Free Web NovelChapter 38: Dinner party
"We share the same mother, Princess. The same woman gave birth to Bryce and me," he confessed.
What? I thought... I thought they had different mothers. How? Wait. I’m a bit confused. I think I need some explanation.
This means Bryce and Cooper are full siblings, not half-siblings. Whoa. What a surprise. They don’t act like they share the same parents. They aren’t that close.
They don’t resemble each other much; they have the same eye color and shape, the same eyelashes and lids, but everything else about them is different. Their personalities differ in several ways.
Cooper is at least two inches taller than Bryce. Cooper is the tallest in the group, but Bryce is more organized. I also think Bryce is the smartest of the bunch, although I still prefer Cooper to the rest.
Wait. I shouldn’t say that. I’m not supposed to have a favorite. No favorites. They’re all my mates.
"Do you have any other questions?"
"Yes, many. I have a lot of them," I confessed.
"I don’t think I’ll be able to go to the office today; I’m supposed to have a dinner party with them. Oh, that’s right. Will you be able to attend? It’s today," he said, looking at me.
"Yes, I will." Why not? I can’t reject food; I’m sure there will be a variety at dinner. I’ll definitely go.
"Great. Maybe you’ll ask the rest of the questions on our way there. What do you think?"
"Yes," I nodded. But I have one last question — it’s about Gavin’s mother. I want to know her name. "What is Gavin’s mother’s name?" I inquired.
I know Maria and Celine; it’s only right that I ask about Gavin’s mother.
"Gavin?" He glanced at Gavin, but after doing so, his mood shifted. The temperature in the room seemed to drop.
Why? What’s going on? Is his mother dead? Is she in the hospital? Why does he look sad?
I unconsciously shifted my gaze to Gavin and caught him taking an exhausted breath; he didn’t look happy either.
"Sweetheart," Cooper touched my shoulder, bringing my full attention back to him.
"What?" I mouthed.
"It’s a little complicated." He glanced at Gavin before focusing on me again. "Others might not know this, but I believe you deserve to know the truth. You’re our mate," he whispered.
"Yes?" I locked eyes with him, waiting.
"Gavin’s mother is, uh..." He sighed. "She’s missing. She’s been missing for years now. Gavin has searched high and low for her, but..." He shook his head. "There are no signs of her."
"Oh my!" My gaze fell, and my breathing slowed. She’s been missing for years. I expected to hear anything but this.
Gavin must be truly heartbroken. He must be confused, not knowing if she’s alive or dead. With no information, he must be in a dilemma.
Out of all the brothers, Gavin is the most distant. He’s also the most protective. Could this be why? He must have been suffering in silence. I think he acts the way he does because he doesn’t want to lose anyone close to him again.
I remember how he warned the others about Peter and Paul. I don’t have any updates about the twins, but he was especially worried when he learned they were in town. If they had listened to him, I might not have encountered that dangerous situation.
"Yeah," Cooper mouthed.
I turned to Gavin and stared at him for a moment. "Let’s eat," Cooper suggested.
Yeah, we should eat. I’ll try to speak to Gavin later.
I dug into my hash browns, and barely a minute after I started eating, Bryce finished. He wiped his hands and mouth, then stood up.
"Are you leaving?" Parker asked.
"I have a meeting with some investors; I can’t be late," Bryce said and began leaving the dining room.
"Attend my company’s dinner party when you’re free; it’s at 8:00 p.m. It’s all thanks to you," Cooper said as Bryce left.
"The invitation is also extended to you. Thank you for taking the time to help." Cooper rose after speaking to his brothers. He had barely eaten anything.
"Why...?" I looked up at him. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
"I’m not exactly hungry. I’ll leave for the office now. I’ll tell Willa to bring you to the company by 7:45 p.m. I’ll be expecting you." He winked before walking away.
I thought we were supposed to leave the house together. What was I thinking?
"I’m also out. See you later." Gavin rose, and before I could say a word, he disappeared from the dining room. But my mind wasn’t settled; my gut told me to go after him, and that’s what I did. I excused myself and followed him.
"Hey, Gavin," I stopped him before he could climb the stairs.
"Yes?" He faced me.
"I... I..." I cleared my throat. "I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware..."
"You don’t have to apologize to me, Princess; you did nothing to apologize for," he interrupted.
"No, it’s not about that; it’s just..." I started again, but he stopped me.
"No. I understand, but don’t say anything."
"Okay." I lowered my gaze for a second before returning it to him.
"Is there any way I could help? Could you give me more information? I’m willing to do anything to help," I offered.
He smirked and looked away for a moment, then moved his fingers to my face and brushed aside the strands of hair obstructing my view.
"You can be cute sometimes. Really cute," he cooed.
"I’m cute. I’m always cute," I argued.
"You don’t need to do anything; I only want you to stay safe. Safe and free from any pain. Don’t get into trouble, and don’t fall sick. You make us worry when you’re sick; I don’t want that."
"Oh." I looked away again.
"I’ll see you later." He started to leave, but I stopped him a second time.
"Can... Can I hug you?"
"Of course." He turned and embraced me. His body was warm, and his scent enticing; before I knew it, I lost myself in the hug and held him more tightly.
"Are you planning to choke me?" He chuckled. I released him and quickly stepped back.
"I... I’m sorry," I apologized and hurried away.
Ah, shit... I’m always embarrassing myself around them. Why did I hold him so tight? I held him like I was starving for a hug.
I’ll quickly finish my breakfast and get ready for school. I’ve had a change of heart. I’m resuming school today.
