"Wait a second," Max cut in before Angel could explain, his brows knitting together. "Before you tell him everything, I want to know something. How did you find out Aurora was in danger?"
Angel took a slow breath. "She was having fun, so I excused myself. But then I noticed someone spilled juice on her, so she left to clean the stain." His voice dropped, his eyes narrowing at the memory. "While waiting, I had this… feeling. Something was wrong. The stain shouldn't have taken her that long to clean, so I followed my instincts. I walked toward my room then I heard her screaming. That's when I ran in."
Max nodded gravely. "Good. If you hadn't been there on time, I don't know what would have happened to my baby."Baby?" Mark's voice sliced through the air, sharp and cold. His eyes narrowed into a glare so fierce, Max instinctively leaned back.Angel smirked. "Oh… it seems someone's in trouble for the second time," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. Max held up his hands defensively. "Whoa, I know that look. Please, be kind enough not to punch me again."
Angel laughed. "It's good you still remember what happened to you during recess, when you called Aurora 'baby.'"Tiwa's curiosity sparked. "Wait you three went to the same college?"No," Max corrected, "the four of us."
Mark's brows furrowed. "Four? Who's the fourth one?" Before anyone could answer, Aurora stirred in her sleep, her lips parting as she whispered, "J-Jake…"
Angel moved closer, sitting at her side. He gently brushed away the sweat glistening on her forehead.Max gave a knowing shrug. "Seems I didn't even have to mention his name Aurora answered your question herself." Mark's eyes sharpened. "Jake Scott?" Max leaned forward, his voice tightening. "Yes. Jake Scott. Your rival. My best friend… and the love of Aurora's life."
The words hit Mark like a physical blow. His eyes widened, his throat constricting. "I… I didn't know that," he said, swallowing hard.
Max's voice hardened. "Didn't Aurora tell you? They were going to get married until someone murdered Jake." His jaw clenched, his teeth grinding together.Mark looked away, his palms damp.Max's tone turned taunting. "Do you now know who punched me back in college?" Mark hesitated. "Yes… I do now."
Tiwa's voice broke through the tension. "Brother, are you okay? Your face is flushed and you're sweating."
"I'm fine," Mark muttered quickly. "It's just… a bit hot in here. "Hot?" Max frowned. "The air conditioner's on." Mark glanced toward the vent and saw the AC blowing steadily. His heart pounded harder.
"I… I… I don't really know," he stammered.
Tiwa leaned closer. "It's okay, brother. I'm sure you're just worried for Aurora." Mark nodded stiffly. "Yes… yes, you're right." Max tilted his head, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Hmm. You look like someone who's just been caught committing a crime."
"What?!" Mark's hands shot up to wipe the sweat pouring from his forehead. His voice dropped to a nervous whisper. "Is it… that obvious?"Excuse me? Did you say something?" Max asked. Me? No. No, I said nothing." The fear in Mark's eyes was unmissable. Tiwa studied him closely. "Brother, are you sure you're fine? You're… shaking."I'm fine," Mark said, forcing his voice steady. "I'll just go see to it that the man who hurt her pays."
Mark was in his study now, the dim light casting long shadows across the room. He poured another glass of whiskey and swallowed it like water, the burn doing nothing to numb the ache in his chest."What have I done?" he muttered, gripping his hair in frustration. His reflection in the liquor cabinet looked back at him like a stranger.
"I killed the love of her life… This is unforgivable. What will I do if she finds out the truth?" His voice cracked, and for a moment, his shoulders shook. He stared down at his trembling hands. "I won't deny it… I've fallen for her. I love her. And I didn't even see it coming."
His head fell into his hands, a bitter laugh escaping him. "God… what kind of punishment is this? You give me the one woman I could love only to curse me with the truth that I'm the reason for her greatest pain."