Chapter 75: Cousins

As they strolled through the serene garden, the air was heavy with tension. Alex hesitated, his footsteps slowing before he finally broke the silence.

"Raphael, we need to talk." His voice was laced with a mix of nervousness. Raphael raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing.

"What is it, Alex?" he asked, his tone neutral. Alex took a deep breath before dropping the bombshell. "We're not actually brothers." Raphael's expression remained calm, but a flicker of awe danced in his eyes.

"You mean, we're just step brothers? I know that already no need to remind me," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of sarcasm, his eyes rolling skyward.

Alex chuckled softly, shaking his head before coming to a sudden stop, causing Raphael to halt alongside him. "What I mean is, we're more like cousins," Alex finally confessed, his tone serious.

Raphael's expression shifted from confusion to disbelief. "What?" he exclaimed, stunned by the revelation.