Living as Palacios (Shadows of the Past) BOOK 2

Chapter 23

Chapter 23- HAPPY 1ST ANNIVERSARY

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As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, Aurora slowly blinked her eyes open, the warmth of the morning enveloping her. She felt a gentle of kisses gliding from her forehead down to her neck and shoulders—a tender awakening that made her heart flutter. A secret smile danced on her lips as she turned to face Amando.

"Hi. Good morning." she greeted him with a soft, raspy voice, still feeling asleep.

"Good morning, Mahal ko." Amando replied, his eyes full of affection.

"What are you doing?" she asked, her brow furrowing in confusion as his lips continued to brush against her skin.

"Hmm? Breakfast in bed..." he teased, a light chuckle escaping his lips. Aurora couldn't help but laugh softly, shaking her head.

"Maling breakfast yata ang tinutukoy mo—"

With a playful smile, Amando gently pressed his lips against hers, silencing her with a passionate kiss. "Joke lang. Siyempre, ito ang breakfast in bed."

Amando stood up before setting down a beautifully arranged tray in front of her. Freshly baked croissants, golden and flaky, were plates beside a vibrant assortment of seasonal fruits—juicy strawberries, sweet mango slices, and plump blueberries. A steaming cup of herbal tea exuded a calming aroma, filling the air with a sense of tranquility.

Aurora's eyes widened in delight, her heart swelling at the thoughtfulness of his gesture. She savored each bite until she caught him watching her with soft, admiring eyes. She raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued when she noticed his gaze lingering her.

"Bakit? May dumi ba sa mukha ko?" she asked, wiping her mouth with a napkin, half-joking yet anxious for his answer.

"Ang ganda mo."

The sincerity in his gaze momentarily took her breath away. Caught off guard, she carefully set the tray aside and leaned closer, brushing her fingers against his cheek.

"At ang gwapo mo."

Their eyes locked, and the world around seemed to fade away, as if they were the only two people in existence. Slowly, almost instinctively, their faces inched closer, drawn together by a magnetic pull. But just as the moment reached its peak, the door swung open with a creak, shattering their intimate bubble.

"Tita! Kuya Amando! Happy 1st Anniversary! Ngayon 'yon diba?! Diba?!" Rebecca barged in, her voice bright and full of excitement.

Aurora shot a glare at Rebecca, her irritation palpable, which caused her niece's bright smile to slowly falter.

"W-what's wrong? Ang aga pa Tita, galit ka kaagad." she stammered, sensing the tension.

"Rebecca—" Aurora began, attempting to regain control of the situation.

"Bakit? Naistorbo ko na naman ba kayo?" Rebecca teased, mischief dancing in her eyes.

Aurora felt her frustration boiling over, ready to pounce, but Amando intervened, preventing her from going near Rebecca.

"Chill, Tita. Well, aalis kaming lahat for business conference so both of you have the whole Palacios's Estate."

"Sige na, Rebecca. Napipikon na siya." Amando said, his laughter fading as he caught Aurora's sharp glare. "B-bakit? Pinapaalis ko na nga."