Chapter 6 — Part 1: The House of Secrets
Emily held my hands tight, leading me through the house. The walls gleamed with jaspers, futuristic lights, and polished surfaces. I could hardly believe it — the house looked like the future itself.
"Mike, don't be shy," Emily said, smiling, her eyes warm.
"You don't even look rich. Why hide it at school?" I asked.
She snuggled under my arms, teasing. "You never told me you had one of those."
I froze. "This… pish. Got it by accident."
"Like your tattoo? Come on." She gently traced the mark on my arm.
I hesitated. Dad had always called it a birthmark, but why did it look like half a heart?
"Angel boy, food's ready," Bunny called.
"Not pizza," I joked.
Emily laughed and led me to a room — probably her bedroom. A 52-inch TV, trophies, and family portraits filled the space. I noticed a symbol — "R" — everywhere.
"Speak less, see more," she said, removing her shoes.
I hesitated. "Emily… is this necessary?"
"You're shy, aren't you!" she teased.
Then she revealed a scar on her arm, mirroring mine — but hers bore the initials of the cross. My heart skipped. "How…?"
"I just had to confirm my theory. Remember the night we met? I stayed to play the violin to lure you in. Took a hair sample, tested DNA… turns out it is what it is. Blood is thicker than water."
I finally understood. Emily wasn't just teasing me — she was my sister.
"Missed you too," she whispered. Tears welled in both our eyes.
Chapter 6 — Part 2: The Protector
A deep, strange voice ripped through the calm: "No closing doors when boys are over."
Emily panicked. "Quit looking at me and dress up."
Before I could react, a tall figure filled the doorway — Emily's brother. Muscular, imposing, eyes like steel.
"So this is the boy you over-spoke about?" he chuckled.
"It's not like that. We were doing homework," Emily defended, stepping between us.
"Never seen you show that much love since Axel died," he muttered.
"Is Rufus a friend?" I asked cautiously.
"Sort of — more like a bulldog," he replied.
"If you dare touch her, you'll answer to me," he warned, leaving through the back door after Emily's sharp words.
The tension lingered as we walked to the dining hall. Golden glasses, expensive wine, and elegantly dressed guests surrounded us. I stuck out like a sore thumb in my cheap clothes.
"Who are all these…?" I whispered.
"Friends and family — today's a family dinner," Emily replied, entwining her arm with mine.
Everyone's eyes fell on us, especially a boy older than me. He stared… and didn't blink.
Chapter 6 — Part 3: The Dinner of the Rodricks
"Daughter, looks like you're having a good time," a gentle woman said — probably Emily's mom.
Emily guided me to the table. "I saved your seat next to Joash," she whispered.
I hesitated. "I'm good where I am."
"She had a bad day. For now, feel free," a man with a walking stick and bodyguards announced.
Silence blanketed the room. A French anthem played, and my mind raced — I didn't belong here.
"Having trouble with the chicken?" Craig teased from across the table.
"Craig… rule number five?" Emily's dad interrupted, stern.
"I'm sorry, Dad," Craig muttered, visibly nervous.
"So this is the Mike Emily's been talking about," her dad said, locking eyes on me.
Joash, sitting nearby, stared at me with suspicion. His gaze was sharp, almost challenging.
"You look like a coward — can't meet my stare," he said, cutting his chicken.
"I… I don't really do sports. Maybe basketball, but I'm mostly a bench guy," I stammered, spilling juice on my shirt.
Emily, quick as ever, wiped it off — and Joash's glare intensified.
"Michael, welcome to the Rodricks. Meet Mr. Rodrick Stark," her dad said, offering a sharp smile.
I realized one thing: I didn't fit here, not at all… and everyone seemed to know it.