Elara stirred awake before dawn, the faint light filtering through the window casting soft shadows across the room. She could hear the slow, steady breathing of Sylvia beside her, still wrapped in slumber. For a moment, she let herself revel in the quiet, but reality soon settled in—the weight of responsibility pressing against her chest like an unseen force.
They had no choice now. If they didn't take their pastry and small chops business seriously, who would? Elias wasn't strong enough to carry the burden anymore. It was up to them.
She sat up, rubbing her eyes. "Sylvia," she whispered, nudging her sister's shoulder.
Sylvia groaned, turning away. "Five more minutes."
Elara pulled the blanket off her. "No. We need to start early today."
Sylvia muttered something incomprehensible but eventually sat up, her hair a wild mess. "You're too serious for someone who just woke up."
"I'm serious because we have to be," Elara replied, standing up.
By the time they emerged into the main room, their determination was set. But the sight that greeted them made their resolve falter.
Elias was sitting in the worn-out chair near the small table, his posture slouched, his eyes staring blankly ahead. His fingers drummed lightly against the armrest, a subtle yet telling habit that meant he was deep in thought—most likely unpleasant ones.
Elara and Sylvia exchanged a glance before approaching.
"Morning," Elara greeted, her voice gentle.
Elias blinked as if only just noticing them. He nodded but didn't say a word.
Sylvia leaned on the table, trying to inject some lightness into the room. "You look like a brooding prince in a tragic play."
That earned a small, tired smile from him. "You always say the strangest things."
"But I made you smile," she pointed out triumphantly.
Elara placed a hand on his shoulder. "Are you feeling any better today?"
Elias hesitated, then shook his head slightly. "I'm fine. Just… thinking."
They knew better than to push him when he was like this. So instead, they did what they always did—kept moving forward.
After preparing a quick breakfast, they dived into work. They baked, packed the pastries, and by midday, set off for the market.
The unexpected happened.
Everything sold. Every last piece. And in record time, too.
They had been prepared to linger for hours, calling out to customers, negotiating with vendors. But today, people bought their goods without hesitation. Some even offered kind words, subtle yet firm.
"Your brother needs you girls strong."
"You're doing good. Keep going."
It felt less like business and more like the town's quiet way of showing support. Maybe they understood that the twins had no choice but to step up.
By the time they left the market, their baskets were empty, their pockets slightly heavier, but their hearts carried a strange mix of emotions—relief, gratitude, and an unspoken sadness.
The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the dusty roads as they made their way home.
Then they saw him.
Standing outside their house, still and composed as if he had been waiting for them for hours, was Dominic.
His presence alone was enough to make the air feel heavier.
Elara and Sylvia instantly tensed.
"Ignore him," Elara whispered under her breath.
Sylvia scoffed. "Like that's even possible."
Still, they pressed forward, choosing to act as though he didn't exist.
That was a mistake.
Dominic stepped into their path effortlessly, blocking their way. "How rude," he mused, his voice carrying that signature mockery that always grated on their nerves. "Passing by a friend without a single greeting? Not even a small invitation inside?"
Sylvia crossed her arms. "Friend? Since when?"
Dominic smirked. "Since the day I started finding you two endlessly entertaining."
Elara exhaled, already exhausted. "Leave us alone, Dominic. You've gotten your revenge for what I did at the market. You should be satisfied now."
Dominic tilted his head, his sharp gaze flickering between the two sisters. "Satisfaction is a tricky thing, Elara. I don't think you get to decide when I've had enough."
He took a step closer.
Sylvia immediately positioned herself in front of Elara. "You want something else now?" she challenged.
Dominic ignored her, his gaze locked onto Elara. "Tell me, what should I do to you for what happened in my room yesterday?"
The silence that followed was deafening.
Sylvia's eyes snapped to Elara. "Wait. What happened in that room?"
Elara stiffened, her fingers curling slightly at her sides.
Dominic watched her closely, waiting, enjoying the reaction he was pulling from both of them.
Sylvia turned back to him, eyes narrowing. "What the hell are you talking about?"
Dominic chuckled, slow and deliberate. "Oh? She didn't tell you?" He feigned surprise, then grinned. "How interesting."
Elara's heart pounded, but she refused to give him the reaction he wanted. "It's none of your business," she said firmly.
Sylvia wasn't convinced. "Elara—"
"Drop it," she interrupted quickly. "Let's just go."
Dominic didn't move, blocking their path entirely. "You're not even a little curious, Sylvia? Not even the tiniest bit?"
Sylvia clenched her jaw. "Move, Dominic. I'm not in the mood for your games."
He sighed dramatically. "Such hostility." Then he turned to Elara. "But since you think you get to decide when my payback is over…" He leaned in, voice dropping to a near whisper. "I guess I'll have to show you otherwise."
Elara held her ground, but her pulse quickened.
Sylvia reached for her wrist, ready to pull her away. "We're done here."
Dominic didn't argue. He simply smiled. A knowing, dangerous smile.
"See you soon, ladies."
And with that, he stepped aside.
The twins hurried past him, their backs rigid, their minds racing.
Sylvia shot Elara a look. "You're explaining everything when we get inside."
Elara didn't respond.
Because the truth was, she wasn't sure she could.