing skin shine through. And her honey brown hair are set beautifully into soft curls.
She stops in front of dad. "You can see the bump, right? I should've wore something else or should I just not go? What if everyone thinks I'm fat? Or what if they actually figure out that I'm pregnant?"
Her face is morphed into sadness and worry. She's been stressing about the bump since morning but it isn't noticable.
She hasn't put on a lot of weight which did concern us but her gynecologist assured that as long as the babies are growing fine, there's nothing to worry about.
"No one's gonna figure out anything. It isn't even visible." Dad reassured.
"Really?"
She looks slightly more convinced now. It's surprising how just a few words are enough for her to feel better.
It hurts me to think how a few words are also enough to make her feel miserable. What's worse is that I had been one of the reasons to make her sad.
I still don't know why my twin and I did what we did. But we regret it immensely. Not just because we now know it wasn't her fault but because we now understand it wasn't our place to judge her for anything.
We've been lectured by all our brothers and dad about how immature we’ve acted. But one thing we’ve understood now is that we need to make it right.
We’ve been trying our best to do everything Cyrus advised us to. We're trying to put in efforts to make our relationship better and spend as much time with her as possible.
We want her to know that we won't ever repeat out mistake and she can trust us. She can rely on us and we won't disappoint her again.
"This color really suits you, Adeline. Your hair, your makeup, the shoes, everything goes so well together. You look perfect, sweetheart." Dad cupped her cheeks and kissed her forehead.
She giggled and tiptoed to kiss his cheek in return. "Thanks. I spent three hours getting ready."
"And it paid off." Cyrus commented.
Dad stepped aside and Cyrus gave her a quick kiss on the cheek patting her back.
Julian was next who mimicked his actions. "You look stunning, baby sis."
"No one's gonna give us our credit?" Altas huffed. "Adam and I literally helped her pick everything she's wearing right now."
"Well in that case, I took her for a manicure and pedicure. And a haircut that makes a huge difference." Julian argued.
"No one's getting any credit. If it wasn't for how beautiful I am then all of this would've been a waste." Adeline sound so proud and it really suits her.
I like it when her Storm personality shows through.
Altas and I kissed her cheek telling her how beautiful she is and he made a show of wiping his lips as if he could taste her makeup.
She hits his shoulder sending him a glare —something she likes doing often now that she's getting comfortable with us.
"You look like a baby in this." I chuckle because it's true and she hates that.
"I'm gonna be a mother soon, stop calling me a baby." She snapped. "And choose your words wisely, I won't let you near my kids if you keep pissing me off.”
How dare she? I'm their uncle!
"You wish! The moment they're out of you, Altas and I are splitting them among ourselves." I tell her crossing my arms over my chest.
"No one's splitting my babies!"
"Yes we are. It would be perfect, twins for twins." I played into the bickering that she so often finds herself in with us. "We can both get one of our own.
"Not if I chop off your hands." She looked at me dead serious.
"I'll help." Cyrus said making her smile at him.
"Don't be so selfish. You'll have two, atleast give us one of them." Altas joined in.
"As if the other one isn't mine." She scoffed and turned to the other side, physically ignoring us.
Ewan steps up to her with his hands in his pocket. "Your eyes look pretty in this."
"Thank you." She gave him her signature smile that lights up the whole place.
"Let's go?" I say taking a look at my watch. We don't have to rush, as always all of us got ready before time.
"Anyone else wanna compliment me?" She crossed her arms over her chest standing in front of Rhyett.
He slipped his phone in his pocket and cleared his throat. "You really look like a princess, Adeline. And you must act like one tonight. Hold your head up and carry yourself with confidence. Don't let anyone or anything put you down."
She's not just going there as Adeline. She'll be a Storm to everyone. And they'll judge her accordingly.
She'll do better to remember that she doesn't have to fear anyone. She can't let anyone disrespect her.
She isn't any commoner, she's the princess of our Mafia.
Rhett's words weren't the conventional way of complimenting but I can see she absolutely loved it. She blinks her eyes to hold back tears and not ruin her makeup.
The pregnancy has her feeling overwhelmed by her emotions so we've recently started retreating the moment we thinks she's getting overwhelmed by our teasing.
"I won't." She hug him even though he didn't initiate it.
In our family Rhyett, Julian and Ewan hate physical touch —which kinda roots from their dislike for all mankind— but I know she's an exception.
They know how much it means to her so they put their discomfort aside but their hugs always end up being awkward.
"And brat," She turns to Ewan. "Even if anyone finds out you're pregnant, it's not the end of the world. It doesn't matter what they thinks of you. What matters is that you own your truth."
"Right, I'll remember that. I've been stressing a lot." It's his turn to get a hug now.
"Can we leave now?" I urge.
She turns towards me. "Why'd you ruin our moment?" And now she's pissed at me.
"Alright we don't want to get late so let's go." Dad intervenes before we get stuck in another silly argument.
Like always we opted for a limo so it could fit us all. The driver starts the car when we settle down. It would take around an hour to get to our destination as the Astor mansion is far away from the city.
"I think I'm gonna throw up." Adeline blurt out half way through the ride.
"We're in the middle of nowhere." Altas said when he could've very well kept his mouth shut.
"I don't care. I want to throw up right now." She snapped.
"Ewan tell the driver to stop the car." Dad ordered.
Dad stood with her as she threw up in the bushes while Rhyett, Cyrus and Ewan looked around the area to make sure it was safe.
Adam and I leaned against the car while Julian was carefully watching Adeline with worry clear on his face.
It was normal with him to get sick himself whenever one of us were. And seeing Adeline in such condition doesn't sit well with him.
Seven cars of our bodyguards stopped at a good distance but some of them got out just in case they were needed in an emergency.
We usually don't carry so much protection but it was a long and preplanned journey —which is the most unsafe as everyone knows about the route and time— and all of us were going so it was necessary.
Julian handed her a bottle of water and she cleaned her mouth then leaned against dad, looking exhausted.
"I don't feel good. I shouldn't have come, it's too far." She mumbled.
"If you want we can still go back." Dad rubbed her back.
A tear slid down her face. "No, I think it's gonna be okay.... Can I stay here for a bit? I need fresh air."
Dad nodded and they both walked around the trees as she did some breathing exercise to help her nausea.
After around fifteen minutes she was feeling better and we all got back in the car. But this time we drove with windows down —something that we don't do as it's a safety threat.
Thankfully the rest of the ride went by smoothly and by the end of it, Adeline was now looking way better.
"What happened?" I whispered leaning down to her ear as we started walking towards the mansion.
We usually don't mind walking in from the main doors —where cameras are set up for the media to snap shots of the guests— but since it was Adeline's first time, dad decided that we'll enter through the back doors.
"Just nervous. I've never been to anything, this," She gestured to the surroundings. "Fancy."
She looked really nervous and that should be the last thing on her list. She can't openly portray her discomfort or unconfidence.
There's two images everyone in the Mafia carried with them. One for the media of being sophisticated businessmen. And the other for the people who are meant to know how much of a monster we really are.
But neither of the two included presenting our real selves to anyone. Our fears, insecurities and weakness are for us to hide.
Being a Storm, Adeline has to carry the same values and show everyone that she isn't beneath them.
I took hold of her hand because I know that's how to relax her. As expected she held it back tighter seeking comfort.
"Just think of everyone as peasants. You don't need to talk to them if you don't want to and you don't need to act respectful to anyone. Do as you please and enjoy yourself."
I gave her my best piece of advice.
As per dad's instructions Altas and I will be by her side all night so it won't be difficult to avoid those who she shouldn't be rude to.
"That's the worst advice anyone has ever given me." She chuckles.
Before I could reply we were already at the entrance. The guard opened the door for us and their gaze flicked to Adeline but they knew better than to ask who she was and if she was entering without an invite to her name.
"I didn't think it would be this huge." She whispers to me in astonishment.
I held back the urge to say, "That's what she said."
I leave her hand and guide it to rest on my arm. Although her nervousness was still there, atleast now it was only visible through her tight grip on my arm while her face remained calm and collected.
The moment we enter the hall, her first words were, "There's too many people."
I didn't reply and led her inside. Behind me dad, Rhyett and Cyrus went the other way to meet the ones that required a word or two from them.
We had already decided to let them handle the business part of the Gala as always while Ewan and Julian would interact with the other less important business partners and their families.
Altas and I were as usual just here for fun and to engage in occasional small talks with the ladies too invested in either one of us brothers.
Rhyett has been on the list of most eligible bachelors in our circle for long enough and has gotten more offers of marriage than twenty lads combined would get in their entire life.
It's quite common for Mafia members to marry off their children in an arrange marriage to either form alliances or just settle them down with people like them.
Each family who had a daughter of age would always try to make Rhyett notice her. Even tried persuading him with great deals in exchange just so they could be associated with the Storms.
But since we're not obligated to anyone as we're the second in power to the Astors, no one could force us into a union.
Expect for Ethan Astor —our boss— who only has a son who's quite straight to drool over any of us brothers.
We always had the option to marry whoever we wanted. In our world every right is earned and dad has earned a position to refuse such foolish offers.
Even when we discussed introducing Adeline in the Gala, one of our concern was how everyone would try to set up their sons with her.
No one would let this opportunity slide and would be patient enough to wait for her to turn eighteen. But none of that would be happening.
Dad would never allow that. He has always been clear of giving his kids a free will and not use them as objects to exchange for profits.
Ewan and Cyrus have already chosen their partners. Julian has never had a girlfriend and I doubt if he's even lost his virginity so he's out of the picture for marriage anytime soon.
Altas and I love our freedom and prefer to have casual flings. But Rhyett is a different case. He's always had eyes for one woman and never moved on from her.
Speaking of which.... Valerie's here too —as she is a part of our Mafia. Our most trusted doctor, one that's more of a family.
"Do you wanna go meet Valerie?" Altas ask her as we ignore the way everyone is looking at Adeline in confusion wondering who she is.
“Yup!” She's finally looks excited to be here.
———
Adeline's Pov
Altas takes me to Valerie as Adam goes to meet his friends. I know one of them has to babysit me otherwise they usually would’ve went together as they have same friends.
I spot Valerie wearing a stunning cherry red dress with spaghetti straps and a slit up her thigh. Her red hair looks almost identical to her attire and it makes her look even prettier as both of them contrast with her fair skin.
Her hair are beautifully set in a neat updo and her shoes are wrapped with strings all the way up to her calves.
She looks heavenly.
My mood shifts when I spot that she's not alone. She's laughing with a guy. Some blond guy who's standing too close and whispering in her ear from time to time.
My lips thin as I make my way towards her, cautiously eyeing the man next to her. He’s blond so it can't be her brother. I hope it's a friend or a cousin.
“Valerie.” I bring her attention to me as I stop next to her.
She finally sees me and her smile pulls harder. “Hi sweetie,” She pause and looks me up and down. “My my, someone look really pretty today.”
I blush at her comment. “Thank you but not more than you.”
She waves her hand in disagreement. “You're the prettiest girl in the party. Take my word for it.” She winks at me.
“My lady, you look breathtaking.” Altas takes her hand and kisses the back of it, all the while his eyes didn't leave the man.
Valerie smiles at him and pats his arm. “And you look handsome as ever, Altas.”
“Who's the gentleman?” I politely ask.
“That’s-” The guy cuts her off.
“Her date.” He gives Valerie a teasing smile.
I really had wished for…. But I guess she isn't single.
“No,” She laughs like he made a joke but I can tell she wasn't happy with his comment. “This is Max, my colleague. I don't really know many people here so I asked Max to come along so I won't get bored. And he was kind enough to agree.”
“Ya, I'm her plus one today.”
He doesn't seem to mind how she completely denied his self proclaimed title. He leans towards her and lightly nudges her with his arm as a friendly gesture which looks so odd to me.
“Can you get me a drink, Max?” She asks him politely.
“Sure. White wine or champagne?”
“Cranberry vodka, please.” He nods and finally leaves us alone.
“How're you?” She asks turning to me.
“I'm ok. But I threw up during the ride and we had to wait fifteen minutes before I felt better. I really don't wanna drive again anytime soon. I already feel so tired, I kinda wanna sleep and the party just started. You know I barely slept four hours last night.” I exclaimed.
“Why? Babies were moving too much or you just generally didn't feel good?”
“I was too excited for the Gala.” I chuckled. “And my back had started to hurt lately. And I just can't get into a comfortable position. I always slept on my stomach but now I'm trying to sleep on my back which has been horrible.”
“Why don't you get a pregnancy pillow?”
“Gosh, I totally forgot that exists. My neighbor used to have one when she was pregnant and my brother Josh and I got really jealous cause we wanted one and mom refused to get us that.” I chuckled. “But now I can have one.”
She smiles shaking her head. “I’ll tell Rhyett to get that for you.” She says it like she knows he'd do exactly what she tells him to. And I don't think it's only because he cares for me, I doubt he ever refuses this woman.
“Speak of the devil...” She mutters looking behind me.
I turn around to see my eldest brother striding towards us in full confidence. His eyes are on Valerie and I even see him taking a subtle look at her from head to toe before he stops next to me, circling his arm around my waist.
“We were just talking about you.” I tell him smiling.
For some reason, I wanted him to be here before the guy Max gets here. I know he isn't her date so there might still be a chance… I'm getting ahead of myself.
“You were?”
He shifts his gaze from me to Valerie and gives her a look which looks to be of mischief but I have a hard time placing it since he down plays all his expressions.
“I was telling her to get a pregnancy pillow so she can sleep comfortably. I can send you a link later, Mr Storm.” She tells him with fake politeness.
I know Valerie is sweet and is respectful to everyone but whenever it comes to my eldest brother, her personality changes. It's like she's pissed off at him.
“You don't sleep well? Why didn't you tell me? You're supposed to tell me everything, Adeline. How many times do I have to make it clear to you? First you stop eating vegetables, then you start taking long walks for no reason and now this?”
He's mad and I can hear the disapproval in his voice. He wants to take care of me but I always get uncomfortable asking for help and he doesn't seem to understand that.
“Rhyett,” Valerie says in a warning tone, making him sigh. “Give her some time. She'll get accustomed to it soon.”
“But I'm just saying that she should tell me if anything’s bothering her.” He argues.
I really didn't want a lecture right now. I wanted to enjoy myself now that I was at the Gala I really wanted to come to.
Valerie was about to say something when the guy returned. Rhyett's eyes turned blank as he stared at Max who passes Valerie her drink with a smile.
“Mr Storm.” Max was surprised by his presence like he didn't expect him to stop by them. “I'm Maxwell. I am an anesthesiologist at your clinic.” He wiped his hand on his coat before forwarding it to my brother.
Rhyett took a moment too long before firmly holding his hand for a shake. The scene really looks like an awkward one from some movie and I'm feeling uncomfortable seeing it all happen in front of me.
But what else I can do except root for my brother —which I already am.
“Who invited you here?” I could feel the secondhand embarrassment for the guy. “Pardon me for my choice of words, Mitchell. I didn't mean to be rude.” He didn't look like he regretted his words. “If I remember correctly we don't invite anyone other than Valerie from our clinic.”
“Yes, that's correct, Sir. I'm actually here with Valerie.” Max replies nervously.
Rhyett lets out a dry chuckle. “First time you brought someone along, Valerie. Care to introduce him?”
Rhyett's eyes are glued to Max with such dark expressions on his face that I fear he’d kill him by the end of the party.
“He already introduced himself.” She says glaring at him.
“Does anyone know where the restroom is?” I say all of a sudden.
That's the best distraction I could think of and I actually needed to pee so I decided to use it as an excuse to cut through the tense air.
“I'll take you.” Altas volunteered not understanding anything.
I wanted a change of topic but Rhyett and Valerie are still looking at each other like they're at war and nothing could distract them from it.
“Ok…. See you around, Valerie.”
I was about to leave when Valerie stepped forward to hug me but twisted her heel in the process. Rhyett swiftly brought his arm around her waist and tugged her towards himself.
She was now in his arms sideways. I wanted to cheer for my brother and pat his back for the save. I was getting hyped now and I could already picture my brother winning this.
There certainly was some sort of relationship between them and I didn't see any reason that these two didn't belong together. Maybe because I don't know enough about their dynamic... But that's beside the point!
Valerie straightened up to her feet as her cheeks flushed. She stared down at herself and I realized she had dropped her drink over her dress in the process. Thankfully it was of a dark color so neither the drink or her body was visible.
“I'll go clean up.” She said handing Rhyett her now empty glass and rushed to the back of the hall.
Max looked between her retracting figure and Rhyett. I could feel fear radiating out of him and I knew he wanted to leave because my brother’s presence was making him uncomfortable.
“I'll go see if she needs any help.” That was probably not the best thing to say.
Rhyett's jaw clenched at his comment and Max practically ran behind Valerie as if he would get killed in her absence.
“Altas, go take Adeline to the bathroom and stay at her door. Don't leave her alone.” Rhyett said and left, going to the same direction as them.
We didn't know what to say or do so Altas and I just stood there. Rhyett took fast strides and dropped the glass on a tray so harshly on his way that even the waiter looked at him like he could feel the rage in him.
“What's the matter with them? It looks like Rhyett likes her but she doesn't have the same feelings for him?”
“It's a long story. I'll tell you when we get home.” He sighs. “Let's get you to the loo and then we’ll go find Adam.”
I don't know what's up with the two but I hope everything gets sorted between them because I do like them together. And I really adore Valerie.
I silently follow Altas as he takes me to the restroom that looks so aesthetically beautiful. It has emerald green tiles with gold ceramic basin and matching vanity with soft lighting.
This Gala is everything I’d expected it to be.
Lavish and Grand!
I just hope that the food will be equally good but it's still a long time till it will be served.
———
Hey guys!
We're finally done with the reuploads!
Thanks for your patience.
I wanted a little bit of help.... I didn't realize that Rina Kent had a character named "Ronan Astor". Now I know why it sounded so familiar lol.
Anyways, I think we should rename him. Drop your suggestions for a name with the surname Astor.
Otherwise I'll go with "Rein Astor". How does that sound?
I also have some others in mind:
• Roman
• Rowan
• Knox
• Tristan
• Zephyr (Zephyrus —God of wind in Greek mythology)