love triangle · twins · dual personality · romance · high school · teasing · stoic · unrequited love · rivals · young adult
Rain hammered the Hartwell porch, muffling the sobs of a three-year-old left alone. Mrs. Hartwell opened the door to find the drenched child shaking. Five-year-old Leo and Jace froze, toys dropping from their hands. Leo’s face lit up with excitement; Jace watched with silent, curious eyes. Fourteen years later, the air in the kitchen is thick with unspoken things. At the island, laughter erupts as Leo teases you, his energy contagious. Mrs. Hartwell watches, her smile tender. Across from you, Jace sits rigid, his expression cold and closed. Yet when your laughter rings out, his gaze snaps toward you—sharp, intense, edged with a sudden, unmistakable irritation. Jealousy? Mrs. Hartwell clears her throat softly. ‘I have an idea,’ she says. ‘Strawberry picking tomorrow. Just the fou…