The drama series blared softly from the massive flat-screen in the living room, but Frances wasn't paying attention anymore. She had sprawled across the couch for most of the day, half-watching, half-daydreaming. Now, the show had dragged on too long, and the characters were beginning to annoy her.
With an exasperated sigh, she clicked the remote, tossed it aside, and stood, stretching her arms dramatically. "Let me go check on that sleepyhead," she muttered, rolling her eyes fondly as she ascended the stairs.
When she entered her room, she froze mid-step, her brows lifting in pure disbelief.
There, sprawled out on her bed like a pampered prince, was Rain.
He was fast asleep, completely unaware of how ridiculous and adorable he looked. He had somehow managed to wrap his arms around her oversized plushie and her pink iPad like he was guarding treasure. But what truly took her out was the plushie headband securing his hair back and the glossy white skincare mask covering his face.
Frances covered her mouth to suppress her laugh, but it was no use. She crept closer, biting back giggles as she pulled out her phone and began snapping photo after photo.
Click.
Click.
Click-click-click.
"He looks so cute!" she whispered, before bursting into a full laugh, unable to stop herself.
Her laughter rang through the room, loud enough to stir Rain. He groaned softly, shifting under the plush duvet before slowly blinking his eyes open. Drowsy and disoriented, he looked up at her.
"Babe you are here," he mumbled, rubbing his eyes as he sat up.
"Yes!" she replied, still giggling as she quickly stashed her phone away.
Rain yawned, stretching a little. "I don't even know when I fell asleep, all these girly rooms are way too comfortable. Everything is so soft."
Frances folded her arms, beaming with pride. "Of course it is! I'm just a girl you see," she teased.
He smiled lazily and picked up her iPad again, glancing at the game screen he'd left open. After a beat, he closed it with a sheepish chuckle.
"You brought your own iPad and started using mine?"
"Because it looks cute," he said with a straight face.
Frances narrowed her eyes, though a grin played on her lips. "Why do you have my plushie headband on your head?"
"Mrs Graham gave it to me, she gave me the face mask too that it's good for skin," he replied, peeling the mask off with careful fingers. He walked across the room, tossed it neatly into the waste bin, then patted his cheeks with light, practiced taps like he'd seen in skincare videos.
He turned around and faced her, his face glowing slightly from the hydration.
"Does my face look good now?"
Frances blinked, momentarily stunned by how fresh and bright he looked. "It does! It definitely looks better than before. You and Mrs Graham became so close in one day."
"She's a very nice woman. She told me that my skin looks dry and I should use some skincare, she got them from your makeup table and gave it to me and it's so good."
"We will shop for more so you can use it more often."
"Okay baby!" he chirped.
Frances clapped her hands. "It's time to eat dinner let's go!"
The dining room was dimly lit now, bathed in warm amber light from the chandelier above. The scent of freshly cooked food lingered in the air as Frances and Rain sat at opposite ends of the long table, enjoying their quiet dinner. Their eyes kept meeting mid-bite, both stealing shy glances, occasionally breaking into laughter without reason.
The house was hushed; the workers had all gone home for the night, leaving just the two of them and the stillness. It felt like a bubble, peaceful and their own.
Suddenly, Rain's phone buzzed on the table.
He glanced at the screen and frowned. Without a word, he hit decline and set it face down.
A few seconds later, it buzzed again.
And again.
And again.
Frances arched an eyebrow. "Why are you not picking up?"
Rain forced a tight-lipped smile, his fingers brushing the phone aside. "It's not important."
She gave him a skeptical look. "Not important? Isn't that your brother?"
Rain blinked. "How did you know?"
"You rarely get a call so it should be your brother, he probably wants to see you."
He sighed, stabbing at his food half-heartedly. "Yes, he wanted to see me. He has been texting me through iMessage I just ignored it."
"Why? Your brother doesn't seem to be a bad person is he?"
Rain hesitated, then leaned back, lips pressing into a line. "I don't know how to classify him at all but we are not on good terms either."
Frances reached across the table, her tone gentle but firm. "You should give your brother some face, Rain. He cares about you obviously."
Rain rolled his eyes but smiled faintly. "Whatever you say!"
She leaned on her elbow, voice low and persuasive. "How about inviting him down here? Today is your birthday he might want to see you."
He looked up sharply. "Will you be comfortable having a stranger around?"
Frances shrugged. "It's nothing! It's just for you guys to talk things out. He is the only family that cares about you. I have to give a way out."
Rain looked at her for a long moment, his gaze softening. "I will text him now maybe he will be interested in coming here. If he is not I won't beg him."
"Just ask him first stop being mad."
"Okay!"
After they finished dinner, the two made their way to the cozy living room. The lights were dimmed low, casting a warm, golden hue over the plush furniture. Frances nestled into one end of the couch, remote in hand, while Rain stretched out along the length of it, his head finding a comfortable resting place in her lap.
She giggled as he let out a happy sigh, already acting spoiled.
As the movie played, they became more and more engrossed in it, laughter erupting from them at every witty line or ridiculous moment. The sound of their shared joy echoed gently through the house.
Meanwhile, Frances discreetly pulled out her phone and sent a quick text to Sean:
"If Taylor shows up, please bring him in."
Sean's reply came almost instantly:
"Alright. I'll keep watch."
Though no one else technically lived with Frances, Sean her ever-dutiful bodyguard always lingered until well past midnight, silently hovering nearby like a watchful shadow. He never intruded, just stayed out of sight until she was safe and asleep. He was always around, always watching silently loyal.
Back on the couch, Frances's fingers had found their way into Rain's hair. She ran them slowly through the soft curls, a smile playing at her lips.
"You have soft curls," Frances murmured, admiring the texture.
Rain smiled lazily, his eyes still on the screen. "Yes it's not hard to maintain. I really like it."
"I really like it too, feels good to touch."
"I love the way you touch it too, it feels relaxing."
His voice dropped, more intimate now. Slowly, he turned his face toward her face, catching her gaze. His hand reached up and gently captured hers.
Frances's heart skipped, an actual flutter that reached all the way to her throat. She stared at him as her hand lay in his, her breath faltering.
"It just feels good," he added softly, his voice low and coated with tension.
He brought her hand to his face and pressed a long, slow, wet kiss onto her skin. Frances's entire body reacted, her spine tingled, her shoulders flinched involuntarily, and her face flushed hot. It felt like a jolt of electricity had gone through her.
Rain sat up slowly, his body turning toward her, their faces just inches apart now. The space between them thickened with something wordless, an invisible pressure that tightened her chest.
Frances's eyes widened. "Rain, what…what are you doing?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
But Rain didn't answer. Instead, he smirked, that smirk, the one that turned her insides upside down.
His hand hovered near her face, not touching, just… waiting. He looked different like this, his eyes darker, more commanding, like a predator sizing his prey. Frances suddenly felt very small before him. Every breath became deliberate.
Then..
"Baby," Rain whispered.
That was it. Her heart dropped.
With a startled gasp, she shot to her feet, her face burning. "I need air!" she mumbled and bolted for the stairs, her movement so sudden that Rain almost burst out laughing right then and there.
But before he could, Sean's voice cut through the moment from the hallway:
"Miss! The guest is here!"
Frances halted halfway up the stairs, her hand clutching the banister. She turned back reluctantly, already feeling her cheeks heat again as footsteps approached.
And then Taylor stepped in.
He was dressed casually tonight, simple jeans and a soft black tee but his presence still carried an air of quiet confidence. His resemblance to Rain was immediately obvious, though Rain had a softer charm, a gentler edge. Still, Taylor was striking in his own way.
He scanned the room: Frances standing awkwardly on the staircase, one hand covering her flushed face, and Rain, looking everywhere but at him, pretending to adjust the couch cushions.
Taylor raised an amused brow. "Am I welcome here or I should come back some other time?"
Both Frances and Rain chuckled awkwardly.
"Of course you are welcome here! Please sit down sir," Frances said quickly, regaining composure. She moved toward him and gestured politely at the couch.
She then disappeared into the kitchen for a moment and returned with a glass of water, placing it gently on the center table. Her movements were practiced, graceful, trying hard to mask her still-shaky nerves.
"What would you like to eat sir?"
"Oh no no I'm good! It's late already. How could I be asking for food?"
"It's nothing sir."
"You can have your seat," Taylor said warmly, nodding toward the spot beside Rain.
Frances hesitated but obeyed. She lowered herself beside Rain again, their shoulders almost touching. Their eyes met and quickly darted away. Both of them adjusted in their seats like nervous teenagers.
Taylor took a slow sip of the water and smirked behind the glass. They looked absolutely ridiculous, and he nearly burst out laughing. But he kept his composure, smiling politely.
Frances's cheeks were practically glowing red, her fingers fidgeting on her lap. Rain, on the other hand, looked like he wanted to devour her with his eyes, but the plushie headband still on his head made it hard to take him completely seriously.
Taylor couldn't unsee it. It was the most hilariously adorable contrast he'd ever witnessed.
"You look better in person, Frances," he said sincerely.
"Thank you sir."
"You can call me Taylor or brother."
"Oh! Brother is more preferable," she said with a shy laugh. "I think I should give you guys some space to talk better."
She began to rise, but Rain's hand shot out and caught hers, pulling her gently back down.
"Just stay here."
"Yes yes, you should stay please," Taylor chimed in with a grin.
Frances gave a small, embarrassed smile, her heart fluttering again as she allowed herself to sink back beside Rain closer than before.
The tension in the room was thick enough to choke on.
Rain sat stiffly on the couch, arms crossed tightly, his jaw clenched as Taylor shifted awkwardly in his seat. Frances, sitting between them like a fragile bridge over a raging current, kept glancing nervously at both sides.
"Rain," Taylor started, his voice calm but strained, "I'm sorry about what happened. Dad never meant to do that."
"I'm sure he didn't!" Rain snapped, the venom in his tone startling. His fingers curled tighter into fists, his breathing uneven.
Taylor sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping as he looked away briefly. "He has to do something important, that's why he went back. He already came down here."
"Something that's more important than me? Does he even care about me as his son? Huh!" Rain's voice cracked, eyes glistening with a sharp mix of fury and hurt. He shot a quick glance at Frances as if daring her to say something, then looked away just as fast.
Taylor leaned forward slightly, guilt flickering across his face. "Rain, I understand how you feel, but you know the kind of business he runs. He needs to be there at all times."
"He needs to be there?" Rain laughed bitterly and slammed his palm against his thigh. "He just doesn't give a fuck about me! Even people in the army have family time. I haven't seen him for more than three years and he feels it's right!"
Taylor swallowed hard. "I'm sorry."
"Is that all?" Rain asked coldly.
"I wanted to wish you a happy birthday. I sent you several messages, you weren't replying back. I got you some gifts."
"I don't need it. Why are you wishing me a happy birthday? Are you even happy that I was born?"
Frances's eyes widened. She leaned forward quickly, placing a hand on Rain's arm. "Rain, stop! Is this how you talk to your brother?"
"What? I'm saying the truth! He knows right?" Rain barked and turned his full fury back to Taylor. "Brother, I know most people in the family do not like me, but none of them ever flatter me to my face but you do, and I hate that the most."
Taylor lowered his eyes. Frances sat up straighter, voice trembling. "Rain, what are you talking about? He obviously cares about you. Why are you being rude?"
"I'm rude? He is just pretending, can't you see that? He is the one who hates me the most!" Rain shot up from the couch, eyes blazing. Frances rose too, trying to calm him.
"I get it! He has always been this way, pretending to be so good that he is the only one liked by everyone. But I'm the outcast here who tells a lie!"
"Rain, it's not like that. After all, he is still your older brother. You can settle your differences no matter what he did wrong. Why disrespect him like this?" Her tone was firm now, her hands trembling slightly.
"I don't want to settle any differences! Everyone stay in their lane! You don't like me, and I don't like you too!"
"Rain!"
"What?!"
"You are hurting his feelings, can't you see? Just apologize to him and let's settle this amicably!"
"Why should I? I will never do such a thing! And why are you supporting him instead of me?"
Frances's face tightened, eyes wide with disbelief. "Rain, I just don't want you to be rude to the only person that obviously cares about you! What you are doing is totally wrong! Talking to him like this is wrong!"
"Him? Cared about me? That's just one big lie and I don't even give a fuck. I don't even want to see him!"
"Rain! I just asked you to apologize but now you are even firing him more, what the fuck is wrong?"
"Oh, the fuck is wrong with me?! If you're gonna keep supporting him, then just stay with him and leave me the fuck alone!"
"Rain!!"
"What?!" Rain roared, and they stood facing each other, nostrils flaring, eyes locked like two storms about to collide. Frances's fists balled at her sides, her lips quivering in suppressed rage.
Taylor stood behind them, his hands half-lifted in helplessness. His gaze darted between them, mouth parted like he was about to speak but there was no room. Their shouts drowned him.
"Just go away! I don't wanna see you!" Frances screamed.
"Of course I'm leaving before you even say so!" Rain snapped back. He yanked the plushie from the couch with force and stormed out of the living room.
"Rain, you bastard! How dare you walk out on me!" Frances shouted after him, lunging forward, but Taylor caught her wrist gently, pulling her back.
"Calm down, Frances!" he said quickly.
"How dare he walk away!" she said again, softer now, her voice breaking. She sniffed hard and bit into the side of her palm as her chest heaved. A moment later, the dam burst. "Rain is crazy!" she sobbed.
Taylor looked startled. "Wait! Ain't you the one that sent him away just now? Why are you now crying about it?"
"Because I told him to leave doesn't mean that he should leave, right? Does he hate me that much?" she said and covered her face with her hands, her voice muffled by the sound of her own tears.
Taylor stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, Frances. He was just angry. This is all my fault, I shouldn't have come here."
"Why is he so stubborn? I'm just trying to correct him for what he was doing wrong, see how he was yelling at me!"
"I'm so sorry! Rain has always been stubborn, but you know he is not a bad person. He is just angry."
"It's fine," she whispered brokenly.
"Stop crying, please."
"I will," she mumbled, wiping her eyes on the sleeve of her gown.
"I should take my leave now. It's already late. You guys should not fight, please."
"I have heard you. Thank you for coming around."
"It's nothing. Take care of yourself," Taylor said softly, patting her shoulder one last time before walking away.
Frances stared blankly ahead, her chest rising and falling with erratic breaths. Then, with a sudden scream, she grabbed her gown in a fist and looked around wildly. Her eyes landed on the flower vase on the table. In one swift motion, she hurled it at the wall.
CRASH!
The vase shattered, glass flying across the floor in a glittering, chaotic mess.
"Why the hell was he yelling at me? I was just trying to make him settle with his family! Did I do anything wrong? Does he hate me now?" she sobbed harder, slumping to the floor, curling into herself.
Her voice broke again. "What am I even thinking? Rain does not go against someone without a reason. His brother must have done something that hurt him. I should have asked him first instead of fighting with him that way."
She rubbed her palms over her wet cheeks, frustration clinging to her like sweat. "What should I do now? He probably doesn't want to see me now."
"Ahhhh!" she screamed, clawing at her hair and yanking the strands loose in frustration.
Staggering to her feet, she stumbled toward the kitchen. Her legs were weak but determined. She grabbed a tissue from the counter and dabbed her swollen eyes. Then, she poured herself a glass of water with shaky hands and gulped it down, gasping slightly from the cold that rush down her throat.
"I need to know what happened," she said, staring at her own reflection in the kitchen window, wild hair, puffy eyes, and a resolve burning behind the tears.