BROKEN TRUST

Aurora's Pov

The morning light filtered through the gauzy curtains, casting a soft glow across my room. The sun had barely risen, but I was already wide awake. The excitement bubbling inside me was too intense to ignore. Today was the day before my wedding, and every part of me buzzed with anticipation. I threw back the covers and leapt out of bed, my heart pounding in my chest.

Bounding down the stairs, I see them sitting on the dinner table. When I reached the bottom, I could see Kelvin, my older brother, lounging on the couch, flipping through his phone. His dark hair is tousled from sleep, and his brown eyes, always so full of mischief, catch sight of me.

"Well well well , look who decided to grace us with her presence," Kelvin called out, his tone dripping with mock seriousness. "Princess Aurora, emerging from her royal chambers."

I rolled my eyes, unable to suppress a smile. Kelvin always knew how to lighten the mood, even when he was being infuriated. I turned the corner and there he was, leaning against the counter with a smug grin plastered across his face. My father, sitting at the table with his morning coffee, glanced up with a raised eyebrow.

"Kelvin, give it a rest," I shot back, crossing my arms. "Not everything is a joke, you know." His teasing is a constant in my life, always there to remind me he's my older brother.

Kelvin straightened up, mimicking my stance with exaggerated precision. "Oh, but everything is, dear sister. Especially when you take it all so seriously."

"Can you for once just be supportive?" I snapped, my excitement giving way to frustration. "Tomorrow is a big day for me. I don't need your sarcasm right now."

My father's eyes narrowed as he observed us, the tension in the room growing tangible. He set his mug down with a deliberate clink, the sound sharp in the silence that followed.

"Enough," he said, his voice low and commanding. "Both of you. Kelvin, stop needling your sister. Aurora, calm down. This is not how I want to start the day."

I bit my lip, trying to rein in my emotions. Kelvin's face darkened, a rare seriousness replacing his usual playfulness.

He leans back, unbothered by my irritation. "Lighten up, Aurora. It's just a joke."

My father cut him off with a raised hand. "Let's just move on. We have enough to deal with today without adding more drama to it."

My mind races with thoughts of the wedding, of everything that could go wrong or right. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

The butterflies in my stomach now feel more like lead weights. This was not how I envisioned my morning. Kelvin's teasing had always been a part of our dynamic, but today, it stung more than usual, Breakfast ensured in silence.

Until a loud honking of a car was echoed through the stillness of the early evening. It could only be Adriano.

I glanced at the clock. Damn, I'd lost track of time.My heart raced, anticipation thrumming through my veins. I dashed to my room, hurriedly pulling on my favourite fitted dress, the one I knew he liked. It hugged my curves just right, giving me a confidence boost I desperately needed.

Downstairs, I paused briefly by my father's side, pressing a quick kiss to his forehead,turning a deaf ear to kelvin who gave me a knowing smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Have fun, sweetheart," he murmured, patting my hand.

"I will, Dad," I promised, already half out

Adriano was already out of the car, looking devastatingly handsome in his tailored suit, his brown hair perfectly styled and his Hazel eyes gleaming with charm. I felt my knees weaken as he smiled at me, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Hey, beautiful," he said, his voice low and husky.

I greeted him in a sultry tone, my voice barely above a whisper. "Hey, handsome." I greeted him, my voice taking on a sultry tone I hadn't intended. His gaze darkened, and he closed the distance between us, his hand finding its place on my waist. He pulled me in for a kiss, and the world around us disappeared.

His lips were firm, demanding, sending a shiver down my spine. I melted into him, my hands gripping his shoulders. The taste of him, the feel of him, it was intoxicating. But then, just as suddenly, reality crashed back in.

The passenger door of the car opened, and out stepped Brandon. My heart sank. My worst enemy. Adriano's brother.

"What is he doing here?" I demanded, my voice sharp as I pulled away from Adriano. My smile had vanished, replaced by a scowl.

Brandon smirked, his dark eyes glinting with mischief. "Trust me I don't want to be here, Aurora,I'll rather be in jail or Something "

"Adriano, why did you bring him?" I asked, my tone accusatory. This was supposed to be our day. Our time.

Adriano sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Aurora, he's my best man, just put up with his impulsiveness." Adriano Grinned lightly as he glared at Brandon,only to eavesdrop at his words while Adriano opened the car so I could get in.

Impulsive??your fiance has the guts to fire bullets,Adriano." Raising his voice in exasperated,as he made his way to the front of the car,anything better than sitting close to his ever perfect lady Aurora Sterndale. We never got along right from the moment we were introduced to each other ten years ago.

I adored his goody two shoes of a brother,while Brandon is labelled as the black sheep of the family, which he never bothered

I was just too lingering for him,and I was going to be his sister in law...oh how I wish It will never happen,damn it,he's an idiot,who deserves to go back to the slump where he belongs.

I sat in the car with Adriano and Brandon, my heart beating faster with every step. Mirabel, my best friend, my almost sister, was waiting for us. I knew she was waiting for our arrival. If I'm to choose the best lady for my wedding, I'll choose her because she has been my childhood friend,the closest friend I have always had.

Mirabel was never one to be hurried. With her straight black hair cascading down her back and her statuesque figure, she embodied patience and grace. She was a mirror of her mother, a woman who had commanded respect with a mere glance. Just like her mother, Mirabel's presence was both comforting and intimidating, a blend of warmth and steel.

As we rounded the corner, I spotted her standing on the porch, a picture of serene elegance in a simple blue dress. Her eyes lit up as she saw us, but she didn't move. She waited, just as she always did.

Adriano's pace quickened beside me. His usually calm eyes were now wide awake. "Aurora, you didn't mention Mirabel would be here."

His words struck me as odd, and I couldn't help but find them strange

I shot him a sideways glance, puzzled by his reaction. " isn't she my best lady,besides Who else would be here?"

Mirabel's laughter rang out,breaking the tension. "Good day, Mr. Adriano. Surprised to see me? After all, I am the maid of honour." I could see her giggling,raising an eyebrow to my fiance. It was obvious but I couldn't detect what was going through her mind.Anyways it's none of my business.

Her voice was like silk, confident and cool. Adriano managed a weak smile, still caught off guard. "Of course, Mirabel. I just didn't expect..."

Before he could finish, Brandon brushed past her without so much as a nod. He was always in a hurry, always too busy to pay attention to the smallest details of life . I couldn't help but scoff at his dismissive attitude towards Mirabel. How could he not recognize her?Arrogant bitch.

I noticed a flash of frown in Mirabel's eyes before she masked it with her usual calm. It breaks my heart to see her treated like that, especially with Brandon, I wish I could confront Brandon,damn it !!! I can't,he's disgusting for my taste.

We made our way inside, As the others followed Brandon, I felt a surge of frustration burning inside me

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.

Aurora's POV

I walked into the bathroom, peering into the mirror to check my reflection. My dark hair framed my face perfectly and I adjusted my lip gloss. The bathroom was silent except for the occasional drop of water from the faucet.

Suddenly I heard a faint moaning sound, and couldn't detect where it's coming from. I froze glancing around,but I think the noise seemed to come from one of the stalls. I shook my head, trying to brush it off. Maybe it's someone having a moment.

But then I heard it again, louder this time.....

"Adriano... oh Adriano," a woman's voice moaned, and my heart skipped a beat. That name sent shockwaves through me. Adriano? My Adriano? No, this can't be. My heart was pounding, each beat reminding me of my growing fear.

My breath caught in my throat. Adriano? My Adriano? No, it can't be. My heart was pounding, each beat hammering a reminder of my growing fear. I took a hesitant step toward the counter, my pulse pounding in my ears. This cannot happen. Not him with someone else.

I crept closer to the toilet door,where the noise was coming from, my mind racing. Who is ? And what Is he.......? I couldn't even think of it . The moaning grew louder and more insistent. "Oh Adriano, fuck harder. I can't wait," the woman gasped, her voice echoing in the small restroom.

The thought of it flashed through my mind. Never!!!!!!

My shoulders slumped, a cold terror descended on me. I had to see it for myself. With trembling hands, I slowly turned the handle and pushed the door open. What I saw stopped my world. Adriano and Mirabel were entwined in a passionate embrace. I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach.

"Adriano..." I whispered, my voice barely audible.

They froze, their eyes locked on me. Adriano scrambled to pull away, his face contorted with guilt. Mirabel was shocked. I felt a wave of nausea come over me.

Adriano hurried away, his face contorted with guilt. "

"Aurora..." Adriano began, but I cut him off.

"Don't". My voice was cold and detached. "Just don't"

I turned and ran, the restroom door slamming shut behind . I couldn't breathe. Couldn't think . My heart shattered into a million pieces.

How could they do this to me ? How could they betray me like this ?.

I stumbled on Brandon in the hallway, tears streaming down my face. He looked at me with concern and I perceived he knew what was going on.I had to get out of there, to escape the pain and hurt.

I never knew it's been happening all this while . How could they? The two people I trusted most in the world. Memories flood my mind. She has been the life of the party, my confidant, my rock. And Adriano, the man I loved , the man I thought I would spend my whole life with. Their betrayal deepened, each memory echoing the pain of being deceived.

I burst into the room, slamming the door behind me with a force that shook the walls. Belinda and Dorcas, who had been chatting quietly by the window, jumped at the sound. The tension in the air was visible.

Belinda, always observant, looked at me with a mixture of concern and curiosity. "Aurora, what's going on?" she asked.

But I ignored her, my eyes fixed on the mirror in front of me. I grabbed a glass bottle from my dresser and hurled it at the mirror, shattering it into a thousand pieces. "Aaargh!!!! How could he!" I yelled, my voice raw with a mixture of agony and fury . The tears streaming down my cheeks said it all.

I approached my makeup stand, my hands shaking with anger and sadness. I swept everything off the stand, the sound of shattering glass and breaking plastic filled the room. Belinda and Dorcas gasped, their eyes wide with fright and felt a small hollow of satisfaction in the chaos I was creating.

I felt betrayed, heartbroken and disappointed. Why ? After ten years of dedication to love? My prince charming, the man I thought was perfect, is cheating on me. Our dream wedding, the future I had imagined, is falling apart before my eyes. The dream wedding I envisioned is crashing down in mere seconds.

Belinda and Dorcas looked frightened. Belinda's face turned pale, her eyes wide open. "Aurora, what the hell is wrong with you? Why not tell us what's bothering you instead of scaring us half to death?"

Dorcas, her usual calm self, was sick. wavered, added. "Talk to us, Aurora. " Her voice was soft and gentle but the worry was clear .

Despite their pleas, I remained frozen, tears streaming down my cheeks. My mind was a whirlwind of images, him with another woman, the lies he told, the promises he broke. The pain was unbearable. How can I face them? How could I admit that my perfect life was a lie?

Belinda's frustration was boiling over. She strode across the room, stopping just short of me . "Aurora, you're getting on my nerves ! For the last time , What's going on?"

The tension grew thicker and thicker, an invisible weight weighed down on all of us. I felt trapped, suffocated by my emotions. I wanted to scream, to disappear, to stop feeling.

As for Belinda, she's more than an elder sister, ever ready to get down for her friends,always a straightforward type,not as cunning as that snitch!!!.

Dorcas cautiously approached, her hand reaching out to touch my arm. "Aurora, we can't help you if you don't let us in."

Her words broke through the fog of my despair. I looked at her, seeing genuine concern in her eyes. I opened my mouth to speak but no words came out, tears kept pouring down. The silence stretched on, the weight of my secret hanging in the air.

Finally, I whispered, "Adriano is cheating on me." The words sounded dead, like they belonged to someone else. "Everything I thought we had... It's all a lie."

Belinda and Dorcas exchanged a shocked glance, their faces a mixture of anger and sadness. "I knew it, that bastard," Belinda muttered under her breath

Dorcas hugged me, her embrace warm and comforting hug, leaving me speechless

As I stood there, enveloped in their support, I felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe , just maybe, I can survive. But deep down, I knew the journey ahead will be long and painful.

I'll never forgive Adriano for What he did to me.

Adriano's POV

Walking into Aurora's room, I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken words and the strong scent of her favourite vanilla candles. As she sat on the bed, in a tight hug while Belinda stroked her hair, her eyes red and swollen with tears, I took a deep breath and tried to find the right words. "Aurora," I began, my voice shaking slightly, "what you saw in the bathroom..." was a mistake".

She looked at me, her eyes narrowing in disbelief. "A mistake? Adriano, do you really expect me to believe that ?

Before I could reply, the door flew open. Mirabelle barged in, her face twisted in rage. "It's never a mistake, Adriano," she said in a loud, accusatory voice. "Why don't you tell her about the secret affairs you've been having with me before you met her?".

The words hung in the air, heavy and overwhelming. I felt like I had been punched in the gut. Her eyes widened with shock and pain. Her rage boiled over. She stood and slapped me across my face. The sound echoing through the room. " You Liar!"

"You're a jerk, Mirabelle!" Belinda's voice cut through the silence. She rushed towards Mirabel, grabbing her hair and pulling it violently. Mirabel screamed struggling against Belinda's grip as she was thrown onto the couch she was thrown onto the sofa, clutching Belinda.

"Don't you dare?". I thundered,Dorcas was already there and pulled Belinda away. "Let me go!" - Belinda yelled, her eyes blazing with fury. I rushed to Mirabel, helping her to stand , I turned to Aurora, anger boiled up inside me. "You're all against her," I spat. "She isn't at fault, Aurora is."

Aurora turned pale and stared at me. "The whole time we were together I begged you to make love to me," I continued bitterly, "You refused. Mirabel had to replace the missing rib you left on me".

Aurora's face crumpled, her body shaking with silent sobs . She looked like she was about to collapse . I felt guilty, but put it aside. "No one should blame Mirabel," I said, my voice hardening. "And nothing will stop me from getting married to her ".

The finality of my words seemed to break something inside Aurora. Tears streamed down her face as she glanced at me, her eyes filled with sadness and betrayal. I took Mirabel's hand and turned to leave.

"I'm going right now to cancel the wedding and fix a day for our wedding," I said coldly. "We're no longer married, Aurora."

As we walked out, Belinda muttered under her breath, "Damn, you should have allowed me to beat that bitch!!!!!!!".

I ignored her and focused on the future, heading to the wedding altar to break the news. Aurora's sobs echoed behind me, a haunting reminder of the life I left behind.