Chapter 1 SONIA

I started the long walk to my house slowly, counting each step I took. What you aren't aware of would never hurt you - It's what you're fully aware of. My heart kept pounding, feeling as though a thousand pins were being jabbed inside. It hurt more than a syringe injection pain. I stopped at the Community's primary school, and sat under the big cherry tree as I recalled the day's events.

"Sonia, What do you know about love, ehn? Small girl like you!! You have to end that relationship now, or else I'll tell your mum" My favourite Aunt Helen said to me.

I laughed heartily.

"My mum knows already, and besides why don't you like Ben? He's a nice guy"

"Does your mum know his name? I mean, his full name?? Does she?? Because if she does, she'd never let you be in a relationship with him"

"And why's that Aunt Helen...?"

I looked up to see Ben's muscular frame filling the doorway. My heart swelled with pride at how handsome he looked. My mum loved him already. Why didn't my Aunt feel the same way?

I threw my arms around him in excitement as he kissed me softly.

"Stop it!!!!!!" My aunt said in horror. I became scared at her expression and the sound of her voice. It was as if Ben and I had committed an abomination.

"For Christ sake Aunt Helen, I'm 22 and Ben is 27!!!!! Aren't we old enough to be in a relationship? What's stopping us from being together?" I yelled angrily.

Ben covered my mouth and yanked me outside forcefully.

"I suspect something fishy here Sonie darling, and I'm trying to figure it out. But yelling at your Aunt wouldn't make it possible, it's only going to make matters worse" He said to me.

Before I could reply, I heard the distinct sound of my mum's car and smiled. Disengaging from Ben's hold, I rushed to open the gate, and she drove in.

"Ryan??!!! Ryan Caldwell!!!" My mum screamed in shock, standing as she opened her car door. Her mouth formed an 'O' as she looked at Ben. My aunt came out and stood, with arms folded. It was as if she was waiting for this moment.

"Mum, I never told you Ben's dad's name, but yeah, that's his name, and of course Ben looks like his father, but how and why do you look like you're about to...."

And down she fell to the ground. Unconscious.

My aunt, Ben and I quickly took her inside. I sprinkled a few drops of water on her and she opened her eyes.

We all sat on the ground around her waiting for her to talk.

" If this is the boy you've been talking about, and He's Ryan's son, You can't marry him, Sonia. You absolutely can't!!!!" My mum said, as tears rolled out of her eyes.

"And why's that?" I asked, feeling the blood drain from my head.

"Because he's your brother"

I laughed at my mom's joke, expecting others to join in. But my smile froze when I realized no one else found it amusing. "What do you mean Ben is my brother?" I asked, turning to him for answers. His expression was unreadable, which hurt. I was used to being able to read him.

My mom's apology only added to my confusion. "I'm sorry I never told you, sweetie." I glanced at my aunt, who seemed just as guilty. But it was Ben's reaction that shocked me. He knew. He had known all along and kept it from me.

Feeling betrayed, I watched as Ben walked away, leaving me to process this life-changing revelation.

"START. EXPLAINING" I yelled at my mother.

"I was doing my internship program at Caldwell's Pharmaceutical company. It was owned by Ben's father, Ryan. Ryan was a single dad then, his wife just died and Ben was 3 years old. I interned for a year, and then was granted permanent employment by Ryan, as his Personal Assistant. He also needed help taking care of his son, and I assisted him some days in taking care of Ben. I had a boyfriend then, but I still liked my boss, so we had sex just once.

We decided to just be colleagues, with benefits. Shortly after, there was an incident at the company and I was framed for leaking some of the company's future plans and goals to a rival company. It cost Caldwell's Pharmaceutical company a whole lot of money and we lost customers during that period. I still don't know who managed to set me up. Ryan fired me in anger, but didn't press charges against me.

I had to leave. I relocated to Boston and that's when I discovered I was pregnant with you" She stopped for a while.

I covered my ears, as tears rolled down my eyes, and my mum continued her story.

"Of course I sent messages to Ryan, but he strongly denied, claiming that he used protection and there was no way you could have been conceived. I decided to raise you all by myself and luckily I was able to get another job immediately you were born. Helen assisted in looking after you while I was at work, so I forgot all about Ryan and his son, until today. So my dear Sonia, Ryan Caldwell is your father and Benedict Caldwell is your stepbrother. You can't marry him"

I became pale. I felt like I was going to puke. This was all too much. I closed my eyes as the first wave of nausea hit me and I rushed out and threw up everything I ate that morning. I looked up to see my mum and aunt looking at me with worry in their faces.

"I'm really sorry you had to find out this way, Sonie darling. I wanted to tell you, but your mum asked me not to, and it wasn't my place. I'm sorry you're going through this"My aunt said, and came towards me with her arms outstretched. I hugged her and sniffed.

"I'll be fine, Aunt Helen. Thank you"

"And your mum..." She started, but I held up my hand.

"I don't want to talk about my mum now. I'll see you later, bye"

I turned and left.

Thankfully I didn't come with my car, so I walked the rest of the way back home.