Author's POV
"And I assure you all, to look forward to our country's bright future," declared President Elliot Washington, his voice resonating through the grand hall as applause erupted from the audience.
In a dimly lit living room miles away, the television flickered off. A man on the couch muttered, "Bright future, my foot. This man only cares about himself." This man was Kellan Mercer, the son of the President of the United States. But if they were father and son, why did they have different surnames?
Twenty-six years ago, President Washington had introduced his two children, Kellan and Elara, to the world. They were just two years old then, and the announcement caused quite a stir. At the time, the unmarried President claimed he had adopted the twins. On the surface, the Washington family appeared picture-perfect, but behind closed doors, the truth was far more complex.
The reality was that Elliot Washington had been secretly married to Vivian Mercer, an American woman, in a union driven solely by political ambition. To Elliot, Vivian was never a partner, merely a responsibility. Their relationship was devoid of genuine affection, their intimacy a cold transaction rather than a heartfelt connection. Three months into this loveless marriage, Vivian found herself pregnant.
Elliot's reaction to the pregnancy was a cocktail of emotions. He was pleased at the prospect of an heir but dismayed by the permanent bond this child would forge. Maids were assigned to Vivian around the clock, ensuring her every need was met. Yet, what she craved most was the presence of her husband. Nine months later, she delivered twins, Kellan and Elara. Holding her children filled her with joy. But in the world of politics, happiness is often fleeting.
Elliot, realizing the children no longer needed their mother—or rather, that he no longer needed his wife—made a horrifying decision. He killed her.
It was a brutal death. Stabbed by her own husband in front of their two-year-old children, Vivian didn't scream. She just smiled. Even as her life ebbed away, her eyes remained fixed on her kids, her bloodshot eyes still curved into a smile. She died happy, content to gaze upon her children in her final moments.
Kellan and Elara were too young to comprehend the horror they witnessed. After the murder, Elliot introduced the twins to the world, claiming he had adopted them. This garnered him immense political support, bolstering his ascent to power. Publicly, he appeared to be the perfect father, deeply connected to his children.
But behind closed doors, the truth was far darker. Elliot maintained a good relationship with Kellan and Elara, presenting himself as the best dad. That is, until the day everything changed.
Flashback - 11 years back (Year - 2013)
"D-Dad?" Kellan's voice was filled with utter shock as he stood next to Elara, holding her hand.
"What is it, kids?" their father asked with a smile.
"You ki-killed Mom?!" Elara's voice trembled.
There was a sudden shift in Elliot's demeanor. His eyes widened, and his hands clenched into fists, but he quickly composed himself, laughing. "What? Are you guys kidding me?"
Kellan stared at him in shock, his heart pounding and his mind racing. "I ASKED YOU SOMETHING!" he screamed. The room fell silent. No sound, just the faint whisper of air. Elara squeezed his hand, trying to calm him. "DID YOU KILL HER?" he demanded again, his voice steady and accusing.
"It shouldn't concern you," Elliot replied, returning to his work.
Kellan stormed to his father's desk, his footsteps loud and resolute. "SHE WAS MY MOM!" he screamed.
"She was a fucking slu—" Elliot began, but Kellan slapped him before he could finish the sentence. "DO NOT DISRESPECT HER!" Elara pulled him back, fear evident in her eyes. "Kel, calm down," she pleaded.
"I AM NO LONGER YOUR SON! DO YOU GET THAT?" Kellan shouted, glaring at his father. "I AM NO LONGER A WASHINGTON!" he declared, storming out of the room. Elara stood there, frozen.
"Your brother has gotten quite bold, hasn't he, princess?" Elliot said, wiping blood from his lip. He stepped closer, placing a hand on her head and ruffling her hair. "He's just like his mother, exact in every way. You won't do that to your dad, right, princess?"
"You've lost the right to call me that, Mr. Washington," Elara replied coldly. She too left the room, slamming the door behind her.
The next day, Kellan and Elara both moved out. Kellan relocated to London, while Elara headed to Boston for their studies. It was a harsh decision, but sometimes harsh choices build strength. Though they lived separate lives, they always stayed in touch. They each found someone special: Elara's chance encounter with Finn Reynolds in a cozy coffee shop led to a love that blossomed. Meanwhile, Kellan crossed paths with Claire during their university years, despite their divergent majors. But not every story concludes with joy. While Elara found her happily-ever-after with Finn, Kellan's tale took a different turn, leaving his heart without closure.
4 years back (Year 2020)
Kellan completed his master's in art, while Elara began working for the FBI. After marrying Finn, Elana returned to Washington at age 24. The wedding took place in Florence, Italy, with only her brother Kellan attending from her side. Florence was Finn's hometown, him being an Italian-American. Kellan handled everything, from arranging the wedding to bidding her farewell.
Just before Elara left for Finn's home, Kellan sought out Finn in the groom's room.
"Finn?" Kellan called, his voice wavering as he entered.
"Kellan? What's the matter?" Finn asked, noticing Kellan's red eyes.
"Elara is everything to me," Kellan said, his voice trembling. "Please, take care of her." He joined his hands in a plea. "Please, never hurt her." Tears streamed down his face.
Finn clasped Kellan's hands and gently lowered them. "Kellan, she's your sister, but now she's my wife. I promise, I'll never hurt her."
"She's very fragile, like a doll," Kellan continued, his voice hoarse. "If she ever does something wrong, please forgive her. Elara used to hold my hand so tight when we were scared. Now, you get to hold it forever. Please, never let it go," he choked out.
"Guess all those times I chased away her imaginary monsters didn't prepare me for the real one – you stealing her away. But seriously, you better treat her like the queen she is," Kellan added, trying to manage a weak smile.
"I will, don't worry," Finn assured him, pulling Kellan into a hug.
"We grew up sharing everything – secrets, clothes, even our scraped knees. Today, you share her forever. Remember, a part of me goes with her. Take care of both of you," Kellan said, stepping back and leaving the room.
Flashback ends
PRESENT TIME - 2024.
LOCATION - Kellan's apartment, Washington.
"What is it?" Kellan asked, opening his door with a hint of annoyance.
"The flowers, sir," the delivery person reported.
Kellan groaned, stepping aside. "Just put them where you always do."
The fucking orchids.
"And the note, sir?" the man asked as he placed the flowers.
"Do you really need an answer to that?" Kellan raised his eyebrows, his impatience evident.
The man cleared his throat, bowing slightly. "Understood, sir."
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Hey everyone, I hope you liked the first chapter. I'll make sure to update as much as I can. Make sure to vote and comment.
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