CHAPTER NINE WHO IS DEREK?

Rhea's Workplace

The bell above the shop door jingled as a man stepped inside. Instantly, the chatter among the female employees turned into excited whispers.

"Who is that?" one of them murmured, nudging her friend.

"He's so handsome… Why do we never get customers like this?" another sighed dreamily.

Unaware of the commotion outside, Rhea was in the warehouse, struggling to lift a heavy package onto a high shelf. Just as she was about to give up, a strong hand reached out, effortlessly placing the box in its spot.

"Oh, thank you so much," she said, turning to see who had helped her—then froze.

"Brother Derek?" Her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Sorry, I'm late," he said with a small smirk.

For a moment, Rhea just stared before a bright smile spread across her face.

Meanwhile, her coworkers gawked from a distance.

"What charm does Rhea have? Out of all of us, why is she always the lucky one?" one of them muttered.

"Maybe this is fate… but it's so unfair," another grumbled.

Derek ignored them, gently grabbing Rhea's wrist. "Come on, let's go."

-The Restaurant

Seated at an open-air restaurant, Rhea sipped her drink before looking up at Derek. "Brother, what brought you back so suddenly?"

"I should be asking you that," Derek said, leaning forward. "Why didn't you tell me what you were going through?"

Rhea's smile faltered. "What do you mean?"

Derek smirked, tapping his fingers on the table. "You dropped out of school, Rhea. How long were you planning to hide that from me?"

Rhea stiffened, her fingers tightening around her glass. "How do you know that?" she asked, her voice quieter.

Derek leaned back, crossing his arms. "We've spoken so many times—video calls, emails—you always told me everything was fine. But looking at you now, I can tell you're struggling."

Rhea forced a bright smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "It's really fine. I actually like my life now, so there's nothing to worry about."

Derek sighed and reached out. "Give me your hand."

She hesitated but placed her hand in his.

"You've always been like this since we were kids," he said softly. "You hide your pain, pretend to be strong so you don't burden anyone. But you don't have to do that with me. I'm your brother. And now that I'm back, I won't let anyone mistreat you."

Rhea's smile wavered, and a single tear slipped down her cheek.

Derek squeezed her hand. "No more pretending, alright?"

Rhea nodded, quickly wiping her tear.

"By the way, I only asked for a short break from work," she said, regaining her composure.

"Okay, let's go back. We have time to talk later," Derek said. They stood up, leaving the restaurant together.

As they walked, Derek spoke again. "You shouldn't work there. Why don't you apply to the comic book company I told you about?"

Rhea chuckled. "What if I can't draw well and end up starving?"

"Then I'll support you," Derek said firmly.

Rhea smirked playfully. "I eat a lot, though. Hope you don't regret it."

"You've lost weight. You should eat more," Derek said seriously. "The more you eat, the better. Understood?"

Rhea grinned. "Brother, don't you know? If you eat too much, you'll be eaten."

Derek laughed. "Still as competitive as ever."

They reached her workplace, and Derek ruffled her hair. "Go on. I just wanted you to know I'm back."

Rhea smiled and went inside.

Carson Estate – Luca's Study

Luca paced the floor, his expression stormy. Mia stood nearby, watching him in silence. A notification buzzed on his phone. He grabbed it, glanced at the screen, and his jaw tightened. A photo of Rhea and Derek.

His grip on the phone tightened before he threw it onto the couch.

Nathan strolled out of the bathroom, adjusting his joggers. "What's with the long face?" he asked lazily.

Mia's expression darkened. "What are you doing here?"

"Relax. Luca drank at my place last night, and I didn't trust anyone else to drive him home," Nathan said, stretching. Then he smirked. "By the way, when do I get to meet Rhea? What kind of woman made this cold-hearted guy act like a lost puppy?"

Luca shot him a glare.

Nathan picked up the phone and whistled at the photo. "Oh, so this is her? She's pretty. But who's the guy with her?" He studied the screen, then grinned. "Damn, he's handsome. Is he her new boyfriend?"

Mia's gaze flickered toward Luca.

Nathan clicked his tongue. "Well, if I were Rhea, I'd move on too."

Luca's scowl deepened. "Does he really look handsome?"

Nathan smirked. "Very."

"Better than me?" Luca asked stiffly.

Nathan grinned. "Girls like this type—kind, good-looking, and charming. Unlike some ice-cold nerds."

Luca glared. "Why are you still here? Waiting for me to make you dinner too?"

Nathan laughed. "No thanks. You'd probably poison me."

Mia cleared her throat. "Should I investigate him, sir?"

Luca turned away. "Do it."

Mia nodded sharply.

Luca turned to walk away but misjudged the distance and slammed his leg into the table.

Nathan burst into laughter. "Karma, my friend!"

Luca gritted his teeth, limping to the couch.

---

Rhea's Room

Rhea scrolled through job listings when something caught her eye—a comic company recruiting aspiring artists. The selected works would be exhibited, giving the artist a chance at fame.

She hesitated, biting her lip. Should she apply?

---

Carson Estate – Luca's Room

Nathan, now in doctor mode, examined Luca's leg. "Does it still hurt?"

Luca didn't respond, staring at his phone.

Nathan snapped his fingers. "Hey, I asked if it still hurts."

No response.

Annoyed, Nathan slammed his hand on the bed. "At least respect your doctor!"

Still nothing.

Frustrated, Nathan snatched Luca's phone. "Who are you texting that's making you so distracted?"

Luca's head snapped up, his voice low and threatening. "Give it back."

Nathan, now nervous, immediately returned the phone. "Not interested at all."

---

Rhea in the Rain

Rhea stood under a shop's awning, watching the heavy rain pour down.

A bus sped toward a puddle. Just as it was about to splash water on her—

She imagined Luca shielding her, taking the hit instead.

"Silly, don't you know how to hide properly?" his deep voice echoed in her mind.

But reality crashed in as icy water drenched her. Her face turned pale. It was just a fantasy.

A small girl passing by handed her a handkerchief. "Wipe yourself. Don't catch a cold."

Rhea took it with a grateful smile. "Thank you."

"Here, take an umbrella."

"But how do I return it?"

The girl smiled. "No need. My bus is here!"

Rhea watched her leave before waving down a bus herself.

From a distance, Luca watched from his car.

"Mr. Luca, everything has been arranged at the comic company," Mia informed him.

Luca's gaze stayed locked on Rhea.

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