Clouds Over Paris
The soft hum of the city returned as Antonio and Selene drove back into Paris, their laughter still echoing from the trip to Annecy. The familiar skyline welcomed them — elegant, rhythmic, alive.
Their BMW pulled into the driveway of their mansion just as the sun dipped into the Seine's golden haze. Selene tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as Antonio opened the door for her. The warmth of home felt different this time — not in a bad way, but like something was waiting.
Inside, they were greeted by Mira and Amara, lounging on the living room couch with snacks and fluffy blankets.
"You two finally returned!" Mira teased, grinning. "Did you get married in Annecy or just pretend you were in a film?"
Amara rolled her eyes with a soft smile. "You both look… suspiciously glowing."
Selene chuckled and hugged them tightly. "It was magical. But it feels even better to be back."
Antonio dropped their bags and loosened his collar. "Where are Eliot and Ayra? They were supposed to come by for dinner tonight."
The twins exchanged a glance — not a dramatic one, but one that clearly said: They noticed.
Mira shifted, her voice a little quieter now. "They didn't come. In fact… they've been laying low."
Amara nodded. "There's been some… talk."
Selene's brows furrowed. "What kind of talk?"
Mira hesitated. "A controversy. Something about Eliot and a design he showcased recently that's being compared — unfairly, I think — to a rival's work. And people dragged Ayra's name into it since she helped with some conceptual sketches. The media's being reckless again."
Selene felt her chest tighten. "And they're facing this alone?"
Amara bit her lip. "They didn't want to burden anyone. Ayra sent a message saying they'll handle it, but… I could feel something was off. Eliot looked—tired. Like he was carrying too much."
Antonio's jaw clenched slightly, his protective instincts already kicking in. "They should've come to us."
Selene looked out the window, the orange hue fading into dusk. "We need to find them. Not just because of the controversy—but because they're family."
Mira walked over and squeezed her sister-in-law's hand. "They'll come around. But I agree. We should go to them before this mess pulls them apart."
That night, Antonio made calls while Selene flipped through media outlets and private message threads. There was buzz online — whispers of plagiarism, unethical comparisons, false allegations. And right in the middle of it: Eliot's name… and Ayra's sketches.
> "They need us," Selene said finally, turning to Antonio with steady eyes.
He nodded. "Then let's bring them home."