Aurora POV The dark room was thick with sultry tension; the faint glow from the bedside lamp cast long shadows. I lay sprawled on the bed, defenseless in the heady mix of alcohol and forbidden emotions.The man standing by the edge of the bed unbuttoned his shirt, piercing eyes fixed on me. My vision blurred, but I knew him—my brother-in-law. The very thought should have stopped me, but it didn't.He leaned down, his lips warm and gentle against mine. My breath caught as his kisses became more passionate, his hands leaving trails of fire up and down my arms. Instinctively, my fingers made their way around his back, skimming along skin as I drew him near. His weight leaned against mine, a low sigh escaping from me at his nearness.Six Hours Earlier"I miss you, Dad," I whispered to the void, my hands clamped on the edge of the vanity as silent sobs fell down my cheeks. My hollow, defeated reflection stared back. Before I could wipe them away, clear footsteps sounded from the hall, fol
"Dominic?"I clung to him as he carried me out of the inferno, his strength unwavering. The fresh air hit my face as we exited the house, but he didn't stop. He kept walking, his jaw clenched and his eyes dark."Where are we going?" I murmured, my voice slurred.He didn't reply, his eyes razor sharp as he pulled me through the estate grounds to some hidden corner of it. We came into an old guest cottage, moonlight providing dim illumination inside the space.And that was when I saw it.Through the half-open door of the master bedroom, Patrick and Eva were entwined on the bed.My breath hitched on the scene that greeted me: Eva's arms wreathed around Patrick's neck, her lips pressed to his in a fevered kiss. Patrick's hands roamed over her body; there was no misunderstanding their intimacy.Dominic tensed beside me. His fists clenched at his sides. "So that's how it is," he growled low, an edge of disdain in his voice.I pulled him back before they could notice us, my heart hammering in
Aurora had been really cautious while leaving her room. She looked down the hall to make sure no one was around. The cool evening air kissed her skin as she stepped out of the house, her heart beating rapidly. She clutched her purse tightly, her mind preoccupied with Dominic's invitation.But what she did not know was that Patrick had become suspicious. Ever since their confrontation, he had this nagging feeling that Aurora was hiding something—or someone. So he sent one of his most trusted men, Caleb, to follow her.Caleb, a shadow in the night, trailed her silently. He was an expert at remaining unseen, blending into the darkness as Aurora made her way to Dominic's house.Aurora stood outside Dominic’s house, her hand hesitating over the doorbell. She had spent the entire day debating whether she should come. The memory of his lips on hers and the way his touch left traces of fire on her skin made her heart race—but the risk of being discovered made her stomach churn.Before she coul
Aurora's POVDinner with Dominic had always been dangerous, not because of what he cooked, but because of what he made me feel. I knew I shouldn't have gone to his house; it was reckless at the time, given the circumstances. However, this pull between us was irresistible.I watched him move about the kitchen, his broad shoulders flexing beneath his white shirt. The sight sent my pulse racing, and I looked quickly away, pretending to study the glass of wine in my hand."You're quiet tonight," Dominic said, his deep voice wrapping around me like a warm blanket."Just… thinking," I replied, trying to sound casual.His lips kicked up into a smirk as he leaned against the counter. "Thinking about me, I hope?"I rolled my eyes, but my cheeks betrayed me, heating under his gaze. "You wish."He crossed the room in two strides and suddenly overwhelmed me. Dominic always had this effect on me-like he could see right through to the walls I'd built around myself."Come here," he said low, taking
Aurora POV Dominic set the pancake down, his hands finding my waist again. "I do," he admitted softly.The kiss deepened, and before we knew it, we were lost in each other again. There was the aroma of fresh coffee and pancakes wafting from the kitchen, but my senses reached out for him alone: his hands, clutching me as if I were some sort of treasure; his lips against mine, passionate yet so soft.We were so caught up in each other that we hadn't heard the knock on the door until it became pounding."Dominic!" a voice yelled from the other side.We parted, both of us panting. Dominic's jaw clenched, and he turned to the door."Stay here," he said, his voice brooking no argument."Who is it?" I asked, my heart racing now for an entirely different reason."Probably someone who doesn't need to be in here," Dominic muttered, marching toward the door.As he opened it, I caught a glimpse of a man in a suit, looking grave. My stomach twirled with apprehension."Mr. Dominic, we need to talk,
The Ride to Mail Aurora's POV: By the time we finally emerged from the shower, the water was lukewarm; our bodies were wrapped more in each other's warmth than the heat of the water. Dominic wrapped a fluffy towel around my shoulders, his hands staying awhile as he dried me off."You're spoiled, you know that?" I teased, watching his every move as he moved to towel himself off."And you're worth it," he replied, flashing me a grin that sent a flutter through my chest.I shook my head, feeling a mixed sense of warmth and nervousness. The intimacy between them was so natural, yet it bothered me how much I began relying on it.Once we were dry, Dominic handed me one of his shirts. It was huge on me, but his scent wrapped around me like a blanket. "Here," he said, holding out a pair of sweats. "Until you're dressed, this'll do.I took the clothes, sliding them on as he drew on casual attire himself-fitted jeans and a crisp white shirt that outlined his physique. The sight was enough to
Aurora's POVDominic's arms constricted around me as if he could feel my hesitation. "You don't have to go back," he said, his voice muffled against my hair.I shut my eyes, letting the warmth of his arms enfold me. "I have to," I whispered. "If I don't, they'll start looking for me. It'll only make things worse."He pulled back just enough to peer into my eyes. "They'll never hurt you, Aurora. Not while I'm here."I smiled wryly, moved by his vehemence, but we both knew I couldn't hide forever. With a reluctant nod, I pulled away and reached for my bag. Dominic followed me to the door, his gaze burning into my back like a silent promise."I'll call you," I said softly, stepping outside."You'd better," he replied-the tone half-teasing, half-serious.The car Patrick had sent for me was already waiting in the driveway. I slipped into the backseat, avoiding the driver's curious glance, and leaned back as the car pulled away.The drive was uneventful, but my mind was anything but quiet.
Aurora POV I sat on the bed and tried to regulate my racing heart while Patrick's voice was muffled through the door."Hello?" he answered sharply, still sounding annoyed.There was a pause before I heard the unmistakable purr of a woman's voice on the other end of the call."Patrick, where are you?" Eva's voice was soft yet dripped from every syllable with seduction. "I'm waiting for you in your room. I've been so lonely without you."Patrick's tone changed in an instant, his irritation melting into something darker. "Eva, what are you doing in my room?"She gave a low, flirtatious laugh. "I thought I'd surprise you. I'm all ready for you tonight. Don't keep me waiting, darling."There was a moment of silence, and then Patrick muttered something under his breath. “I’ll be there in a minute.”The door to my room swung open briefly, and Patrick looked at me, his face unreadable. “Don’t go anywhere,” he ordered before leaving without another word.I heard his footsteps fade down the ha
Aurora's POVThe party was extravagant, filled with guests from the Big Four clans. The laughter and ringing glasses echoed down the hall. I was stuck in a corner, watching Dominic as he had intense conversations with powerful men. I did not wish to interrupt him.Something was bothering me, though.My mom's phone number wasn't going through. I didn't text her all that much, so it was strange that she had a message, answering something I never even sent.Shivers ran down my spine.Could it be… Eva and Isabella?They already planted me with that necklace, so it looked like I had stolen it. What if they even messed with my phone? What if they texted my mom, pretending to be me?I gulped. What if something did happen to her?I had to get out of here. I had to go check on my mom.Dominic's POV"I can guarantee you I have the finest distributor channel in all of New York City. Perfecto. And I assure you, my product is first class," Lucca Saviano said with assurance, twirling the whiskey in
Aurora's POV Could it be that the same man who had once sworn to protect me was also hiding an ugly secret? My fingers trembled on the keyboard as I cut and pasted text into my paper. I knew I was playing with fire. But I had no other option. I had to know.The note on the door, the names on the list, the anonymous letter, each one hinted that there was a conspiracy so much larger than I could ever have imagined. And with each piece of evidence that I gathered, the more sinister the image became. I was very angry, and sad, and I was determined. I had to find out the truth about this secret no matter what it may cost me.In the quiet of my room, with nothing but the gentle hum of my laptop and the distant noises of the city outside my window, I swore silently. I would not allow these lost voices to fade into oblivion. I would learn the truth about them, even if it meant challenging the very authorities that had controlled my life.I couldn't help but wonder if someone, quite possibly
Chapter : The Leo Levine CallDOMINIC POV “Leo,” I said, keeping my tone measured, though a quiet urgency simmered beneath.“Dominic,” Leo’s voice crackled through, low and insistent. “I need you to come over to my estate later today. we need to conclusions about the matters I mentioned last time you visited, you no how urgent the matters are.”I frowned slightly. Leo’s summons were never casual. I closed my eyes briefly and replied, “I’m on my way. I’ll leave shortly.” I ended the call and sat back, my mind already churning with possibilities. Leo’s tone hinted at a brewing storm, something was amiss, and it was connected to all Patrick mess up.I looked around my spacious office, a modern sanctuary of power and precision. I looked at the table, files and papers on my desk, I need to go through them before I leave. I looked at the digital screens flashing confidential data, and the quiet hum of the air conditioner were all part of the daily ritual. But today, a sense of foreboding
Dominic's POV After breakfast, I returned to the muted elegance of our home, my mind reeling from the morning's persistent ringing and stealthy whispers. I entered the dining room to find Aurora's mother standing by the window, her face serene but with an undercurrent of suppressed disapproval. Her tone was measured when she finally spoke.You got in late last night, Dominic. We had all gone to bed well before that," she said to me, her eyes searching mine for an explanation I wasn't sure I wanted, or could give.I met her eyes calmly, knowing well enough not to let sentiment get in the way of the delicate balance of our arrangements. "I had business to attend to," I replied curtly, concealing the truth behind a mask of tranquility. There was little room for explanation in our business, where every minute had its own significance.Her eyes tightened slightly as she continued, "I have to discuss something… about Joanna. She threatened last time that she would tell Leo Levine that Auro
Dominic's POV Later that day, on my way back to my private office in my skyscraper headquarters, a peculiar envelope caught my eye on the gleaming mahogany desk. The embossed crest was unmistakable, a symbol of one of the most influential families in our universe , and the stylish calligraphy inside read like a proclamation. an invitation to a birthday party attended by all the Big Four families. I clutched it delicately, a shiver of anticipation running through me as I realized that this evening's gathering was more than a social function. It was a stage for power plays, allegiances to be re-made, and old scores to be settled.I folded the invitation into my pocket, already planning in advance on how I would capitalize on this. However, I did not have long to indulge myself in scheming, as there was another problem that had to be taken care of, Aurora's health. Last night's actions had finally gotten to her, and I could not risk risking the life that we had built together.I found A
Dominic's pov “Leo,” I said, keeping my tone measured, though a quiet urgency simmered beneath.“Dominic,” Leo’s voice crackled through, low and insistent. “I need you to come over to my estate later today. we need to conclusions about the matters I mentioned last time you visited, you no how urgent the matters are.”I frowned slightly. Leo’s summons were never casual. I closed my eyes briefly and replied, “I’m on my way. I’ll leave shortly.” I ended the call and sat back, my mind already churning with possibilities. Leo’s tone hinted at a brewing storm, something was amiss, and it was connected to all Patrick mess up.I looked around my spacious office, a modern sanctuary of power and precision. I looked at the table, files and papers on my desk, I need to go through them before I leave. I looked at the digital screens flashing confidential data, and the quiet hum of the air conditioner were all part of the daily ritual. But today, a sense of foreboding permeated the air. I bring o
Aurora's POVAfter eating that morning, My mom was already back in her room. I want to meet her to discuss what Joanna has just mentioned on the call earlier. I walked through the hallway. I was almost close to my mother's room door when I had her speaking to someone on the phone, the voice sounds familiar. But it seems like my mom had her own plans, before I could open the door Dominic called me, “Aurora please I need to speak with you", I have been looking around for you but I didn't know you're here. Dominic's voice was low and it sounds like something is really bothering him. He took my arms. When I looked into his eyes I saw something like fair written all over his face, “Aurora, please don't do anything without telling me,” I overheard you talking to someone on a phone call last night, I know that you're up to something. "I know that Leo Levine will still come after me for hiding you from him but I want to control the situation,” I still have everything in control just be pati
Patrick cursed under his breath. With a frustrated groan, he tore himself away from Isabella, grabbing his phone. He saw Eva’s name flashing again.He kissed Isabella one last time, deep and slow, as if he couldn’t bear to leave. Then, he pulled back, his forehead resting against hers. "I have to go now. It’s urgent."Isabella pouted but let him go, watching as he stood up and grabbed his clothes. "Come back soon," she purred.Patrick didn’t reply, his mind was already shifting back to business. He had a feeling whatever Eva needed to tell him wasn’t good.They drove home, his mind still clouded with thoughts of Isabella, but Eva’s urgent call kept nagging at him. He knew she wouldn’t have called unless it was something serious. As soon as he pulled up in the driveway, he stepped out of the car, adjusting his jacket as he made his way inside.The moment he entered the house, Eva was already standing by the staircase, arms crossed, a sharp glare in her eyes. “So you wouldn’t have come
Isabella poured another glass of whiskey, her fingers slightly unsteady as she leaned against the bar. The bottle was nearly empty, but she didn’t care. The warm burn in her throat and the dizzy haze in her mind made everything feel lighter, more distant. She tilted her head back, taking another long sip before setting the glass down with a heavy thud."You know, Patrick," she slurred, her lips curling into a lazy smirk, "I think we make a good team. Don’t you?"Patrick sat on the couch, his shirt unbuttoned at the top, a lazy grin on his face. His own glass of whiskey hung loosely from his fingers as he took another sip. The warmth of the alcohol had settled deep in his veins, clouding his judgment, making him care less about everything else except the woman in front of him."Of course, Isabella," he muttered, his voice slower than usual. "We’re the perfect team. You get rid of Aurora, and I get to destroy Dominic. Everyone wins."Isabella laughed, the sound soft and a little breathl