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Mirabel's POV
She quickly pulled her singlet and jacket back on, her cheeks still flushed.
"Hm… I'll be back. My brother needs my help," she said softly.
Dave only nodded, though his eyes lingered on her. She leaned forward, gave him a quick peck, and rushed out before she lost the courage.
Her heart pounded as the elevator doors closed. She hadn't told him yet—that she had children. That their father was his enemy. What would Dave do when he found out? Would he stay, or would he walk away?
I just want a family… me, my kids, and Dave. Cherry keeps asking who her father is, or who she can call father. How do I even explain this? Will he still love me, or will he break me apart?
She sighed heavily, pressing her forehead against the elevator wall. This is such a mess.
Her phone buzzed. Charlie. She hesitated, then picked up.
"Good morning, Mum," Charlie's voice came through, calm as ever.
"Morning, dear. Why did you call me?"
"Well… Cherry isn't eating anything until you come to see her. She won't let us leave either. I wanted to go to the game center with my butler, but she's blocking everyone."
Mirabel's heart squeezed. "I'll come right now. Tell her Mommy is coming."
"Okay, Mum." He hung up.
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Twins' POV
"Have you seen Mum?" Emily asked as she rubbed her sleepy eyes.
"No, I just woke up," Cherry muttered.
"I miss her."
"You saw her last night," Cherry reminded her.
"I know… but I want her now."
"Whatever. I'm taking my bath."
Charlie went to the bathroom, washed up, and came out wearing a pink top with the words This is my twin sister printed across it. His shorts matched, light pink. Cherry, in contrast, wore a top that said This is my twin brother with a little pink skirt.
By the time he returned, the room was already busy with butlers and maids serving breakfast at the table. His butler tied the napkin neatly around his neck.
"Cherry, come and eat," Dennis urged softly.
"I want Mum to come and feed me," she said stubbornly, arms crossed.
"But she's busy right now," Dennis tried to reason.
"I don't care. I want Mum."
"Don't bother, Dennis. Cherry, come now and eat. We'll go find Mum later," Charlie said firmly.
"No. I want Mum now."
"Fine. If you don't want to eat, I will," Charlie muttered, and he and Dennis started eating. Emily, reluctantly, joined them.
When they finished, Cherry walked to the door and sat down, arms folded.
"Let's go, Butler. I need a nice bath," Dennis said, standing.
"No one is leaving until my Mum gets here," Cherry declared.
Emily rushed over to sit beside her. "Yeah! No one is leaving."
Their butlers shifted awkwardly but moved to stand guard at the door.
"Cherry, what is this? I want to go to the game center," Dennis complained.
"No one is leaving," Cherry repeated.
"Ahh… Ronald, do something!" Dennis begged his butler.
"I can't, sir. I'm not allowed to interfere," Ronald said carefully.
"So I'm stuck here…" Dennis groaned.
"Emily, come to your brother now," Charlie called.
"No! I'm staying with Sister Cherry." She stuck her tongue out defiantly.
Charlie sighed in frustration, pulled out his phone, and dialed Mirabel's number.
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