A traditional only I enjoy

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.

"Camela, are you okay?" Mr. Dean inquired, and a sudden flush sensation returned to my face.

"Was she sick?" Ken asked.

"Hmm, I thought so, but she seems okay now," he replied, and I glanced up to find him staring at me. I pondered if he was teasing me or just being himself

'Isn't this also called bullying?' I pondered inwardly.

"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.

"Hello, everyone!" I was startled by an unfamiliar voice and looked up to find a lady with a warm smile. She had colorful hair clips and a vibrant charm that complemented her bright dark 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 as the young lady, referring to Mr Dean as Dad, pouted approaching hi

"You finally decided to come home?" Mr. Dean spoke without looking up from his plate.

"That's because I missed you," she retorted playfully.

"Missed me or ran out of money?" he questioned, leaving a lump in my throat even though I wasn't the one being scolded.

"Hmm..it's both," she admitted, still pouting.

"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.

"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 twins. Just your looks and genders differ; your IQs are the same," Nix remarked.

"Why am I being implicated for her actions, huh?" 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 ass."

"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 as 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, taking a seat beside me. "I'm 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 artwork?

"I'll take my leave since I'm done with dinner," 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," he requested, placing a document beside me before heading towards the door.

Feeling a sense of responsibility, I acknowledged the task at hand. Luna wished me farewell, filled with good wishes, which 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 guilt and a touch of fear, rather than the usual sense of adventure.

The persistent fear of 'what if' 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?

A small, almost inaudible knock on his door preceded a swift response, signaling his acute hearing. 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. Scribbling my response on the tablet, I 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 became an unexpected challenge. 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.

"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 okay." he said before going back to his work,concluding our interaction with that,I nodded as affirmation before existing his room, resolved to concentrate on my work and academic pursuits.