Chapter 1

🚩 Adrian's POV🚩

I stepped down from the plane, I knew immediately that my life is going to change for the better. My chest tightened as I smelled the not too familiar air of New York after 11 years of leaving home. 

I tightened my grip on my bag and continued walking to see the familiar face that will welcome me back home. I know my family will miss me... I mean why won't they, it's been 11 years but I'm certain not all of them will. As I walked, I heard the sweetest voice I missed calling my name.

"Adrian", I recognized the voice immediately and smiled. I turned my head to the direction of the voice and I saw him, my twin, Aiden. He is taller than I am with black hair and blue eyes like mine. He was wearing a green shirt and a pair of black trousers with a pair of black shoes. His smile was so heart warming and welcome.

 I had to walk faster because I can't wait to hug my crazy twin brother whom I missed so much. I got closer to him and he hugged me tightly and as I breathe in, I smelt his heavy cologne tickling my nose. "Hey Kiddo", he said and smiled cause he knows I don't like him calling me kiddo. "I missed you so much."

" I do too", I replied him. "And when will you stop calling me kiddo"

"You know fully well I can't stop calling you kiddo and I won't stop", he said with a smile showing his dimples.

"You are crazy, you know?", I teased.

"I know."

We were already at the car and the driver, who I have not seen before opened the door for us to go in. Aiden stepped back for me to go in first and he followed suit. The driver closed the door and went to the driver's seat.

Aiden squeezed my hand firmly but gently and I looked at him with a smile.

"Mum has been so anxious for your arrival and she has been decorating the whole house", he said smiling.

"You don't have to tell me because I know Mum to well. I'm very sure there won't be even a little space to step my foot because of all her decorations", I said and we both laughed.

Aiden and I are alike in most ways. We have the same hair color, eye color and dimples so deep that it can hold water and we both love basketball.

"How do u feel now that you are back home?", Aiden asked.

"I don't know", I said shrugging.

"What do you mean you don't know? Are you not happy?"

"Um... I'm happy but I don't just know what will happen now that I'm back."

"Don't worry, everything will be okay. I'm here", he said squeezing my hand.

"I know you will be there, I know", I said and looked out the window.

"I'm sorry for not protecting you then, I never wanted you to-"

"It's not your fault", I cut him short. "We were still kids. So, don't blame yourself."

The car stopped indicating we have arrived the house. The house have not really changed. It is a very big house almost like a castle and painted cream all through. I stepped down form the car and  studied the environment.

 Flowers were all over making everywhere colourful and bright. I remembered the compound was not as beautiful as it is now. Aiden got down and he put his arm around my shoulder and a maid went to the car to get my bags. 

 We walked towards the door and a maid opened it for us to enter. As we entered, I saw the decorations and I opened my mouth cause Mum really went all the way to welcome me.

"She is home", I heard Mum say from the kitchen. She looked happy with her black hair having few strands of white. She wore an apron and oven gloves and I know she was baking my favorite chocolate cake. She came over and hugged me really tight and I realized it's been a long time I last hugged my mother.

"Mum", I called.

"My beautiful princess", mum said still hugging me.

"You have really grown to a beautiful young lady. You have no idea how much I missed you."

"I missed you too, mum", I said as she disengaged from the bug to take another look at me.

"You must be tired dear. Go in, shower and change while I tell the maids to set the table so you can eat."

"Mum, I'm no longer a baby so stop treating me like one."

"You are still my baby no matter how old you are", she said pinching my check.

"Ouch...It hurts", I said laughing."And why are you the one baking the cake?"

"I just feel like doing it. I took the day off at the company because I want to be here when you arrive and I just think I should bake your favourite." 

"Thanks a lot Mum, I love you."

"I love you too darling. Now off you go. Be back in 20, okay?"

"Okay", I said and kissed her cheeks. I turned to look at Aiden who has been busy looking at his phone. "Hey, what are you doing?"

"I'm just checking my mail. Come let me escort you to your room."

"Did Mum change my room already?"

"No, she didn't. I just want to tag along."

"Okay", I said shrugging.

We walked up the stairs and I remembered the way I do run up the stairs when I was still a kid. I smiled all the way till I got to my room.

"Tada", Aiden said knocking me out of my thoughts opening the door. "Welcome to your room."

"Nothing's changed in here", I said.

"Mum doesn't know what to keep and what not to keep so she left everything as it is."

"I still like my room this way." I said and ran to my bed and sat on it. I looked around and saw my teddy bear. "Thank goodness Mum didn't throw this away or I will cry."

"She knows you like that Teddy and wouldn't dare throw it out. I will leave you to shower and change. Don't be late, we'll be waiting."

"Okay, I will be there soon", I said smiling.

He went towards the door and turned back. "It's good to have you back, kiddo."

"It's good to be home too, Aid", I replied and he walked out of my room closing the door gently behind him.

The room still smell like I've never been out of it. I walked over to the cupboard beside my bed, I opened it and saw her picture, my best friend, Karen Bayler. She looked so beautiful with her golden hair, green eyes and she wore a beautiful smile. I looked at the picture and tears poured down my eyes.

"Karen, I'm back in New York", I said kissing the picture and placed it gently back in the cupboard.

 I took my bath and wore a blue gown. I packed my hair in a ponytail, wore my sandals and went downstairs. As I got down the stairs, I saw the one I hate most and my mood changed. I saw the one person I no longer consider family...

My father.