*Olivia*

I realized in dismay that tears were starting to build up in my eyes as I stood before my brother, who was trying to appear calm while he clutched his cigarette tightly in his hand.

He lowered the cigarette from his mouth and looked down at me with the eyes of a big brother, warm and protective. “Vivi,” he said slowly, and I recognized the tone. He was going to give me a brotherly lecture. He sighed heavily. “No matter what happens between us, we ...