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Oliver stops me from pacing by gently grasping my arm.
“I would have known if I had a brother. My father would have said something. I mean, why would he let you be raised as a Manarch?” I add.
“I am a Manarch. Diana is my mother, and Dougal is my father.”
I pace back to the bench and sit. This can’t be true. I would have known if I had a brother.
“She has to be lying.”
I peer up at Oliver when he adds, “She isn’t. A DNA test proved it.”
“When did you do a DNA test? And why didn’t you tell me sooner? Why did you keep this from me?”
I try not to sound angry, but it’s hard to contain.Why can’t people be honest?
“I didn’t do the DNA test. Viktor did. I didn’t know how to tell you. It never seemed like the right time. Then everything with Niko happened.”
Anger steamrolls into me. “So Viktor knew as well? I thought we were past secrets.”
“I asked him not to tell you. I wanted to be the one who did.”
I stare at Oliver. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Nothing. You don’t have to say anything. This doesn’t change anything.”
He’s right, and I already see him as a brother, so instead of storming off, I sit—again. After closing my eyes, I let out a deep breath. He’s right. Nothing has changed. He has been like a brother to me for a long time now.
After opening my eyes, I take his hand in mine. “You’re my brother.” I smile, the word sounding odd coming from my mouth.
“You’re my baby sister.”
When he smiles back, I rest my head on his shoulder. “I’m happy you’re my brother.”
I’m happy, but I can’t help feeling betrayed. They could have told me sooner. It’s like one step forward and three back.How can we face what’s coming together when secrets are being kept?
I sit up straighter before asking, “How many times have you seen our mother? Where is she? How can I find her?”
“She isn’t my mother, Ava. My mother is Anita.” He licks his dry lips before confessing, “The last time I saw Diana was at Eros, and I have no interest in seeing her again. But if you want to see her, I will have someone find her. I’ll bring her to you.”
“If she wanted to see me, she’d have found a way.” After offering him a silent thanks for having my back, I make my way back to the French doors. I’m hurt, but I don’t know why. Diana has never been interested in being my mother, or a mother at all for that matter.
Oliver and I are proof of that.
“Where are you going?” There’s concern in Oliver’s voice.
“I need a minute to digest everything.”
“I understand.” He catches up to me before throwing his arm around my shoulders. “Are we okay?”
“We’re fine. I’m happy to know you’re my brother. It’s nice to know I’m not alone.”
“You wereneveralone. I’ll always be here for you.”
His reply warms my heart. “I know. I just need some time to think.”
I’m not sure how I feel about this revelation. Just when I think I’ve found my footing, something tries to knock me down.
* * *
