CHAPTER 137: FINALLY TOGETHER

Sylvia’s POV

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As soon as Cairo and I arrived home, I felt a heavy weight settle in my chest.

Every step toward the door seemed heavier. My heart ached from the anxiety inside me.

I was scared, scared of what I might have to say to the twins about the truth concerning Cairo.

Even before we entered the house, laughter echoed from inside, the sound of the twins playing.

For a brief second, I wished I could turn back and delay this moment just a little longer.

A gentle squeeze on my hand stopped me. Cairo’s small fingers tightened around mine, grounding me.

"Are you... afraid to tell them, M-mom?" he asked softly, looking up at me with those calm, understanding eyes that no child his age should have.

I hesitated. He could read me so easily, as if he could see straight through me.

I tried so hard to keep up. I wanted to nod, to admit that yes, I was terrified but instead, I forced a small, shaky smile.

"I-I’m just..." I started, but the words faded.

How could I even begin to explain what I was feeling when I didn’t fully understand it myself?

Cairo’s lips curved into a gentle smile.

"It’s okay. I understand. I can help you, M-mom."

My heart clenched. I froze, staring down at him. How could a child be this thoughtful?

He was trying to comfort me, even when he was probably just as nervous as I was.

I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I pulled him into my arms, hugging him tightly.

His little frame was warm, and for that moment, I allowed myself to lean on him, to draw strength from him, even though I knew I shouldn’t.

He shouldn’t have to carry my fears. He shouldn’t be the one giving me courage.

And yet... here I was, clinging to my son like he was the only thing keeping me from falling apart.

"I’m sorry, Cairo..." I whispered against his hair. "You shouldn’t have to deal with this. But thank you... for being here."

Cairo hugged me back, his small hand patting my back gently.

"It’s okay, Mom. We’ll tell them together, right? I’ll be with you."

I smiled faintly, though tears stung my eyes. Together. That word gave me just enough courage to finally open the door.

The laughter from inside grew louder and so did my heartbeat.

Because in a few seconds, I would have to face the twins. And this time, there would be no more hiding.

"Mom!"

Paris and Egypt ran toward me the moment Cairo and I stepped through the door. They were full of energy as always, their laughter echoing as they threw their little arms around my waist.

"Did you... go shopping with Cairo, Mom?" Egypt asked, her lips forming a small pout. "You didn’t even tell us you were going out together!"

I forced a smile, trying to keep my tone light despite the tightness in my chest. "I’m sorry, sweetie. Next time, I’ll definitely bring you all together."

"Ohhh..." Egypt said, dragging out the sound dramatically before placing her hands on her hips. "Next time, you promise us, Mom. You have to bring us, okay?"

I chuckled softly, pretending to scold. "Alright, alright. Next time, I promise."

Paris tilted her head slightly, her expression turning curious. "Mom, is there something bothering you?"

My heart skipped a beat. "Haha... w-what do you mean?"

Paris frowned a little, her gaze steady. "I don’t know... you look like there’s something you want to tell us."

Her words froze me in place. The air suddenly felt heavy.

Beside me, Cairo looked up, his expression uncertain. He didn’t speak, but the way he squeezed my hand again said everything. Its as if he’s saying. It’s okay, Mom. You can do it.

I crouched down slowly, lowering myself so I could meet both of their eyes. Cairo stayed close, still holding on to me as if afraid I’d let go.

"There’s... something I need to tell you both.." I began softly. My voice wavered, but I forced myself to go on.

"It might be a little surprising, but I need you to listen carefully, okay?"

The twins exchanged a glance, their smiles fading into quiet curiosity. Egypt’s brow furrowed while Paris stepped a little closer, waiting.

Cairo shifted beside me, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt, but when I looked at him, he gave me a small, reassuring smile.

I took a deep breath. My heart thudded painfully in my chest.

"Girls," I said, my voice trembling just slightly. "this is about Cairo..."

I paused. The words seemed to catch in my throat. Their bright, innocent eyes were fixed on me, and in that moment, I almost couldn’t bring myself to speak. But I had to.

"...he’s your brother."

Silence....

The laughter that once filled the house faded, replaced by the stillness of confusion.

Paris blinked first. Egypt’s mouth opened slightly, as if she wasn’t sure she heard me right.

"B-Brother?" Egypt echoed in a small voice.

Cairo swallowed hard, his fingers tightening around mine.

Neither of the twins spoke for a few seconds. Their expressions shifted. Confusion, surprise, disbelief all flickering in their eyes as they looked between Cairo and me.

I felt my throat tighten, tears threatening to spill.

"I know it’s a lot to take in... but it’s true," I whispered. "Cairo is your brother."

Another moment of silence passed—long enough to make me fear they wouldn’t accept it.

Then Paris moved first. She took a hesitant step forward, her gaze darting between Cairo and me.

"How... how can he be my brother, Mom?"

My heart clenched. Her wide eyes searched mine, desperate for an answer that would make sense of what she had just heard.

I swallowed hard, forcing my voice to stay calm. "It’s true, sweetheart," I said softly. "Cairo is your brother. I can explain it... he’s your little brother, I promise."

Paris’s brows drew together, as if she was trying to piece together a puzzle that didn’t fit. "But... he wasn’t with us before.." she whispered.

"I know," I replied, my throat tightening. "He is, but it’s my fault... I was a coward. I’m sorry he didn’t grow up with you. But he’s part of our family—he always has been. He was a weak child when he was born, and..."

I paused, struggling to keep my voice steady.

"I d-didn’t know how to take care of all of you. S-so I had to leave Cairo behind because he wouldn’t have recovered if he’d stayed with us. I’m a coward and incompetent. I didn’t mean for it to happen. Mom’s sorry.....I thought I was doing what was best, but... I only ended up separating you. I’m so sorry. I was a coward for leaving him behind."

Cairo looked up at me, worry flickering in his eyes. "Mom... you don’t have to apologize. I understand."

I gave him a trembling smile and brushed a hand over his hair. "You shouldn’t have to understand something like this, sweetheart. You’re still so young."

Paris and Egypt blinked rapidly, still processing everything. The room felt so still that even Cairo’s small, uneven breaths seemed loud in the silence.

"Really...?" Egypt finally murmured, her voice fragile and uncertain.

"Y-yes," I said again, my words trembling. "R-really."

Cairo’s expression softened. There was nervousness in his eyes, but behind it was something else—hope. A hope he had carried for so long.

"I... I wanted to meet you both ever since I learned I had twin sisters..." he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Egypt’s mouth fell open. "Wait—twins?" she gasped, looking at Paris before turning back to Cairo.

"Then that means... you’re really our little brother?! Me and Paris have a little brother?!"

Her voice broke the tension like sunlight breaking through clouds. Without hesitation, she darted forward and threw her arms around Cairo.

He froze for a moment, completely stunned. I could see the disbelief flicker across his face, the way his small shoulders stiffened before slowly relaxing. Then, with trembling hands, he hugged her back.

It wasn’t a tight hug at first, more like he was afraid she might pull away at any second. But when Egypt only squeezed him tighter, a faint, shaky smile spread across his face.

Paris lingered behind, watching them silently. I saw the hesitation in her eyes.

Then, as Cairo’s gentle smile turned toward her, something inside her seemed to melt.

She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around both of them.

And just like that, all three of them were holding on to one another.

Their laughter was soft and unsure at first, mixed with tiny sniffles that caught in their throats but it grew warmer, brighter, like something that had been waiting to bloom.

I stood there, my hands covering my mouth as tears welled in my eyes.

Watching them, my children finally together after everything we’d been through felt surreal.

The tears began to fall before I could stop them. But this time, they weren’t born of pain or guilt. They were tears of relief.

Because after all the years of fear, silence, and secrets...

They were finally together.

My family was whole again.

"Mom, are you crying again?" Egypt teased lightly, turning her head just enough to see me.

I laughed through my tears. "I can’t help it. You three look... perfect together."

Cairo reached out a small hand toward me. "Come here too, Mom."

The simple words undid me.

I stepped forward and joined their embrace, wrapping my arms around all three of them, feeling their warmth and the steady beat of their hearts.