Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I stretched and yawned, realizing that I must have fallen asleep after the antics of earlier in the morning. As I glanced at the clock on my bedside table, my eyes widened in surprise. It was already past noon, and I had slept through the entire morning.

Excitement surged through me as I hopped out of bed, eager to embrace the day that marked my first year as a teenager. However, beneath that bubbling enthusiasm, a deep sadness tugged at my heart; my mum wasn't here to celebrate with me. It cast a dark shadow over the day.

I pushed the sorrow away, repeating a mantra in my mind: Don't think about it. Don't think about it. Don't think about it.

With renewed determination, I slipped into a cozy outfit—a pair of black leggings and an oversized tee in a golden hue, adorned with the words "hello sunshine" in playful print. It was another gift from Jackson, a small gesture of thoughtfulness that warmed my heart. Maybe if I smiled as brightly as that cheerful sun on my shirt, I would start to feel the warmth within.

As I made my way downstairs, the house seemed unusually quiet. I strolled through the corridors, my footsteps echoing softly against the walls. Finally, I reached the kitchen, and what I saw before me caused my heart to skip a beat.

The entire kitchen was transformed into a birthday wonderland. Vibrant birthday banners hung from the walls, with colorful balloons dancing in every corner. The table was covered in a cupcake tablecloth, with a tray of little sandwiches and a dome-covered cake stand.

But it was the presence of two figures engaged in a lively argument that truly captured my attention. Cole and Harley stood by the counter, voices animated.

Arms crossed defiantly, Cole declared, "No one willingly includes vegetables in a cake, especially not on their birthday."

"Fortunately for you, it's not your birthday," Harley shot back.

"Fortunately for Maddie, I made alternative arrangements."

A mischievous smile played on Cole's lips as he walked over to the dome-covered cake stand at the center of the table. With a flourish, he unveiled a double-tiered chocolate cake, that screamed indulgence.

The look of astonishment mixed with disappointment on Harley's face was priceless, if not slightly heartbreaking.

"What about the carrot cake?"

Cole's reply was simple and unforgiving, "I tossed it."

A pang of sadness resonated within me at the sight of Harley's wounded expression. He looked like a puppy whose favorite toy had just been ripped away.

"Cole! You can't just throw someone else's cake away!" I blurted out.

Both of their heads turned toward me in unison, their eyes locking onto mine.

Cole's eyes dancing with amusement. "You don't actually want vegetables on your birthday, do you?"

"But Harley made it," I said softly, my voice tinged with disappointment.

Cole rolled his eyes but disappeared into the cupboard, reemerging with a glass container. This time, he revealed the precious carrot cake, salvaged from its near demise. "I'm not a monster," he said.

Relief flooded over me, accompanied by a blossoming grin.

Harley shook his head in exasperation, a wry smile tugging at his lips. He approached, enveloping me in a warm embrace.

"Happy birthday, honey," he whispered, his voice brimming with affection.

When he pulled away, I looked around the kitchen, taking in all the decorations for a second time with wonder.

"When did you do all this?" I asked, marveling at the effort.

Harley shrugged nonchalantly, and Cole was too busy sampling the sandwiches to answer. But their silence spoke volumes— hours spent while I was sleeping: baking, planning, decorating, all to make sure that my birthday would be unforgettable.

"Thank you so much. It's really sweet of you," I said, a little bashfully.

Harley led me to a seat at the table, and we all indulged in the delectable finger sandwiches prepared by Gio. Among them, my favorite was the cucumber and cream cheese.

A few minutes later, Elijah poked his head into the room, followed shortly the tantalizing aroma of a familiar treat.

"Wouldn't be a birthday without my cinnamon rolls," Elijah announced, placing a tray of them before me. However, a hint of suspicion flickered in his gaze. "I could have sworn I made more."

Cole's face turned a shade redder, and Harley quipped, "I don't think we'll be lacking in sugar today."

As I took a bite of the familiar treat, I noticed Cole shooting me a look with a shake of his head. Oh, the little thief had stolen Elijah's pastries for our sunrise adventure. I played along with a grin, pretending to savor the deliciousness for the first time. Oscar-worthy performance, if you asked me.

As the lunch wore on, the sugar began to take its toll, and I found myself giggling uncontrollably at Cole's jokes. But amidst the laughter, I felt a pair of eyes on me. I turned, meeting Mason's gaze as he stood at the entryway of the kitchen. He appeared more awake than before, his sharpness restored to his eyes, and his white shirt impeccably pressed once more.

"Good morning!" I chirped, cheerfully.

"Morning," he replied cautiously.

"It's my birthday!" I proudly declared.

Mason raised an eyebrow, glancing at Elijah as if seeking clarification. "And what exactly did you put in those cinnamon rolls?"

"Too much sugar," Harley muttered with a grin.

"A balanced birthday diet for our cinnamon roll," Cole interjected, pulling me closer to his side with a squeeze.

I glared playfully at him, before offering the plate of treats to Mason.

He eyed the tray warily, as though it were an ambush, and politely declined with a shake of his head.

"More for us then," I grinned with a shrug.

Elijah's lips twitched into a smile.

It was then that Mason revealed his plans for the evening—a dinner in the dining room with all the brothers present. He inquired if there was anything specific I'd like to do to celebrate my birthday—whether it be a trip to the cinema, the theater, or even a shopping spree.

"Would you mind if we stayed home?" I said sheepishly. "Maybe watch a movie?"

"Anything in particular you'd like to watch? I heard The Little Mermaid is coming out," Elijah suggested.

Cole let out an exasperated groan, muttering something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like, "Save me."

Chuckling at Cole's antics, I shook my head. "I don't think it's out of cinemas until next week."

In my peripheral vision, I saw Mason's eyes flicker with determination as he walked out of the kitchen.

In less than an hour, I found myself sinking into the plush, maroon cozy seats of the twelve-seater home cinema as the opening credits of Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' began to play.

I wanted to express my gratitude to Mason, who had clearly orchestrated this movie night, but he brushed off my thanks as if it were as simple as a routine grocery run. I marveled at how effortlessly he could create unforgettable experiences like this—experiences that most kids would die for.

Living in this mansion with my newfound family still felt surreal. Elijah on one side and Cole on the other, it was both comforting and strange.

Elijah excused himself once the movie started, setting off to prepare an assortment of movie snacks. Cole, too, left briefly, claiming he needed a bathroom break, though it was obvious that the music was the real motivation for his departure.

Left alone in the cinema room, I felt a prickle of nerves as my gaze caught sight of a figure entering the room at the back. It was Blake, taking a seat in the row behind me. A nervous flutter ran through me, and I swallowed hard.

It was just Blake and me.

Trying to be cool, I followed his lead and remained silent, though I couldn't resist sneaking occasional glances in his direction.

After a while, he broke the silence with a gruff question, "Is there a problem?"

The roughness in his voice almost made me flinch, but I managed to shake my head vigorously. "No, not at all," I said with a gulp. "I just..." I cut myself off before the question could escape.

"Just what?" he snapped, his tone demanding.

The question slipped out before I could stop myself. "Oh, nothing. I didn't expect you to be a Disney fan, that's all."

His response was typically Blake-like, grunting out, "I'm not."

"Oh."

And that was the extent of our conversation.

But hey, progress.

We continued sitting in silence until Elijah walked in, carrying a tray adorned with two boxes of popcorn, a large bag of assorted pick & mix, and two drinks. His eyebrow arched when he noticed Blake in the room, but he remained silent, settling down next to me without a word.

Cole sauntered in next, his smirk unmistakable. "Who would've guessed you had a soft spot for The Little Mermaid?" he teased at Blake.

I couldn't help but grin.

Blake grunted in his usual gruff demeanour, and snatched a box of popcorn out of Cole's hands.

I decided that if Xander was 'twinkle-toes', then Blake was a caveman, only capable of grunts or the occasional one-word answers.

"Hands off. You have legs," Cole said, snatching it back.

"You have two boxes."

"It's for the birthday girl," he said, offering the box to me.

Feeling a pang of guilt for unintentionally stealing the spotlight, I flushed and said, "You can have mine."

Blake scowled, muttering, "Don't like popcorn."

Elijah cleared his throat.

With a swift motion, Blake practically snatched the box of popcorn from my hand.

Well, that didn't go as planned.

Feeling self-conscious under Blake's gaze, I sank lower in my seat, trying to focus on the movie and ignore the intensity emanating from him.

As the film progressed, my initial unease melted away, and I allowed myself to be fully immersed in the enchanting tale unfolding on the screen. Time seemed to slip away, and I barely registered when Blake eventually left his seat.

Glancing over at Cole, I couldn't help but giggle. He had dozed off during Prince Eric's number, completely lost in slumber. With a nudge, I drew Elijah's attention. He looked at me with a fondness that made my heart flutter, then offered his phone, the camera app already open.

Laughing quietly, I seized the opportunity and snapped a candid photo of Cole mid-yawn.

Click.

The sound of the shutter echoed in the otherwise silent room, drawing Cole's attention. He blinked at me in confusion, then burst into laughter when he saw the photo on Elijah's phone.

As the final notes of one of my favorite songs played, signaling the end of the movie, a bittersweet feeling washed over me.

I stretched in my seat, exhaling with satisfaction. "That was so good," I said, relishing the moment.

"So good," Cole agreed, his eyes gleaming with contentment.

"You slept through most of it," I playfully poked him, earning a mischievous grin in response.

"Exactly," he retorted, a twinkle in his eyes. "My nap was so good."

"You missed the best song!"

As the lights slowly brightened, I helped Elijah carry the tray of half-empty popcorn and sweets back into the kitchen. My stomach was already starting to feel full, and I knew I needed to save some room for dinner. However, Cole, my ever-hungry brother, seemed to have an insatiable appetite, polishing off his popcorn box and most of our pick & mix without a hint of trouble.

After being seated for the entire film, I decided to take a walk around the back garden. The night air was refreshing, and I took my time to appreciate the vastness of the estate. The garden was a paradise, with a sparkling pool and an expansive orchard spanning acres.

Returning to the house, I crossed paths with Harley on the stairs, who informed me that dinner would be served in an hour. Curious, I asked him what the dress code was. With a reassuring smile, he assured me that I'd find something suitable in the wardrobe. Whatever that meant.

Up in my room, I decided to freshen up a bit before the birthday dinner. As I went to unpack the remaining surprises Jackson had bought me, I realized they had already been neatly arranged in the wardrobe.

Among the clothes, I discovered a gold dress that caught my eye. It was an elegant shift style, with delicate mesh sleeves and intricate details reminiscent of something Princess Charlotte would be seen in. The dress seemed far too perfect for someone like me, a girl who had grown up without the luxuries of wealth and status. But as I slipped into its fabric, I couldn't help but feel an unexpected surge of confidence.

Suddenly, I felt like a princess.

Staring hesitantly at my reflection in the mirror, I marveled at the transformation it brought to my outward appearance. Yet, deep down, I still grappled with a sense of inadequacy. Imposter syndrome lingered, looming like a dark shadow.

Just as I finished adjusting the dress, Elijah poked his head into the room, clad in a classic and polished suit. His eyes warmed as they fell upon me, and a smile curved his lips.

"You look beautiful," he said.

I nervously tugged at the hem of the dress. "I don't know how to do my hair," I confessed, self-doubt creeping in. "It's a mess."

Elijah shook his head, his eyes reflecting sincerity. "It's not a mess, it's gorgeous," he reassured me.

I shrugged, unsure of how to accept such kind words.

He approached me and stood behind my chair in front of the dressing table mirror.

"May I?" he asked, his voice gentle.

I nodded.

With remarkable ease, he gathered the front strands of my hair, expertly weaving them together into an intricate braid at the back, leaving the rest of my hair cascading freely around my shoulders.

"How did you learn to do hair like that?" I asked with wonder, as he tied it off.

He shrugged, a bashful smile gracing his features. "I guess it's like riding a bike. Once you learn, you can't forget."

As I turned to face him, confusion etched on my features, he chuckled. "Even as a toddler, you had hair as thick and beautiful as this," he reminisced fondly.

"It takes forever to dry," I complained half-heartedly.

He chuckled, his laughter comforting as he tugged on a stray strand of my hair. "Well, I appreciate the sacrifice."

After a moment, he extended a hand. "Are you ready?"

"I don't have any makeup," I confessed, feeling a twinge of insecurity.

"You don't need makeup."

"I don't have any jewellery."

"I'm sure we can remedy that later," he assured me.

"But I, I don't have," I hesitated.

"Maddie, you look gorgeous," he said. "What are you so worried about, hm?"

I hesitated, struggling to put my worries into words. "The dress is so pretty. It's too much."

Elijah placed his hands on my shoulders and met my gaze through the mirror, his eyes filled with warmth. "There's nothing too pretty for you, Bambina," he said firmly. "I promise."

His words resonate deeply within me, soothing my nerves. With newfound confidence, I accepted his outstretched hand, and together we descended the stairs.

I took a breath, my fingers grazing the delicate fabric of my golden dress, hoping to steady the flutter of nerves in my stomach. With a gentle push, Elijah swung open the grand dining room doors, and my heart skipped a beat at the sight that greeted me.

Blake, ever the enigma, exuded effortless nonchalance as he leaned against the wall, absorbed in his phone. Dressed in a leather jacket layered over a grey shirt, black fitted jeans, and combat boots, he wasn't someone you'd approach unless you had a death wish. When his gaze lifted upon hearing our entrance, his intense eyes reminded me of a lion, a predator ready to strike at any moment.

Next, Harley turned towards me with sparkling eyes that lit up the room. Dressed impeccably in a stylish suit with a rich purple shade, he perfectly matched his warm personality. My attention then shifted to Cole, who promptly rose from his seat upon seeing me. The family's resident joker wore a vibrant shirt, slacks, and his signature mischievous grin.

Lastly, there was Xander, sitting near his twin. His fitted black tee and slouched posture screamed boredom, but his eyes betrayed him, simmering with intensity. When our gazes met, I held his stare for a brave moment before looking down, feeling the weight of five pairs of eyes.

Thankfully, Elijah guided me to my seat, marked by a pink birthday balloon tied to the chair. He took his place beside me, while Blake occupied the seat opposite. Cole sat next to Blake, and Xander and Harley sat next to Elijah. I found myself surrounded by my brothers, except for one notable absence.

True to form, Cole re-ignited a playful argument about the choice of cake, sparking another debate with Harley. Eventually, they settled on having both the carrot cake and Gio's chocolate fudge cake, which I thought was the perfect solution. Their playful bickering drew a genuine laugh from me, helping to ease my nerves and settle into the evening.

The atmosphere shifted as the door creaked, causing a stiffness to ripple through me and the temperature to drop a few degrees. Mason, dressed in his signature black suit, made his entrance. His white shirt had been replaced with a black one, completing his all-black ensemble. If Blake was a lion, then Mason was a sleek and elusive jaguar, always observing from the shadows before striking with precision.

Our eyes locked, and a surge of nervous energy coursed through me. I watched as his gaze swept over my attire, his approving glance leaving me with a mix of relief and satisfaction.

Taking his place at the head of the table, Mason's presence commanded attention, and it was only when he settled into his seat that the conversation regained its momentum.

Gradually, the topic shifted to more familiar territory for my brothers, veering towards typical "guy things." Blake comfortably discussed his gym schedule, while Cole playfully teased Xander about his love life, or lack of. Even Mason joined in, seamlessly blending into the conversation while seizing every opportunity to impart his wisdom on Xander about respecting women.

Despite the lively chatter, a lingering discomfort tugged at me. I couldn't help but wonder if living with my brothers for ten years would have made me more at ease in their conversations. I instinctively found solace in picking at my dress, a nervous habit.

When I glanced up, I caught Harley's concerned gaze. He had also remained quiet during the exchange. He mouthed, "Are you okay?" his eyes filled with compassion.

With a small smile and a nod, I reassured him that I was alright, grateful for his silent support in that moment.

Deep down, I knew that pretending everything was fine wasn't a permanent solution. This facade could only hold for so long. But the alternative, opening the floodgates and facing the overwhelming surge of emotions, was simply not an option. So, for now, I plastered a brave face upon my features, willing it to be enough to shield me from the inevitable.

The atmosphere shifted as the housekeeper, Gio, a gentleman in his sixties, made his entrance, gracefully serving the appetizers of melon and prosciutto kebabs. They looked delicious, albeit slightly extravagant for a thirteenth birthday (but I kept that thought to myself). Mason acknowledged Gio with a nod of thanks as he exited the room, leaving us to indulge in the starters.

As I glanced down at my plate, curious about what everyone was waiting for, Mason cleared his throat, capturing the attention of the table.

"I'd like to propose a toast," Mason announced, his voice commanding the room. "To Maddie. Despite the circumstances, I speak for everyone when I say we're thrilled that you're finally home."

His words tightened my throat, threatening to unleash the emotions I had carefully contained. But I refused to let them consume me, not here, and definitely not now.

Elijah's hand squeezed mine, and he continued Mason's toast. "Happy birthday, Maddie. Abigail would be so proud of you."

A lump formed in my throat, the weight of their words pressing down on me. The table fell into a reverent silence. Inhaling deeply, I fought to regain control.

I withdrew my hand from Elijah's grasp and picked up my fork, spearing a piece of melon.

"These look delicious," I commented, ignoring the curious glances from my brothers.

I avoided meeting Elijah's gaze, but I sensed Mason's keen eyes observing my not-so-subtle diversion.

Thankfully, Cole, in his typical fashion, broke the silence by inquiring about the peculiar pairing of melon and prosciutto. His playful comment dissipated the tension that had settled. From that point on, the atmosphere lightened, although I couldn't help but sneak stolen glances at Mason, who remained unusually quiet.

As the mouthwatering lasagna, with a perfected ratio of pasta, cheese, and sauce, made its way to the table, I couldn't help but smile, a mix of joy and longing. It was the kind of dish that would have undoubtedly won my mother's approval, and the thought tugged at my heart.

The sparkling non-alcoholic wine they had bought just for me slowly began to lift my spirits, and I found myself growing more confident and eager to be part of the conversation.

Curiosity led me to turn to Harley, who usually remained on the sidelines, never seeking the limelight. I asked about his time in Africa, momentarily hushing the table. I felt a pang of guilt, fearing I had made him uncomfortable.

"You don't have to answer," I quickly mumbled, trying to alleviate any awkwardness.

But Mason, always perceptive, interjected, "Actually, I'd like to hear about your trip, Harley."

As Harley began to speak, I became enthralled, hanging on to every word. He left school at seventeen, a year early, and embarked on a gap year in the military, during which he surprised me on his return, by visiting for my seventh birthday. Following that, he pursued a five-year medical degree and was now in his final year. However, he took four months off to volunteer in South Africa, providing humanitarian aid.

Driven by curiosity, I asked, "What are your plans once you graduate?"

He gave a nonchalant shrug, and Mason chimed in, "I thought you were starting your foundation year?"

Harley shrugged again. "I was, but after Africa, I've been considering volunteering with MSF for a year."

His revelation left the table a little stunned, and I couldn't help but feel somewhat responsible for the sudden shift in the conversation's tone.

Cole, who had notably paused eating, broke the silence. "You were planning to go to Africa for a whole year?"

Harley nodded, meeting our questioning gazes calmly.

Xander spoke up. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"You never asked."

An uncomfortable silence enveloped the table, and I wished I could take back my innocent inquiry.

"What about Casper and the clinic?" Elijah asked.

"Who's Casper?" I asked.

"Casper is the doctor who checked on you last night. He's a pediatrician and set up a private clinic in town ten years ago," he explained.

"Oh."

"So, it's settled?" Xander interjected, toying with his food, as he snuck a glance at Harley.

"I was on the fence, but circumstances have changed," Harley's gaze locked with mine. "I think I might stay close to home after all."

Throughout this conversation, Mason remained quiet. His focused gaze, though, hinted that there was more to be discussed.

As Gio cleared our empty plates, the conversation seamlessly transitioned to the topic of the twins' twentieth birthday in June of next year. Their enthusiasm was palpable as they discussed going to Vegas, even Xander became slightly more animated. However, Mason swiftly intervened at the mention of fake IDs, putting an immediate stop to the idea without room for protest.

Instead, he proposed an alternative plan. With a steady and reasonable tone, he suggested that if they behaved responsibly and avoided trouble, he would personally fund their full trip to Vegas for their twenty-first.

Apparently, the allure of an extravagant twenty-first Vegas birthday, funded by their older brother, was too much to resist, and the twins eagerly agreed.

What world was I living in where fully funded extravagant holidays were offered up as casually as a trip to the zoo?

As the conversation flowed, it shifted back to the fact that I was the last sibling to become a teenager. Speculations arose about which sibling I would resemble the most during my teenage years.

"Probably Harley," Cole shrugged, a grin on his face.

"Of course she would, my little mini-me," Harley chimed in with affection.

"Teacher's pet for sure," Xander said under his breath.

"Hey!" I protested, feeling the need to defend myself. "I'm not a teacher's pet."

"I don't know about that," Harley teased, raising an eyebrow playfully.

"Not fair," I grumbled, crossing my arms.

"Well, your biology could use some improvement."

"I never said I wanted to be the next doctor."

"Lucky for us all," Cole interjected with a mischievous grin, his words filled with playful teasing, "if you're still as clumsy as a baby fawn."

A flush crept up my cheeks, and I glanced down. Elijah, always the supportive brother, flashed me a reassuring smile. Seeking to shift the focus, I looked up at him, genuinely curious.

"What about you, Elijah? I bet you were a straight-A student."

Blake let out a bark of laughter, catching me off-guard.

"I think I'd prefer you to be more like Xander than Elijah," Mason commented casually, leaning back in his seat and taking a sip of his red wine.

Yuck. Wine tasted awful. I had made the mistake of trying a few sips a couple of years ago when mum allowed me over dinner, and the bitterness still lingered in my memory.

"Really?" I exclaimed, my curiosity piqued as I looked from Xander to Elijah. There was no way Xander was a better student than Elijah.

Xander muttered, "I could have been an angel in school."

Cole scoffed, clearly not convinced.

"I can't believe you were anything other than the perfect student," I said to Elijah, genuinely surprised by the revelation.

"It's a time I'd rather not revisit," he replied with a guarded tone, piquing my curiosity at the hint of a hidden story.

After our delicious meal, Mason excused himself to make a quick phone call, leaving the rest of us in the spacious living room. The comfortable sofas beckoned, and I gladly surrendered to the embrace of a food coma.

"That was absolutely amazing!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with genuine delight, before collapsing onto the nearest sofa.

"Don't drift off just yet," Cole chuckled, taking a seat near my feet. "We still have presents and cake."

I playfully rolled my eyes at his antics, captivated by his youthful spirit that never seemed to fade away. It was moments like these, surrounded by my brothers, that made me grateful for the family I had found.

Harley made a grand entrance, carrying an array of bags, his eyes shining with excitement. "I apologize on behalf of Cole for the wrapping," he confessed. "Some things also only arrived this morning too."

My jaw dropped in surprise. "You can't have gotten me all of this," I protested, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of gifts.

Harley simply shrugged, undeterred, and placed the bags on the coffee table before me.

"It's too much," I insisted, shaking my head. "I can't accept it."

"Cool, I will," Cole said, reaching for one of the presents, only for Elijah to slap his hands out of the way.

We shared a laugh, but deep down, I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. Their generosity was overwhelming, and I wondered if I truly deserved it.

"Maybe we should donate them to charity?"

"You wouldn't deny us our brotherly right?" Harley teased, his eyes sparkling with affection. "We're catching up on ten years here."

Elijah, sitting on the adjacent sofa, joined the conversation. "How about this? If there's anything you don't want, we can take it to a charity shop on Monday."

I agreed, believing that was a reasonable compromise.

Amidst the flurry of excitement and unwrapping, Mason made his return. As he settled into a large armchair, I couldn't help but notice the blush pink bag he cradled in his hands. But before I could delve into my curiosity, Cole playfully threw another haphazardly wrapped gift my way.

The gifts kept pouring in, each one leaving me breathless with gratitude. Cozy Uggs, a sleek backpack, AirPods, clothing vouchers that made my eyes widen, adorable Bluetooth earmuffs, a collection of stuffed animals that included the long-awaited popcorn Jellycat, and stunning jewelry pieces.

As I opened the final gift from the pile, a willow-weaved jewelry stand shaped like the letter 'M,' I couldn't help but embrace Cole tightly, as he was sat closest to me.

"You really didn't have to do all of this," I weakly protested, even though deep down, their thoughtfulness touched me in a way that went beyond material possessions.

"Tough luck, Baby."

I glanced over at Elijah, who opened his arms invitingly from the other sofa. Leaving Cole's embrace, I moved towards Elijah and nestled beside him. He enveloped me in a comforting hug.

My eyes shifted to Xander, who was engrossed in his phone, and Blake, whose emotionless gaze was fixed upon me. But it was Mason who held my attention, his intense eyes revealing a hint of apprehension.

"Thank you," I thanked him quietly.

Mason's demeanor shifted, a medley of emotions flickering across his face. With quiet resolve, he rose from his seat and approached me, the small bag still clutched in his hands. Perching himself on the coffee table before me, he exchanged a meaningful glance with Elijah before extending the bag toward me.

"One more gift, Maddie. I believe you'll appreciate this one the most."

I looked at it cautiously, until Elijah nudged me softly. "Open it."

My eyes wandered, noting the expectant gazes on me. With a quickened pulse, I carefully pulled a velvet box out of the bag. I lifted the lid and my breath caught.

There it was—a delicate gold necklace adorned with a heart-shaped locket, its surface etched with intricate patterns. It shimmered in the soft light, radiating beauty and meaning.

"It was Ab-" Mason began.

"Mum's," I finished, my voice barely more than a whisper. The significance of the necklace washed over me, the last tangible connection to my mother.

In that instant, memories of my mother flooded my mind—the fire of her hair, the sound of her laughter, the warmth of her hugs. But amidst the flood of memories, a painful image surfaced, the day of the crash, her wearing that same necklace, and the overwhelming grief that followed.

Suddenly, I couldn't breathe. The innocent gift now felt like a cruel reminder of what I had lost.

"I can't accept this," I whispered, as I snapped the box shut. The weight of grief settled upon my shoulders, threatening to crush me. My trembling hands reached out, pushing it back into Mason's grasp.

"Maddie," Elijah's soft voice was filled with concern, his hand reaching out towards me.

"I don't want it," I said slowly, my voice hollow and distant.

I could feel the heaviness in the air as the room fell silent. Mason's eyebrows furrowed, his deep blue eyes studying mine intently. Elijah's hand rested on my shoulder in comfort, but I shrugged him off, feeling the need to retreat.

My gaze fixated on a spot on the wall. "We should give it to charity," I suggested, my voice lacking enthusiasm and life, as if I were simply going through the motions.

"Talk to us, sweetheart," Elijah arms came around me in a warm embrace.

"I think... I think I need some time alone," I murmured, my voice barely audible as I stood up, the room suddenly feeling stifling, suffocating.

The concerned gazes of my brothers followed me as I turned on my heel and headed towards the door. Cole called out my name, his voice laced with desperation, but I pressed down the tightening in my throat, refusing to let the tears escape.

"Leave her," Blake grunted out.

As I curled up on my bed, those two words echoed in my mind like a haunting refrain.

In that moment, I realized that my quest to block out my emotions was nothing but a fragile illusion. Prolonging the inevitable. A numbness I desperately clung to to protect myself, to avoid losing myself in a dark void with no direction.

My heart ached for someone to understand the depths of my pain. Yet, I fought desperately to bury it, to hide behind a mask of strength. It was an exhausting battle to keep fighting, a constant tug-of-war with myself.

Curling into a protective ball, I held Elly, my loyal stuffed companion, close to my chest. The softness of her worn fabric offered a small, familiar and much-needed comfort.

Guilt gnawed at me as I recalled Elijah's hurt expression when I pulled away and the desperation in Cole's voice as he called after me. They had embraced me into their family without a second thought, and the idea of burdening them with the rawness of my grief felt like an imposition - a heavy load I couldn't bear to place on their shoulders. I wanted to protect them from the storm raging within me, even if it meant facing it alone.

So, in the quiet darkness of my room, I made a silent vow to keep up the charade. I would pretend, with every ounce of strength I had left, that I could overcome this on my own. I would convince myself, and perhaps even them, that I would be okay.

Little did I know that Mason had already seen past my facade, and he wasn't about to let me retreat into my self-imposed fortress unchallenged.

-----------------

A/N: *Note, I've changed back Xander & Cole's ages to 19. I've also changed Mason & Maddie's eye colour back to blue. The rest of the boys eyes are all still green, like their mothers.

So that was a mixed chapter for Maddie❤️💔 who can empathise with her with refusing her mum's necklace. Do you think that was the right choice?

What are you most excited about for future chapters?