Chapter 20

The drive to the house was silent as all three processed the discovery. Derek's mind raced with thoughts of telling Maya about their parents' murder and investigating what happened. Maya, meanwhile, considered how to break the news to Liam—phone call or in-person? A small smile touched her lips as she imagined his shock. Evelyn, too, was lost in thought, marveling at the serendipitous events that had brought them together: her encounter with Michael's cousin after his betrayal, and her subsequent decision to take in Derek's sister.

A sudden thought struck Evelyn. Turning in her seat, she addressed Maya in the back: "Did you have another reason for going to Husla? Why go there when you could have met here in Ludus?" Derek, glancing in the rearview mirror, also waited for Maya's answer.

"I thought my brother was most likely in Husla, and I didn't want to make him travel far," Maya explained, smiling. "I'm glad we avoided that unnecessary, and potentially awkward, trip," she added, and Derek nodded in agreement.

"It would have been a pointless journey," he confirmed, relieved they'd discovered the truth beforehand.

"It's all thanks to Evelyn suggesting I fly with you," Maya said, eliciting smiles from both Derek and Evelyn.

"Glad I could help," Evelyn replied, beaming.

"Maya, were you communicating directly with the orphanage?" Derek asked, eyes meeting hers in the mirror.

Maya shook her head. "No, a friend helped me," she replied, hoping to avoid further questions. Quickly changing the subject, she said, "When you didn't reveal your identity, I figured you were important. I never imagined it was you," she sighed, still reeling from the revelation.

Evelyn looked at Maya again. "Why didn't you tell me about your trip?" she asked, slightly disappointed Maya hadn't confided in her.

Maya avoided her gaze briefly before meeting Evelyn's eyes. "I wasn't sure how the meeting would go. I didn't want to get my hopes up and tell you only to find out my brother didn't want anything to do with me." Evelyn's expression softened. "Why would you think that?"

Maya shrugged. "He sounded important."

"And you don't think you are?" Derek asked gently.

"I just didn't want high expectations," she replied, and Evelyn sighed.

"I hope you start having high expectations now, Maya," Derek said. Maya nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude.

"Thank you, both of you," she said, feeling overwhelmingly grateful.

After unpacking at the house, they agreed to meet for dinner in thirty minutes.

The moment Derek and Evelyn entered their bedroom, Evelyn asked, "Do you need me here, or a moment alone? I can leave you to it."

Derek smiled softly. Though he'd initially wanted solitude, he now realized he didn't want her to go.

"I want to be alone, but I also want you here," he admitted. She smiled.

"What do you want me to do?" she asked. He held out his arms.

"Hug me. Hold me," he said. She stepped forward and embraced him.

Derek buried his face in her neck, finally releasing the tears he'd held back for hours. His body shook with silent sobs, heartbroken by Maya's account of her hardships. He was devastated by the realization that he'd harbored resentment towards his parents for adopting his dead brother's identity, unaware of their loving intentions. Evelyn, holding back her own tears, patted his back, offering comfort and reassurance.

After some time, remembering dinner with Maya, Derek composed himself.

"Thank you," he murmured, and she brushed away his tears.

"There's nothing to thank me for. I'm grateful you let me stay," she said softly.

"I didn't tell her about the murder," he said, and Evelyn nodded.

"I know. Not the time. How are you feeling? Should we get Samantha, or wait until tomorrow?" Evelyn asked, noting it was almost 8 p.m.

"She's probably asleep. We can get her tomorrow. I'm exhausted and have a headache," he said. Evelyn kissed his forehead.

"Let's freshen up for dinner, then you can rest," she suggested.

Tonight, he would enjoy his sister's presence; tomorrow, he'd tell her what he believed happened to their parents and work together to uncover the truth.

Meanwhile, in Maya's room, she immediately called Liam.

"Maya?" Liam exclaimed, surprised she could call while supposedly en route to Husla. "Yeah, it's me," Maya replied, smiling.

"What kind of plane lets you arrive so quickly?" he asked. Maya giggled.

"I'm back in Ludus," she said. Liam raised an eyebrow.

"You are? Why? Plane trouble?" he asked. She laughed, unsure if Liam was always this funny or if her good mood amplified his humor. "No need to continue the trip. I found him. My brother," she said, her heart fluttering.

"You found him? I'm the one communicating with the orphanage," Liam said. Maya smiled.

"Can we meet tomorrow? I'll tell you everything then," she suggested.

"Tomorrow? I don't think I can wait. Unless you told Evelyn and that guy, and they helped you find him?" Liam asked, resentful of Derek's potential involvement.

Maya giggled. "Something like that. I'll tell you tomorrow," she said. Liam scowled.

"I'll drive over," he offered.

Maya glanced at the clock. "It's almost 8 p.m.," she pointed out.

"I'm coming, not you. Tell me now, or I'll come over. First, he steals Evelyn, and now he's trying to prove he's more reliable than me by beating me to finding your brother?" Liam complained.

Maya giggled. "It's not a contest. And I doubt he could have helped without you starting with the orphanage," she said. Liam snorted.

"It is a contest. And he might have found the wrong person. You haven't met your brother yet, have you?" Liam pressed.

"I have," she said. He paused.

"I'm coming. I'll call when I'm near," he said, hanging up before she could argue.

Maya laughed softly, dropping her phone and freshening up.

Downstairs, Derek and Maya barely touched their dinner, both exhausted and overwhelmed. Evelyn, however, ate heartily until she noticed their lack of appetite.

"Guess I'm the only hungry one," she observed. Derek looked up, startled.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to kill the mood," he said, pushing his plate away. "I'm just… processing everything."

Evelyn placed a hand on his. "You don't have to apologize, Derek. I understand."

Maya nodded. "Yeah, it's a lot to take in. It still feels unreal."

Derek smiled faintly. "Unreal, but in a good way," he admitted.

Evelyn took a sip of water. "It'll take time. But you've found each other, and that's what matters."

Maya smiled. Derek cleared his throat. "Eat something, even a little. It's been a long day, and we'll need our strength for tomorrow." Evelyn grinned. "You sound like a big brother already."

They laughed. "Guess I'll have to practice. I've got a sister to look after now."

Maya's phone buzzed – Liam. Clearing her throat, she said, "Do you mind if I step outside? I need to talk to my friend, the one who helped me," she explained awkwardly.

"Oh, why not invite him in?" Evelyn asked, smiling.

Maya smiled shyly. "I don't think he'd want to. Maybe another time," she said. Derek nodded. "Alright. We'll talk tomorrow," he said, resisting the urge to tell her to be careful.

Maya left to meet Liam.