The Billionaires Two Brides

Chapter 9: Conflicting Worlds

The Voltaire mansion was quiet that evening, the grand halls illuminated beside soft, golden lights. Aiden leaned against the grand staircase railing, swirling A glass of scotch, his mind elsewhere. His phone buzzed ,A reminder about the engagement dinner with Leah’s family. He frowned, rubbing his temple. Leah. Family expectations. Duty. And yet… her . Meanwhile, Amaara was at home, exhausted from another long day. She had just closed the boutique and was counting her earnings when she realized she had a small problem: her apartment sink had leaked, flooding part of her kitchen. Great… just great, she muttered, grabbing a towel and trying to mop up the water. Before she could get too frustrated, there was a knock at the door. Her heart skipped. Not him… please not him. She opened it cautiously and froze. Aiden stood there, umbrella in hand. His expression was calm, but there was a faint intensity in his eyes that made her chest flutter. “What are you—how are you here?” she stammered. “I heard you were having a little… domestic disaster,” he said smoothly, stepping inside before she could protest. “Thought I might lend a hand.”Amaara crossed her arms, half-annoyed, half-relieved. “You—this is crazy . You can’t just show up at someone’s apartment!” “I can if I want to,” he replied with a small smirk. “Besides, you seem to need help.” Her eyes narrowed. “I don’t need help. I can fix this myself.” He knelt by the sink, inspecting the leak. “I know. But sometimes even the strongest people need… a little assistance.” Amaara watched him for a moment, heart racing. Strong people… does he mean me? They worked in silence for a few minutes, the only sound the drip of water and the occasional clink of tools. Finally, he looked up, wiping his hands. “There. That should hold for now. But you might want to call a plumber tomorrow.” “Thanks,” she said softly, realizing she actually appreciated his help. “ Even if I didn’t want it.” He smiled faintly. “Sometimes the world forces you to accept help, whether you like it or not.” Amaara felt her cheeks heat. “You make it sound… philosophical .”“Maybe I like to sound smart,” he said, leaning against the counter. His gaze softened as he looked at her. “Or maybe I just like talking to you.” Her pulse quickened. “Talking to me?” she repeated, trying to sound casual but failing. “Yes,” he said simply. “ Even if it’s just fixing a leaky sink. Even if it’s … anything .” Later that night, Aiden returned to his penthouse, tension still knotting his chest. Leah’s name hovered in the background like a shadow he couldn’t shake. Duty. Engagement. Everything I’m supposed to do. And yet, the memory of Amaara—her defiance, her laugh, the way she had stared at him while insisting she didn’t need help refused to leave his mind. She’s dangerous… for me. She’s everything I shouldn’t want. And yet… I do. Meanwhile, Amaara sat on her couch, staring at the repaired sink. Her thoughts were tangled with confusion and curiosity. Why does he make me feel… like someone is looking out for me, yet making me feel exposed at the same time? She remembered his words. “Sometimes even the strongest people need… a little assistance.”Does he think I’m strong? Or… does he think I’m weak? The thought made her both annoyed and strangely thrilled.