SAVANNAH
Three weeks later…
After convincing Michael to officially meet the Sebastians, he hardly had any sleep. I could tell by the dark shades underneath his eyes and how he always asked me what to say to them. He looked nervous but was still very handsome, just like his brother. They were fraternal twins, but was it ironic that I was seeing a resemblance now?
Someone knocked on the door, and then Rafe let himself in. “Is everyone ready?”
Last week, I moved into his penthouse, which I basically consider my personal space now. We hadn’t told anyone about our engagement since we wanted his parents to meet Michael first and then our announcement. It should be private. He also insisted I invite Michael here yesterday so they could talk.
In addition, Michael didn’t know there was a huge celebration in the company tonight. It was the sixtieth founding anniversary of Sebastian Entertainment Group and Rafe’s appointment as the new chairman.
Michael had changed his ties many times now in front of the mirror.
“Yeah, we’re almost done,” I answered. I put on my accessories and was already dressed in a glittering dark red evening gown.
Rafe walked toward Michael and stood by each other. God, they looked so incredible together.
“I think you should wear this.” Rafe removed his crimson-colored ties that were supposed to match my dress and handed them to Michael.
“Thanks.” My brother accepted it, then glanced at me as if seeking approval.
I gave him a shrug and grinned. “Now we look more like siblings.”
Rafe arched an eyebrow at me. “Is that so? It’s my turn.”
“Now you sound possessive,” I joked, smirking.
“Tonight, he’s my brother.”
“He’s mine,” I fired back, laughing.
He enfolded his arms across his chest, smiling. “Now, who’s getting possessive?”
“Guys,” Michael reprimanded. “Are you sure you’re a couple?” He took off the neckties he was wearing and put on the red ties.
“Sorry.” I chuckled, then looked back at Michael. “You know you look good in everything you wear. Just quit worrying too much. We’re with you, and it’s not like we’re making a public announcement about a new Sebastian tonight.” He said he still wasn’t ready, so Rafe respected that. I picked up a bracelet, put it on, and stared at my wrist. It looked pretty on my nude nail polish.
“I should get new ties. Come out when you’re finished.” Rafe paced toward me and kissed my temple before he excused himself. “Mm. You look ravishing.”
When Rafe exited, Michael commented casually, “He’s head over heels.” He continued fixing his ties. He looked more satisfied now.
What he said made me smile. “Is he?”
“Well, he better do it right. I’m watching him.”
“Don’t you think you’re hard on him? He’s your twin. He loves me, and he’s the man I’m marrying.”
“I’m not even doing anything yet.” He pivoted, showing me his final look. “What do you think?”
I beamed. “It’s definitely the tie.”
***
The event hall was getting more crowded by the second. All employees, important partners, shareholders, and the media were invited. There would be speeches, handing of awards, announcements about new projects, and a partnership with PeekFlix. It was Rafe’s biggest achievement this year.
But before we entered the event, we first went to the CEO’s office, where the rest of the Sebastians were waiting for their lost family who had found their way back home.
The Sebastians were busy discussing in the office when we entered. But as if our arrival was a dramatic entrance, everyone fell silent. Benjamin was sitting behind the desk in the middle, and his wife, Rachel, was standing behind him, holding his shoulder, and the brothers were scattered throughout the office.
Rafe cleared his throat, about to begin the introductions, but their mother spoke first.
“Rafe, is that him? Is this your brother?” she asked breathlessly.
Rafael stepped aside. “Yes, mom. It’s Mikhail.”
Everyone went more dumbfounded. Carter dropped the book he was holding. Adam’s mouth parted open while Anya and Julian remained quiet at the side.
Rachel swiftly approached her son. I let go of Michael’s arm and turned to the side. My heart shattered when Rachel burst into tears as if she wasn’t aware of it.
“Mikhail,” she said softly. She reached her hand to Michael’s face and caressed his cheek gently. “Is that you?”
Michael still didn’t speak, but there was a trace of yearning on his face.
Rachel finally sobbed as she embraced him so tight. Every hair on my body stood.
“Oh, darling, my darling. My baby,” she cried.
Eventually, Michael gave in and held his mother back.
I couldn’t stop my tears from falling. Rafe’s arm slipped on my waist and pulled me to him. He then kissed my forehead.
“It’s okay,” he whispered.
I chortled between my tears.
Before this day, it took a while before Rafe told them about Michael. He was looking for the right timing, getting a DNA test, and collecting significant facts and papers that indicated Mikhail was indeed Michael Gibson. He needed not to leave a single detail. I wasn’t there to see their reactions, but I could imagine it probably was the same as this moment.
Each family member approached my brother. Benjamin brought him into his arms first. No words came out of his mouth, only silence and a passionate embrace. He sobbed softly on Michael’s shoulder for a long time.
Michael seemed slightly embarrassed by the way he occasionally glanced at me. I knew he still didn’t remember much, but he was courteous and polite. He accommodated them.
The other brothers introduced themselves to him, but Carter had something else to say.
“I knew it. I always thought you looked familiar. Who would’ve thought?” Carter said in amusement, still shaking Micheal’s hand. He looked at his brothers with astonishment on his face. “Can you believe this? I already met him before I knew he was one of us.”
“Yeah, you said that for the tenth time now,” Adam said, smirking. “This isn’t about you.”
“Hey. He’s just excited.” Julian patted Adam’s back, laughing.
“But don’t you think that’s amazing? It’s called fate, everyone,” Carter said. He had always been the most optimistic of them all.
“You’re still the youngest,” Anya inserted, and everyone laughed.
“And Savannah, she… She brought him to us,” Carter went on.
I chuckled. “Why is everyone saying that as if I’m the hero of this story? Michael looked for you guys, too. It was like there was a missing part of his life, and he knows that finding you will complete him.” I sent Michael a smile. “I think he misses you too. I’ll be happy to share anything you wish to know about him.”
“Thank you,” Michael mouthed.
“Everyone,” Benjamin called their attention authoritatively. He clasped his hands together. “It’s a special night for all of us. This is a blessing. A miracle, even. Mikhail found his way back to us. Tonight, everything will change. For all of us.” Benjamin made sure he watched over everyone. “Now, your brother isn’t ready to face the world as one of us, but he’s with us, and that’s more important. I wish you’d refrain from mentioning him until he’s ready.” Finally, he faced Michael again. “Welcome home, son…”
***
When most of the guests arrived, the hosts started the program. The cameras were flashing at every corner, servers filling the tables with drinks and snacks, and the crowd continued to multiply. It was a huge event with approximately almost a thousand attendees.
We gathered at the VIP round table by the stage at the event. Michael sat on my left while Rafe was on my other side with our fingers intertwined under the table. I almost felt like I was a part of the family, too. It was an odd but gratifying feeling. The lively hosts began greeting the guests and enlightening the audience about the program.
A VTR was rolled, and it was about how the company started with Benjamin Sr. It was his speech from ten years ago, explaining how he started the company in the basement of his father’s old house. He spoke about how important his family was to him. He mentioned his employees were his family too, and he would leave them with everything he had worked hard for.
A round of applause erupted through the hall when the VTR ended. Then, the hosts called Benjamin Jr. to come up to the stage.
“My old man was right,” he began. “I was very young when this company was built. We had the skills and talents, but we were once very poor. Decent food and primary necessities hardly came by.
“My father did value us, his family, but when we established the first recording studio and earned money, having just the wealth didn’t make our lives easy. We faced new challenges. My father was always busy. My parents always fought. My siblings and I feel like we’re falling apart because of jealousy.
“‘In every success, there was a hardship.’ That’s what Benjamin Sr. always said. That’s why it is so important to me that my own family is intact.” He gestured a circle with his fingers. “I wanted them to be inspired by each other. I honed their skills, treated them equally, and provided them not with what they wanted but what they needed. Thanks to my wife, Rachel, for keeping us together, pouring us with her relentless love…”
I glanced at Rachel, who had a teary eye with bliss on her face. She sent his husband a flying kiss.
“It’s the same with the employees,” Benjamin continued. “We are all a family here. We go to work not just because of our wages or the secret romance growing in the office.” Everyone laughed. “We all come to work to strive, grow, and become each other’s friends that we can trust. Some say SEG isn’t a company. It’s our home.
“My family and I owe this success to everyone here. I wish I could do more for everyone here, but it’s my son’s turn to make your wishes come true. Beginning tonight, I’m stepping down as chairman of this company and letting my son, Rafael, take over my position.”
The crowd applauded once again.
“He’s not like me, as you can see. But he’s better than me.” Benjamin looked in our direction at Rafe. “He’s brilliant, obedient, respectful, keen, and somehow perfectionist. I watched him grow a lot these past few months. He acquired PeekFlix, our biggest partner and addition to our growing family this year. Let’s welcome them.” He gestured his hand to the Estrella family sitting across our table. Sofia and I greeted each other with a nod and a smile.
“Rafael is now more than the man I wanted him to become and continuously exceeded my expectations. He will take care of us and continue growing my father’s legacy. I am proud of you, son.”
Rafe laughed softly. He looked like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing right now. Everyone in this very spacious room was moved too by Benjamin’s speech.
This was what Rafe was waiting for. His father’s approval. His acceptance.
Or he probably didn’t even know that his father had already approved of him.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to welcome my first son here on stage with me as the new chairman of our company and growing family… Rafael Sebastian!”
Cheers and praises exploded in the hall again when Rafe sprang up powerfully and proudly. The spotlight shone on him. His family encouraged him even more with their unending ovation, including Michael.
“Go on,” I urged him. “He’s waiting for you. I’m proud of you too.”
He didn’t say anything. He leaned over me and kissed my lips so deeply in front of everybody. My eyes widened.
The shouts and applause grew louder than when his father called him to the stage.
“I love you,” he whispered to my ear, then flashed a playful grin that he made sure everyone saw. I couldn’t reply because of the shock.
Did he kiss me in front of these people?
Rafe then walked to the stage like a king, ready to take the lead over his kingdom.
Benjamin hugged him briefly, gave him the stage, and stepped to the side.
“Thank you, dad. Good evening and happy sixtieth anniversary to us. Yes, that’s my girlfriend over there, Savannah. Isn’t she beautiful? I know, I know. This will be on the front page tomorrow.” He laughed deliciously and faced the cameras.
When did he become so cheery? I covered my face in embarrassment. I was dying inside and probably looked as red as wine, but I was ecstatic. I didn’t expect he would introduce me like that.
“Anyway, I’m Rafael Sebastian. I’m stepping down from my current position as CEO, and I am deeply honored to accept the chairman position to serve and stand with you all…”
“He’s changed big time, isn’t he?” Adam, who was on Michael’s side, asked Julian.
“Oh, don’t say that in front of him,” Julian said.
“Don’t you think so?” Adam asked Carter this time.
Carter shrugged. “Rafe’s always like that. Isn’t that right, Savi?”
Everyone looked at me.
“Well. It depends on how you see him.” I looked back on the stage, watching Rafe make his first speech as chairman. I sighed dreamily. “I just know that he’s perfect…”