chapter 17 Hug in broad daylight

Aurora's eyes locked onto Michelle, her gaze piercing to her bones. "And you're one to talk about selfish desires, You're the one who's been sneaking around behind my back, pursuing a relationship with my fiancé. That's not just selfish, that's downright cruel."

Alexander held up his hands, his expression placating. "Now, now, let's not fight. We're all adults here. We can have a civilized conversation about this."

Aurora's laughter was cold and mocking. "Civilized conversation? You want to have a civilized conversation after you've stabbed me in the back? I don't think so, Alexander. You're going to have to do a lot better than that if you want to salvage what's left of your dignity."

Aurora's eyes flashed with anger, but her voice remained calm like taking to strangers who just passed by.

"I'm done with this conversation. And I'm done with you, Alexander. Our engagement is over. I deserve better than a turtle like you."

Alexander's face reddened, but he didn't say a word. Michelle on the other hand, looked disappointed, her eyes narrowing in frustration.

Aurora turned to leave, her back straight and her head held high. Rachel's eyes followed her, expecting to see some sign of weakness or vulnerability. But Aurora's expression remained firm, her shoulders squared in defiance.

As Aurora walked away, Michelle's face fell, her eyes flashing with anger. She had been so sure that she could finally see Aurora break down, finally see her vulnerable and weak. But instead, Aurora had walked away with her head held high, leaving Rachel feeling frustrated and disappointed.

Alexander turned to Rachel, his eyes full of tenderness. "Well, now that we have made it clear, we can openly visit each other from now on. "

Michelle expression twisted for a brief moment then return to normal when facing Alexander " yes, yes"

....

Aurora walked on, her feet carrying her forward on autopilot as her mind replayed the painful conversation with Alexander and Michelle. She couldn't believe that Alex of all people had betrayed her like that. The hurt and anger swirled inside her, making her feel like she was drowning for a moment.

Just as she was starting to lose herself in her thoughts, a car horn pierced the air, making her jump. A sleek black sports car had pulled up beside her, the window rolling down to reveal a handsome face.

But Aurora was in no mood for flirtations or distractions. She ignored the car and kept walking, her eyes fixed on the pavement ahead.

The car followed her, keeping pace with her stride. Aurora's eyes narrowed, her irritation growing.

"Who did this guy think he was, anyway? Some rich kid trying to impress her with his fancy car? Why not eat my fist."

She quickened her pace, but the car kept pace with her, the driver's eyes fixed on her through the rearview mirror. Aurora's annoyance turned to fury.

" What do you think you are doing"

Aurora's eyes narrowed as she looked at the 1.80 meters tall man before her, with her anger still simmering. "What do you want?" she repeated, her voice firm.

The man smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Little sis, after not seeing you for 20 years, you've become feisty," he said, his voice low and warm.

Aurora's eyes widened, her mind reeling. Little sis? What did he mean? And then, like a ton of bricks, it hit her. This man...he was looking just like her brother. The brother she had thought was never coming back.

Aurora's face went numb, her eyes fixed on her brother's face. She felt like she was in a dream, like this was all some kind of crazy illusion.

And then, before she could even process what was happening, her brother opened his arms and enveloped her in a warm hug.

"Sister, I'm back," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.

Aurora's body stiffened, her mind still reeling from the shock. But as she looked up at her brother's face, she saw the few tears streaming down his cheeks, and something inside of her shifted.

Aurora was a typical cold beauty who doesn't show much of her expression just like Andre unless it was someone close or family.

She felt a lump form in her throat, and before she knew it, she was hugging him back, tears streaming down her own face.

' Her brother was back'

.....

Sofia's eyes narrowed as she gazed at the scene unfolding before her. Seeing Andre was embracing another woman in broad daylight with a woman's face was tilted up though she couldn't see clearly she was sure she was beautiful even though her were tears streaming down her cheeks, and Andre's eyes were closed, a look of pure joy on his face.

Sofia's mind reeled with anger and confusion,she felt a pang in her chest, a strange feeling that she couldn't quite identify. Was it jealousy? Annoyance? Or something more?

As she watched, the woman pulled back, and Andre smiled, his eyes shining with happiness. Sofia's eyes lingered on the woman's face, taking in her features. She was beautiful, with piercing blue eyes and long, dark hair.

Sofia's gaze snapped back to Andre, her anger boiling over.

'How could he betray his children like this, his he looking for their stepmother? not a chance.'

She felt a surge of adrenaline, her hands tightening on the steering wheel. She was tempted to confront them, to demand answers, but something held her back.

For now, she would watch and wait. But poor Andre had no idea what was coming his way.