Chapter 13
Glory's orphanage
"Do you mean you live in an orphanage?" Haley asked as the car stopped in front of the orphanage, Zinnia having directed the driver.
"Yes, Mom," Zinnia replied.
Hailey handed her a car key. "Take this car and find yourself an apartment by tomorrow. You're too old to live in an orphanage."
Zinnia refused. "No, thanks. You've done enough for me. I can't accept this."
Hazel intervened. "Just take it, Zinnia. It's a gift."
As they walked into the orphanage, Zinnia whispered to Hazel, "Girl, we're really lucky to have her."
Hailey overheard. "Come live with us, and I'll adopt you," she said with a smile.
Hazel chimed in, "Yeah, Zinnia, it's a great idea!"
But Zinnia hesitated. "Hazel, don't say anything. I'm okay in the orphanage."
Hailey took charge. "Let's go get the adoption papers signed."
As they entered the office, Zinnia asked, "What about your son or husband? Won't they mind?"
Hailey reassured her. "My husband is very supportive, especially when I do something good."
Inside, Zinnia was overwhelmed. "Mom, you've really changed my life overnight," she said, tears in her eyes.
Hailey asked, "How did you end up in an orphanage?"
Zinnia explained, "Fifteen years ago, I was in an accident with my twin sister. We were brought here, and our memories were affected."
Hazel asked, "What about your twin?"
"She was adopted a few days later," Zinnia replied.
Hazel's eyes widened. "What's her name?"
"Emory," Zinnia said. "I've been searching for her, but she's all grown now."
Hazel's expression changed. "Is that why you're friends with Emory on campus?"
Zinnia nodded. "Yeah, she's bearing my sister's name, and she's also really nice."
Hailey interrupted, "Enough, girls. Let's focus on the adoption papers."
As they finalized the paperwork, Hailey announced, "From now on, you're my daughter, and Hazel's sister."
Zinnia beamed, hugging Hailey. "Thanks, Mom. You're the best!"
Hazel teased, "Hey, no tears! You know I hate seeing people cry."
Hailey smiled, wiping away Zinnia's tears. "Yeah, stop crying, dear. You're part of the family now.
As they headed home, Hailey ordered two new beds, insisting that Zinnia move into her room with her. She even replaced her current bed, claiming it wasn't new, despite it being the same color as the one she was replacing.
When they arrived home, the new beds had already been delivered and set up in Hazel's room. The maids and guards had also tidied up the space.
Hazel and Zinnia freshened up and changed, then started unpacking their shopping haul from the mall. Hailey had even gotten Zinnia's wardrobe updated.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Hazel asked, gesturing to the room.
"Yeah, it's gorgeous!" Zinnia replied. "And it's huge – there's even a gym in here!"
Hazel chuckled. "I know, right?"
As they browsed through their purchases, Zinnia cooed over a dress. "This is really beautiful!"
Hazel grinned. "I thought you'd like it. I bought matching outfits – let's pretend we're real siblings and rock everything!"
Zinnia eyes sparkled. "You know, I've noticed something."
"What is it?" Hazel asked, adjusting herself on the bed.
"You act like Emory, and you even resemble her a little," Zinnia said.
Hazel expression turned thoughtful. "You think so? You look like Emory too – you could be her twin!"
Hazel laughed. "No, you're the one who looks like Emory! You're even the same age.
Nah Emory is...
Nathan's Residence
"Emory, Emory, come down for dinner!" Cassie Emory's mother called.
"I'm here, Mom," Emory replied, coming down the stairs.
"Mom, you know the queen's right?" Emory asked as she reached the dining area.
"Yeah, what's wrong?" Cassie asked.
"They're in London and they arrived just this morning," Emory said.
"It said they're searching for their three girls. You know, I pity those girls. They might have lost their memory or been kept captive by human traffickers. If I were one of them, I wouldn't be able to live without you, Mom."Emory said
"Emory!" Cassie called.
"Yes, Mom?" Emory replied.
"There's something we aren't telling you," Cassie said.
"What is it, Mom?" Emory asked, concerned.
"Promise you won't get angry," Hope said.
"I promise," Emory replied.
Hope took a deep breath. "Emory, your dad and I... we're not your biological parents."
Emory's eyes widened. "What? What do you mean? If you're not, then who are my parents? And why didn't you tell me?
I'm twenty-three, and you're just telling me now?"
"We adopted you from Glory's Orphanage," Hope explained. "We needed a child, and... you have a twin sister. Her name is Zinnia. We only needed one child, so we adopted you alone."Cassie said
Emory's face was a mix of shock and anger. "Mom, did you see Glory's Orphanage?" she asked.
"Yeah," Cassie replied.
"Mom, I've met my twin! Her name is Zinnia – we attend the same school!" Emory exclaimed.
Cassie's eyes widened. "Really?"
Yes you know....
Torrence Mansion
Zinnia explained, "The Nathan's family is one of the top five richest families in London."
So, Hazel said.
Zinnia eyes widened. "I mean... she can't be my twin sister, right?"
Hazel shrugged. "Maybe she was adopted, or... she was found?"
Zinnia frowned. "Why do you talk like this? It seems like you've watched too many K-dramas and C-dramas!"
Hazel chuckled. "Hey, let's call her."
Zinnia suggested, "Okay, I'll dial her number."
After a few rings, Emory picked up.
"Hey, Zinnia," Emory said.
"Hey, how's it going?" Zinnia replied.
"I'm fine. Where are you?" Emory asked.
"I'm with Hazel at the Torrence mansion," Zinnia said.
"Okay, I'll be right there," Emory said.
"Okay, see you," Zinnia replied.
"See you," Emory said before ending the call.
The boys penthouse
"Hey, bros, aren't you going home?" Killian asked his friends.
"I'm on my way," Kenzie replied.
"Yeah, I'm also on my way, Levi said.
Ok, bros bye" Killian said.
"Bye" Kenzie said.
"Bye!" his friends replied in unison, leaving the penthouse.
Torrence Mansion
"Mom, I'm home!" Kenzie said, entering the mansion.
At this time, Eric, Kenzie's father, asked, sitting in the sitting room with a laptop in his hand,
"Oh, old man, you're home?", Kenzie said.
"Okay, son, remember I'm still your father I'm the one giving you millions as a daily allowance, Eric said.
blah blah blah, Kenzie said.
Hailey said, coming down the stairs, "Kenzie, is that the way to talk to your father?"
"He started it, Mom," Kenzie said innocently.
"Just go upstairs, you must be tired. Go freshen up and come down for dinner," Hailey said.
"I'm okay, I have eaten pizza some minutes ago, so I'm not hungry. Good night," Kenzie said, going up to his room.
"Good night, son," Eric said.
After Kenzie left, Eric said, "That son of mine is really gonna steal you away from me!"
Hailey replied, "Now he is our son, so he can't steal anyone away."
"Yeah, you would always side with him and not me. He is someone else's future husband, and I'm your husband," Eric replied.
"Are you jealous of your own son?" Hailey asked with a smirk.