Chapter 1

Marco and Isabella, two souls born under the same roof, but with distant inner worlds. They were now adults;

Marco, at 25, embodied a kind and reserved soul. His blue eyes reflected his sensitive nature, and his slender figure suggested a life lived with serenity. He wasn't a young man with an imposing physique, but he carried a calmness that made life less complicated.

Isabella, at 28, was the older sister, but despite her age, she had never outgrown the adolescent phase. Her determined gaze could intimidate anyone who looked at her. Long, black hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her robust physique contrasted with Marco's slender body. Despite her attractiveness, Isabella carried an aura of dissatisfaction, a void she tried to fill by exerting control over her brother.

The story of Marco and Isabella had deep roots. Raised in a family where tensions were often swept under the rug, the two had developed complex dynamics. Although affectionate, their parents seemed unable to handle the subtle tensions between their children. From a young age, Isabella recognized the power she wielded over Marco. Being older and stronger, she knew how to make him feel inferior. Marco, on the other hand, had learned to live in her shadow, always trying to please his sister to avoid conflicts. The situation became even more complicated when Isabella, going through a tough time, began seeking control through increasingly extravagant demands. Marco, desiring family peace, silently adapted to the role of a servant, believing that satisfying every whim of Isabella was the key to maintaining harmony. Despite living under the same roof, the two had become strangers to each other. Marco felt trapped in an endless cycle of obedience, while Isabella couldn't find satisfaction in total control over her brother.

Marco and Isabella were like two stars orbiting the same solar system, drawn by the gravity of a familial connection but constantly eluding each other. The dynamics, although complex, were evident in every corner of their daily lives.

Mornings were often the battleground for this peculiar relationship. Mark, with his gentle awakening and willingness to prepare breakfast, was destined to enter Isabella's subtle game. Once, during one of these mornings, Mark brought up a tray with a freshly baked cake.

"What's this?" asked Isabella, giving the cake a critical look.

"It's a chocolate cake, just like you liked last week," Mark replied, trying to hide his nervousness.

"But I wanted apple pie today. Can't you understand?" retorted Isabella, her sharp tone cutting through the air.

Mark, despite his desire to keep the peace, began to feel the tension rise. "I'm sorry, I didn't know."

Mark sighed inwardly, feeling the weight of Isabella's expectations pressing down on him like a burden. He hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing his words. "Isabella, I just want you to be happy. I try my best to anticipate your preferences, but sometimes it's challenging when they change so frequently. Please, help me understand what you want, so I can make it right."

Isabella raised an eyebrow, her gaze piercing through Mark. "You should know without me telling you. It's not that hard. I shouldn't have to spell it out for you every time."

Mark felt a pang of frustration, but he quickly masked it with a forced smile. "Of course, you're right. I'll make sure to remember for next time."

The routine of trying to satisfy Isabella's ever-changing desires was taking its toll on Mark, and he was finding it increasingly difficult to navigate the delicate balance between devotion and frustration. Isabella, seemingly oblivious to his internal struggles, continued to assert her expectations.

Later that day, as they wandered through the vineyards under the warm afternoon sun, Isabella suddenly stopped, her eyes scanning the horizon. Mark, sensing an opportunity to address the unspoken tension, cleared his throat.

"Isabella, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about," he began tentatively.

She glanced at him, an expression of mild annoyance flickering across her face. "What is it now?"

Mark hesitated, then took a deep breath. "I've noticed... well, I've noticed changes in you lately. Physically, I mean."

Isabella's eyes narrowed, and a defensive edge crept into her voice. "What are you talking about?"

"I mean, your... um, your figure," Mark stammered, avoiding direct eye contact. "I've observed that, over time, there's been a change. It's nothing bad; I just thought it was something we should acknowledge."

Isabella's demeanor shifted from annoyance to a mixture of surprise and self-awareness. "Are you saying I've gained weight?"

Mark hesitated, carefully choosing his words. "I didn't want to use those exact words, but yes. I've noticed, and I thought it might be something you'd want to discuss."

Isabella's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger. "You've been spying on me? Is that what you do when you're not slaving away in the kitchen?"

"No, no!" Mark protested, his heart pounding. "I just... I care about you, Isabella. I thought maybe we could talk about it and figure out if there's something going on, or if you're okay with it."

Isabella's expression softened, and for a moment, a vulnerability flickered in her eyes. "I didn't realize you were paying so much attention."

Mark took a cautious step forward. "I just want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what. We're family, after all."

The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the rows of grapevines as Mark and Isabella wandered through the vineyards in a heavy silence. The crunch of gravel beneath their feet was the only sound, creating a poignant backdrop to the emotions lingering in the air.

After a few moments of uncomfortable quiet, Isabella spoke, her voice softer than before. "Mark, it's not easy for me to talk about my body. I never expected you to notice or care."

Mark sighed, his gaze fixed on the sun-kissed leaves of the vines. "Isabella, we've always been there for each other, especially after Mom and Dad... you know. I just want to make sure you're okay."

A subtle vulnerability slipped into Isabella's demeanor as she glanced at her brother. "I appreciate that, Mark. It's just... it's been a challenging time, and I guess I haven't been taking care of myself as well as I should."

Mark nodded, empathizing with the unspoken weight of her words. "Is there anything I can do to help or support you? We're a team, right?"

Isabella looked away, a mix of emotions crossing her face. "I don't know, Mark. Sometimes it feels like I'm drowning in expectations, both from myself and others."

Mark took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Maybe we both need to reevaluate some things. I've been trying so hard to meet your expectations, but it's like I'm walking on a tightrope. And maybe, you know, you could let me in a bit more. We're family, after all."

Isabella's gaze softened, and a flicker of understanding passed between them. "You're right. I've been so caught up in my world that I forgot we're in this together. Maybe we need to find a way to support each other without the unspoken pressures."

Mark smiled, grateful for the tiny crack in the facade that allowed a glimpse of genuine connection. "Exactly. Let's figure this out together. And, you know, maybe we can talk more openly about our feelings and what we need from each other."

Isabella nodded, but her smile conveyed a subtle ambiguity. "Maybe it's time for a change, but don't think I'm willing to give up control so easily. What happened today doesn't change anything; if anything, it reinforces my position."

Mark looked at his sister with a mix of understanding and caution. "We agree that something needs to change, but I know it won't be easy. It takes commitment from both sides."

Isabella raised an eyebrow slightly, her determination unwavering. "Commitment, yes. But don't think what happened today won't have consequences. Maybe it's time to teach you a lesson."

Mark felt a shiver of anxiety down his spine. "Isabella, we can't resolve things through punishments. We need to find a solution together."

Isabella smiled enigmatically, as if she had already planned something in meticulous detail. "Mark, today you touched a sensitive nerve. I can't allow you to think that control is so easy to slip from my grasp. There will be discipline, but it will also be a way to restore balance."

Mark tried to stay calm. "I don't want to fuel a dynamic of punishments. We need to find a way to work together without creating more tensions."

Isabella shook her head with a cunning smile. "This is reality, Mark. Control is a delicate matter, and I can't let things get out of hand. Get ready to be disciplined, little brother."

Isabella smiled, her tone of voice exuding a certain sadism. "Mark, maybe it's time to remind you who really calls the shots here. Remember when we were kids? Those little pranks I played just to make you feel my control?"

Mark remained silent, a sense of powerlessness spreading within him. "Isabella, I don't think dredging up the past is the solution. We need to focus on the present and try to improve our relationship."

Isabella shook her head, ignoring his response. "Remember when I hid your favorite toys and made everyone believe you lost them? Or when I made you do my homework? It was fun, don't you think?"

Mark suddenly felt inadequate, as if he had traveled back in time. "Isabella, we were just kids. Now we're adults, and we need to approach things differently."

Isabella laughed, a sharp sound. "Oh, Mark, do you really think things are so different now? The truth is, you always need someone to keep you in check. Maybe this time you'll finally learn your place."

Mark tried to hide his discomfort, but Isabella's dominant tone revived old feelings of submission. "We don't have to revisit old wounds. We can find a better way to live together without humiliating each other."

Isabella approached, her piercing gaze meeting Mark's. "If only you understood your position, everything would be simpler."

Mark, almost resigned, responded in a low voice. "Isabella, I'll do my best to learn my place. I don't want to create problems."

Isabella looked at him with satisfaction. "We'll see how much you're willing to endure, little brother. This lesson might be more useful than you can imagine."

Mark, after being scolded by his sister, felt profoundly inadequate. There was something masochistic in his acceptance of Isabella's criticisms. Despite the complex and often humiliating dynamics, she held a significant place in his life. In her own way, Isabella gave him unique attention that no one else could offer.

As Isabella walked away, Mark, behind her, had the opportunity to closely observe his sister's body. With those extra pounds, Isabella no longer evoked the same fear he felt when they were kids. All those times he spoiled her with cakes, seemingly exploited in the kitchen, seemed to have had some effect.

The body of his "adversary" bore the marks of the food battle, a kind of victory in the early skirmishes. However, her lower back, snug in the jeans, highlighted two small muffin tops protruding from the back. The once intimidating stride of the tyrant now appeared heavier on the gravel.

Unexpectedly, Mark began to reflect on how making her gain more weight could be a smart choice to avoid further damaging their relationship and, in a way, sweeten his current perception of Isabella.