Living as Palacios (Shadows of the Past) BOOK 2

Chapter 20

Chapter 20- Birthday and Death

⚠️: Gunshots

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It was almost 7 in the evening, and Aurora was preparing herself for the debut party for Sophia. Knowing she would rather be anywhere else, she chose to attend because, after all, family was important.

As she stood in front of the mirror, Aurora couldn't help but admire the stunning black gown she wore. It was an expensive piece—elegant and shimmering, the fabric catching the light and making her feel like royalty. The gown hugged her figure perfectly, and as she adjusted her hair, she caught a glimpse of her reflection.

"Gorgeous as always." she whispered to herself.

Amando entered the room, feeling a mix of admiration and love as he processed Aurora's heavenly figure.

"Bakit hindi ka pa nagbibihis?" Aurora's voice broke through his thoughts.

He glanced at her, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. "Hindi naman ako invited. Family event niyo 'yun. Dito na lang ako at magpapahinga," he replied, his voice trailing off as he considered lying on the bed.

But just as he was about to, Aurora reached out, gently pulling him back. Her gaze held him captive, and he met her eyes.

"And who told you na hindi ka part ng family?" she challenged, tilting his chin up with a gentle touch. "You are part of my family, Amando. What's the point in announcing my relationship with you in public kung hindi ka parte ng pamilya ko?"

He had never felt truly part of a family before, he was just a butler, a server, a slave and yet here she was, insisting he belonged to hers.

The idea of stepping into the spotlight at her family event felt embarassing, especially when he sensed the weight of expectations lingering in the air. She stood there, a blend of concern and determination evident across her features.

"Amando..." she called again, her voice soft yet firm.

"Pero—" he began, but she cut him off.

"I considered you as my family more than Sophia. She's an illegitimate—"

"Baka may makarinig sa'yo," he interrupted, the concern evident in his voice.

She took his hand and led him toward the walk-in closet with so much excitement. "I bought this for you. Gusto kong suutin mo." she declared, revealing a large white box. The moment he saw it, curiosity sparked within him. "Wear it. I'll wait outside."

Once Aurora stepped out, Amando felt a mix of emotions—anxiety, anticipation, and an odd sense of belonging. He opened the box cautiously, revealing a pristine formal attire: a crisp white polo, a tailored blazer and pants, and a sleek necktie.

As he held the clothes in his hands, the fabric felt soft yet purposeful, like it was infused with all the love and acceptance Aurora had offered him.

Matapos isuot ni Amando ang damit ay lumabas siya at agad na sumilay ang ngiti sa labi ni Aurora.

"Bagay ba?" he asked her while adjusting his necktie with a hint of nervousness.

Aurora noticed his struggles so she went near him fixing his necktie. She can't take her eyes off him.

"You look divine, Mahal. Paano pa kaya kung sa kasal natin?" she giggled thinking of that to happen.

"Sigurado ka bang isasama mo 'ko? Paano—"

She cut him off by kissing his lips in a gentle way. When she pulled back, she looked at him and made him look on himself in the human size mirror.