One Heart, Which Brother?

I woke up to the sound of Daphnie's loud knock against the thin wooden door of our apartment.

"Liana! Wake up! It's our birthday!" she shouted from the hallway.

I groaned, rolling over in bed. My blanket clung to me like it knew I wasn't ready to face the day. Not because I didn't love birthdays but because turning eighteen meant stepping closer to... life. The real kind. The one that wasn't always tucked away behind the DeLewunco estate's pristine gates.

I heard my mom humming in the kitchen probably making her special birthday pancakes even though she had to be at work by seven. She was the senior housekeeper for the DeLewunco family, had been for almost twenty years. And me? Well, I'd always just been her daughter. The girl who wasn't allowed to clean, or really do much of anything except stay out of the way and go to school. Mrs. DeLewunco insisted I focus on my education, and they'd paid for it all uniforms, books, everything.

I wasn't staff. But I wasn't exactly family either.

Still, growing up in the staff quarters on their estate meant I'd spent almost every day with Daphnie. We were born on the same day, raised under the same roof just opposite ends of it. Her in the mansion, me behind it. And despite everything, she'd never made me feel less.

"I swear to God, if you're still in bed, I'm breaking in!" Daphnie's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Coming!" I called back, scrambling to get up.

When I opened the door, she was already halfway inside. Blonde curls bouncing, her pajamas way too fancy for sleep. She grinned, holding two paper crowns.

"Your Majesty," she said dramatically, placing one on my head. "Eighteen. Officially grown women. The world isn't ready."

"Speak for yourself. I haven't even combed my hair."

"Details." She waved her hand. "You can fix it after breakfast. First pancakes. Then planning."

I narrowed my eyes. "Planning what?"

She grinned. "Our confessions."

My stomach did a flip. "Daph"

"No backing out, Liana. Tonight, after the party, you're telling Reuben how you feel. And I'm telling Jayson. No excuses, no delays, no what-ifs."

I felt my cheeks burn. "He's barely looked at me, Daphnie. He probably still thinks I'm the weird kid who used to chase frogs in the garden."

"First of all, that was adorable. Second, you've grown up. Trust me, he's noticed."

I doubted that. Reuben was the firstborn, already neck-deep in family business. He was rarely home, and when he was, he wasn't exactly... approachable. Sharp jawline, darker eyes, always dressed like he'd walked out of some luxury ad. But to me, he was just Reuben the boy I'd quietly loved for years, even though he never had a reason to love me back.

Then there was Kendrick. The second son. If Reuben was ice, Kendrick was fire warm, golden, and impossible to ignore. He treated me and Daphnie like equals. Like we mattered. He laughed at our dumb jokes, sat with us during breakfast, and never made me feel like I didn't belong.

He was around more too. Even this morning, when the party prep had the house in chaos, Kendrick still managed to pop his head into the staff wing with a muffin in hand and a crooked smile.

"Birthday girls," he'd said, offering it to Daphnie. "You've got frosting on your nose."

"It's a glow-up," she replied proudly, licking it off.

He chuckled, then turned to me. "You okay?"

I nodded, feeling that strange flutter I always got when he looked at me like that. Like he actually saw me.

"Don't forget," he added, "you've got two hours before the house turns into a circus."

"I won't," I'd promised.

And now, a few hours later, the mansion was already buzzing. Staff moving like clockwork, silver platters gleaming, florists running in and out. The DeLewunco family didn't do simple. Their kind of wealth wasn't just money it was power. Influence. Legacy. The kind of wealth that made politicians whisper and CEOs beg for dinner invites.

And somehow, in this big, gilded world... they'd made space for me.

The party was in full swing by late afternoon. Daphnie looked like a dream in her sapphire gown.

Daphne was effortlessly beautiful, the kind of girl who didn't need to try to shine she just did. Her long, golden hair shimmered like sunlight,Her hazel eyes sparkled with mischief and warmth, always full of energy and unspoken plans. She was bold, outspoken, and unafraid to chase what she wanted, especially when it came to love. Daphne had a natural confidence, the kind that drew people in without effort. She could light up any room with her laughter and charm, and even though we weren't related by blood, she was more than just my best friend she was my family, my anchor, my sister in every way that mattered.

I wore something she'd picked out for me cream silk, subtle but beautiful. I felt like a guest, not a ghost in someone else's house.

There were laughs, toasts, speeches. Kendrick danced with us, made us laugh so hard we cried. He even pulled my mom in for a dance, and she nearly fainted.

But Reuben never showed.

Daphnie tried to pretend it didn't bother her, but I knew it did. He was her big brother too. And she wanted him there. For her, for me.

"You okay?" Kendrick asked as he handed me a glass of punch.

I smiled, a little too tightly. "Yeah. Just tired."

He didn't push. Just stood beside me, quiet for a moment. "He'll come around, you know."

I didn't ask who. I didn't need to.

"I'm not waiting for him," I lied.

He gave me a small smile. "You don't have to."

The sun began to set, casting golden light across the backyard where strings of fairy lights blinked like stars. Music played low in the background, and the last of the guests lingered by the dessert table.

Daphnie pulled me aside, her eyes dancing. "Tonight. After everything winds down. You and me. Operation Confession."

I laughed. "You're serious?"

"As a heart attack. This is our year, Liana. Eighteen changes everything."

I looked around at the life I'd always known, the people I'd always loved, and the boy I couldn't stop thinking about... even when he wasn't there.

Maybe she was right.

Maybe it really would.

The party had slowly begun to die down.

The music was still humming low, lights dimmed into soft golds and purples, casting a sleepy glow over the now half-empty backyard. Most of our classmates had already left, and the scent of vanilla candles and spilled fruit punch lingered in the air like a memory.

Our birthday was over well, almost.

Daphne and I had always shared everything. Clothes. Secrets. Friends. Even crushes, though we never admitted that out loud. So, of course, it made sense that our eighteenth birthday would be one big celebration with all our schoolmates the same ones we'd grown up with since kindergarten. Same stories. Same jokes. Same hallway gossip. But this night was different. We were adults now... at least that's what everyone kept saying.

I tugged at the hem of my lilac dress, staring at the soft swirl of balloons tangled near the garden. It had been beautiful lavish, like always. Gold-lined cake, live DJ, a backdrop screaming "Eighteen & Glowing," and the best food money could buy. Her parents didn't do simple. Especially not for their only daughter

"Liana," Daphne's voice pulled me back, her eyes shining as Jayson walked into the yard.

I already knew what was coming.

"I'm going," she whispered, excitement fluttering in her voice. She leaned in and added, "Don't forget... tonight. Kendrick's still here. Stick with him until Reuben shows up. You must tell him."

I wanted to smile, but nerves danced in my stomach like wild fireflies. "You're really going with Jayson?" I asked.

She nodded, her grin dreamy. "Of course. I've loved him since we were twelve. Tonight might be the night." Her hands squeezed mine. "You got this, okay?"

And just like that, she was gone.

Leaving me with Kendrick.

Kendrick was lounging near the snack table, sipping soda, looking so effortlessly charming that it almost annoyed me. His curly hair was pulled back in a loose bun, and he wore that wide, mischievous smile he was known for the one that made all the girls giggle. Kendrick, who lit up the world with his happiness, who was always around no matter how busy life got. Kendrick, who was like sunshine bottled in a boy's body.

He saw me looking and waved me over. "Don't tell me you're tired already, birthday girl."

I laughed. "Maybe a little. Or maybe just nervous."

He quirked a brow. "About what?"

I hesitated. "About everything."

Kendrick never pried. He just nodded, his grin softening. "You'll be fine. Whatever happens."

He didn't know it, but he always said the right things.

It was easy to be around him. Easier than it should've been. He was older twenty-one, already in college but he never made us feel like little kids. He was always present. My quiz competitions, school events, charity dinners if I turned, I'd find Kendrick clapping in the corner or sneaking me chocolates.

Unlike Reuben.

Reuben was rarely around. He was twenty-five, already on the brink of becoming the youngest billionaire in the country. The media couldn't get enough of him "The Corporate Prodigy," they called him. At the end of this year, he was officially taking over the company. It was all our parents talked about.

He was perfect in every way... and so impossibly out of reach.

And I? I was the silly girl hopelessly in love with him.

The air shifted before I saw him. Like the atmosphere knew he was here.

Reuben.

He walked in, tall and sleek in his suit, though his jacket was slung over his shoulder, and his tie was loosely in his hand. His dark hair was slightly tousled, like he'd run a hand through it too many times.

He looked exhausted... and still, he looked perfect.

My heart skipped.

"Hey," he said, eyes settling on me and then on Kendrick. "Sorry I'm late."

"It's your sister's birthday, Rue," Kendrick said casually, nudging him. "You should be sorry."

He ignored him and turned back to me, his voice gentle. "Happy birthday, Lia."

He handed me a small package beautifully wrapped, simple and elegant. I held it close to my chest.

"Daphne said you wanted to talk. About something important?"

I blinked, words lost somewhere in my throat. "Oh. Uh..."

Kendrick subtly tapped my shoulder. "Focus," he whispered with a teasing smile.

"Y-yes," I finally said. "Let's take a walk?"

Reuben gave a short nod, slipping his hand into mine. I knew it meant nothing, just birthday politeness, but it sent shivers down my spine. We walked slowly into the garden, the night quiet and wrapped in moonlight. The silvery glow danced in his eyes. He looked like a prince out of a dream mine.

He stopped by the fountain, letting out a soft sigh. "Okay, I'm all ears. What's this important thing?"

His hand brushed my shoulder, pulling me gently closer. I froze, swallowed hard.

"Is something wrong?" he asked, voice lower now. "School problems? You've submitted your college applications, right? Don't worry about money. Everything is"

"That's not it!" I cut in too quickly.

His brows rose.

I took a shaky breath. "I... I love you."

The words spilled out before I could stop them.

"I really, really love you. I've been holding it in, hoping maybe, just maybe, you "

He let out a short, mocking laugh. Not cruel. Just... dismissive.

"Lia," he said, voice low. "We've been through this. That whole obsession thing? You're past that now. You're a woman."

He touched my cheek briefly, like I was some child he'd just outgrown, and turned to leave.

"A grown woman," I said louder, voice trembling with tears. "You knew! You always knew it was you. I've always loved you!"

He stopped, but didn't turn.

"I am a woman," I said again, softer this time.

He turned back, expression unreadable. "Lia, don't do this. Not today. It's your birthday."

"No. Don't tell me what to do!" I snapped. "I just wanted to tell you. That's all. To hope that maybe you loved me too. That maybe you saw me."

He stepped toward me slowly.

"I do care," he said at last. "I do. It's just..."

"It's just what?" I demanded. "That I'm not pretty enough? Not good enough? Too young for you?"

He looked at me, eyes flickering with something I couldn't name.

"You're just... a child," he said quietly. "Turns out, you still don't want to grow up."

And then he left.

And just like that, the night shattered.

I didn't sleep that night.

I didn't celebrate anymore.

Mum said Daphne came looking for me, but I lied. Said I was asleep. I'm sure she knew it didn't go well. She always knew.

I was supposed to go to school this morning, but my eyes were too swollen to face the world.

Daphne came in early. She wasn't dressed for school either. She was like my twin she just knew things.

The moment she walked through the door, I burst into tears. I thought I had run out of them last night. Turns out, there were more.

She rushed to me, and we cuddled without a word. It was around 7:30. Mum had already left for work at their place.

"Just sleep," Daphne said softly, tapping my head which rested on her chest.

"We're not going to school today."

And that was it. I closed my eyes.

I don't remember if she slept too. The only thing I remember was her singing in that mock-sweet way of hers to make me laugh and drift off.

When I woke up, she was still there, sitting beside me, eating.

She had this habit of always coming to eat at our place like it was her ritual. It was basically her second home.

"Get ready," she said between bites. "We're going to the beach house. We need to chill at least just for today before my mum finds out we skipped school. Hurry. Ken's agreed to drive."

She was glowing with excitement, like always. And she didn't bring up the crisis from last night. She knew me too well.

I got up slowly and teased, "Just me, you, and Ken? That sounds a little... sus."

She burst out laughing. "My boyfriend too."

I turned to her, forgetting how much my head hurt. "Girl! You didn't tell me? Aww baby, I'm so happy for you!"

We jumped and giggled like little kids.

"I planned this already," she confessed, "but since Ruben's a dickhead, let's still go. You're better off without him. Now shower, shower, let's go!"

Ken was always smiling. That kind of boy who wore sunshine like a second skin.

We got to the beach house and met Jayson there rich, calm, and honestly very cute.

I tried my best to forget Ruben. Maybe it wouldn't be so hard. He was never around anyway always at work, leaving early, coming home late.

But fate has a cruel sense of humor.

While waiting by the car with Ken for Daphne, he walked by.

Ruben.

He said hi like nothing happened, like he had no idea he shattered me just last night. Like he had amnesia. I couldn't even look at him.

"Why aren't you in school?" he asked casually.

I ignored him.

Ken noticed something was off. I was never not interested in Ruben.

"Post-birthday celebration," Ken said, stepping in. "We're just going to the beach house for a bit."

Daphne arrived then, walking down to the garage like a goddess. She didn't greet Ruben either. Just walked right past him and got into the back seat.

God, I loved that girl.

I got into the front seat, my body aching with every step, my heart even more so. As Ken drove away, my eyes locked with Ruben's.

The pain in mine met the emptiness in his.

I still loved him.

The beach house was freedom. Real, warm, messy freedom.

We swam, we ate, we laughed.

I wasn't rich, but I grew up in luxury. The beach house was a two-hour drive, but always worth it.

I tried not to watch Jayson and Daphne being all lovey-dovey in the water. Tried not to wish that the man I loved... loved me too.

Ken never missed a chance to compliment me. Today, I appreciated it more than ever.

Eventually, Jayson and Daphne left. I heard the car drive off.

Ken walked in.

"Where did the lovebirds go?" I asked.

"Went to get some real food, I think."

He walked up to me. Close closer than usual.

I had never really looked at Ken. Not like this.

The toned abs, the sun-golden hair like Daphne's, the way he looked like some sculpted god without a shirt... it hit different today.

Then he ruffled my hair.

I pulled back, annoyed. "Stop it. I'm not a child anymore."

We both froze. I didn't mean to snap.

The pain of last night was still speaking.

His smile didn't fade, though.

"I know you're all grown," he said softly. "My Lia's all grown and beautiful and..."

He stepped closer.

"And gorgeous."

Then he kissed me.

I didn't expect it. My head spun.

He pulled back, gave me a soft peck on the cheek, then walked over to the bar like nothing happened.

"Want some?" he called, lifting a bottle.

I blinked, still reeling, and nodded.

He brought it over. I gulped it in one go. My mind still buzzing.

Ken was the guy girls lined up for. Too handsome, too perfect. His smile could stop time. His blue eyes could drown nations.

I never considered a him and me scenario.

He was too... everything.

He faced me again. This time, there was no teasing in his voice.

"My Lia... your eyes..."

He paused, breathing deeply.

"Who am I kidding?" he said, his voice lower, raw.

"I love you."

I froze.

"No, no you don't, Ken."

He grabbed my waist gently.

"How would you know? The only man your eyes can process is Ruben. I'm always there. But the moment he's around... I'm invisible."

He wasn't angry. Just... heartbroken.

For the first time, I saw pain in his perfect eyes. Maybe it had always been there, masked by his shine.

"I, I..." I stammered.

"Just let me. Let me love you," he whispered. "Will you?"

He cupped my face and kissed me again.

Harder.

This time, I didn't resist.

My hands gripped his back, pulling him closer. His body against mine, his warmth burying all the cold Ruben left behind.

And then

the door opened.

We froze.