Chapter 2 Caught in the act

Aurora's pov

As I watched Brandon walk past Mirabelle without a nod, I couldn't help but think, arrogant bastard. He's always in a hurry and never stops to smell the roses. Or in this case, recognize someone as beautiful as Mirabelle. I laughed to myself in a low, sarcastic voice. How could you not see her? She is a goddess, she is radiant, she is mesmerising. But he is too blinded by his own ego to notice,bitch!!!!

But what really caught my attention was the way Mirabel's eyes lit up when she talked to Adriano. The way her voice rose to a sensual whisper, the way she leaned in, inviting him inside, There was an undeniable power of desire between them that I could feel.. And Brandon ,always a keen observer and noticed it too,His eyes narrowed, his jaws clenched as he watched the exchange. Maybe there's  something  that  made him act that way to her,which I couldn't detect.

I shook my head, feeling a mixture of disappointment and disbelief. Brandon's arrogance was almost tangible, a heavy smog that marred every interaction. I  couldn't understand how someone so observant could be so blind. He paid close attention to every detail and noticed the slightest changes in Mirabelle's behaviour, especially when Adriano was nearby.  Brandon saw it all but chose to ignore it for what it was worth. What for?

I remember the first time I met Brandon. He had a magnetic charm and confidence, but beneath this surface charisma was a man obsessed with his own superiority. He had excelled in the competition, proving himself better than everyone else.

The image of Brandon waving his hand dismissively played in my head, making me even angrier. He had no right to humiliate her, to reduce her to nothing with a single gesture. And yet he did it so easily, as if it was his birthright.

For now, I'm going to give Brandon time. Let him enjoy his superiority, because when the time comes I will strike with precision and determination, and all his arrogance will crumble like dust in the wind.

Brandon's POV

I rushed down the hallway, my eyes fixed on Adriano's stealthy figure. “Shouldn't you be taking a nap for your wedding tomorrow?” I growled, my voice low and menacing,enough to intimidate. I've always suspected a relationship between him and Mirabel.

He turned around, a smug smile on his lips. “Oh, Brandon. It's none of your business ” His tone was mocking. “You’re jealous because I’m getting married,” Adriano sneered, his eyes flashing with mockery. Natalia never recognized you , did she?”

His words were a punch to the gut. I felt anger churning inside me, ready to strike. “Watch what you say, Adriano,” I whispered, my voice low and menacing.

Adriano’s laugh was cold, a sound that made me tense. “Oh, come on, little brother. Are you still mad at Natalia? She always had her eye on you, didn't she? It's as if you were invisible”.

The pen in my hand shattered, the harsh sound echoed throughout the door frame. “Leave us alone,” I ordered my assistant, who rushed out, feeling tense.

I stood up, moving towards Adriano with slow steps. deliberate, every step fueled by years of repressed rage. “Don't provoke a wounded lion, Adriano,” I growled. "You may be older, but age is just a number. You have dark, dirty secrets with Mirabel. How would Aurora feel if she knew about your affair?"

Adriano's smirk disappeared, replaced by a hint of fear. He sneered, crossing his arms. "What are you going to do? Cry to Aurora about this?"

I leaned in, our faces inches apart. "You know exactly what will happen, Imagine the consequences if this were revealed. Imagine Aurora's reaction."

His courage crumbled, fear was evident in his eyes. “ don't you dare.”

My eyes were fixed on him, without wavering. “Try me.”

I turned away and left him there, consumed by his own confusion,knowing  how stubborn he is.  The roles were reversed and for the first time, he was the one to be defeated,

My brother has always been the golden child. Persuasive, successful, a person who can do no wrong. I lived in his shadow, struggling to find my place.  I'm always an unwanted child. Years of Adriano’s control had left its scars, and now, with his secrets in my hands, I felt a dangerous mix of satisfaction and audacity. I have to change everything or destroy everything he has built . He thought he could manipulate me, undermine me, but he was wrong. The idea of ​​revealing his  secret excites me,and he has mine which I'm scared of, but I have to be careful, because a wrong move could cost everything.

Andrea's Pov

I walked into Brandon's office, my eyes locked on his intense gaze. “Sir, I have the information you requested,” I said in a firm, professional voice.

Brandon's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anticipation. “What did you find out, Andrea?”

I approached his desk, a folder of evidence in my hand. “I followed Mirabel and Adriano to a hotel on the outskirts of town. They rented a room together, and I managed to get a picture of them... in a compromising position.” I paused, choosing my words carefully.

Brandon's eyes widened, his face darkened with anger. " Get  to the point, Andrea. Did you see them together?"

I nodded, my expression serious. "Yes, sir. I have visual evidence of their affair. They were…intimate." I handed the folder to him, my eyes never leaving his face.

Brandon scanned the photos, his face reddening . “How long were they in the room?” he growled, his voice low and menacing.

I consulted my notes, my voice calm and professional. "Approximately two hours, sir. They left separately, trying to avoid detection of news bloggers, if I may say ."

Brandon's eyes scanned the photos, his face red with anger. “This… is unacceptable,” he muttered, clenching his fists.

I watched my boss's reaction, my expression neutral. I know it's best not to show emotions in this situation. "I understand, sir. If you wish, I can continue to monitor the situation and provide you with updates."

Brandon's eyes flashed with anger, his voice cold and detached. “No, Andrea, I'll handle it from here, thank you.” He sent me away with a wave of his hand. “You can go .”

I nodded and turned to leave. "Yes sir." I exited the office, my mind racing with the implications of what I had just witnessed, knowing I had made him happy.

NEXT DAY

Aurora's pov

I stood in front of the mirror admiring Mirabel's skillful hands as she adjusted my fragile wedding dress. Sunlight passed through the window, illuminating the room with a warm ray of light. Dorcas and Belinda were frolicking, arranging flowers, and chatting excitedly about the day ahead.

“Oh, Dorcas, have you seen my perfect dress?” I said, twirling slightly to admire the gown from all angles. "And the man I'm about to marry... Adriano is simply the best. I can't believe how lucky I am”.

Belinda smiled as she put the flowers in my hair. “Aurora, you're practically glowing.  He's head over heels for  you. It’s  obvious”.

Mirabel's hands hesitated for a split second, barely noticeable, enough to catch my attention. I glanced at her through the mirror, her face was pale and her eyes were gloomy. Something wasn't right but I ignored it.

I guess marrying  the man she loved stabbed her, which I suspected,due to  how she acted  yesterday

"You look pale, is something wrong? you aren't happy?" Belinda probed, her tone filled with concern as she noticed hint of sorrow in Mirabel's eyes

Mirabel quickly composed herself, forcing  a smile. "Of course I am. Just a bit overwhelmed with all the preparations, that's all."

Belinda  wasn’t convinced her eyes narrowed slightly, observing Mirabel with a mixture of  suspicion and concern. "Are you sure? You've been acting strange lately”. Boring her eyes  on her,as she's desperate for an answer

I'm fine”. Trying to put a smile on her lips, avoiding Belinda's eyes.

I watched the exchange, my excitement slightly dampened by the undercurrent of tension. At that moment, her phone suddenly beeped, breaking the uneasy silence.  She excused herself under the pretence of checking messages and slipped out of the room, leaving us behind..

"What's up with her?" Dorcas whispered, stepping closer. "She's been acting very weird since this morning."

Belinda sighed, shaking her head. “I don't know, but I intend to find out.”

I glanced toward the door, my stomach in knots. “Don't, Belinda?”  obviously she's stressed out, and besides, I don't want anything to be wrong on a day like this”.

Belinda's face softened. “Aurora, this is your day. Nothing will happen.”

I nodded ,pushed the nagging worry aside, besides she can't betray me.

As the minutes ticked by I couldn't shake the feeling that something was exciting inside me. Can't wait to  marry  my love.

Adriano's POV

I entered the dimly lit women's restroom,where Mirabel is waiting. The cold tiles sent shivers down my spine. I quickly undid my belt and pulled down my pants. My left hand touched Mirabel's chest, the other fumbled with the buttons of her shirt. My breath hitched as the tension increased.

“Did you lock the door?”  Mirabel's voice trembled, a blend of desire and fear.

“It's not necessary,” I replied in a low, strained voice.

“We have to stop this before anyone sees us,” I felt her trembling, she whispered, her eyes darting toward the door.

“Shh. Take off your clothes," I mumbled dripping with  a seductive voice . My hand slipped under her dress and thoughts of my impending marriage to Aurora vanished.

“I can't, "I can't stand the thought of getting  married to Aurora," she gasped as my fingers found her wetness.

"I have no choice but to obey my father for health's sake” . I growled, frustration giving way to desire.

"But   you said  you love  me enough to be with me, you  never loved her,” her voice cracked, desperation seeping through.

“Of course, I don't love her. I will divorce her once I get her father's property. But I'm hopelessly in love with you. You know that ”.   I whispered, my voice raw with sincerity leaving her speechless, she responded to my pleasure, which is why I love her. Her tongue licked against my ear, before capturing my lips, craving her own pleasure, glued to me and grabbing hold of my hair, enough to mumble to my ear.

" Please make love to me Adriano”. I groaned, my body responding to her  need.  digged my  fingers deeper into her  , my actions  rough and insistent. “Beg me,” I commanded, my voice hoarse.

“Don't marry her, Adriano,” I heard him moaning, her  words lost in the heat of the moment .

Ignoring her plea, I continued, our bodies moving in a desperate rhythm, wrapping her legs around my thighs. My mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, each creating a rebellion against my fate.

I'm trapped in a web of father's obligations. My father's demands for wealth and power overshadowed my personal desires. Despite engaging with  Aurora, my heart  belongs to Mirabel, a forbidden love that burns fiercely within me. This secret affair is an escape, a challenge to Aurora who is about to marry.