Same Eyes, Different Name

As I made my way to the stairs, ready to retreat to my room, Mom's voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Go down in 15 minutes. We're having dinner," she called out.

I glanced over my shoulder, offering her a small, knowing smile and a quiet nod in agreement before continuing up the stairs.

The moment I stepped into my room, I let out a squeal of joy and jumped onto my bed. My body bounced on the mattress as I buried my face into a pillow and screamed—half from excitement, half from disbelief. A wide grin stretched across my lips. I couldn't help it. I did it. I actually went to the mall. And best of all—they didn't catch me.

Rolling onto my back, I stared at the ceiling, giggling to myself. My chest felt light, like all the air inside me had turned into glitter.

I reached for my phone, fingers hovering over Max's name. I wanted to tell her everything—every detail, every moment. But... maybe later. She might be busy. Still, just the thought of reliving it with her made me buzz with excitement. She's going to flip when she hears about this.

A long, satisfied sigh escaped me as I pushed myself off the bed and headed toward the bathroom. I undressed and stepped into the warm shower, letting the water trickle down my shoulders. I couldn't stop smiling. My cheeks were starting to hurt.

While drying off, I caught a glimpse of a dress hanging on the rack. It was soft pastel pink, sprinkled with tiny strawberry prints. The sight of it made my heart flutter unexpectedly.

Angelo.

A memory of his smirk, his laugh, his eyes flashed in my mind.

I stood there, towel wrapped around me, suddenly still. I wondered where he was now. Was he safe? Did he get home alright? Would I ever see him again?

My smile faded into a soft sigh as I pulled the dress off the hanger. I slipped into it and turned to the mirror. The hem swayed just above my knees. It was cute, youthful. A strange contrast to the ache in my chest.

I fixed my hair, dabbed on a bit of lip balm, and made my way downstairs.

The dining room was warmly lit, the scent of buttery mashed potatoes and grilled meat filling the air. But my mood dipped slightly.

Ugh. Andreis took my seat again.

"Let's eat, Mia dear," Dad greeted me with a big smile.

I returned the smile and glanced around the table. Marco's eyes met mine. His brows were drawn tight in that same expression he'd worn all day—like a storm cloud refusing to clear. He looked… angry. Or maybe worried? I couldn't tell. Did he know?

Then there was Andreis, eyeing me from head to toe with a crooked grin that sent a chill down my spine. The way he looked at me—it was too familiar. My stomach tightened.

That gaze… it reminded me so much of Angelo. The same piercing eyes. The same cocky smile. Could they be related?

I took the seat beside Mom and tried not to think too hard.

"Strawberry, huh?" Andreis teased, his voice laced with amusement as he gestured at my dress.

Marco looked between the two of us, his expression unreadable. I rolled my eyes and scoffed quietly. What? It's a cute outfit.

Dinner was already served—creamy mashed potatoes piled high next to thick, juicy T-bone steaks. My mouth watered at the sight. Dad's favorite.

I scooped a modest portion of mashed potatoes onto my plate while Mom, ever the nurturer, carefully sliced my steak into neat strips. Always treating me like a kid, even though I was already 24. I sighed quietly, a little embarrassed, but also... grateful. What would I do without her?

I pushed the mashed potatoes around my plate absentmindedly, waiting for the meat.

"Andreis," I said suddenly, my tone casual, eyes on him as he cut his steak, "do you have a brother?"

He froze for a split second, then lifted his gaze to mine. His eyes locked with mine, unblinking, unreadable.

That stare—it was the same. The kind of look that made your heart forget how to beat for a moment. Exactly like Angelo.

"Only child. Why?" he replied coolly, then popped a bite of steak into his mouth like it was nothing.

But across the table, Marco had stopped eating.

"Why are you asking?" he said, his voice tighter than usual, a hint of suspicion cutting through it.

"Nothing," I replied with a laugh that sounded lighter than I felt. "I was just wondering if he had a brother like you, Marco."

Mom gently placed the sliced steak on my plate.

"Oh, shut up," Marco muttered, pointing his fork at me.

Then—unexpectedly—Marco and Andreis looked at each other and burst out laughing.

I blinked. What's so funny?

The rest of dinner passed with less tension. The boys and Dad dove into a conversation about a basketball game they'd watched earlier. I stayed quiet, half-listening. I didn't know a single thing about basketball. Mom, as usual, remained quiet, calmly eating beside me—just like she always had since we were little.

But I wasn't really present.

My mind kept drifting back to Angelo.

Who was he? Why did he seem to know me? And why did it feel like he wasn't just a stranger passing through?

After dinner, Mom and Dad stood up. I followed, mechanically. I glanced back as I left the dining room. Marco and Andreis were standing too, their conversation quiet, unreadable.

I stepped outside into the garden, needing air.

The hanging chair under the tree creaked softly as I sat down. I leaned back, closed my eyes, and breathed in deep. The scent of damp earth and fresh leaves filled my lungs. It was a comforting smell, familiar. Unlike the city, where everything smelled like metal and exhaust.

Here, the air was clean. Crisp. Pure.

Above me, the night sky shimmered with stars—so many it looked like someone had spilled glitter across a black canvas. I tilted my head back and let the moment wash over me.

And then—

"Mia."

I jumped.

Marco's voice cut through the stillness like a blade.

I turned to look at him, startled.

"Don't f*cking do that again. I am warning you," he said, his tone sharp, biting.

My mouth opened slightly, but I didn't know what to say.

Should I pretend I didn't understand?

Act like I was clueless?

"Hh-uh?" I stammered, eyebrows raised in faux confusion.

He rolled his eyes in frustration and turned away, heading back inside without another word.

I watched him go, my heart pounding.

So… he did know.