Page 112 of The Broken Keys

I’ve held on to the secret I’ve known about my dead twin since I was fourteen, and they’re all acting like it’s a normal occurrence to say her name out loud when it was buried with her…after I killed her with my umbilical cord in utero. The event that made my mom resent me and blame me for all her sadness.

It’s unbelievable to hear her say Lehlani’s name like it’s just another simple conversation we’re having over a cup of coffee.

“Yes. You changed it about two years ago.” Mom glances at Dad, then back to me. “You’re quite successful, darling. You’ve built an incredible business under your sister’s name.”

“Holy shit.” I gesture to her and Dad. “You act as if it’s normal to talk about her.”

“It is, Livianna.” Dad slides his arm around Mom’s shoulders. “We’ve all healed from losing her. Thanks to you for bringing it to our attention.”

My eyes widen. When? And how am I the one who helped them all heal?

On top of that, I own a fashion brand that I built around her memory. And it’s grown into global expansion.

I’m eighteen and just started Livianna Grace Designs. How in the hell did I go from that to where they say I am?

“There’s so much I don’t understand.” I shake my head, but stop when misery spikes through my skull. “How can I have a meeting with Marcus Chen? How did I even land on his radar?”

“Don’t worry about all of that right now. We’ll figure it out.” Dad sends me a reassuring smile. “We can work with your team. They know the business inside and out.”

“What team? The last thing I remember was quitting my show so I could start Livianna Grace Designs.”

“Lily, you have a multi-million dollar brand. You have a nice support team in place.” Callum moves closer to my bedside. “You’ve been building Lehlani Rose Designs for over two years. You have designers, assistants, and a whole corporate operation.”

“This is ridiculous.” I stare up at the ceiling. “How am I supposed to run a company I don’t remember creating?”

Mom exchanges a glance with Dad. She’s about to step in like she always has.

Is she part of my business? God, I hope not.

“If all else fails…” Mom taps on her purse. “If we need to, we can always ask Jaxon Crowne to help. He was there with you when you built your brand to where it is now.”

I let out a wild guffaw. “Yeah, right. The billionaire friend of Dad’s. That man can’t stand me.”

Callum shifts from one leg to the other, and his shoulders tense. The movement sends something cold through my chest, even though I don’t understand why.

Mom’s brow furrows. “Darling, what makes you think Jaxon can’t stand you?”

“Because the last time I saw him, he left me in tears.” I point to my father. “You remember, Daddy. He was at our house because he’s looking for another home to buy. What number is this one? Two, three, or maybe four. That doesn’t matter. I asked him to help me with my business, and he’s been avoiding me since.”

Dad’s expression morphs into something between concern and resignation. The lines around his mouth deepen with whatever truth he’s weighing against the damage it might cause.

“Livianna, I think there are some things we need to discuss about your relationship with Jaxon.” Dad pauses. “Jaxon has mentored you for over two years.”

“No way.” Despite my injuries, I force myself to sit upright. “How in the hell did you get him to do that? Bribe him?”

Bren pushes off from the wall, moving closer to my bedside. “Maybe we should wait until you’re stronger before having this conversation.”

“Why does everyone keep acting like I’m about to break?” I curl my fingers into the hospital sheets, gripping them tightly. “First you tell me I own a fashion company, then you say Jaxon Crowne mentored me while I grew it to the level it istoday, and now you’re all looking at me like I’ve lost my mind instead of just my memory.”

Callum’s entire body goes rigid. The stiff energy around him is potent and draws my attention to him. His breathing grows heavier. His demeanor screams at me, but my stupid brain remains in a fog.

“You haven’t lost your mind.” Mom reaches for my hand where it rests on top of the sheets, but I pull it back before she can make contact.

Pain shoots through my ribs, and I wince, but the instinct to get answers is too strong to ignore. Some part of my body knows something my consciousness refuses to accept.

“Then explain to me how Jaxon Crowne, the man who treats me like an inconvenient teenager, somehow helped me build a fashion empire.” My voice climbs higher. “Because from where I’m lying with five years of my life missing, that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.”

Callum’s eyes hold mine. He’s pale and his Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows hard.