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♥ Chapter 5♥

Enzo D'Angelo.

18:15'' The Moretti residence. '' The twins' bedroom. '' Italy.

I wake up to insistent knocks on the door. I grumble angrily and sit up in bed, feeling the frustration of having to interrupt my rest.

''Who is it?!'' I shout, trying to contain the anger in my voice.

''It's me. Mom sent for dinner. Everyone's downstairs! '' Klaus replies, his voice echoing through the door.

''Yeah, I'm on my way down! '' I reply, trying not to show how annoyed I am.

I reluctantly get out of bed and head for the bathroom. I wash my face with cold water, trying to shake off the drowsiness and irritation. Furthermore, I pick up my toothbrush, which I left in the bathroom after my afternoon shower, and brush my teeth with an automatic motion. I wash my face again to cheer myself up and leave the bathroom, deciding to leave my cell phone on the bed so as not to be distracted.

As I leave the room, I find Alex waiting for me in the hallway. His gaze is attentive and a little critical.

''Why are you here? ''I ask, confused and slightly irritated.

''To make sure you don't get lost or try anything funny.'' Alex replies with the expression of someone who already knows my tricks.

I roll my eyes, exasperated.

''I'm not going to do anything here, Alex. Do I want to? Yes, but unfortunately, I can't do anything at all.” I say that frustration is evident in my voice.

''It's for the best. Mr. Christopher is a good man, but don't make him angry. '' Alex warns, with a serious tone.

I roll my eyes again, but there are no more protests.

''If you've finished your sermon, can we go?'' I ask, trying to hide my impatience.

He sighs and nods, indicating that we can follow. We walk side by side in silence, descending the stairs with heavy steps. The feeling of being watched bothers me, but I decide not to cause any embarrassment, even though I feel like it. I'd rather not risk causing any more problems for my family. However, if Christopher's children disrespect me, they will have to face my retaliation.

When we get downstairs, I notice that there are three teenagers next to the twins. I see my mother approaching, relieved to see someone familiar.

''Ah, you've arrived, Enzo!'' Christopher says it with a warm smile, which I sincerely wish I could avoid. ''Let me introduce you to my sons, Luan and Lucas.

The twins, Luan and Lucas, approach with broad smiles on their faces, which seem almost fixed and somewhat annoying. They are identical in every way, making it impossible for me to tell them apart at first glance. They both have dark brown, slightly wavy, medium-length hair that falls over their foreheads in a relaxed way. Their eyes, a deep, intense brown, are almost identical, and their expressions are almost identical.

Luan and Lucas wear very similar clothes: both wear casual shirts, with Luan in a light blue shirt and Lucas in a green T-shirt. Their pants are also similar, with Luan wearing dark jeans and Lucas wearing gray pants. The only visible difference between them is the slightly different way they style their hair, but this is so subtle that it doesn't help much with identification.

They both exude an aura of vivacity and confidence, and their smiles are contagious, but to me, they seem forced. They present themselves with an exaggerated friendliness that I find a little irritating.

''Nice to meet you, Enzo. My name is Luan. '' says one of them, holding out his hand with a smile that seems to be trying to win sympathy.

''And I'm Lucas, Enzo. '' says the other, offering his hand with an equally broad smile.

Despite their identical appearances and friendly expressions, something about the way they look at me, with an almost invasive curiosity, makes me feel uncomfortable. They stand close, watching my every move with an attentiveness that I find a little exaggerated.

''I don't like touching. '' I say dryly, without moving to shake hands. Their smiles only seem to widen with my response, which irritates me even more.

Why are they smiling so much? Is there something funny about my face?

I feel my mother's hand on my arm, the soft, comforting touch calms me down a little.

''Boys, you'll be sharing your room with Enzo,'' their father announces, and immediately the twins look at their father, visibly surprised.

'' Really? '' They ask in unison, with an expression of incredulity and curiosity.

''Yes, I think there won't be a problem, right?'' The twins' father asks, turning to me with an expectant expression.

The twins, Luan and Lucas, look at me with almost identical smiles.

''No problem, Dad.'' They reply in unison, keeping their smiles.

I look away from them, trying not to show my irritation. It's tempting, but I try to control the urge to punch them.

''Well, let's have dinner. '' Their father says, starting to move towards the dining room. My mother stops me before I can follow.

''Enzo, please try to be nice,'' she asks, with a worried tone.

I sigh, exasperated.

''Mom, I'm not kind to those I don't know,'' I reply, the frustration evident in my voice.

''We're going to be here for two months, Enzo. Are you still going to be hostile to everyone?” She asked with a worried expression. I shrug. ''I'm talking for your own good. You know how Elijah gets when he's angry.” She sighs again.

''I'll try, Mom. ''I say, trying to calm her down. She kisses my cheek affectionately.

'' I'm glad. Let's have dinner.

Heading into the living room, where everyone is already, my mother goes to my parents, while I sit next to Alex.

Soon, waiters come through the door, carrying trays with a variety of appetizing dishes. The trays are carefully arranged on the table in front of us, revealing a sophisticated and well-prepared meal.

One of the trays contains a main course of succulent filet Mignon with a creamy mushroom sauce that exudes an irresistible aroma. The meat is accompanied by a portion of buttery mashed potatoes, garnished with a light drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs. Next to it is a platter of grilled fish fillets, perfectly browned and served with a lemon and caper salsa.

Another platter displays a fresh, colorful salad with crisp green leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, slices of cucumber, and grated carrot, all drizzled with a mild balsamic dressing. There's also a plate of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, peppers, and carrots, all caramelized until slightly crispy around the edges.

Finally, a tray with a selection of different breads is available, including crunchy baguettes and soft rolls, accompanied by herb butter. After carefully arranging the plates, the waiters leave, leaving the table ready for everyone to serve themselves. The aroma of the dishes mingles in the air, creating a welcoming and satisfying feeling.

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