A Break From Drama.

Aurora’s POV

I returned to my room, closing the door behind me, and leaned against it, letting out a heavy sigh.

I wondered who the woman was who had come to see Leonardo. Probably his girlfriend, I thought, feeling a pang of jealousy.

But I quickly pushed it aside, reminding myself that I wasn't dating Leonardo, so I had no reason to feel jealous.

As his stepsister, I should be happy he's in a serious relationship. Yet, a part of me still felt uneasy.

Just then, I heard a soft knock on my door, and my head jerked up in surprise.

I took a deep breath, smoothed out my hair, and opened the door. Rafael stood in the hallway, his bright blue eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Rafael?" I called out, my voice a little stronger now.

He smiled at me, his dimples deepening.

"Hey, Aurora.

I don't know if you'd want to hang out with me today."

He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, his eyes never leaving mine.

I hesitated, looking around my room, trying to think of any reason to stay in.

But the truth was, I needed a break from all the drama that had unfolded today.

A little fun with Rafael sounded like just what I needed.

"Um... sure. I'd love to." I said finally, a small smile creeping onto my face.

Rafael's face lit up like a lamp, and he grinned at me.

"Great!

Let's go."

He stepped aside, gesturing for me to come out.

I nodded, feeling a sense of excitement building up inside me. I closed my door behind me and followed Rafael down the hallway, my feet padding softly on the carpet.

"Where are we going?" I asked him, curiosity getting the better of me.

Rafael turned to me, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Well... I want to take you grocery shopping," he said, his voice low and conspiratorial.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Grocery shopping?

That's not exactly my idea of fun," I teased, playfully rolling my eyes.

But Rafael just chuckled.

"Trust me, it'll be fun.

I want to prepare a special dish, and I need your help."

He winked at me, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

I couldn't help but laugh at his enthusiasm. "

Hmmm... a special dish, you say?

That's cool."

I nodded, my curiosity aroused.

"Okay, let's go see what kind of culinary masterpiece you have in mind."

Rafael grinned, his face lighting up with excitement, and together we headed out of the house, ready for our adventure.

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As we walked through the pack house, I couldn't help but ask Rafael.

"So, what's this special dish you want to prepare?

You've got me curious."

Rafael chuckled, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Ah, it's a family recipe. My mom used to make it for special occasions. It's a traditional Italian dish, and I think you'll love it."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Italian, huh?

I'm not sure I've had much Italian food before."

Rafael grinned. "Well, you're in for a treat then.

We'll need to get some fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese."

As we walked through the market, gathering the ingredients, I couldn't help but ask Rafael about Alessandro's behavior towards me.

"Hey, Rafael?

Can I ask you something?"

Rafael looked at me, his face serious.

"Of course, what's up?"

I hesitated, unsure how to phrase my question.

"It's just... Alessandro seems to really dislike me.

I mean, I know we didn't exactly get off on the right foot, but... what's his deal?"

Rafael sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly.

"Alessandro... he's a complicated person, Aurora. He's hostile to anyone he sees as a threat to his plans."

I frowned, not understanding. "What plans?"

Rafael's face turned serious. "Alessandro is very ambitious, Aurora.

He wants to be the next Alpha, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.

He's been working tirelessly for years, cleaning up our father's mess, and making sure the pack is running smoothly."

I was taken aback by this new information. I had thought Alessandro was just a mean, heartless person, but it seemed there was more to him than that.

Rafael continued, "Alessandro sees you as a threat because your mother married our father.

He thinks you might be a rival for the Alpha position, even though you're not interested in it."

I shook my head, feeling a mix of emotions. "I had no idea... I just thought he didn't like me."

Rafael placed a hand on my shoulder, his eyes softening.

"Alessandro cares deeply about the pack, Aurora.

He's willing to do whatever it takes to protect it, even if it means being hostile to someone he sees as a threat."

I nodded, feeling a newfound understanding for Alessandro. Maybe he wasn't as bad as I thought.

As we continued shopping, I couldn't help but steal glances at Rafael, who was smiling and chatting with the vendors.

He was so carefree, so full of life. I felt grateful to have him as a step brother and I knew that our friendship was something special.

As we walked back to the pack house, laden with bags of groceries, I turned to Rafael and smiled.

"Thanks for telling me about Alessandro, Rafael. I feel like I understand him a little better now."

Rafael smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Anytime, Aurora. That's what friends are for."

When we entered the kitchen, the maids helped us with the bags and placed them on the table.

I couldn’t help but notice the maids stealing glances at me and whispering.

The silence in the kitchen was suddenly broken by someone I haven’t noticed before curious voice, her words cutting through the warm, playful atmosphere.

“Rafaek did you guys hire a new maid?

Why did she bring her and why are you spending so much time with her?”

“Huh? Who said that?”

Rafael turned towards the doorway, his eyes furrowed in confusion.

“I’m right here, Rafael. And I’m asking you why this stranger is here in our home, dressed in rags like she owns the place.”

The woman’s words were sharp her tone dripping with derision.

Lena.” Rafael replied, his voice filled with irritation.

“What’s she doing here? Why is she being treated like family? She doesn’t even belong in this house.”

Rafael’s patience seemed to be wearing thin. As his face hardened slightly, the smile on his face faltering as he faced her.

The kitchen went quiet for a long time. Everyone looked Lena, waiting to see how she’d react. But she just kept staring at me, looking disapproving.

I felt awkward under her intense stare, my fingers stopping in the middle of what I was doing.

“She’s our step sister and you should show her the respect she deserves, Lena.”

She scoffed as she walked closer to me. “I don’t know who you are and I don’t care about your little 'pack dynamics' or whatever it is you people do here,"

Lena spat, her voice filled with disdain.

"But I do know that you're not one of us, and you never will be."

Rafael's eyes furrowed, his jaw clenched in frustration.

"Lena, that's enough. Aurora is our family now, and we need to treat her with respect."

Lena scoffed.

"Family?

You mean because your father married her mother? Please. That doesn't make her one of us."

I felt a storm of anger at Lena's words, but Rafael's calm manner helped to keep me composed.

"Lena, we've talked about this. Aurora is our step-sister, and you need to accept her as part of our family if you want to become one of us as well."

Lena rolled her eyes. "Whatever. I don't have to like it."

She stormed out of the kitchen, leaving everyone feeling uncomfortable.