A millionaire boy-another boy who looks just like him living on the streets, wearing dirty, tattered clothes, and decides to take him home and introduce him to his mother. Look, mom, he’s just like me. When she turns around and sees the two of them together, she falls to her knees, weeping. I knew it! What she shares will leave you speechless. But how is this possible? You… you look just like me!
They had the same deep blue eyes, the same delicate features, the same golden hue in their straight hair. For a moment, Ashton wondered if he was looking at a mirror.
But no. It was real.
Ashton looked more closely at the boy and noticed the dirty and torn clothes, the disheveled hair and the sunburnt skin, weathered by life on the streets.
While the young millionaire exuded an imported perfume, the boy in front of him carried the strong odor of abandonment and daily struggle. For a few minutes, the two just stared at each other, as if time had stopped.
Then, cautiously, Ashton took a step forward.
I won’t hurt you, Ashton said, trying to convey confidence. The street boy remained silent for a moment. His eyes showed distrust.
Ashton, curious and kind, asked, What’s your name?
He extended his hand, a gesture that carried a rare sincerity. I’m Ashton. Nice to meet you, Luke, he said enthusiastically.
Feeling the handshake, Ashton felt a strange sense of familiarity, as if that boy was part of his life in some inexplicable way. Where do you live? Ashton asked, eager to know more. Luke opened his mouth to reply, but there wasn’t time.
Ashton, where are you? Penelope, the boy’s mother, called out. The little millionaire smiled excitedly.
Come on, Luke, my mother needs to meet you. She’ll be surprised when she sees how much we look alike, he said, turning to call Luke. But when he heard footsteps approaching, the street boy sh0cked.
Ashton turned, his heart still racing. I just came outside to get some air, Mom, he replied, trying to explain. You know I don’t like you going out into the street alone, Penelope scolded, adjusting her son’s small jacket.
I didn’t go to the street. I just stayed here on the sidewalk, the boy assured her. Penelope took a deep breath, relenting.
All right, but let’s go inside. It’s time to cut the cake and sing Happy Birthday. Your father is waiting.
It’s your father’s birthday. Penelope replied, trying to smile. The truth was that Ashton, despite being very young, already harbored unfavorable feelings towards his father.
And so, the party continued. Forced smiles, automatic applause, camera flashes. Ashton joined in everything mechanically, but his mind was far away, traveling back to the magical moment when he met Luke.
His eyes were fixed on the starry sky, but his mind was stuck on that strange encounter. How could there be another just like him?
A boy who had everything, while he had nothing.
Lying beside her husband, the businesswoman commited distressed murmurs. Her face, normally serene, was showed an expression of despair. Afonso, bothered by his wife’s constant movement, opened his eyes and let out an impatient sigh.
With little finesse, he turned and shook her shoulders. Wake up, Penelope, he said, irritated. The woman abruptly opened her eyes, gasping for breath, and sat up in bed, her hands pressed against her rapidly beating heart.
No, don’t take him! My son! She screamed, her voice was full of the terror of the nightmare.
She recognized the room illuminated by the soft light of the bedside lamp, felt the touch of her husband, heard the distant ticking of the clock on the wall. Then, in a tremulous whisper, she murmured. It was all a dream.
She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to hold back the tears that insisted on falling. But when the second one was born, she went on, her voice faltering, he was taken away. I didn’t even get to see him or touch him.
It’s the same dream every time. My love, we only had one child. You were only pregnant with Ashton.
They weren’t twins. He recommended, attempting to sound understanding. Penelope, however, didn’t answer immediately.
She murmured, her voice thick with emotion. So sure there were two. It wasn’t just a feeling.
Until the day of the delivery, she expected two cries, two small bodies in her arms, but only Ashton came into the world.
You’ll look for help tomorrow. I’ll go with you if you want. He said, trying to end the conversation.
A quick, discreet frown betrayed his discomfort. Penelope, busy, didn’t notice, but Afonso saw and pretended to ignore it. A few minutes later, mother and son departed.
Penelope is having these dreams about twin children more and more often. I fear she might somehow explore what happened on the day of Ashton’s birth.
I’m on my way there. We need to talk. I need your help to get this story out of her head before it’s too late.
The secret he had struggled so hard to bury seemed, little by little, to be emerging from the depths, and if it came to light, everything he had achieved would crumble like a house of cards.
A few hours later, at Ashton’s school, while the establishment throbbed with the rhythm of learning, the young millionaire found himself distant, lost in thought.
Ashton, is everything alright? You seem distracted today. She said, approaching his desk. The boy quickly looked up and replied, Sorry, teacher.
I didn’t sleep well last night, he said, forcing a smile. The teacher, knowing him well as one of the institution’s best students, simply nodded, deciding to overlook the lapse in attention. Ashton tried to refocus on the lesson, but it was like trying to hold water in his hands.
How could there be someone so like him? When the recess bell rang, the young millionaire got up quickly, almost running over his classmates.
Hazel looked at him with concern. What’s going on? You’reacting strange today. You haven’t even spoken to me properly.
Is it because of what you saw your father doing? She asked, lowering her voice.
It’s not about my father, he said, looking at the ground. It’s something else.
Something that occured yesterday.
Something curious. Hazel’s eyes gleamed with curiosity. What? Tell me, she pleaded, almost begging.
Ashton took a deep breath and said, I saw a boy who looked just like me. Hazel frowned. Like a doppelganger? That’s normal.
No, Hazel. You don’t understand. It wasn’t just similar.
It was identical. Same height. Same eyes.
Same hair. Even the voice was similar. The boy explained.
Actually, I don’t know if he lived on the street. But his clothes were torn. He was just like me.
But it was like he was living a completely different life. Like a parallel universe, you know?
Are you sure? Exactly alike? She asked, trying to process it. Ashton nodded quickly. I am.
Absolutely. He was identical. And what did you do? Hazel asked, intrigued.
So you’re telling me that you might have a twin brother living on the streets? Ashton scratched his head, confused.
I don’t know. My mom always said I’m an only child. But it’s all very strange.
I swear he was identical to me, Hazel. He admitted. The girl, filled with determination, crossed her arms.
You need to find this boy again, Ashton. Find out who he is. She said firmly.
Why don’t you go back to the place where you found him? Maybe he’ll be around there again.
If he’s homeless, he might be sheltering near there.
But how am I going to get back there? My parents would never let me go out alone, especially to look for a stranger, even if he’s a child.
Leave it to me. Do this. Ask your mom to let you spend the afternoon at my house.
Ashton felt hope reborn within him. He extended his hand to his friend and smiled. Deal.
Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Luke’s reality was quite different. The boy, his stomach rumbling with hunger, rummaged through trash cans in search of something he could eat. He turned one over, then another, and another.
Something inside him told him that the encounter hadn’t been just a coincidence. Something was about to happen. Back at Ashton’s school, the young millionaire was anxiously watching the clock affixed to the classroom wall.
They both quickly got up and walked together towards the door. Before leaving, the boy ran up to the teacher. I promise I’ll be more attentive tomorrow, Professor, he said with an awkward smile.
The teacher smiled and nodded understandingly.
Ashton is coming to my house today. He just needs to let his mother know, she said excitedly.
Hazel ran back to Ashton, who was waiting for his mother to arrive. However, it was Afonso, the boy’s father, who appeared, accompanied by Michelle, his sister. Upon seeing them, Ashton’s expression automatically darkened.
Something inside him triggered every time he saw Afonso, and even more so when Michelle was around. With a fake smile, Michelle bent down, hugging Ashton tightly. Lovely nephew, I’ve missed you so much.
The boy took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. I’m not going, he said, facing his father with courage. Afonso’s expression tightened even further.
The boy quickly agreed. That’s right, dad. Afonso looked at the girl with disdain, clearly suspicious.
Let the boy go. What’s the harm? Besides, they’re going to work on a school project. It’s better to let him go.
Penelope values Ashton’s studies more than anything. Afonso huffed, defeated. All right, he said reluctantly.
From afar, Afonso watched the two get into the car, his face filled with disapproval. I don’t like that friendship, Michelle. When I was his age, all I cared about was playing soccer with the boys, he commented, shaking his head.
She winked at him mischievously. Now forget about it. Let’s worry about what really matters.
Penelope. I’m going to talk to her and get this twin children’s story out of her head once and for all. After all, am I a good sister-in-law or not? She said, laughing.
The driver followed the usual route until Hazel leaned forward and said, Theodore, could you change the route? Please take us to the Peach District’s party hall. The driver looked in the rearview mirror, confused.
Your parents told me to take you home, Hazel, and you have a friend with you. The girl smiled with her persuasive manner. Please, Theodore, I just want to stop by the hall to inquire about the date for my 13th birthday party.
My parents are so busy lately and I’d really like it to be there. You have no idea how popular that place is. Ashton looked at her in admiration, impressed by his friend’s cleverness.
Theodore sighed, defeated by the girl’s charm. All right, but no funny business. If I lose my job, it’ll be your fault, he said, pretending to be angry.
Hazel laughed and replied. You’re the best driver in the world, Theodore. Ashton smiled, relieved.
But before we continue and find out if Ashton will reunite with Luke and what their true relationship is, help our channel by clicking like.
And tell me, would you like to have a twin?
The door opened and Afonso appeared with a carefree smile on his face. Penelope stood up immediately, and her expression softened slightly upon seeing him.
Ashton caught up to Luke and touched his shoulder. Luke! He called out, hopefully. The boy turned around, startled.
For a moment, his eyes reflected fear, but upon recognizing Ashton, a spontaneous smile spread across his face. Hazel, seeing the two side by side, put her hand to her mouth in shock. My God, you’re identical.
She whispered. Ashton, trying to reassure Luke, said, There’s no need to be afraid. Hazel is my friend.
You can trust her. Then the young millionaire took a deep breath and asked, Why did you run away yesterday? Luke, ashamed, replied, I don’t like adults. Whenever they get close, they try to take me to some shelter.
Ashton nodded, understanding. He didn’t want to scare him. Where do you live? He asked.
Luke shrugged. On the street. Those words struck the young millionaire deeply.
Hazel, still in shock, asked gently, Don’t you have parents? Luke lowered his gaze sadly. No, I was found in a trash can as a baby. Some homeless people raised me.
But they died. I’ve been alone ever since. Ashton’s heart ached.
He looked at Luke and felt a connection that went far beyond physical similarity. Something there was stronger. They sat on the sidewalk, away from the bustle, trying to find a moment of peace amidst the whirlwind of emotions they were feeling.
Hazel excitedly stood up quickly and added, That’s right. You’re coming with us. We’ll figure something out.
Hazel pointed with her finger, her voice thick with emotion. Look at that. You have a birth mark exactly like Ashton’s.
Ashton approached, observing closely. It’s true. I have a birth mark exactly the same, in the same place.
Look here, he said, surprised, also lifting his shirt. Hazel looked at the two of them, her eyes shining with disbelief. It can’t be a coincidence.
You’re twin brothers. There’s no other explanation. Luke’s eyes widened in confusion.
And now, with this birth mark? But how? How can you be my brother, Luke? Hazel added. It’s strange because Mrs. Penelope always said she only had one child. But that birth mark? It’s too much of a coincidence.
Now we take Luke to my mother. She needs to see him. Only she can confirm whether or not he’s my twin brother.
Luke swallowed, fear written all over his face. What if… What if they take me to a shelter? You don’t know what life is like there. He asked, his voice thick with emotion.
Theodore leaned forward and said firmly, Trust me, kid. Mrs. Penelope is a woman with a good heart. She would never do that.
Luke looked at Ashton, Hazel, and Theodore. There was sincerity in their eyes, a sincerity he hadn’t seen in a long time. With his heart racing, he finally nodded.
All right, I’ll go with you. Theodore smiled, relieved. Then let’s go.
He walked into the house excitedly, passing Michelle as if she were invisible. He ran straight to his mother and hugged her tightly. Hello, my love, Penelope said, hugging her son tightly.
She took a step back and asked, Where’s Hazel? Doesn’t she want to come in? Ashton shook his head, excited. She’s out there with a new friend. You’ll love to meet him.
He was still adjusting his suit jacket when he saw Hazel open the car door and Luke get out. When he saw the boy, Afonso froze. His face paled instantly.
He stood still, unable to hide his astonishment. Ashton, full of enthusiasm, pointed at Luke and said, Mom, look! He looks just like you. Michelle put her hand to her mouth, completely speechless.
I knew it, she whispered. Her voice choked with emotion. In that instant, her mind was swept back twelve years.
His life had always been based on scams. His marriage to Penelope was his most ambitious con yet. He presented himself as a major businessman, used dirty money from other smaller scams to maintain the facade, and now, with the pressure mounting, he needed an even more audacious plan.
And it was in this scenario that the most perverse idea arose in his mind. Sell one of the babies. If there are two, why not sell one? He thought aloud.
If the children took after their mother, they would be blonde with blue eyes, children desired by many wealthy families desperate for an heir. Michelle sat up, startled. Have you lost your mind? Are you trying to put a price on your own child, you maniac? Afonso, with a cold glint in his eyes, replied.
If it’s to maintain this life and secure our future, it’s what needs to be done. You know I’ve never cared about children, Michelle. My only love is you.
That’s a lie. Ashton and I did some research. You don’t even have the same last name.
We even took a picture of your IDs. You think you’re smart, but we’re much smarter. Penelope’s eyes widened.
I’ve never seen her ID. She murmured, more to herself than anyone else. Ashton turned to Michelle and said with a mocking tone.
Show us your ID and call my mother’s as if you’re really my father’s sister. Michelle was left with no way out. Afonso tried to come up with some excuse, but Michelle, desperate, exploded, her loud voice echoing through the walls of the mansion.
Fine, I’ll tell you everything. She screamed. But only if you give me a good amount of money, Penelope.
The entire confession. Both of you are going to jail. You won’t get another cent of my money.
Not even that necklace you’re holding. Michelle was furious. You tricked me! I told you everything! I deserve it! Penelope responded with coldness.
The only thing you deserve is to rot in jail. At that moment, Michelle tried to flee, running towards the door. But before she could take two steps, sirens echoed in the garden.
The police had arrived. Hazel, radiant, raised her cell phone and said, I was the one who called the police. The officers entered swiftly, handcuffing Afonso and Michelle.
Both were taken away, still protesting uselessly. Days later, during the trial, they were sentenced to many years in prison for all their crimes. Penelope, with her heart in pieces but determined, took a DNA test to formalize Luke’s custody.
As expected, the test confirmed what her mother’s heart already knew. Luke was her son. Luke finally found the family he had always dreamed of.
