Chapter 4

“My fault,” a soft female voice said. “I accidentally came into the wrong room and scared your brother.”

Celeste was wearing cotton bunny pajamas, her bangs falling over her eyes, concealing any emotion, making her look delicate and harmless.

She offered a perfectly pitched apology, nodding slightly at me.

Liam rushed in, pulling her protectively behind him, gripping her hand tightly, like a possessive wolf pup, terrified I'd snatch her away.

“It’s fine, just go.” I avoided Celeste’s gaze. I couldn’t bear to look into those eyes.

Those eyes, they seemed to pierce through my skin, seeing every hidden thought, leaving me nowhere to hide.

Liam actually dared to bring her home to stay, without even telling me first.

A surge of anger, like my territory had been invaded, burned in my chest.

“Where’s your girlfriend staying? Why did you bring her home without telling me?” I stepped out of the room, lowering my voice to question him. “We only have a few rooms. How could she 'accidentally' get lost?”

My tone was stern, my brows furrowed.

He really was destined for a drama major. Liam's eyes welled up instantly, long lashes glistening with tears, making him look like a frightened fawn.

He looked as if he’d suffered some monumental injustice, a sight designed to provoke anyone’s protective instincts.

“Julian was sleeping so early, I was afraid of disturbing him, so I didn’t get a chance to say anything.”

He choked out his words, making me sound like a cruel, malicious older brother.

Ever since we were kids, his best trick was crying.

The loudest one always got what they wanted. He effortlessly reaped all the attention and affection that was always denied to me.

And I, with my stubborn pride, always unwilling to back down, was forever the one being blamed.

“It’s my fault,” Celeste gently raised a hand, wiping away Liam’s tears, her face full of self-reproach. “My memory hasn’t fully returned since the accident, and I keep forgetting things. I just accidentally came into the wrong room. I’m so, so sorry.”

The light spilled into her bright, clear eyes, making her appear even more gentle and charming.

But I knew what kind of obsessive, twisted heart lurked beneath that beautiful exterior.

I involuntarily took a step back.

“Then you two should go. Leave my room.”

“Are you Liam’s brother, Julian?”

Celeste’s voice was soft, yet it felt like a needle pricking my ear.

She looked at me intently, her gaze filled with a probing curiosity, then quickly withdrew it, as if talking to herself.

“I must have been mistaken. You’re twins, it’s normal for you to look alike.”

Liam quickly pulled her arm and led her away. He didn't want Celeste to spend another second with me, terrified her damn memory might suddenly return.

As they reached the doorway, Celeste looked back and said softly, “Your brother seems a little afraid of me. I must have scared him. I’m truly sorry.”

“Julian’s just a bit timid, it’s fine,” Liam reassured her, but shot me a warning look.

After they left, I frantically locked my bedroom door.

That night, I huddled with my blanket, leaning against the cold door, and slept there.

Terrified she’d reappear like a phantom, silently at the foot of my bed.