Chapter 11
Lucian and Lucio were sharp as tacks for their age, grasping complicated matters like why they didn’t have a father and why their mother was their sole provider. They vividly recalled the day he first broached the subject at the tender age of three. His mother sat him down and had gently explained that their father had passed away before she even knew she was pregnant with them.
Initially, Lucian and Lucio took her word for it–they had no reason to doubt their mother’s honesty. However, one night after their fifth birthday, when Lorraine had a bit too much to drink, she tearfully repeated a man’s name over and over.
It was the first time they had ever seen their mother break down like that. Sensing something was amiss, the twins decided to dig a little deeper. The name was Callisto Avellino, and a quick online search revealed he was a well–known businessman and billionaire. To their surprise, the twins couldn’t help but notice the uncanny resemblance between themselves and Callisto. However, aside from his impressive business ventures and a storied family legacy, there wasn’t much else about
him online.
Lucian and Lucio didn’t know how to bring it up with their mother, who loved them unconditionally. Initially, they were angry because they felt they deserved to know the truth about their biological father. But they also understood that their mother must have had a strong reason for keeping it a secret.
Their curiosity led them to search online for their mother’s life status. Surprisingly, the first result was not about Lorraine as the CEO of LorriClow Cosmetics but about the Moore family. Amanda Moore, a businesswoman and socialite; her husband, Henry Moore, a businessman and media personality, their children, famous actress Amber Moore, well–known real estate businessman Liam Moore; and their mother, Lorraine Moore, CEO of LorriGlow Cosmetics.
Lorraine had never mentioned these people to them. It was odd that, apart from Mona and Wayne, they knew no one else from their mother’s family. They lacked any biological father, grandparents, uncles, aunts, or cousins. They knew only a few people, all close friends of their mother.
If their mother’s family was so affluent, why was Lorraine working so tirelessly and alone, far from them? Was she being ostracized?
As curious as they were about this matter, they still couldn’t bring themselves to ask their mother, especially since she was busy with work and already worried about their health. They didn’t want to add to her worries, so if there was another way to find out the truth, it would be to run and ask Mona.
Although Mona didn’t directly say what happened before Lucian and Lucio were born, they still got a lot of information because it was easy to catch Mona in her words and make her confess, especially since they made sure she had drunk alcohol while they talked to her.
“Granny, how did our father die?” Lucio asked, looking up at Mona with bright eyes and a sweet voice. “Mommy never tells us. They must have loved each other deeply, that’s why it was so difficult for Mommy to talk about our father’s death..”
“Tsk!” Mona’s face crumpled immediately upon hearing this. “Oh, your mommy loved your father deeply, but he was such an asshole that’s why Lorraine didn’t want to talk about it at all! hat motherfu—I mean, that ruthless man left your mother heartbroken; she wasn’t herself at all from the moment she found out she was pregnant until you both were born!” she took a swig of alcohol and shook her head. “Oh goodness! What am I thinking? You twins are too young to understand this, and I am in no position to say things like this-
“Granny! How come father was a ruthless man? Did he ever bully our Mom? I always imagined he was a good person, just like Lucio and me!” Lucian interrupted Mona as she tried to end the conversation.
“Hal” Mona norted. “Let me tell you, it’s an insult to compare you sweet kids to your father. Your good behavior comes from your mother–she was just like you when she was little. But pray you don’t end up like him. He was a cheating, treacherous, sameless mant
Lucian and Lucio exchanged wide–eyed looks. Lucio blurted out “So Father must have been unfaithful to Mommy! “Lucian nodded vigorously. “Yeah! That must be why Mommy divorced him!”
Chapter 11
“That’s why your father is ruthless–he even had the audacity to initiate the divorce!”
“What!” Both Lucian and Lucio reacted in surprise and confusion.
“And you know what?” Mona looked around cautiously before leaning in close to whisper to the twins. “Your father had an affair with your mother’s sister. They had a daughter together who I think is three years older than you. That means you have an older half–sister who is also your cousin.
Lucian and Lucio’s eyes widened further at the revelation, and they were left gaping. Several minutes passed before their minds fully grasped the deeply intriguing information.
Lucian asked weakly, “What did… What did our grandparents think about this? T–They must have been disappointed, right? Because this is too much for Mommy!”
“Y–Yeah!” Lucio cried.
Mona took another drink, her words slurring. “Oh no, they were all thrilled about your father and your mother’s sister having a daughter. They kept their affair a secret from your mother for a long time, protecting them until Lorraine found. out the truth. You could say they all bullied Lorraine, which is why she promised to protect her precious twins from those bastards.” Mona closed her eyes and leaned back on the couch. By the way, your father knew about your existence, but despite his eagerness that night, he never came to see Lorraine or had the courage to meet his twins. Maybe his new wife and daughter were enough for him.”
Both Lucian and Lucio cried that night in their bedroom after Mona fell asleep. They went berserk, cursing those who had bullied their loving and caring mother.
“Lucian, do you think it was hard for Mom to care for us because we look so much like him? Lucio asked sadly.
“I don’t think so, Lucian replied. “Mom always cares for us and loves us with all her heart. She works day and night to provide for us and still manages to spend time with us. Just because we resemble him doesn’t mean it’s hard for her to love
“Right!” Lucio’s sadness began to fade. “She always takes care of me whenever I’m sick in the hospital!”
“Yeah”
That night, they vowed to protect their mother from those who had hurt her. They wanted her to forget about their ruthless father, to the point where mentioning his name would evoke no emotion.
Though they didn’t like Uncle Wayne, who clearly had a crush on their mother and might take her away from them, they saw him as a way to help her forget about their father. Wayne liked them and made efforts to make them happy while trying to get Lorraine’s attention. For them, that was good enough. If it didn’t work out, they’d find another man to make their mother the happiest in the world.
“Lorraine is happiest when she’s with you, twins, Mona reminded Lucian and Lucio when she noticed them scheming with Wayne. She blamed herself for revealing so much that night. At first, she doubted they fully understood or cared about everything she just said, but clearly, they did.
Thanks, Granny. But still.” Lucian said.
“Oh, sweet heavens.” Mona hugged both Lucian and Lucio. “Just remember, your mom’s happiness depends on you. Without you, her life is meaningless. So instead of finding her a liusband, focus on making her happy yourselves.” She pulled back and looked them in the eye. “Do things that will give her peace of mind and heart. Lucio, eat more fruits and vegetables and take your vitamins without hiding them. Lucian, be stronger, behave better, and avoid causing trouble that would worry her. How about it?”
“Umm_“Lucian and Lucio exchanged glances.
Mona smiled and gently pinched their chubby cheeks. “Trust this old lady. That’s how your mommy will be the happiest