Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Sandra POV
We had been on the call for a long time. My cheeks hurt from smiling, but I didn’t care. For the first time in years, my heart felt light. It all felt like all my burden has run down the drain.
I leaned back on the couch, holding the phone high so they could all see me. My father still sat in his chair, my brothers still crowded around him.
> James: “Sandra, you look good. Not even a single wrinkle. What’s your secret?”
I laughed.
> Sandra: “Maybe it’s because I cry a lot. Tears wash the face, right?”
They all laughed with me. The sound was warm.
Just then, something happened.
From the corner of my eye, I saw movement. The substitute man—the one living with me now—walked past the living room. He didn’t even look at me, but his tall figure was clear in the background.
My heart jumped. I prayed no one noticed. But I was wrong.
> Daniel: “Wait… wait a second. Who was that?”
The camera froze on my shocked face.
> Sandra: “What? Who?”
> Daniel: “Don’t play games. Someone just walked past you. That was not your husband.”
All my brothers leaned closer to the screen. My father’s eyes grew sharp.
> Lucas: “Sandra… who is that man?”
My throat went dry. I forced a smile, shaking my head.
> Sandra: “It’s… it’s nothing. Just a long story.”
> Nathan: “A long story? We don’t like long stories. We want short answers. Who is he?”
I laughed nervously, trying to keep calm.
> Sandra: “Please… don’t worry. He’s not important. Really.”
> Daniel: “Not important? A strange man in your house, and you say not important?”
I swallowed hard. My eyes darted away.
> Sandra: “It’s… complicated. I can’t explain now. Just trust me, I’m fine.”
My brothers exchanged looks. I could see the worry in their eyes.
> James: “Sandra, you know we won’t let this go. Tell us the truth.”
> Sandra: “I will… later. Please. I promise. Just… not now.”
My father’s voice broke the tension. Calm, steady, but firm.
> Father: “Sandra. Look at me.”
I lifted my eyes.
> Father: “If you are in trouble, you must tell me. I don’t care what it is. You are my daughter. I will move mountains if I have to.”
My lips trembled. Tears filled my eyes again.
> Sandra: “I know, Father. I know. But I don’t want to bring problems to you. I just… I need time.”
He stared at me for a long moment, then sighed.
> Father: “Very well. I will give you time. But remember—my doors are always open.”
I nodded quickly.
> Sandra: “Thank you. Thank you for understanding.”
But my brothers were not done.
> Daniel: “I don’t like this. Sandra, you always hide when things go wrong. We won’t accept half-truths.”
> Lucas: “Yes. We are your brothers. You can’t fool us.”
> Nathan: “Do you even love your husband still? Or is this man someone else?”
I gasped.
> Sandra: “No! Don’t say that! It’s not like that. Please… stop asking.”
They fell silent for a moment, but I could feel their doubts.
> James: “Then prove it. Tell us who he is.”
I shook my head quickly.
> Sandra: “No. Please. Just believe me. It’s not what you think.”
They stared at me for a while, but finally sighed in defeat.
> Daniel: “Fine. For now. But don’t think this ends here.”
The mood grew tense. I wanted to change the subject, so I asked about their work, their lives, their homes. We laughed again for a little while. But then Father spoke suddenly.
> Father: “Enough. I have made a decision.”
Everyone turned quiet.
> Father: “We are coming to see you.”
My eyes widened.
> Sandra: “What? No… Father, you don’t have to—”
> Father: “I said we are coming. You think a small screen is enough after so many years? No. I want to see you with my own eyes. I want to hold you again.”
My brothers cheered.
> Lucas: “Yes! Let’s visit her!”
> Nathan: “We’ll surprise her city!”
> James: “It’s been too long. She cannot hide anymore.”
Panic rushed through me. My chest tightened.
> Sandra: “Please… it’s not necessary. I don’t want to bother you.”
> Daniel: “Bother? You are family. Visiting you is not a bother.”
> Father: “Sandra, send us your address. We will arrange everything. One week. That is all we need.”
I opened my mouth to argue, but the look in his eyes stopped me. His eyes were full of love, but also full of command. I knew I couldn’t fight him.
Slowly, I nodded.
> Sandra: “Okay… I’ll send it.”
My brothers cheered again.
> James: “Finally! We will see you again!”
> Lucas: “Sandra, prepare food. Lots of food.”
> Nathan: “And don’t try to run away this time.”
I laughed weakly, though my stomach was heavy.
> Sandra: “I’ll be ready.”
We kept talking a little more, planning the visit, laughing at old jokes. But my mind was far away. I was smiling on the screen, but inside, fear was crawling.
What would they think when they arrived?
What if they saw the truth?
What if they discovered everything I tried to hide?
When the call finally ended, I placed the phone on my lap. I stared at the dark screen for a long time.
My heart beat fast. My hands were cold.
One week.
In one week, they would be here.
And I had no idea what to do and what was going to happen to me.
I looked around and saw him standing right by my side.
"For weeks now you have been acting weird!" He walked closer to me with a concerned
face.
"My brother's and father." He gave a surprised expression.
"You've brothers and also a father." He chuckled out loud.
I looked at him weirdly. I couldn't tell why he was doing so. I hated this stuff happening.
I'm caged in a world.