Chapter 65
Chapter 65
VENUS
When we returned to the table, Andrea was already gone.
No dramatic exit. No storming heels or slammed doors. Just her empty wineglass-and the scent of her chaos, lingering like cheap perfume in a velvet room.
“She said she had something important to get to,” Rosemary offered with a polite smile.
Right. Something important.
Like poisoning the air then vanishing before it turned on her.
Lunch wrapped fast after that.
Connor cracked some joke about the “bloodbath in Bordeaux.” Alanna giggled, bless her naive little heart. Sabine met my eyes with a smirk so smug I wanted to flick her forehead.
But Aaron? He was too calm. That dangerous kind of calm. The kind that screams without sound. And when Rosemary stood, her voice soft as silk, announcing dinner would be at seven and that we were free to wander, I swear-every soul in that room exhaled.
The storm had passed. But no one was foolish enough to believe the skies were clear.
People scattered like leaves.
I headed toward the west corridor to find Sabine-but made a wrong turn. Or maybe the right one, depending on how much truth you think a girl should carry.
Because I heard voices.
Low. Private. The door to the side parlor wasn’t shut all the way.
Just cracked. Just enough.
I should’ve walked away.
But I didn’t.
I stood half-hidden behind a column, my fingers brushing the velvet wallpaper, heart climbing toward my throat.
Rosemary’s voice, soft. Careful.
“I like her p>
Silence.
“She’s bold,” she continued. “Sharp in the right places. Soft in others p>
More silence. Just the clink of a glass.
Then-
“Are you happy, Aaron p>
That question hit like a slap in the dark. I didn’t breathe.
He exhaled. Slow. Controlled.
“Yes p>
Just that. One word.
But it landed like thunder.
“Yes?” she repeated, quieter now. “Really p>
His voice dropped. Certain.
“She challenges me. Makes everything feel… new p>
There was a pause. And then a laugh-wet, delicate, almost broken.
“I thought after your father-and me-you wouldn’t even try p>
He didn’t answer, but I saw him shift.
And then she hugged him.
Not the air-kiss kind of hug. Not the careful kind.
Successfully unlocked!
4
1/3
Chapter 65
The kind that said you’re still my boy, even if I failed you.
“Don’t let her go,” she whispered.
“I don’t plan to p>
That was when I left.
Quiet. Unnoticed.
My heart pounding with something sharp and impossible.
I shouldn’t have heard that.
It wasn’t real. Not for him. Not for me.
It was a contract. A calculated move. A lie.
But Rosemary didn’t know that. She was just a mother, finally seeing her son love someone.
And I hated that I was the lie she put her hope in.
By the time I found Sabine out by the old stone fountain, I had wrapped that whole overheard truth in layers of armor.
She was lounging like a lazy viper-sunglasses on, lips locked around a cherry lollipop, the picture of casual mischief.
“You’re late,” she said without looking.
“Got sidetracked p>
She arched a brow over her glasses. “Eavesdropping on the in-laws? Naughty p>
I didn’t bother with a smile. I folded my arms, leaning beside her.
“Tell me something p>
“Only if it involves nudity or betrayal p>
“Who was Andrea to Aaron p>
That got her.
She pulled the lollipop from her mouth with a slow, deliberate pop.
“Well. That escalated p>
“Sabine p>
She sighed like I’d just ruined her sunbathing. “Fine. But I don’t know everything. From what I gathered? They had… a thing. Not quite dating. More like flirting laced with venom and occasional threats p>
Sounds familiar.
“But it ended?” I asked.
She nodded. “When Aaron found out she was spying on him p>
My stomach turned. “Spying? For who p>
Her sunglasses slid down her nose. “Dorian p>
Of course it was Dorian.
“He found out. Cut her off. She tried to slither back into his life, but… Aaron doesn’t do second chances p>
“No one survives betrayal with him,” I murmured.
Sabine gave a tight smile. “Exactly. And she knew it. That’s why she tried to come at you today p>
“She failed p>
“She always will p>
I let that hang in the air for a moment, then shifted.
“Alright,” I said lightly. “Your turn p>
Her eyes narrowed. “My turn p>
I raised a brow. “When are you going to talk about you and Connor p>
Her eyes flew wide. She looked like I’d splashed ice water down her spine.
“Me and Connor? What happened to me and Connor p>
2/3
Chapter 65
“Oh, don’t play innocent.” I smirked. “I saw you p>
“Where p>
“Restaurant. Monday. Your tongue was halfway down his throat p>
Her cheeks flamed. “It wasn’t-oh my God-Venus. Did you tell Aaron p>
“Of course not.” I crossed my arms. “But why hide it p>
“Because he’s Connor. Aaron’s best friend p>
“So? Aaron wouldn’t care.” I tilted my head. “Unless p>
“Unless what p>
“Unless he thinks Connor’s just playing with you p>
Her entire face changed at that. The sass dropped. The teasing fell away.
She blinked at me.
Then whispered-
“He’s not p>
And something in her voice told me she wanted to believe that.
But wasn’t sure.
Yet.
3/3
Subscribed
45 Likes
Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.