The grand Villanueva estate buzzed with life, but Julian Villanueva felt suffocated. Tonight’s family reunion was another tiresome display of wealth and appearances. Introverted and blunt, all Julian wanted was to vanish, but his teasing older brothers which is twins, Christian and Ciandrei, never let him breathe.

“Plotting your escape again, Jules?” Ciandrei teased, smirking.

“Leave me alone,” Julian muttered.

Christian joined in with his usual arrogance. “Come on, Jules. You’re lucky we’re here to entertain you.”

Before Julian could snap, Xaviel, the oldest and most gentle, appeared, silencing the twins with a firm look. “Enough. Let him be.”

Moments later, a relative dragged a young woman over, introducing her as “Miss Delacruz.” The elders’ matchmaking attempts never failed to annoy Julian. As always, Xaviel handled it with polite disinterest, while the twins exchanged knowing smirks.

Later, Julian escaped to the balcony, the cool air easing his frustration. Xaviel joined him, offering quiet reassurance.

“We stick together,” Xaviel said gently. “That’s what matters.”

Julian sighed, feeling a rare comfort. Despite the chaos, his brothers were his only anchor in this toxic family.