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XXVII : A Dance of Power
Last Updated:
2025-03-05 00:01:33
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Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXVIII: Shadows in Silk
I stood in front of the large mirror in my room, staring at my reflection.The black midi dress wraps around my body perfectly simple, elegant, and not overdone. The cut is classic, not too tight, not too loose, and stops just below the knee. I chose something that wouldn't draw too much attention, not giving Aaric the chance to think that I was really trying for him.Because I wasn't.My hands skillfully applied natural makeup, thin foundation, a slight blush on the cheeks, mascara to emphasize the eyes, and nude lipstick that wasn't too flashy. I didn't want to look like someone who wanted to impress the man. I just wanted to get this over with and get back to my life.I gave my long, thick, dark brown hair a natural wave and left it down. No extra effort, no exaggerated style. Just me, as usual.Just as I checked the final result, there was a knock on the door. I took a deep breath, trying to ignore my heart beating a little faster than it should."I won't wait all night," Aaric's
Last Updated : 2025-03-08Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXIX : Fingers Like Fire
I was just about to take a distance when something warm wrapped around my waist.My body stiffened instantly.Aaric's arm.His fingers gripped the sides of my waist firmly, not roughly, but firmly enough to ensure I had nowhere to go. His touch created an unwanted warmth, burning my skin even through the fabric of my black dress.I jerked around to face him, but he strolled on like nothing was out of place."What are you doing?" I hissed."Smile, Princess." He ignored me, refusing to even glance my way. "And don't bother trying to pull away. Let's not cause a scene tonight."I swallowed and made no move to get away from him. It wasn't that I obeyed him, I just knew it was useless to fight in this place. The two large men at the door stared at us blankly, but I could feel their assessing gazes from behind their sunglasses.Fighting the urge to turn back, I stepped forward. Aaric's arm remained around my waist, his fingers occasionally moving slightly.We passed the two guards, who imme
Last Updated : 2025-03-10Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXX : Eat, Princess.
A high ceiling with a sparkling crystal chandelier greeted us as Alejandro opened the large door at the end of the room. My steps halted for a moment, my eyes sweeping across the room.The walls were covered in dark wood paneling with detailed carvings that were far too lavish for a place like this. The ceiling was adorned with a low-hanging chandelier, its light reflecting off a long table in the center of the room.Seated around the table, men and women lounged in casual ease, yet there was something calculated in their stillness. I swallowed. A few of them turned to watch us enter, their eyes lingering. Unease coiled in my stomach."Please," Alejandro raised one hand, gesturing for us to enter.I stood in the doorway while Aaric stepped inside first, still gently gripping me around the waist."What is this?" I whispered.Aaric glanced at me, his lips curving in a faint smile. "Dinner."I looked up, giving him a sharp look. "Dinner?"Aaric just shrugged like this wasn't something st
Last Updated : 2025-03-11Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXXI : Cold Eyes, Warm Blood
The sound of clinking spoons and forks around the table continued, but it seemed to grow more and more distant, muffled by the sound of my own heartbeat echoing inside my head. I could feel Aaric's gaze on the side of my face, piercing and waiting."Princess." His voice was calm and low, but there was something behind it that made the air in my lungs feel heavier.I didn't turn my head, keeping my eyes on my still-intact plate."Don't make me repeat it," he continued, quieter, more subtle, even more threatening than before.I swallowed, my jaw clenching tightly. I reached for the fork beside my plate, poking the tip into the perfectly cut piece of steak. I brought the piece of meat to my mouth with slightly trembling hands.Aaric remained silent by my side, but his presence was too great to ignore.As soon as the piece of steak passed my lips and touched my tongue, I immediately realized something.This food was... amazing.The meat was tender, almost melting in my mouth. The sauce w
Last Updated : 2025-03-12Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXXII : Red Stains, Cold Nights
I don't know how long I sat still.My hands felt numb, and my blood rushed so fast that my ears rang. The world around me became a blur. The sound of clinking glasses, the subtle whispers among the guests, the sound of shifting chairs. Everything felt distant like I were trapped in an empty space in my own head.But one thing remained clear.That blood.Its deep red colour, mixed with the dim light of the room and the scent that slipped into my nose, created a sensation that was all too real.My fingers gripped the dress in my lap, trying to control my increasingly ragged breathing. I swallowed hard, trying to get rid of the nausea that hit me.I have to leave. I had to get out of here.But my body was still frozen.“Are you alright, Princess?”Aaric's voice broke my reverie.I turned my head, and there he was.Aaric, still standing in the same spot. His face held an unsettling calm, like he'd merely knocked over a glass of wine instead of ending a life. His hazel eyes locked onto min
Last Updated : 2025-03-13Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXXIII : A Dance on Thin Ice
The morning air carried an unusual chill, sharp enough to make me shiver. I woke up gasping, my skin damp with sweat despite the room’s coolness. My heart pounded hard in my chest, each beat echoing in my ears. I lay still, eyes fixed on the ceiling, trying to piece together the fragments of a dream that had dragged me five years into the past.Blood.Blood on Aaric's leather jacket.Blood that I wiped from his face calmly, as if it wasn't something that should scare me.I swallowed, something heavy in my chest. At that moment, I didn't think about anything. I was too lulled into believing that Aaric, the man who was always by my side, who laughed with me, who loved me, couldn't have done something so terrible.I believed it.I didn't ask him.And now, years later, I realize...It was a sign.I should have known from that moment.I should have realized that Aaric Bernardi wasn't just an overprotective boyfriend.I should have realized that he had always been in a world far darker than
Last Updated : 2025-03-14Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXXIV : A Single Take
This afternoon, I returned to a world that made more sense to me—the set of my new movie.As soon as I arrive at the set, I feel the familiar rhythm of work in my body. The production team is bustling around. The technical crew sets up the lighting and cameras, while the makeup artists and wardrobe team make sure all the actors look perfect before the scene begins.Today, we will shoot a few key scenes for the movie, especially one of the emotional scenes between my character and my co-star, Daniel Whitford.I walked into the makeup trailer, where Amira awaited me with a tired but excited smile. "Welcome back to reality," she said, pointing to the makeup chair before her.I sat down, threw her a big smile, and then let her skilful hands start working on my face."We're shooting a scene at the main character's house today," she said as she applied a thin layer of foundation to my face. "It's the first time we see Helena's fragile side, how she starts feeling betrayed."I nodded, recall
Last Updated : 2025-03-15Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXXV : Too Neat, Too Quiet, Too Wrong
The small café on the corner is still the same as when I came here.The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the fragrance of toast and cinnamon creates a warm and soothing atmosphere. The sound of the espresso machine buzzed in the background, occasionally punctuated by the laughter of customers enjoying their lunch.I sat at a table by the window, playing with my spoon on the plate as I gazed out. Outside, the Los Angeles sun was shining brightly, illuminating the streets filled with people in their own busy lives.Samuel finally arrived, wearing a grey shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He still looked the same as the last time I saw him. His hair was slightly dishevelled, like he didn't really care. His expression was relaxed, but a sharp look in his eyes showed that his mind never really rested.As his eyes met mine, he grinned. "You look better than the last time we met."I sighed, leaning my back against the chair. "You're only saying that because I no longer look li
Last Updated : 2025-03-16
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Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LXIII : Blueprints & Battle Lines
The wind picked up, carrying the scent of rain trapped behind dark clouds at the horizon. The orange light began to fade, replaced by streaks of purple and deep blue. The city’s hum grew clearer from the rooftop, as if reminding me that time kept moving even while we were caught in this never-ending game of egos.I tried to focus again on the sketchpad in front of me—rough outlines of an interactive garden with dynamic panels that could reshape themselves according to the needs of the public—an open-space concept blending nature and technology. But my concentration was broken, disturbed by the man next to me, still wearing that half-mocking smile with his arms crossed over his chest.“Modular design, interactive public space,” Aaric repeated his idea with a dismissive tone. “Ambitious, but too complex for a student project.”I snorted. “That’s what makes it interesting. I prefer a challenge over just designing a flower garden with wooden benches.”He raised an eyebrow, looking at me l
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LXII: Sketching Chaos
This morning, the faculty building felt colder than usual. The spring air, which should’ve been warm, still carried the remnants of winter’s bite. I walked down the third-floor corridor, the sound of my footsteps echoing against the walls lined with event posters and exam schedules.The Interdisciplinary Studio: Design and Architecture— a course that brought together graphic design, interior design, and architecture students for collaborative projects—was one of the most anticipated yet dreaded classes by many. Especially since Professor Sinclair was known for being tough and perfectionistic with every assignment.As soon as I entered the spacious, bright classroom, I was met by the buzz of students busy preparing their presentation materials. The morning sunlight streamed through the large glass wall on one side of the room, casting soft shadows on the polished wood floor. Long tables were arranged in a U-shape, allowing everyone to face each other easily.I chose a seat by the windo
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LXI: No Good Deed is Free
The cold New York night air stung my skin as I stepped out of the café, crossing my arms over my chest to ward off the creeping chill seeping through my coat. Fine snowflakes drifted from the dark sky, layering the sidewalk in a thin, powdery sheet. I had just spent the last few hours buried in my design project, losing track of time until I realized it was nearly midnight.I took a deep breath, ready to walk back to the apartment I shared with Elle and Joy. The café wasn’t too far from home—about ten blocks away. Normally, I enjoyed walking through the city, especially when the streetlights cast a warm glow and the city’s pulse stayed alive even late at night.But tonight felt different.I glanced across the street where a group of burly men stood huddled on the corner, leaning against the brick wall of an old building bathed in dim light. They spoke in low voices, chuckling occasionally, and one of them lit a cigarette. Not an unusual sight in this city. But the way they kept glanci
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LX : Spotlight & Sketches
The photoshoot studio is vast and bright, with large lights hanging from the ceiling, casting almost too-perfect a glow. The air is thick with the scent of hairspray and expensive perfume, mingling with the photographer’s voice directing the model across the room. People are moving back and forth, carrying clothes on hangers, makeup tools, and pricey cameras that make me feel like a deer caught in headlights.I’m sitting in front of a giant mirror, its round lights surrounding it, my hands gripping the chair’s arms while a makeup artist brushes my face. Next to me, Elle is recording a video on her phone, her face beaming with enthusiasm she can’t hide.“Okay, I have to capture this moment,” she says, pointing the camera at my face. “Maya De Cruz, the designer girl who suddenly became a model. What’s it like being the center of attention?”I snort, trying to look relaxed even though my fingers are still clutching the chair. “Honestly, I’d rather be behind the scenes.”Joy, sitting on a
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LIX : Shadows & Stolen Kisses
The night air cut through my skin, but I barely felt it. The alcohol still coursing through my veins created a thin fog in my mind, making everything feel slower, blurrier—bolder.Aaric stood so close, his breath grazing my skin, the warm scent of light tobacco, wood, and something unmistakably him mingling in the air. His eyes locked with mine, filled with something that should’ve made me step back, but instead, my feet stayed rooted to the spot. My heart was pounding so loudly, I was sure he could hear it.“You’re too quiet, De Cruz,” he murmured, his voice low and almost trembling between us. “You usually have something sharp to say.”I stared at him, my mind drifting somewhere far off. Part of me knew I should resist, should say something sarcastic, should do what I always did—get under his skin. But the alcohol, the cold night, and his face so close messed with my brain.Instead of answering, I only tilted my head slightly, noticing the sharp line of his jaw beneath the dim lig
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LVIII : His Eyes, My Undoing
Music thumped from inside the rented house filled with college students. Colorful lights flickered on the living room ceiling, which had been turned into an improvised dance floor. The air was thick with the smell of alcohol, expensive perfume, and something vaguely sweet—probably the result of someone getting a little too creative with their mixed drinks.I walked in with Elle and Joy, weaving past a group of students laughing loudly while playing beer pong at the kitchen table. The sound of conversations mixed with the music, creating the typical chaos of a college party that I knew would last until morning.“I need a drink,” Joy declared determinedly, disappearing toward the kitchen without waiting for a reply.Elle glanced at me, giving my outfit an approving once-over. “I knew you’d look amazing in something a little more fitted.”I just snorted. I wasn’t the type to dress up too much for parties. Tonight, I was wearing a slightly tighter black T-shirt than usual, paired with my
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LVII : A Door to the Unknown
I looked up. Aaric was staring at me, one eyebrow slightly raised, curious. "Why that face?" he continued. "Like someone just told you that you won the lottery, but you're not sure if you actually want the money." I opened my mouth to respond, but then closed it again. Honestly, I had no idea how to explain this feeling. So, I just put my phone back on the table, faced my laptop screen, and tried to act like that email hadn't just turned my entire life upside down. Aaric wasn't buying it. "Come on, De Cruz. I can see that expression from across the room," he said, leaning in closer. "What is it? A bad grade? A call from the FBI?" I sighed, finally giving in. "If I told you I just got offered a modeling contract from one of the biggest fashion houses in the world, would you laugh or be shocked?" Aaric was silent for a few seconds. Then, the corner of his mouth lifted. "Honestly? Not shocked." I frowned. "Why?" He shrugged like the answer was obvious. "You know why." I didn't
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LVI : Audition Fever
Sunday morning crept in slowly. The sun was just beginning to rise when I found myself sitting at the kitchen table, staring at my coffee cup that was slowly losing its warmth. The nervousness I had been suppressing since yesterday began to surface."Come on, De Cruz. You gave a seminar in front of dozens of people yesterday—how can this make you panic?" I muttered to myself."Talking to yourself again?" Elle appeared from the hallway wearing an oversized T-shirt that read I'm Not a Morning Person. Ironically, she looked like a runway model's morning version—her blonde hair artfully messy, with traces of yesterday's eyeliner giving her a dramatic flair."Are you ready for today?" she asked, pouring herself a cup of coffee.I shrugged. "I don't know... I just feel like I shouldn't—""Stop right there," Elle interrupted, pointing at me with a teaspoon. "You're beautiful, talented, and you have a face that could make men forget their own names. So use that confidence.""I'm not that pret
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LV : Applause, Coffee, and a Little Bit of Magic
I stood in front of the auditorium, gripping the remote for my slide presentation tightly. The room was fuller than I had expected. Faces of students from various majors filled the rows of seats—some looked serious, others were whispering, either about me or about what they had for lunch. But I didn’t care. I had spent days preparing this material, and I knew exactly what I was doing."Good morning, everyone," my voice rang out clearly, steady—far more confident than I actually felt. "I’m Maya De Cruz, from the visual design department. Today, I’ll be talking about how design influences spatial perception—and why this matters, not just for us designers, but for all of you studying architecture, engineering, even business."I pressed the button on the remote, displaying the first slide: "The Psychology of Space.""Every room has a story," I continued. "And that story begins with how we perceive the space. Imagine walking into a small café with dim lighting, exposed brick walls, and the
