"So, when do you plan to actually have your wedding?" Artemis asked as drinks were placed on the table.

I quickly thanked Tianna before answering Artemis' question. "Probably after the verdict has been announced. It shouldn't be long since all evidence are clearly pointing to them."

"Dad said Amelia might not get a guilty sentence for your kidnapping case." Apollo said as he sat across from me with Artemis beside him.

I shrugged my shoulders. "That's okay. She is still going to rot in jail for what she did to Mom."

"At least the media people camping out of your house has lessen." Artemis said, taking note of a much easier access to the house. It's the first time they were able to come over without Emil having to hire a few other bodyguards to help them get inside. "Anyway, are you sure about this online class for the next semester? Things would have calmed down by then."

The truth is, I needed to be more hands-on in running the company. Without Alec as the CEO, the company will surely have a lot of problems in the future. Despite the fact that Dad has decided to take over the said position until further notice, he has also voiced the fact that he didn't want to do such job any longer than he has too. I don't want to burden Dad as he has already done a lot these past few years.

I wanted Alec to continue as the CEO but he has refused my requests time and time again. I didn't want to push on the idea too hard. Besides the fact that he didn't want to work, Dustyn told me that Alec wanted to pursue Rory like he has always planned to. Things in Alec's life might actually fall into place this time around, I didn't want to do anything that might hinder that.

"Officially, I am the owner of the company. Without a proper CEO, things can go badly quick." I told them. Artemis' jaw dropped while Apollo calmly listened to me. "I need to get a hang of things if I have any hope of running the company."

"What about Photography? Are you dropping that?" Artemis asked, still in shock.

I shook my head. "No. I will still be taking it. I just need to reduce the number of units I enroll."

"I'm sure she'll be fine." Apollo said, bringing his attention back to his phone.

I raised my eyebrow at his behavior. Apollo, unlike Artemis, spends less time on his phone than any other person I know. I looked at Artemis for answers and she willingly gives me that.

"He's talking to Scarlett. He's been stuck on his phone for days because of her." Artemis said rolling her eyes.

I smiled. "That's a good."

"Yup. I can finally stop hearing him stomping around the house.:" Artemis said jokingly.

"Why you..." Apollo said, putting his phone down and messing up Artemis hair who cannot do anything but swat her twin's hands away from her head.

I let out a laugh as I watch them act like children. Seeing them so normal and carefree as they have always been. "You guys. Stop acting like kids." I said, trying to keep my laughter in control.

"I told it will make her laugh." Apollo said smugly as he finally pulled off his hands from Artemis' hair. He sat back again, looking proud of himself for that matter.

"Show off." Artemis mumbled under her breath as she tries to find a comb in her bag.

"What?" I asked completely confused as to what they were trying to do.

"We just wanted to make you laugh, that's all." Artemis said as she finally finds a comb to start fixing her hair. "We talk everyday on the phone. I know how stressful these past few weeks have been for you and your family. I try but fail each time so I asked for Apollo's help."

"Can you believe that? Great Artemis asked me for help." Apollo said mockingly at her sister.

I couldn't help but smile as another argument ensue between them. I sure got some awesome friends right here. I honestly don't even know how I stayed strong as the trial for the kidnapping incidents were being retold in court on an everyday basis. Everywhere I look, I see the same story, the same picture they took when I came out of the courthouse with red rimmed eyes. Everything just keeps reminding me that I was once a captive, held in a basement with little to no light to help me see. That every time it's dark, I still jump at the sound of someone opening a door.

It just keeps the memory fresh more than I want it to. I just wish the trial would be done and over with.

"Mara, look what I found on one of my things." Dad comes down from the stairs with a faint smile on his face. He stops on his tracks as he sees the twins on the couch. "Well this makes these so much useful." He said as he showed us the deck of cards and a box of Uno cards.

"Oh. Poker." Artemis said as Dad hands over the deck of cards to her while Apollo took the Uno cards. "Let's play this."

Apollo rolled his eyes. "No. We're playing Uno. It's much better than your gambling game."

Artemis glared. "Its not a gambling game!"

"Can I join this game?" Dad asked as he took a seat beside me with a smile. "This old man would like to crash your party."

I chuckled. "You're not that old, Dad."

"Sure, if you bring some booze." Artemis said jokingly at Dad.

Apollo nodded his head in agreement. "Food too."

I shake my head at my friends. But Dad agrees right away and orders Tianna to get some food and a bottle of wine for us.

"Miss Mara?" Emil's voice startled me as I found him standing behind me without any warning beforehand. "Can I talk to you? In private."

I nodded my head and turned my attention back to the twins and Dad. "I'll be right back. You guys decide on which game we should play." I said before standing up and following Emil to the front door. "What's it about?"

Emil looked uncomfortable but eventually says something. "Sir Alec is outside."

I raised my eyebrow in surprise. "Right now? Why hasn't he come in yet?"

Emil shrugged his shoulders. "I just saw him accidentally while I was walking around the house. I don't think he notice my presence though."

I nodded my head but still was not sure why Alec would show up all of a sudden. He hasn't really been in contact with me since I left the house. The only conversation we had revolved around the cases and his resignation from his position in the company. Other than that, he has kept to himself. Everything else is communicated through the lawyers that he had hired.

I asked Emil to continue his duties for the night while go out to see what Alec is doing outside of the house in this cold night. When I opened the door, I found him standing there in only his pants and a shirt. I don't see any sweater or even a coat in his hands. He's just casually standing there, looking up at the night sky.

"Alec?"

Alec turned to face me, looking surprised to find me outside of the door of the house. "Hey."

"Hi. What are you doing out here? It's late and it's cold." I said.

He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. One minute I was sitting alone on my living room floor, the next thing I know I'm standing here."

I looked at him confused. I didn't know where he moved after selling the apartment we used to live in. To be honest, I don't know anything of what he is doing now since he gave up all of his wealth and property that was given to him by Mom. This is the first time I've seen him outside of the courthouse, where he always serious and ready to kill.

"Al, I wasn't asking why you're here. I'm asking why you haven't come inside yet." I said, a bit amused at him.

He chuckles. "You have guests over. I didn't know if I'm welcome here anymore." He said with a smile but I could see the sadness in his eyes.

My heart ached a little at his words. I didn't know what he was feeling when he suddenly gave up everything and even moved out of that apartment and minimized his interactions with us. I thought it was because he didn't want to be so attached to us now, knowing that we're not even blood related.

He's been overwhelmed. He doesn't know how to address the obvious changes in his life. He's probably just confused and shy about it that's why he didn't come around. He might even be feeling alone all this time. After all, he just found out that his parents were not actually his real parents.

I walked to him and hugged him without another word. My arms going around his waist. "You'll always be welcome here." I said, my voice muffled.

He sighed and hugged me back. "Brother or not?" He asked, his voice filled with his hidden emotion.

I pulled away. "What are you talking about? You are my brother. No buts, no what ifs."

He smiles. However, this time, it exceeds his relief and happiness without having to use words. I pulled on his hand and led him inside where the twins are still busy fighting over what card game we were suppose to play.

"Where's Dad?" I asked as I eye his empty seat.

The twins both stopped talking and turned their head to me.

"He excused himself to answer a phone call." Artemis said. "Hey Alec."

"I think it's work related." Apollo added as he snatched the Uno cards from Artemis' hands. "Long time no see, Alec."

"Hey." Alec said as I pull him to the study room that Dad has used as his office.

"Dad. Alec is here." I announced smiling up at him as he puts his phone down in a rush. "I found him looking like a lost puppy outside." I added, sounding proud of myself.

Dad looked at Alec, at a lost for words. He awkwardly greets Alec. "Good evening, Alec. Have you had dinner yet?" He asked and moves a bit closer to us.

Alec shoves his hands on his pants pocket as his eyes scanned the whole room, but never landing on Dad. "Not yet." He said, clearing his throat.

I groaned out loud at their awkwardness. Just a few weeks ago, they were arguing like there is no tomorrow. Now. Now they both can't even look each other in the eye. It was almost laughable if not for the fact that this is the first time since then that they're seeing each other outside of a court room.

"Dad, I think Alec should resume his position as the CEO of the company. You guys talk it over." I said, leaving no room for discussion as I left them on their own.

I went back to Artemis and Apollo who are both busy typing on their phones. I took notice of the Uno cards on the table and couldn't help but smile. It seems like Apollo has won the argument much to Artemis' disappointment.

"Are we playing or what?" I asked.

"Uno cards." Apollo grinned victoriously at me. He looked behind me and notice the missing presence of Dad and Alec. "You are a very bad person."

"What?" I asked laughing a little at his disapproval.

Artemis shakes her head too as she looks at me, completely forgetting that she just lost the argument. "That was some trap."

I rolled my eyes at their reaction. "That was not a trap. I just left them to talk since I have guests." I said putting emphasis on the word guest. "You are sleeping here right?"

Apollo nodded his head. "I think Dad's exact words were, 'get out of the house and let me have your mom all to myself.'"

Artemis nodded in agreement. "That is exactly what he said."

"Good. Cause I have asked --- to get one room ready for Apollo. Artemis can stay with me."

"I feel like we're being used." Apollo said turning his head to Artemis.

"I think so too."

I just smiled at them and started distributing the cards between the three of us. They can think what they want, but I will still be using everything I can to my advantage. If I have to lock Dad and Alec up in a room like they do in the movies, I would. I just want them to be in good terms again. After all, they are my family.