The handsome stranger (Elijah)

We all rushed to find out what made Eric scream. I was shocked and at the same time captivated by the handsomeness of the man at the door. I wondered why the person at the door could not enter.

He is built, slim and tall. His green eyes and nose are both perfect. God himself must have worked very hard on his face because it was just too perfect. I immediately found myself drawn by his good looks but I don't even know him. We've never met! He exudes an aura similar to Johnathan. He gave me a serious expression indicating that he is not the type to joke and he probably doesn't laugh nor smile often. But I don't want to judge without getting to know him. He might be a nice person, after all.

"Dad, you asked me to come and now I'm here. You said you needed my help so why are you hesitating to let me in? You know I'm not the patient type." The man at the door said.

Wait, did the handsome stranger just call Eric's father's dad? Does that mean Eric and the handsome stranger are siblings?

Eric's disgusting look at the handsome stranger shows that their relationship isn't too good. " Dad, what is he doing here? I thought you banished him from coming here?" Eric questioned his father as he clenched his hand into a fist.

"We need all the help we can get if we're going to save Isabel, that is why I invited your brother."

"Why do you suddenly need help from him?." Eric asked again.

"Do you have any other idea?." The old man was pissed. Eric became quiet then he left the place, this made the man at the door laugh. To be honest, it was so nice to hear him laugh. I immediately followed Eric to question him about the person at the door. Although, I don't want to be mixed up with their family drama I had no choice, cause I was curious about the handsome stranger.

"Who is he and why can't he enter?."

"My stepbrother !." Eric clenched his teeth.

"He was banned from coming here so that is why he can't enter. He can only enter if someone from the inside invites him in. For instance, if anyone from the inside tells him to come in."

"Why do you hate him so much?."

"Why won't I? He was always jealous of me and my twin sister because my dad didn't marry his mother and he can never be the king of the witches coven. How is that my fault?."

"I don't understand what you mean by, your dad didn't marry his mother," I said. 

"After my dad killed his twin brother to become the ruler of the witches coven, he is required to get married. But no one is aware that, my dad is in love with his housekeeper. The maid eventually got pregnant and she was banished from the coven because a king cannot marry a commoner. He has to marry a lady from a wealthy family. That was why my dad got married to my mom after becoming king. My dad decided to train Elijah when the maid gave birth to him. After the maid gave birth to Elijah, my dad decided to train him. Even though my dad showered Elijah with love, he was unable to accept that my twin sister Isobel and I are the only ones entitled to the crown. Elijah then did something horrific to us both that nearly killed us. That was why my dad barred him from visiting our house, meaning he cannot enter without being invited in. I would never forgive Elijah, not in this life or the next."

Eric wasn't in a good mood to talk, so I refrained from asking any further inquiries. It looks like the relationship between Eric and his stepbrother is very complicated, rough and none of my business.

"Elijah would accompany Eric back to Newcastle. He would live with Eric, and make sure you carry him along on your plan on eliminating Jessica or Tiara." This was what Eric's father said. Eric wasn't pleased with his father's decision and found it difficult to accept the fact that Elijah would move in with him, but there was nothing he could do.

We all journeyed back home. Eric didn't utter one word during the entire time we traveled. The atmosphere was tensed and silent as a graveyard. Worst trip of my life! The two brothers are like enemies! They just can't stand each other.

It got Eric mad and he had a hard time believing that Elijah would live with him. Anyway, we all went back home but Eric was in a bad mood all through our journey. Before I went on a journey with Eric, my dad gave me the book (ORIGIN OF THE PASIPHAE DOPPELGANGER). But since my trip was ruined, I brought the book out and started reading. I don't even know why I took the book along with me, but I'm glad I did cause it would at least keep me company.

[Author's POV]

Thirteen years ago, After the passing of Juliana's grandmother, all her will's were created in Nancy's name, but at that time Juliana's father (Mr. Christian Robinson) was fighting lung cancer, which was in its early stages. Juliana's mother (Mrs. Robinson), who is now dead thanks to Jessica and Tiara, was the one who ran her account dry to cover Juliana's father's medical expenses. The doctor stated that because the cancer is still in its early stages and hasn't done any harm to Mr. Robinson's lung, the only way to treat his illness is through surgery. Because Juliana's late mother lacked the funds to cover the procedure, she asked Nancy for assistance. Even though Nancy has more than enough cash, she refused to pay the hospital fees. Nancy is Juliana's mother's sister! But after the passing of Juliana's mother, Juliana's father started smoking, which made his disease worse. If he is not careful, he might die. The fact that he can survive the illness for up to thirteen years is miraculous.

  Nancy has a daughter named Erica. Erica is still very little, about six years old. She is petite, with brown hair that is curled, and bright blue eyes. Juliana's mother and siblings share the same features blue eyes and brown hair.

Nancy was the same person that went to Juliana's surprise birthday party. But Juliana wasn't too pleased to see her, because Nancy abandoned them when they needed her.

  Erica was picked up from school by her mother. The little girl's face was flushed from anger and she wouldn't talk to anyone after returning home. So Nancy took it upon herself to ask what was wrong.

"Mom, today is father's day and dad promised me that he would come to school but he didn't come. The other kids laughed at me." Erica was really upset.

"Just ignore the kids at school and don't let them get to you, okay?"

"Does the fact that Dad is busy mean that he doesn't care about us?"

Aunt Nancy's eyes grew wide. She was astonished by Erica's statement. "Oh don't say that! Your dad loves you so much. He is a cop who arrests thieves. He is awesome and he is a hero." Aunt Nancy was furious with her husband for giving Erica such a negative impression. How dare he take his job more seriously than his daughter? She thought.

Aunt Nancy called her husband but he did not pick up her calls. She was a little worried. Then a call came in, the person calling, was her husband's co-worker and her husband's best friend. His name is Jimmy. She answered the call immediately.

"Hello, is my husband at work? Please let him know that I need to speak with him. Family matters and it's kinda urgent. He needs to call me ASAP."

"I'm sorry to tell you this but he was shot on the head. He needs surgery. There is a chance he would make it but he requested that I inform you that he sent you a video via WhatsApp."

"What in the world are you talking about? My husband is in the hospital and you want me to watch videos. You've got to be kidding me, right?."

"Em... The content of the video is very important. You need to view it."

"I don't care about some silly videos. Just let me know the name of the hospital he was admitted...."

Jimmy cut the call. When Nancy tried to call him again, the call went to voicemail. She was frustrated!

It now dawns on Nancy that she doesn't know her husband's working place. She could have gone to ask about the hospital he was admitted. She decided to view the video her husband sent to her on WhatsApp. Maybe it has any information related to her husband's state of health. The content of the video would affect the love she has for her husband.