Chapter 5 He Awakes

A sprawling bed dominated the room, its black silk sheets and covers casting a sleek, somber glow.

Beneath those luxurious layers, the man resting there was strikingly handsome, his face sharply defined and almost impossibly refined. Illness had drained all color from his skin, giving him an ethereal look straight out of a haunted romance, yet his aura of authority and intrigue set him far above even the most famous celebrities.

Drawing closer, Emilee perched on the edge of the mattress, her eyes lingering on Eric's peaceful expression. Though Aaron often drew admiring glances, put him next to Eric and he would instantly become forgettable.

"It's strange," she said thoughtfully, propping her chin on her hand. "Looking at you now, it's hard to believe all those stories about your ruthless ways. Life has left us both powerless. Still, I'll take care of you from now on. If nothing else, I'll make sure your final days are gentle."

Her words had barely faded when the door crashed open, startling the silence.

Aaron appeared in the doorway, breath coming fast, hair a mess, anxiety stamped on his features and a flash of frustration in his eyes.

"Emilee, what happened?" he asked, his voice urgent. "We agreed to run away together today. I waited for you forever by that back exit. Did you really complete the ceremony? Come with me now!"

His stride was quick, his hand reaching out to grab hers, desperation making his voice crack. "Staying here with Eric is a disaster. Don't throw your life away!"

Looking at him now, Emilee could only recall the sting of his betrayal in that video, revulsion souring her heart.

Without hesitation, she yanked her hand free, her words icy. "Aaron, I'm not running away. Something changed when I saw Eric. I think I've fallen for him. I'm done with you. It's over."

Staggered by her response, Aaron could do nothing but stare, disbelief widening his eyes. "What... what are you saying?"

After several silent seconds, Aaron's eyes narrowed, sharpening with suspicion as if he could pierce right through Emilee. "You can't be serious, Emilee! How could anyone fall for someone who isn't even conscious?"

Emilee's smirk came easy, her gaze sharp with contempt. "What's so unbelievable? Compared to Eric, you're hardly worth looking at. He outshines you even lying here. Why shouldn't I be drawn to him instead of you?"

With a gentle motion, she laced her fingers through Eric's, warmth softening her features-a complete contrast to the icy scorn she reserved for Aaron.

Every word was intentional. Three years beside Aaron had shown Emilee the truth behind his polished image. Beneath that gentlemanly veneer, his ego was towering and fragile.

Back then, she never understood how a man with so much going for him could still be so bitter and insecure. Now she saw it clearly: Aaron had spent his whole life trying to crawl out from under Eric's shadow. That brilliance bred resentment, twisting Aaron with jealousy and fear.

So hearing that she, his girlfriend of years, now preferred his helpless brother, hit Aaron like a punch to the gut.

Fury finally erupted. Aaron lunged, grabbing Emilee by the collar and hauling her from the bed. His face contorted in anger. "What's gotten into you? Do you honestly think tying yourself to Eric will give you a future? He's finished. When he's gone, you'll be left with nothing!"

Unflinching, Emilee stared him down, her expression set with cold finality. "Let go, Aaron. You make my skin crawl. I'd rather have nothing at all than settle for you. We're finished. Leave now."

In a burst of adrenaline, Emilee drove her heel hard into Aaron's knee. The blow sent him staggering, his hold slipping as pain twisted across his features. A glare full of rage-now laced with something darker-fixed on Emilee.

"Alright, Emilee. You've gone too far this time!"

Rage took over, and Aaron lunged, knocking Emilee down and pinning her to the floor. His hands clawed at her dress, voice low and threatening.

"If you want to belong to Eric, then watch me ruin that in front of him. I'll make sure you regret ever defying me."

"Somebody, help! Please, help me!" Panic ripped through Emilee's voice. She hadn't expected Aaron's violence to escalate so quickly. Desperately, she fought back, nails raking angry red lines down his face.

Aaron ignored the pain, forcefully trapping her wrists above her head while his other hand fumbled clumsily at his belt.

A heavy wave of dread settled over Emilee, fear clawing at her heart, when suddenly Aaron froze. His entire body went rigid, eyes widening in disbelief as he glanced beyond her.

"Wait... he's awake!" Aaron's voice shook, face draining of color as if a ghost had appeared.

On the bed behind them, Eric's eyes snapped open, breaking the spell.