When Love and Blood Meets.

Chapter 3: Family Feud

Third-person Narrative Voice.

The sun strikes some rays of light that diffracted through the window. Aurora let out a loud yawn as she stretched her arms; it was already past 10 am.

She tightened her gown softly, then staggered her way to the door; yanking it open, Alex greeted her; in his hands was a banquet of flowers with dollars entrapped at every corner.

She paused in bewilderment, eyes flashed open, brushing her hand through her hair.

“Oh no !” she melted, a short gasp escaping her lips.

“I also brought you gifts,” Alex said, wearing a gorgeous smile, but Aurora had a tiring, grumpy look, folding her hands face down as she played with her front hair.

“I'm sorry about yesterday, I'm sorry I over reacted, please…”

She quickly backed him, her eyes void of any smile.

Alex paused before exhaling softly; slowly, he walked towards her, whispering to her ears.

“You look more like a Chinwawa with that grumpy look you're wearing; cheer up. It's boxing day, remember? You know how you've always wanted us to go boxing.” He recalled, his eyes rolling in circles, but Aurora did not respond.

“I got you a purple dress..” He finally revealed, his brows arched, eager to get a response, but she remained unphased.

Alex swallowed hard, then gave a light whisper to her ears.

“Don't you think seeing you like this in this state will be hard for the family?

It's fine to be furious…. but I will drop everything here at the door for you. “Happy Boxing Day, Aurora.” He retired, turning his back to leave, and a hand pulled him from behind.

“Don't go Alex, I need you.”

“You were crying?.” He replied in surprise.

“I couldn't hold it back. I melted when I saw you, but the thought of Peter, your brother, only made me feel I had betrayed his trust.” She sobbed, her tears falling freely. Alex hesitantly pulled out a soft cloth to wipe her eyes as both gazes met. Aurora pressed his palm on her cheek. “Thank you, Alex, for making my first day of holiday here fun.”

“It's fine Aurora, just like I would always say, you deserve to be happy and I will do anything to make sure you are okay.” He confessed.

She blushed, blinking her eyelids.

“It would be my pleasure to go boxing with you today.” He demanded, a hand brought out in anticipation.

She chuckled before placing her hands on his palm.

“Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I've got a bigger surprise for you at night.” He revealed as he hugged her passionately.

In a few hours, at exactly 5 pm, fleets of cars and a circle of friends and loved ones trooped in, in their numbers. Alex and Aurora were already dressed and ready for the night party.

For every moment, Aurora's gaze remained fixed on the clock, and for some weird reason, Alex had a wide grin on his face, as though Peter was an easy nut to track and wouldn't be much of a burden to him.

After a few minutes, they both decided to take a walk to help Aurora escape the tension that grew stronger in her heart.

A sleek Lamborghini pulled over with Peter as they walked through the dazzling hall holding arms, heading straight outside.

Alex and Aurora stared at each other dumbfounded as they beheld Peter in his white apparel.

“Aurora …” Peter let out.

“Alex.., aren't you supposed to be inside the banquet hall bonding with the family?

He asked curiously, eyes blazing over.

“Hmm, Well…,” He shrugged, then came closer to him.

“That's why I came with my friend,” He said, pointing to Aurora, a mischievous grin playing across his lips. Aurora softly lowered her face to the ground, trying to avoid eye contact.

“Wait a second Aurora so you're aware of this.” He said, with arched brows.

Aurora tried to speak but went numb as the words felt stuck in her throat.

“Is it now an offense to keep her company while you are away?”

“Don't you dare! don't even say that again, you stand in my face and tell me that you are keeping my own fiancé company!” Peter smacked, his hand pointing towards Alex.

“And who are you to order me around?You seem to have forgotten your place.”

Alex fired back; this time, they were a few inches from each other's faces.

“You succeeded in monopolizing the family company and here you are practically doing the same to my woman.”

Peter snapped with a clenched fist, eyes puffy and red.

“You better bring that hand down before I break it; you're not ashamed; you think I'm not aware of how you treated her ... .huh!” Alex yelled as anger bubbled in his heart.

“Oh, I see where this is driving too.” He nodded as his gaze completely flashed to where Aurora was standing. Her feet were shaking as her heart pounded.

With furrowed brows, he gestured at Aurora in a soft, calm tone.

“So this was the reunion we promised each other, you couldn't wait for me, you already got entangled with a total stranger, s**t! I hate to admit it, even after everything I went through to set everything aside and be here for you!.”

Peter snapped, coming close to Aurora with piercing eyes, his voice loud and rebuking.

“You wouldn't blame me; I never knew he was your brother. We were to be here earlier on and bond, and when I learned that you both were related, I felt a heavy weight hit me.” She broke out in tears, trying to clear the air.

“Aurora, you shouldn't be crying for this lunatic!, can't you see that he has completely lost his senses? I thought he came for a reunion but he's already raising his voice at you, is this the man you want to be with?.”

Alex plunged in, his words strong and piercing. Peter's eyes widened as his fist vibrated like he would throw a punch, but Aurora rushed into the middle.

“Enough!, enough already!.” Her voice was weak and sorrowful.

“Can you both just stop? you're half brothers, and, we are all here to bond and enjoy the goodness of the holidays, not to keep bickering.” She yelled; her eyes went pale, her pain eschewing from inside.

Both half-brothers stood speechless, staring closely at each other.

“Please, I need some time to cool off alone please.” She said, her voice below a whisper as she walked timidly from their presence.

“Don't think it's over!”

Peter said before entering his Lamborghini.

Alex said, “Pathetic loser, she would never be yours!” He bragged, his words gaining momentum as they came out; with a last sinister glance, he turned to leave.

Alex knew exactly where Aurora could be, and for some weird reason, he was already heading to her, knowing deep down that Aurora was one of those ladies who wanted your presence indirectly, even when she demanded to be left alone, which was one thing Alex was aware of. On the other hand, Peter drives to the family banquet, trying not to upset his woman; he believes in respecting their opinions, but his half-brother sees it as her weakness, a hole that needs to be fixed.

The same mother brought up Alex and Peter, which affects their ways of thinking, reacting, and even dealing with people.

About two and half decades ago, Alex's mom, Carlin, had a secret affair with their father, a billionaire don. Being a promiscuous lady that sucks major balls for money. She wasn't interested in parenting, but in affluence, so she never settled down with her sugar daddy. Instead, she eloped with her unborn baby, which was Peter at that time, after conceiving Alex for the billionaire don, her supposed sugar daddy.

Due to this, Peter grew up in an average city where he must learn to strive irrespective of the city's exposure level. A few years later, he reunited with his father- the billionaire don.

These life experiences made him care less about people, and even when he tried to act it up, the misbelief still came hunting him- a past he now welcomes in his mind.

Peter drove to a bar to cool off, and after taking two shots of champagne, he got into his car, took out his sunshade, and stared sinisterly at some graphical contents then smacked suspiciously.

“By tomorrow Aurora would be mine and mine alone.” He whispered, desperation edged at the line of his expression as he stared at some concealed content with the subject line”Peter” right there in his phone-a wicked grin playing across his lips.