Secretly Loving My Adoptive Brothe

Camila's POV

"Ah, yes, just like that... deeper, Javier. I want it deeper... ah, Javier...."

Knock! Knock! Knock!

The loud knocking on the door instantly jolted me awake from my dream-a steamy one that, unfortunately, has been constantly haunting my sleep lately.

I was gasping for breath, exhaling a long, trembling breath in the dim light of my half-darkened room. Cold sweat drenched my entire body, leaving me feeling sticky and incredibly unsettled because the dream had felt so real. In my dream just now, Javier-my adoptive brother-kissed me so gently, intensely, and yet so insistently. The touch in my fantasy felt so vivid it left a lingering passion in my body.

"Camila, are you awake yet, sweetie? I thought today was your first day at work?"

Hearing the reminder from behind the door, I jolted awake. Damn, I almost forgot! Because of that damned dream, I'd forgotten the reality that today was my first day on the job.

"Yes, Mom, I'm awake!" I replied, half-shouting, trying to steady my voice so it wouldn't sound hoarse. If I didn't answer now, the angel-hearted middle-aged woman who'd adopted me would surely come back and knock on the door nonstop out of worry.

"Hurry up and come down-your older sister will get mad if you're late," she said again before her footsteps faded away from my room.

"Okay, Mom..."

I let out another long sigh, staring blankly at the ceiling. Instead of heading straight to the bathroom, my fingers moved of their own accord. They touched my cheek, trailed down to my lips, traced my warm neck, my rapidly beating chest, all the way to that sensitive spot down there. The lingering warmth from that dream still hung there, brazenly. I could still feel how Javier's lips and possessive touch had pampered my body.

"This is crazy. Why do I think about that crazy stuff every night? This shouldn't be happening," I whispered softly, cursing myself in frustration. I knew exactly that all of this was wrong. Very wrong.

Yes, I know we aren't biological siblings. Not a single drop of Villareal blood flows through my veins. But this family has been far too kind to me. They were the ones who saved me, brought me home to this grand house, and raised me with unconditional love when I was an orphan with no one left in this world.

I should know my place. I should lock away my feelings and see him purely as an older brother, my protector. But why is my heart acting this way? Why does my ego choose to love him as a man? Why do my fantasies dare to imagine making love to him every night? Especially since... Javier already has a fiancée chosen by the family.

****

The atmosphere at the breakfast table that morning felt quiet, with only the clinking of spoons against porcelain plates breaking the silence. The atmosphere was so stifling that my food tasted bland.

"Why, dear, do you have to apply for a job through the general hiring process with all those other people? After all, that company is our family business. All you have to do is tell your older brother, and you'll definitely get the position you want without having to go through all that trouble," Mom said, breaking the silence, gazing at me with eyes full of both affection and puzzlement.

Hearing Mom's words, I could only offer a faint smile, hiding the sudden wave of awkwardness that washed over me. My gaze shifted, stealing a glance at the far end of the table, right at Javier's face. He sat silently, sipping his coffee. As usual, his expression was flat, cold, and seemed completely unapproachable. Yet I knew, deep down in the very core of his heart, he was a kind and warm person. It's just that... I don't know why, over the past two years, he's become as stiff as an iceberg-especially toward me.

"It's okay, Mom. I don't want people at the office to think I got in through connections. I want everyone to know that I can make it on my own," I replied, trying to sound brave and confident even as my hand under the table began to clench my skirt.

"Just let him be, Mom. That's how he wants it. Don't force him. "She's an adult now and knows what's right and wrong," Javier replied firmly. His baritone voice was cold, cutting off the conversation without so much as a glance in my direction. He stood up immediately, smoothing out his immaculate suit.

"Hey, Javier, why are you leaving so suddenly? Aren't you taking Camila with you?" Mom asked in surprise as she watched her son hurry off.

"She's a grown-up now, Mom," he replied curtly, then walked away without saying a specific goodbye or even glancing at me.

I clenched my hands tightly under the table, hiding my knuckles-which had turned white-as I held back the sudden surge of pain that pierced me. As I swallowed the lump of tightness clogging my throat, I forced a small smile in front of Mom. Back then, she'd been so warm and protective toward me. If I was even a little sick, she'd be the one to panic the most. But now, everything had changed completely. She felt so distant, as if I were a stain she wanted to erase from her sight.

"I can go on my own, Mom," I said calmly, trying to reassure the middle-aged woman so she wouldn't worry.

"With the driver, right? Let the family driver take you," replied Dad, who had been silent until then.

"I can just take a taxi, Dad. It's faster via the shortcut. Mom and Dad, don't worry, okay? Bye, everyone!"

****

I thought Javier had already sped off in his car a while ago. But who would've guessed-my steps suddenly froze on the porch steps the moment I saw him still standing tall beside his car.

In his all-black business suit and slacks that fit his sturdy frame perfectly, he looked so commanding, as if the world were under his control. His stern face, paired with a strong, masculine jawline, made him a hundred times more handsome in the golden glow of the morning light.

I've always adored that face-the same face that, unfortunately, has been sneaking into my dreams and disrupting them every night lately.

In that moment, a small, foolish hope soared in my chest once more. I thought he was waiting for me on purpose to give me a ride. I thought the curt and cold attitude he'd shown at the dinner table earlier was just a mask because he was reluctant to show his concern. But as soon as he spoke, the words that came from his lips suddenly froze the blood in my veins all the way to the tips of my toes.

"Don't let anyone find out that we know each other. At the office, you have to be professional. Understand?"

His voice was low, heavy, cold, and laced with an absolute command that left no room for argument.

Stiffly, I nodded slowly while swallowing saliva that tasted as bitter as bile. "I understand, Javi."

"There are no nicknames like that at the office!" he cut in sharply, his tone rising an octave. His gaze, as sharp as an eagle's, pierced me mercilessly, as if I'd just committed a fatal mistake. "Remember, at the office you're just my subordinate, an ordinary staff member. So, address me politely!"

I nodded slowly again, struggling with all my might to steady the violent trembling in my knees, which had suddenly gone weak. My hand clenched the strap of my shoulder bag tightly, channeling all the searing pain that was spreading fiercely through my chest.

"Yes... sir," I whispered softly, almost in a murmur.

After hearing the answer he wanted, without another word or even a formal nod, Javier immediately turned his back on me. He got into his gleaming black luxury car, closed the door with a soft thud, then sped off, leaving the driveway behind. The car cut through the streets at high speed, ignoring my feelings, which had already been shattered into pieces behind him.

I stared at the trail of exhaust fumes from his car as it slowly faded into the morning air. My chest felt tight, empty, and filled with layers of guilt.

After all, who was I to dare hope for more?

****

I stood in the courtyard of the Villarreal Group building, gazing straight at the skyscraper that towered proudly through the clouds. Its grandeur seemed to underscore just how small I was in this place. However, I quickly clenched my fists, pushing away the feeling of insignificance that had briefly crept in. "I have to be able to stand on my own two feet," I whispered to myself encouragingly. I realized I wouldn't always be under the Villarreal family's protection.

I had to be independent. I had to be able to earn my own money. Someday, when that day comes-the day I have to leave and step out of their luxurious home-I won't be left adrift. I already have a solid foundation to support my own life.

Taking a deep breath to gather my composure, I stepped into the lobby. I felt a little calmer. After all, I'd made it into this company purely on my own merits, passing every stage of the rigorous selection process without a shred of inside help. Remembering that, my confidence grew stronger. I'm sure I can handle all these new tasks with ease.

However, that calmness suddenly evaporated the moment I stepped into the main hallway. My footsteps immediately halted as I mingled with a dozen other employees who suddenly stepped aside and bowed respectfully. At the end of the hallway, Javier-my adoptive brother who now serves as CEO-was walking with a firm, authoritative stride. There was no smile on his face, only a stiff, cold expression.

However, it wasn't Javier's intimidating aura that made my breath catch in my chest, but rather the figure of a curvaceous woman walking gracefully beside him. Her hand was playfully draped over the sleeve of Javier's suit jacket. I knew who she was. Adriana. Javier's fiancée, who I'd heard was set to marry him in a few months-or maybe even a few weeks; I wasn't entirely sure. What was clear was that the diamond ring on her ring finger was clear proof that they were officially engaged.

They looked so well-matched. Especially since Adriana came from a prominent business family and was also a famous model who frequently graced the covers of fashion magazines. It's like night and day compared to me, who is just a lone orphan taken in out of pity.

"Good morning, sir...," I joined in with the formal greeting like the other employees, folding my hands in front of my body while bowing my head as low as possible. I didn't dare look at him. I was afraid my eyes would betray all the boundaries Javier had set earlier that morning.

Javier continued walking past the line of employees without turning his head, ignoring every greeting with the absolute arrogance of a ruler. As soon as his firm stride and the click-clack of Adriana's high heels receded toward the executive elevator, the whispers around me erupted.

"Mr. Javier and his partner are such a perfect match, aren't they? One is handsome, the other is stunningly beautiful."

"That's right! And his fiancée is a famous model, isn't she? They're a perfect match. When they have kids, their genes will definitely be flawless."

"Yeah, especially since they're both wealthy only children. This company is definitely going to be number one after they get married."

Without realizing it, I clenched both my fists at my sides until my fingernails turned white and began to sting. The words of praise they spoke were absolute truths. Indisputable facts. Yet, why did just hearing them make my chest ache with such intense pain? The sting was so real, as if an invisible knife were slowly peeling away my heart.

****

Time flew by in the marketing division's office. I was so grateful to have such good coworkers and a supportive team. They patiently guided me as a newcomer. Yes, even behind that friendliness, I knew full well there were a few pairs of eyes staring at me with disdain-the typical resentment seniors feel toward a newcomer. Still, I chose to ignore it and buried myself in a pile of files.

"Here's our division's financial report-who wants to take it to Mr. Javier's office?" called out the division head from the middle cubicle, breaking the silence in the room, which had been filled only by the sound of keyboard clicks.

I stayed silent, pretending not to hear. My focus remained locked on the computer screen in front of me, finishing up the data entry I'd been assigned just an hour ago. The room suddenly fell silent; not a single senior colleague volunteered. Meeting Javier on the top floor seemed to be a nightmare everyone avoided because of his unforgiving nature.

"Ugh, I'm so busy right now-my work is still piling up. Let the new hire take it up there," said one of the senior female colleagues in a deliberately lazy tone. Of course, her sharp remark immediately forced me to look up.

"Me?" I repeated, pointing at myself to be sure.

"Yes, you take those files up, Camila. Just drop them off on the top floor to his secretary, and then you can come right back here," replied the division head, agreeing to the senior's suggestion without giving it a second thought.

I froze for a moment. My hand gently clenched the edge of the desk, trying to calm the pounding of my heart, which had suddenly gone wild just from hearing that man's name mentioned. But I had no choice. How could I possibly refuse an order from a superior on my very first day on the job, right?

With a heavy heart and mixed emotions, I accepted the thick folder bearing the company logo. I clutched the folder tightly to my chest, as if it could serve as a shield to protect my fragile heart, before staggering toward the elevator that would take me to the top floor-the CEO's executive office.

Ding!

The elevator doors opened on the top floor. The atmosphere here felt much quieter and more exclusive. I walked down the corridor with its gleaming marble floor, following the directions given to me by the division head earlier. He had told me that I simply needed to hand this document over to Javier's secretary, who was stationed at the front desk.

However, when I arrived, the chair behind the luxurious desk was completely empty. The secretary wasn't there.

I stood there, confused, in the middle of the quiet corridor. "So, where am I supposed to put this file?" I asked myself.

There was no way I could just go home without a clear answer or leave such an important document on an empty desk. After weighing my options anxiously, I decided to knock on the door and hand it directly to Javier. After all, I could see that the large door in front of me was slightly ajar, leaving a gap of a few centimeters.

My footsteps swayed slowly and silently across the floor. But just as my hand rose to knock, every joint in my body suddenly froze. My heart felt as if it had frozen, stopping in its tracks the moment my eyes accidentally caught a glimpse through the narrow gap in the open door.

Inside that spacious room, I saw Javier holding Adriana in his lap on his leather sofa. Javier's strong arms wrapped possessively around the woman's slender waist, while Adriana draped her arms around Javier's neck. Right before my eyes, the two of them were kissing each other so intimately and passionately.

A scene that usually only appeared in my nightmares was now unfolding before me, mercilessly real.

Watching them lock lips, all the oxygen around me suddenly vanished. My chest tightened, leaving a suffocating sensation so oppressive it made it hard for me to breathe. My head spun, and my vision slowly blurred through a clear film that suddenly welled up in my eyes.

I know this is ridiculous. I know I have no right to feel this shattered. Isn't this no big deal? They're a couple who are engaged and about to get married. It's perfectly natural for them to do that.

I tried to drill that logic into my head, trying to quell the storm of emotions raging inside my chest. But, unfortunately, my heart refused to compromise. The pain spread so quickly, shattering all the defenses I'd built up since this morning.

With my hands trembling violently, I clutched the folder to my chest even tighter, biting my lower lip hard so no sound of sobbing would escape my mouth.

But why does it hurt so much, God? Why does loving him have to hurt this much? I asked myself silently, lamenting my misfortune-trapped in a labyrinth of forbidden love from which I'll never find a way out.

****

"Hey, what's wrong?"

A familiar voice broke the silence in the executive hallway. I startled and instantly turned toward the source of the voice. In a panic, I roughly wiped the tears from my cheeks with the back of my hand, then hurriedly forced a faint smile in front of the man I knew very well as Lio-Javier's personal assistant.

"Hey, Camila? What are you doing here?" Lio asked in surprise as soon as he recognized me. He remembered me because we'd exchanged greetings a few times when he'd visited our house on business for Javier.

"Well, Lio. I was just about to deliver this financial report to Mr. Javier's office," I explained in a slightly hoarse voice, holding up the thick folder I'd been clutching tightly the whole time.

"Do you work here now?" he asked, making sure he wasn't seeing things.

I nodded slowly, trying to act as natural as possible. "That's right, I just started working in the marketing division today," I replied.

Lio just nodded in understanding as he reached out to take the folder from my arms. "Oh, I see. Well then, let me take these documents inside for you. I happen to be free this afternoon-want to grab lunch with me?"

Hearing his invitation, I immediately shook my head quickly. I didn't want a single person in this office to know about my relationship with Javier. To maintain a safe distance, I'd decided not to get too close to anyone at work-including my adoptive brother's own personal assistant.

"Thanks for the invitation, Lio. But I think I'll just have lunch with my friends," I declined as politely as possible before saying goodbye and heading back downstairs.

****

That evening, the atmosphere at the Villareal house felt different. The dinner that was usually warm had turned into a theatrical performance that tormented my soul.

"How was work today, dear? Did everything go smoothly?" Mom asked gently during family dinner.

I smiled sweetly, trying hard to put on a face that showed I was very happy with my first day. "Fine, Mom. Everyone on the marketing team is really nice and has been guiding me," I replied calmly.

"Oh, Camila's working? Where does she work?" asked Adriana, who had surprisingly joined us for dinner at our house that night.

"She works at Javier's company, Adriana. Today was her first day as a marketing staff member," Mom explained proudly.

I just gave a faint smile while nodding politely toward Adriana. Behind that smile, my chest still felt tight and an excruciating pain gripped me every time memories of what happened in Javier's office that afternoon replayed in my head.

"Honey, why didn't you tell me?" Adriana cooed, wrapping her arm around Javier's as he sat next to her. "But I actually stopped by your office earlier. If you'd told me, I could've dropped by to say hi to Camila too."

Javier set his spoon and fork down on his plate with a loud clatter. He glanced at me briefly with an unreadable expression, then turned his gaze back to Adriana. "What for? She's there to work, not to play," he replied coldly as he immediately stood up from his chair. "Come on, let me take you home now," he said again in a firm, baritone tone that brooked no argument.

"Ugh, but I still miss her. I just got back from France, honey," Adriana complained, pouting playfully.

"That's why you should get married soon, so you can be together every day," Mama teased them with a little laugh.

"I'd love to do that as soon as possible, Auntie. But it's Javier who's deliberately dragging his feet," Adriana complained with a pout, her eyes glancing at Javier, who stood stiffly beside the table.

"That's why, if you want to get married, quit your job as a model. I don't want you to still be busy traveling back and forth overseas after we're married," Javier cut in firmly, demanding his future wife's full commitment.

"But I've already signed a contract, Javier."

"I can pay the full compensation to your agency," Javier replied casually, flaunting his boundless financial power.

Mom nodded in agreement. "What Javier said is true, Adriana. Javier can definitely cover all your living expenses without you having to work hard anymore. Instead of exhausting yourself chasing a career, it's better to focus on getting ready. Not to mention if you get pregnant later."

"Okay then. I'll give you lots of grandchildren, Auntie," Adriana exclaimed cheerfully, once again wrapping her arm affectionately around Javier's before the two of them stepped out toward the car.

Those words instantly made my chest feel even tighter. Lots of children? That means... they're having sex often, right? My mind immediately ran wild, imagining Javier touching another woman's body the same way he did in my dream. Jealousy and disgust mingled together, making me nearly choke on the pain in my heart.

****

"Ah... yeah, I love your touch, Javier. Touch me here... deeper, Javi..."

I was rambling again on the bed. In my subconscious, Javier's lips were once more tracing the surface of my skin, delivering an addictive, burning sensation. His hands moved slowly yet insistently, squeezing my breasts possessively while his lips played over my sensitive areas with such skill and tenderness. I loved every intoxicating inch of his touch.

"Javier, I want you. I want to get pregnant with your child...," I whispered in my dream, begging him desperately to position himself on top of me and unite our bodies.

But just as I felt the sensation of union so real on the brink of ecstasy, my eyes suddenly flew open.

I was gasping for breath, staring at the pitch-black ceiling of my room. My heart was pounding like a war drum, disrupting the rhythm of my chest as it rose and fell, gasping for air. Damn! I'd had another erotic dream about him-for the umpteenth time.

Feeling my throat parched and burning from the intensity of the dream, I decided to get out of bed. The wall clock read two in the morning. Usually I sleep soundly until morning, but tonight the image of Javier had completely thrown my entire nervous system into disarray.

I walked very slowly and carefully through the darkness of the house toward the kitchen. I needed cold water as soon as possible to cool my brain, which was boiling with frustration. Once I reached the refrigerator, I immediately grabbed a large bottle of mineral water, opened it hastily, and drank it right there in front of the open fridge door, letting the cold vapor wash over my flushed face.

But as I turned to head back to my room, my body froze instantly. My heart nearly leaped out of my chest.

Javier was standing there, right in the darkness of the kitchen doorway, staring at me intently. And what was far worse, the man wasn't wearing a shirt at all. He was only wearing thin cotton pajama bottoms, exposing his broad, broad chest, his solid, muscular stomach, and the perfectly sculpted contours of his muscular body-the result of regular exercise.

Under the dim glow of the refrigerator light, I swallowed hard. Instantly, the memory of the hot touch from the dream that had just faded a few minutes ago suddenly replayed in my head, overlapping with the real figure of the bare-chested man standing before me now.

Damn it! Why did he have to show up at a time like this? my inner voice screamed in panic. The silence of the night suddenly turned incredibly tense, thick with the pent-up sexual tension between the two of us.

****