Chapter 3: Between Duty and Desire

(Aurora)

As soon as I heard the sound of the water running, I crept into the room designated as Leon’s office and looked for the manila folder. I shouldn’t have been snooping, but a certain suspicion that had been gnawing at me for days wouldn’t let go, and I just had to know. 

I found the manila folder in the first drawer on his desk. My heart sank as I flipped through the pages and noticed a recent transfer to my brother’s account.

I walked up the stairs and into the room in a daze. Leon was standing in the middle, hair dripping water everywhere as he tried to towel dry it. I would have admired the softness in his demeanour if I wasn’t so distracted.

“Leon,” I called out, my voice tight. “What is this?”

He glanced over, immediately understanding what I’d found. “Aurora-”

“You’ve been giving my brother money?” I demanded, the hurt in my voice unmistakable.

“He needed help,” Leon said simply. “I wasn’t going to let him sink.”

“That’s not your responsibility,” I snapped. “He’s an adult. He should be taking care of himself. Funding his habits will only make it worse.”

“Aurora, I can’t let your family sink while you’re under my roof,” Leon said with a form of solid conviction. “I know our marriage came about under unique circumstances, but he’s still my brother-in-law, at least in name.”

Frustration surged within me, and I clenched my fists. “Leon, I’m trying to forge my own path. My family is working tirelessly to rebuild their business. My brother… His addiction has been a curse on our family, the hole in our sinking ship. Please, don’t give him any more chances to ruin himself.”

His expression softened, and he took a step closer, closing in our distance. “I know you’re an honest woman. I want you to pursue your dream free from his influence, without anything holding you back.”

I beheld the man before me, letting my finger trace his chiseled cheek. He had always been an honorable man, driven by absolute will and determination. For those he deemed worthy of his protection, he went to great lengths—often to the extreme—to solve and shield them from their problems.

“Leon,” I said softly, “I appreciate everything you’re trying to do. But my brother… he’s a lost cause. He can’t help himself, let alone be helped. Yes, I want my career and my life to flourish, but I don’t want to weigh you down in the process.”

Our eyes locked, the moment stretching between us. Leon reached out and pulled me into his arms, his voice a tender whisper against my ear.  “I won’t do it if it upsets you, Aurora. All I’ve ever wanted to do is to protect you. I just want you to be content, without any worries about your brother, or anyone really.”

The sincerity in his words left me momentarily speechless, but I didn’t want to linger on heavy emotions. I needed to steer the moment somewhere lighter, somewhere safe.

“Speaking of worries,” Leon began suddenly, his tone shifting to something teasing. “Your birthday’s coming up. I’ve been worrying about getting you something special this year.”

I blinked, the sudden change in conversation catching me off guard. “Something special?”

A laugh bubbled up before I could stop it. “Leon, you don’t have to. Really. I don’t need gifts.”

“But I want to,” he insisted, his gaze steady. “Humor me, Aurora. Just this once.”

I tilted my head, feigning reluctance before finally giving in. “Fine, if you’re going to twist my arm about it.” Fishing my phone from my pocket, I tapped the screen a few times before turning it toward him. “This,” I said, pointing to the image of a delicate necklace. “It’s from a rising French designer I adore. Not too flashy, but beautifully crafted.”

Leon studied the picture, his tone teasing. “It’s a beautiful piece. Must be something special if our rising star is already eyeing it.”

“This one’s different,” I chided, feigning displeasure as I showed him the image on my phone. “See how each delicate petal is carved with swirling intricate patterns, layer by layer. You don’t see this kind of craftsmanship anywhere. I mean, if you’re feeling particularly generous…”

He chuckled, a low, warm sound. “Of course. Anything for my charming, battle-ready wife.”

“You need my battle-readiness,” I winked at him. “How else would you have survived your mother’s lethal glares, the ladies’ attempts to fix your single status, and all the juicy gossip about your thrilling private life?”

“Oh, I don’t know, darling. It wouldn’t be that hard,” he echoed, smirking. “I’d just say I pined for a dazzling socialite—Aurora, the charming lady who broke my heart in that one unforgettable night of passion…”

“Oh no, you don’t!” I gasped in mock outrage. “Don’t you dare make up corny stories about me! At least make it exciting—like how the brave Aurora swooped in to save you from the blazing dessert—!”

His laughter cut off my tale, and I barely held back my own giggles. We tossed playful barbs back and forth, my fists landing harmlessly on his hardened muscles as laughter rang out through the study. In moments like these, the weight of high society’s expectations, the jabs, and all the pressure of living up to my role as Leon’s wife felt utterly trivial.