Chapter 228: The Twin

Cecilia stood at the courtyard entrance, her mind a whirlwind. Miranda's words had sown a seed of doubt, and despite her better judgment, she felt compelled to uncover the courtyard's hidden secret.

The courtyard was immaculate, the air fragrant with osmanthus blossoms. The scent stirred a deep, unfamiliar familiarity within her; she knew she'd been here before, but the memory eluded her.

Further in, a vermillion wooden house nestled amidst the greenery caught her eye. Her heart pounding, she approached and pushed open the wooden door.

Squeak!

The door creaked open, revealing a room draped in concealing cloths. Cecilia's heart raced with curiosity and trepidation. What did Miranda want her to see?

Lifting a cloth, she revealed the furniture beneath. A small object tumbled to the floor—a picture frame. The image within stopped her breath.

The photo showed two identical children. One boy wore a cold, aloof expression; the other's eyes curved in a warm, friendly smile. In the corner: "Older brother, Nathaniel; younger brother, Nicholas."

Nathaniel… and Nicholas. Unease, a chilling dread, washed over her.

She quickly uncovered more photographs, variations on the same theme—the two brothers, from childhood to adulthood. In one, the man on the right, formally dressed, wore a stern expression; the man on the left, casually attired, looked gentle and kind. Though strikingly similar, they were clearly different. The caption read: "Elder brother, Nathaniel; younger brother, Nicholas."

A shock reverberated through Cecilia. How could she have been mistaken all these years? She had always loved Nathaniel… or had she?

Her hands trembled as she clutched the photograph, desperate for answers. Voices approached. Panicking, she fled through the back door, clutching the photo, her face pale, her mind reeling. She needed to find Nathaniel, to demand answers. Why had she never known about his twin brother?

The chill air did little to soothe her racing thoughts as she hurried toward the banquet.

On the house's second floor, Miranda stood on the balcony, a satisfied smile playing on her lips as she sipped red wine. "My guess was correct," she murmured, setting down her glass before joining the party.

The banquet hummed with celebration, but Cecilia's appearance silenced the cheerful noise. Her disheveled hair, rain-soaked clothes, and despairing expression drew all eyes.

Nathaniel noticed her immediately. His dark eyes narrowed as he approached. "What are you doing here?" he asked, irritation clear in his voice.

Cecilia looked at him, searching his face for answers. He was not the Nathaniel she remembered. Tears blurred her vision. "I have something I need to ask you," she choked out.