Chapter 10 10

As I observed the three gentlemen seated at the dining table, the tranquil ambiance was accompanied by a profound silence. I signed while delicately lifting a spoonful of food to my mouth.

"Camera, are you okay?" Mr. Dean inquired, and a sudden flush sensation returned to my face as I remembered the memories from moment ago.

"Was she sick?" Ken asked.

"Hmm, I thought so, but she seems okay now," he replied, and I glanced up to find his lazy eyes dancing all over my body then he suddenly winked at me before returning to his dish

'Could this be termed as flirting?' I wondered taking another bite from my plate

"You should take better care of your health, unless you might just get kicked out for always falling ill," Xavier chuckled, responding to Ken's comment.

"Just like you were thrown out of your room for catching a cold," he commented, leaving me feeling unexpectedly lost. I never anticipated that my life would become this mundane, residing with three grown men. While both Xaver and Ken chatted away their time I felt an inexplicable tug on my chair, as if an unseen force was pulling me towards Nix. I looked down, wondering what was going on to find Nix arm wrapped around my chair,I look up to be met by his eyes still locked on me. His chin resting on his other hand while he ran the other through my hair.

"You look too thin you should eat more" he passed his plate to me and bewilderment was actually an understatement to explain my current emotion.

"Carmela how did you get there?" Xavier shared his gaze between I and his brother

"You can exist the table if you're done eating" Nix cut in and I could hear Ken clearly his throat before drastically dropping his cutlery

"Oops I'm sorry how about.."

"Hello, everyone!" An unfamiliar voice interrupted the conversation. I looked up to find a lady with a warm smile. She had colorful hair clips and a vibrant charm that complemented her bright chocolate skin. I couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance she shared with the lady in the photo from Mr. Dean's room.

"When I thought I was going to have peace, Mother Nature stood against it," Xavier scoffed.

"Did you all miss me?" She approached gracefully.

"It's very obvious I didn't, maybe your dad did," Xavier rolled his eyes.

"Dad?" The sound of cutlery clattering interrupted the conversation. The young lady, referring to Mr Dean as dad, pouted.

"You finally decided to come home?" Mr. Dean spoke taking a spoonful of food and placing it before my mouth. I obediently took in the food as I observed the drama unfolding

"That's because I missed you," she retorted playfully coming to his side.

"Missed me or ran out of money?" he question and a sudden lump formed in my throat making my choke on the food I was chewing. Before I could blink twice a glass of water was brought to my lips and I hurriedly took a sip out of it before taking the glass from him.

"Hmm, it's actually both," she admitted and I could not resist the urge to look at her

"What makes you think I would grant your request?"

"Because you adore me, and I didn't run away; I just went on a long vacation without informing you. Also, don't you dare say I should be punished because I haven't committed any offense worth being punished," she asserted, taking a seat beside him.

"Dad...?" I questioned the dynamics unfolding. And a smile appeared on Nix face as he flicked his finger against my forehead before bringing his face closer to mine.

"Don't worry I don't have a child yet,but I don't mind you being the mother of my child" I subconsciously took to my feet and I could feel all eyes on me. Without hesitation,I pulled my seat back to it's position before taking my seat once again

"Dad.."

"Can you please stop this drama I want some peace in my life" Xavier suddenly spoke up and I could see sparks in the eyes of the lady

"Can the both of you just get out of my house if you want to argue? I can't have two dumb head people living under my roof" Nix spoke

"Listen I've told you multiple times I have no interest in business, but you insist on wasting your money on those classes instead of giving them to me," she said, biting into an apple.

"From afar, one would think both of you are different, but just with one conversation, the smart ones can tell you're actually twins. Just your looks and genders differ; your IQs are the same," Nix remarked.

"Why am I being implicated for her actions?" Xavier questioned, adding an intriguing layer to the family drama.

"Confused?" Ken asked, and I nodded slowly, trying to comprehend the unfolding dynamics.

"There is nothing to be confused about; just remember this, and you'll be able to live peacefully here. Xavier and Luna are twins, while Nix is their older brother. Luna takes after her mom, and both boys take after their dad. She is quite clingy to Nix and calls him dad since he took care of them after they lost their parents. Twice every month, the twins fight, and once every three months, the three of them get tangled in a heated argument, just like now," Ken explained, pointing towards the trio engaged in a lively discussion.

"It's like a tradition?" I noted on my tablet, passing it to Ken, who nodded.

"A tradition only I enjoy because I get to see a new side to that cold man seated indifferently over there"

"I have decided," Mr. Dean announced suddenly. "The three of us can't stay together anymore, so in the next week, I want the both of you out of my house." He headed towards the stairs, leaving me in shock.

"If you're wondering if they would leave, then yes, but they'll be back in exactly seventy-eight hours because they can't live without their big brother," Ken reassured me, adding a touch of humor to the situation. "Just joking, he's going to freeze their accounts so they have no choice but to come back."

"I'm going nowhere because this is my father's house, no matter what!" Luna declared, establishing a wild smile on her face. She then turned to me.

"Look who we have here, the one and only Carmela, creator of 'Frozen Sun,'" she mentioned one of my art pieces, while raking a seat beside me and I greeted her with a polite smile. "I'm totally honored to have such a talented person around, unlike some people," she added, rolling her eyes at Xavier, who seemed indifferent.

"My brother surely has a keen eye for precious gems. You're surely going to make him a lot of money, unlike me," she said, still smiling, which felt a bit unsettling. How exactly was I going to make money for her brother? By selling my artworks?

"I'll be taking my leave now" Ken stood up, followed by Xavier.

"Can I crash at your place for a few days? I have an exam to prepare for, and I don't want your boss to ruin my mood."

Damn! Exams. How could I forget about my studies? It's almost the end of the semester, which means I have a lot on my plate and no time for slacking off.

"Carmela, please convey this message to Nix. I would have done it myself, but I have an important call to make. Kindly give it to him before he retires for the night," ken requested, placing a document beside me before heading towards the door.

Feeling a sense of responsibility, I picked up the file as I bid luna's, the sister of the Dean brothers farewell, filled with well wishes, added a lighthearted touch as I gathered the document and my tablet.

"Okay, sweet dreams, and I hope we become the best of friends, okay?" Luna winked, and I responded with a nod, resolute in my journey to address matters with my newfound guardian.

Approaching his room, each step felt like an approach to a potential danger zone. This wasn't the first time I traversed this path, yet this time, the atmosphere was different-tinged with something different. The thought of what may transpire kicked in but I waved it off knowing our relationship has not gotten to that extent and my epitome of emotions is a state of chaos.

I could held but brew the persistent fear of 'what if' that echoed in my mind.

What if my freedom and artistic pursuits were curtailed?

Would he hinder my education, steering me towards creating art solely for his financial gain? These thoughts ran through my head as I approached his door.

A small, almost inaudible knock on his door preceded a swift response. Stepping into the dimly lit expanse of his room, he lounged on a king-size bed, his hair casting shadows over his face. The only illumination emanated from a solitary lamp, creating an intriguing interplay of light and shadow.

With an air of nonchalant grace, he navigated a document under the lamplight, exuding an aura of leisure. The subtle play of light heightened the contours of his features, adding an enigmatic allure to his presence. In this moment, he resembled a deity momentarily detached from divine duties, seamlessly blending divine essence with a captivating human allure.

"How may I help you?" he inquired without looking up, bringing me back to the present. His tone sounded unfamiliar and cold but that was non of my concern. I quickly scribbled my response on the tablet and handed it to him.

"I heard from Xavier that the end of the semester is approaching, and your exams are imminent. I've asked Ken to check with your professor about your assignments. The file contains details of missed assignments and other tasks due to your absence. Review it and commence work tomorrow. The greenhouse has been arranged for your use."

Relieved I turned to leave but paused as he called my name. A question about my earlier presence in his room was suddenly thrown at me. Nervously, I contemplated whether to reveal my genuine curiosity or offer a casual excuse.

"I don't appreciate people invading my personal space or touching my belongings without permission," he stated, maintaining eye contact.

"I'm sorry," I swiftly conveyed through writing, acknowledging the breach of privacy.

"Why aren't you speaking? Do I make you uncomfortable?" he queried, and I vehemently shook my head, emphasizing my comfort despite my speech impediment.

It was like my voice was a master of its own, coming and going as it pleased..but why the sudden change of attitude towards me? Not like I enjoyed his flirty side but still.. whatever

"Do you have a boyfriend?" Another question followed, to which I shook my head again, unsure if anyone would be interested in someone like me.

"That's good. You're still too young to have one. Focus on your studies and graduate with good results..be a good girl and stay away from bad company okay?"

"Hmm..okay" although my vice was inaudible he seemed to have heard me as a sudden smile

tugged at the side of his lips