BILLIONAIRE AND THE TWIN SISTERS

Ryan

A fearful smile escaped her lips as frustration hissed out of her. She took a deep breath, her lungs gasping for air. Her eyes scanned the sitting room, and she sighed, feeling haunted. Why was she so scared today?

With trembling steps, she moved closer to the stairs, her heart racing madly. This was a new feeling for her. She was never scared of Darrell's torture; she was almost addicted to his bullying. She was just his robot, and he was her uncle. She respected him, but she was never afraid of his madness. However, today was different. She swallowed her worries and began to climb the stairs.

"Hey!" His voice, filled with horror, shot into her ears, and she shivered under its blackening effect. She genuflected and spun around immediately. He walked out of the kitchen, holding a mug of creamy hot coffee in his palm.

"Sneaking into the house?" Darrell asked, walking toward her.

"Y-yes... No!" She stuttered, and he stood in front of her.

"And where are you coming from?"

"I just got back from school," she said.

"Wow," he sipped from his mug. "You're ten minutes late, do you realize that?"

"I'm sorry. I have a hurt on my feet, and I couldn't walk as usual."

"Sometimes you amaze me, wetly. You seem to be growing stronger in your lying skills every day."

"I'm not lying."

"I can actually pull off my shoes, so you can see for yourself."

"I'm truly hurt," she said amidst tears. He smiled and inched closer. She shut her eyes when she felt a hot, thick liquid cascade from her shoulder down her chest. Her face contorted in pain, and she winced as the scalding coffee mercilessly burned her soft flesh.

"Sorry!" He said, and she opened her eyes.

"I hate liars," he uttered, and she blinked. The pending tears streamed down her face without restraint.

"Now, where's Nick?" He asked.

"I haven't seen him," she ignored the black pain sinking into her young flesh and replied immediately. "I'm about to go out when he comes back. Pass this message to him at dawn," he smiled. "Tell him I want to feed on his flesh tonight." He concluded, and with that, he was gone.

God!!

She exhaled and stared at her burned skin. A sad hiss escaped her lips, and slowly, she grabbed her backpack and rushed up to her room.

She is Ryan Swagger, a 19-year-old who just celebrated her high school graduation. Standing at an average height, she has a slender body type that exhibits a delicate grace as she moves through life's trials.

Ryan's lustrous hair cascades down her shoulders, its deep chestnut hue framing her face and accentuating her features. Her captivating eyes, the color of a tranquil ocean, hold a glimmer of resilience, a reflection of her inner strength. Her appearance exudes a natural charm, a blend of innocence and wisdom earned through life's hardships.

Her younger brother, Nick, is only 15. Life hasn't been easy for them since they lost their beloved parents a few years ago. But despite the challenges, they always manage to find a reason to smile. That's what makes their story so remarkable.

The main source of their struggles is a person named Darrell. Ever since he took over their late father's business, he seemed to revel in their unhappiness. Ryan and Nick became strangers in their own home, forced into servitude and denied their rightful inheritance. It was a truly heart-wrenching situation, but they never let it steal their joy. They found solace in the simplest of things, making their resilience all the more inspiring.

For Nick, happiness came in the form of an unusual fascination with cobwebs and the tiny spiders that scurried about. It may seem peculiar to others, but to him, it was a thrilling adventure every time he observed those intricate webs. His innocent curiosity turned something ordinary into something extraordinary, reminding us to find joy in unexpected places.

As for Ryan, her happiness blossomed from a dreamy infatuation with Derrick. Though she knew they could never be together in reality, she treasured the moments she spent envisioning him in her dreams. Derrick had a magnetic charm that transcended ordinary humans, and gazing into his deep blue eyes ignited a fire of determination within her. He became her source of strength, empowering her to conquer the sadness that threatened to overwhelm her.

She organized Darrell's dinner on the table and rushed up to her room. She hadn't seen Nick, and her patience was wearing thin. She checked the time; Darrell would be home any moment now. She let out a deep breath and made her way to the bathroom. Discarding the towel around her waist, she stared at her scarred flesh, filled with reminders of past pain. Some wounds couldn't be healed, and even if they eventually closed, the scars would remain as a constant reminder. Absentmindedly, her arm brushed against her chest, causing a sharp pang of pain to shoot through her. She winced and directed her gaze to the spot. Sometimes, she wished her life could just fly away, but that wasn't an option. Life isn't always fair; every creature faces challenges and finds their own sources of happiness. And she has hers, so there's no reason to hate her life, right? Darrell is her challenge, and Derrick is her escape. That means she's living a normal life, right? She wiped away her tears and turned on the shower, wincing as the warm water stung her wounds and scars.

After her shower, she emerged from the bathroom, tears still clouding her eyes. She struggled to find her way to the dressing table, stumbling over the stool before regaining her balance. Wiping her eyes, she sat down and unconsciously applied her cream, took her medication, and put on her nightwear. Weakened, she slumped onto the bed, her bones aching with sorrow. Her heart skipped a beat as she heard the sound of Darrell's car pulling into the driveway. Fear gripped her tightly, and she jolted up from the bed, sensing the impending nightmare that awaited her. She knew she was doomed.

She wished she could lock her door and stay hidden in her room, but she couldn't. She had to go and taste a bit of his meal to prove it wasn't poisoned. In a flash, she dashed down the stairs and leaned against the wall, waiting for him to storm in. Finally, he staggered through the door, and her eyes widened with fear. His eyes glowed fiercely.

Dear God!!

What was he into? It wasn't normal for human eyes to glow like that.

"Where's Nickolas?" he demanded.

"Uhm..."

"Don't tell me you let him escape," he said, pulling out a pocket knife.

"Please..." she pleaded, but her words fell on deaf ears. He was determined. She tried to run, but it was too late. She felt a sharp blade pierce her...

She screamed in agony, feeling the intense pain radiating from the deep stab wound in her arm. Gasping for breath, she scrambled backward, her hand desperately trying to stem the flow of crimson blood.

"It's insane that you think you can save a soul... When your own is in grave danger," he seethed, his anger dripping from his words. The waves of excruciating pain coursing through her veins made her wince as he bellowed, demanding answers.

"Where's Nickolas?" he demanded, his voice filled with a dangerous intensity.

"I haven't seen him... I swear..." she began, but her words were abruptly silenced by a powerful kick that sent her crashing to the ground, her body colliding with the hard surface.

God!

"You're not ready... to reveal the truth. Then you shall suffer his fate," he threatened, his eyes turning a menacing shade of red. With a wicked smirk, he aimed another kick at her stomach, causing her to crumple in pain against the unforgiving floor. "Ouch!" she groaned, desperately trying to regain her footing. He menacingly brandished his knife, pressing her head against the unyielding surface.

"You shall die instead," he declared, his intention clear as he poised to strike.

"Stop!" a voice shouted, ripping Darrell away from her. She let out a shaky breath, turning her gaze towards the unexpected savior.

Mr. 47!

He's saving me, she realized, a glimmer of hope emerging.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't plunge this into her heart," Darrell yelled, his pocketknife still menacingly pointed in her direction.

"She's not our target yet... remember, Nick is our target," Mr. 47 calmly interjected, bringing a momentary reprieve to her anxiety.

"But she... she deserves it... for enticing Nickolas to run away," Darrell snapped, his rage barely contained.

"We have the city under our control. We will undoubtedly find him," Mr. 47 assured him. Darrell shot her a venomous glare, and she quickly sank to her knees, fear clutching at her heart.

"And why the hell is she still here?" he spat, his anger simmering just beneath the surface.

"She's still here, huh?" Mr. 47 echoed, turning his head to observe her. She exhaled heavily, sensing the urgency of the situation. "Leave, you coward," he yelled. It was clear that she needed to make her escape before he changed his mind. Scrambling to her feet, she hurriedly made her way towards the stairs, her pulse racing.

"Ah!" she whimpered as she entered her room, clutching her aid box tightly. Dragging out a stool, she gingerly sat on it, preparing to tend to her wounded arm. Thankfully, the wound wasn't as deep as she had initially feared.

She winced as the antiseptic made contact with the wound, feeling the intense sting that caused her to pout in pain.

________________________

(SOMEWHERE IN THE EAST)

Diana picked up the remote from the center table, a mischievous smile forming on her lips as her fingers poised over the play button. The sound system seemed initially reluctant to cooperate.

They were gathered in the spacious living room after a delightful dinner. Finally, it was time for Dad and Diana's bet. Her mom sat next to her Dad while she took her place beside Donna, her twins sister.

Gradually, the room filled with the most outrageous music everyone has ever heard. "Damn, Diana must have gone to great lengths to find this sensuous song. Gosh, she's already winning." Donna said as Diana smiled and stepped forward, playfully kicking the center table aside. "Damn, this song is crazy," Mom commented.

"Yeah, but she's still the loser I know," Dad said, parting his legs repeatedly in anticipation.

"Ouch!" Diana groaned.

"Come on, sis, you can do it," Donna teased, unable to contain her laughter.

"Yeah, I can do anything my emotions ask of me," Diana sighed.

"Begin!" Dad shouted, and Diana swiftly discarded her robe. Her hands moved slowly from her shoulders down to her cleavage, her hips swaying seductively to the beat. She twirled her palms around her bare body, driving anyone, even a gay man, to the brink of insanity. She couldn't help but burst into laughter, joined by Mom, while Dad continued his leg-parting ritual, his eyes glued to Diana's every move.

"You've only got twenty minutes... and you've already spent eight of them," Dad chuckled.

"Poor Diana!" he smirked, still parting his legs.

She squeezed her breasts through her bra, hoping it would add a little extra allure. Her hands roamed her body as she twisted and turned with all her might. Shit, her eyes were fixated on his parted legs. God, this man must be a pervert or something worse.

"Ten minutes gone," Dad shouted, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. Donna and Mom continued to laugh, and it infuriated her.

What's so funny? I'm trying to win here, and all they can do is laugh? It's annoying, right? She sighed and increased the tempo, trying to be faster, but still maintaining a tantalizing slowness.

"Ah, Diana!" Mom teased.

"I'm getting wet just watching you," she taunted, tickling herself and giggling. She rolled her eyes and glanced at Dad.

Aww, he's not parting anymore. She smiled secretly and gyrated her ass back and forth, sending shivers down her own spine. Damn, even the lyrics of this song were getting her wet. She intensified her naughty performance, and Dad fell silent.

He wasn't parting.

He wasn't speaking.

He was just staring intently...

"Seems like she's already winning." She beamed and glanced around. Donna winked at her and flashed a mischievous smile.

"Fifteen minutes gone," Dad said, his voice turning hoarse. She started grinding into the air more vigorously, her arousal reaching its peak.

"Diana!" Mom moaned, sensually caressing her breasts through her gown. She glanced back at Dad, and he sighed, pressing his legs together. She giggled inwardly. Oh yes, she was definitely getting somewhere.

"Eighteen minutes gone," Donna giggled, and she twerked even more wildly.

"Shit, I lose," Dad admitted, and she giggled, flopping onto the couch.

"Damn, my panties are soaked," Mom exclaimed. "Come on, this is fun," Donna sighed.

"I've already won!" she screamed, triumphantly springing to her feet. "Honey... Come with me immediately," Dad said, his tone urgent, and he ran upstairs. She smiled and turned towards Mom. "You're a badass," Mom glared at her lustfully. "Damn, my panties are completely ruined," she sighed.

"Same here," Donna chimed in.

"Aww!" she groaned.

"Honey!" Dad shouted from upstairs.

"You should go, take care of yourself," she said, smirking.

"Yeah, Dad's waiting," Donna added, sighing. "Okay then... Thanks for making him want to screw me."

"I can't remember the last time we had sex," Mom added, taking a step towards the stairs.

"Yeah, that's because he works too hard," Donna sighed.

"I wouldn't want you guys to marry a workaholic like him..."

"Come on, Dad is not a workaholic," Donna protested.

"He is," Mom said firmly.

"He's not," Donna countered.

"He is."

"He's not."

"He is."

"He's not."

"I'm calling Maria right away!" Dad shouted from upstairs, and they all burst into laughter.

"No way, not when I'm still alive," Mom shouted back, rushing up the stairs with determination.

"Hey!" Donna and Dianna called out, and Mom paused.

"LOWER YOUR MOAN, BECAUSE WE DON'T WANT TO BE DISTURBED," Donna and she said in unison.

"Fuck both of you," Mom retorted and continued on her way. "Goodnight, Mom!" Donna shouted after her, but she was already gone.

"It's late already. Goodnight," Donna said, bidding Dianna farewell.

"Yeah, sweet dreams," she smiled, hugging Donna. She kissed her cheek, and they parted ways, heading to their respective rooms.

"Gosh, I can't believe I did that," Dianna sighed, slipping into her nightie after a quick shower. Donna was right. "THAT WAS FUN." She adjusted herself comfortably on the bed and closed her eyes, slipping into dreamland. But before drifting off, she muttered, "JESUS, PRAY FOR ME." Yeah, she was too tired to pray.

_____________

Ryan walked out of the bathroom, her body feeling heavy and drained. Slowly, she made her way into her bedroom, her eyes fixated on the fresh wound on her arm. Clad in her nightgown, she sat on the bed, her thoughts consumed by the pain and confusion she was experiencing.

"Kaww!"

"Kaww-kaww!!" A soft knock at the window startled her, pulling her attention away from her thoughts. She let out a sigh, wondering what new development awaited her this time, and reluctantly made her way to the window.

God!

Peeking through the curtain, she was taken aback by what she saw. It was Nickolas!

"Hey! It's me, Nick," he whispered, and she quickly opened the window, allowing him to climb into her room. She watched him with a mixture of shock and concern as he unhooked the rope and turned to face her.

"Uh, sorry I left without... "

"Where did you go?" she asked, her worry evident in her voice. He let out a weary sigh and removed his backpack from his back.

"I went hunting," he replied, his fatigue evident.

"Nickolas!" she exclaimed, unable to conceal her concern.

"What?" he replied, plopping down on her bed. "For a good ten hours?"

"Yeah, there's this unfinished building. I was trapped inside, hunting my ass off," he explained.

"Come on, it was fun," he added with a smile.

"Fun?" she questioned, her brows furrowing in confusion.

"Yeah. Because the whole building was filled with cobwebs and creepy spiders," he said, trying to lighten the mood.

"I'm sorry if I made you worry," he winked. "Of course, you did," she sighed, relief washing over her.

"Oh, next time, don't worry about me."

"Wait!"

"What's that?" His eyes focused on her arm. Concern etched across his face, he stood up and gently held her wounded arm, inspecting it closely.

"Did Darrell do this to you?" he asked, his voice filled with tenderness. She nodded, her eyes filled with tears.

"I can't let him get away with it this time."

"I don't get it," she said sadly, feeling overwhelmed by the situation.

"He has bitten off more than he can chew," he said, softly cupping her cheek with his hand.

She looked into his eyes, feeling the warmth and love in his gaze. "I don't want you to get hurt because of me," she whispered.

Nickolas smiled gently, brushing away her tears with his thumb. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. You mean the world to me, and I can't bear to see you in pain."

He grabbed his backpack off the ground, collected a gun out of it and let the backpack hits the floor.

"What are you doing? Please throw that away!" Ryan pleaded, her heart beating faster as seconds passed away.

"Yeah, after I screw his nasty ass." He replied and stormed out.

Nickolas

He gazed at the lifeless body of the guard as it fell slowly to the ground. How dare he try to stop him from entering Darrell's room!

His eyes burned with fury as he strode into the room, his finger firmly pressed against the trigger.

"Shit!"

He sighed, scanning the room. So, Darrell wasn't home, he could find a way to navigate through the darkness and embrace life once again.huh? He turned around, seething with anger.

How dare he not be at home!

He would have pulled the trigger without a moment's hesitation, giving Darrell the worst fate imaginable.

Darrell was a despicable creature who deserved the most gruesome death, and he was ready to bring it to him. His hatred for Darrell knew no bounds, and his passion to see him suffer had only grown deeper.

Darrell was nothing short of a devil, and only a fool would show any affection toward such a "thing."

He exhaled sharply and dragged the guard's lifeless body out of his way. The guard wouldn't have experienced this if only he had allowed him to enter peacefully.

But he tried to stop him. Filled with anger, he unleashed a barrage of shots upon him, making daylight vanish from his existence. He politely concealed the guard's body under the sofa and headed upstairs.

"Nickolas!" Ryan called out, looking perplexed.

"I'm sorry," he replied, walking into her room.

"What happened? I mean the gunshot," she inquired.

"I shot one of Darrell's guards who thought he could outsmart me," he replied silently.

"You shot an innocent guard?"

"Come on, he's not innocent. He tried to prevent me from entering Darrell's room. Can you believe that?"

"And did you find Darrell?" she asked.

"No, he's gone. He's escaped," he said, sitting on her bed.

"That's it. You just made everything worse. Darrell is going to seek revenge and kill us like chickens."

"It was already bad when our so-called parents decided to leave us under Darrell's rule."

"I don't care. What's the point of life when happiness is gone?" he added.

"Let's pretend I never heard you refer to Mom and Dad as 'so-called parents.' That's rude," Ryan sighed, joining him on the bed.

"I just hate my life, and Dad is the cause," he said, leaning against the wall serenely.

"Nickolas, don't say that. Life isn't always fair. Everyone has their share of sorrow," she said sadly.

"And mine is worse and worse. Can you imagine? My hopes have been shattered, my happiness consumed by sadness, and my life ripped away from me. I wish Dad loved us the way he claimed," he said sorrowfully.

"Mom and Dad do love us. Nick, they truly do," she protested.

"Then why did they leave us under Darrell's control? Is that what you call love?"

"You and I both know they never wanted to die. You know that, Nickolas."

"I know nothing. All I know is that they hated us and happily walked away without saying goodbye."

"Stop this madness!" she yelled.

"You owe Dad an apology for everything you just said," she added.

"Like I care..." he hissed.

If Mom and Dad truly loved them, he was certain they wouldn't have hesitated to bid them farewell. They wouldn't have vanished so suddenly, leaving them when they needed them the most. They happily departed, disappearing into thin air.

"What's that in your backpack?"

"Spiders," he sighed, sitting upright.

"You have to stop playing with those dangerous creatures. A spider bite can be lethal."

"Well, I've been waiting for them to bite me."

"I can't wait to become a spider-man," he smiled, and she stared at him with a bewildered expression.

"Come on Ryan, it would be cool to be Spider-Man. To have incredible powers to fight against Darrell's madness and protect you," he explained.

"Who told you that being bitten by a spider turns you into Spider-Man?" she asked.

"Ah, that's what happened to Peter Parker. He was bitten by a radioactive spider," he replied.

"Who's Peter Parker?"

"He's my role model, the first Spider-Man. He never liked school."

"Is that why you hate school too?"

"Maybe, yeah."

"Was he a fan of spiders before being bitten?"

"Enough with the questions!" he interjected.

"Okay, sorry. You have to be careful," she said, concern evident in her voice.

"Yeah, I will," he replied, sighing slowly.

"It's been a while since we visited Mom and Dad. Let's go and leave a flower for them."

"I'm done with them. Yeah, you heard me right," he replied, feeling a surge of bitterness.

"Come on, please. You can't be done with people who truly love you," she pleaded.

"Love, indeed," he scoffed.

"I'm sorry. Maybe I shouldn't come with you," he said, retracting his previous statement.

"Please, for my sake... Please," she implored.

"You promised to always make me happy, right?" She reminded him.

"Yeah, I did," he nodded.

"Then come with me... please."

"Okay, but not tonight, please. It's already late," he pleaded.

"I miss them, and I might not survive the night without seeing them."

"I'm already tired," he replied grudgingly.

"Please, Nickolas."

"Ugh," he groaned.

"Don't make me regret promising you in the first place."

"Oh, sorry. Help me this time... I promise it won't happen again."

"Noted."

"Yeah, well stamped," she smiled and pulled him off her bed.

"We'll go through the window then."

"Nickolas, I can't..."

"No arguments," he interrupted and connected the rope. He gave her a reassuring look, but she shook her head.

"Nickolas, this is risky," she protested.

"Cheer up. It's safe with me here," he said, trying to sound encouraging. Girls, always so easily scared over nothing.

"I'm going to lead the way," he declared, climbed over the windowsill with a mischievous grin, and slowly lowered himself down with the rope.

She took a deep breath and watched him gracefully slipping down. Serene, he reached the ground and waved at her. Can I do this?

"Come on, sis, you can do it," he said, as if he had read her mind. She scoffed softly and gathered the courage to face her fears. Climbing over the window, she held onto the securely connected rope and felt herself descending, feeling somewhat like a stealthy spy. She tightened her grip on the rope, slowing down her descent. And it worked.

God!

This is kind of exhilarating. Slowly, she made her way down and distanced herself from the rope.

"You see, that's how it feels to be Spider-Man," Nickolas smiled through the darkness.

"Yeah, that was quite thrilling," she sighed, and together they took a step forward.

"Uh, the flowers," Nickolas whispered.

"Oh, geez, I left them on the bed... Ouch."

"Relax, I'll go get them," he assured her.

"Really?" she asked, but he was already gone. In a flash, he swiftly climbed back up and in no time, he descended with the flowers in his hands. He handed her two and kept two for himself.

"Let's go, then," she said, and he nodded.

With a mix of emotions, they walked in silence into the cemetery.

"Wait!" Nick whispered, and they halted abruptly. He stared at a spot with a perplexed look and turned to face her.

"Do you see them?"

"See who?" she asked.

"Those couples sitting on Dad and Mom's graves?" he said, and she looked around carefully.

"You saw people-"

"Yeah."

"I saw them too. One sitting on Mom's grave while the other on Dad's."

"Maybe it's just your vivid imagination because I didn't see anyone," she said.

"Oh, I wish you had seen them," he sighed.

"Come on, let's go," she said, pulling him towards their parents' graves. They crossed over and knelt down.

"Dad, Mom," she began.

"I love both of you... I miss both of you... Your departure has caused us nothing but pain and regret. Our lives have been taken away from us literally because you are no longer here. We live each day in hopelessness and bitterness. We've been reduced to trash. Uncle Darrell delights in hurting us, playing with our lives, and treating us like a ball. We wish you were here to witness how your beautiful kids suffer intentionally. We truly miss both of you... I have nothing but this tiny flower. Please accept it. Remember, I love you all," she wiped away her tears and placed her flower on both graves.

"What is love without care? It's heartbreaking to believe that you all loved us-" he was saying, but she interrupted him with a gentle hit. "If you have nothing more to say, then let's move back," she half-yelled, and he sighed.

"Here, take this... Accept it," he said, throwing his flowers onto both graves and sat down on Dad's grave.

"What are you doing?" she asked, puzzled.

"Let's spend the night here," he said.

"What?!"

"Yeah, if they truly love us, then it's safe with them," he sighed.

"Come on, Nick, let's get out of here already," she said, urging him quickly.

"Okay, let's make a wish," he blurted out.

"At this late hour?" she asked.

"Yeah, the mood is right."

"I wish for things to turn around for our good, and I hope I end up with Derrick," she wished, gazing at the moon intently.

"My wish is grand and far-reaching... You'll have to sit down," he said, and her curiosity piqued.

"Dear moon, I am filled with a plethora of wishes. Please grant them... Firstly, I wish to be bitten by a radioactive spider. Secondly, I wish..."

She couldn't help but interrupt him, laughing softly. "Nick, wishing for superpowers and becoming Spider-Man? That's quite ambitious."

He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Hey, you never know! Stranger things have happened."

As they sat there under the moonlit sky, sharing their hopes and dreams, a sense of warmth enveloped them. Despite the darkness that surrounded their lives, they found solace in each other's company.

"Ryan," Nickolas whispered, his voice filled with tenderness.

"Yes?"

"I may not always show it, but I'm grateful to have you by my side. We may have lost our parents, but we still have each other. And together, we can face whatever challenges come our way."

________________

SOMEWHERE IN DERRICK'S MANSION

He winced as a small headache crept into his head, prompting an irritated hiss to escape his lips. "Ouch! Stupid tequila!" he muttered to himself. "Only two glasses and I'm already feeling tipsy." Annoyed, he flung the glass away and took a long swig directly from the bottle, relishing the taste as it trickled down his throat.

The door creaked open slightly, and his housekeeper entered the room. Casting an odd look his way, the housekeeper shook his head disapprovingly. "Sir, I think you've had enough to drink," he ventured.

"I'm not complaining," he retorted, taking another gulp from the bottle. He was well aware of his alcohol addiction, but this particular brand was unfamiliar to him. He silently thanked whoever had added it to his collection.

"But-"

"Get out!" he yelled, cutting off the housekeeper. Angrily, the housekeeper turned and exited the room, closing the door behind him. He despised his life, loathed it with an unwavering passion. The pain he caused himself held no significance when happiness seemed like an unreachable dream. Sniffing and continuously taking swigs from the bottle, he drowned his sorrows further.

To his dismay, the door cracked open once again, and he hissed in anger. "Okay, what's wrong with him?" he barked.

"I said get-" he stopped mid-sentence, stunned by the sight of Jeremy, causing him to drop the bottle.

"Drinking your ass out?" Jeremy asked, lowering himself slowly onto the seat beside him.

"As usual," he replied, his voice filled with resignation.

"Hey! Derrick, you're not helping yourself. Stop wallowing in misery and move on," Jeremy advised.

"Wish moving on was as simple as you make it sound," he lamented.

"Of course, it can be. Firstly, you need to forgive yourself and let go," Jeremy advised earnestly.

"I've tried to pick up the pieces. I've tried so hard, but I can't seem to move past my fate," he admitted.

"That's the thing. Leave this behind you. It's been three years now, not three months," Jeremy reasoned.

"Three years isn't enough time to mourn my parents, especially when they meant everything to me," he argued.

"Yeah, but dwelling on the past isn't an option, nor is it helpful," Jeremy sighed.

"Because you have no idea what it's like to lose someone you love," he retorted, his tone filled with pain. Jeremy smirked strangely in response.

"Really?" Jeremy questioned.

"Yeah."

"Oh, sorry, but for your own sake, it's time to move on," Jeremy said, causing him to let out a weary sigh.

"Guess what!" Jeremy exclaimed, a hint of excitement in his voice.

"Oh, for heaven's sake, I'm not in the mood for guessing games. If you have news, just spill it," he replied, attempting to reach for the bottle. However, Jeremy swiftly snatched it away and tucked it between his legs.

"Alright, all our rivals are down," Jeremy announced.

"Wow, that's the biggest lie I've ever heard from you," he replied, skepticism tainting his voice.

"Seriously, I'm not joking," Jeremy insisted, opening his briefcase and rummaging through it. Slowly, he withdrew some files and handed them over courteously.

"This is it, the perfect opportunity," Jeremy beamed. Carefully, he flipped through the files, examining them.

"Wow."

"This is incredible. When did you become a magician?" he marveled, handing the files back to Jeremy. A smile of genuine pride lit up Jeremy's face. "Well, it's been a few months," Jeremy replied, discreetly concealing the files.

"Congratulations. I truly appreciate your efforts," he said, a flicker of gratitude shining in his eyes. Jeremy blushed modestly in response.

"Thanks," Jeremy replied with a warm smile.

"You're the best, Heckman. I couldn't ask for a more loyal companion," he expressed, genuine appreciation evident in his words.

"Hey, don't go getting all sentimental on me now. I won't thank you for the compliments," Jeremy chuckled, causing him to force a grin. Jeremy's loyalty and kindness were always a comforting presence in his life.

"We're going out tonight, and I won't take no for an answer," Jeremy declared, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Unfortunately-"

"Shhh! Don't say a word, sir," Jeremy interjected, cutting him off, and he rolled his eyes playfully.

"Alright, like we have any pressing meetings?" he questioned, mildly intrigued.

"Whether we have a meeting or not, we're going out. Period," Jeremy asserted, a mischievous wink accompanying his words.

He couldn't help but laugh at Jeremy's persistent determination. Even in the darkest of times, Jeremy always knew how to lighten the mood. Perhaps going out tonight was exactly what he needed-a temporary escape from his troubles.

"Fine, fine, you win," he conceded, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But only because you're the most persistent pain in the neck I've ever known."

Jeremy grinned triumphantly. "That's the spirit, Derrick! Get ready to have some fun and forget about your troubles for a while."

Reluctantly, he rose from the couch, dusting off his pants. "Alright, let's do this. But no tequila this time, got it?"

Jeremy raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. "No promises, my friend. But don't worry, I'll make sure you survive the night."