Chapter 101
Antonio rubbed his temples again as he heard the familiar voice from behind him.
He sighed, not even bothering to turn around. “Alejandro, whatever it is you’re here for, I’m not in the mood.”
“You’re never in the mood,” Alejandro said, closing the office door behind him.
His footsteps were casual, unhurried, as though he had all the time in the world and Antonio groaned.
“But, somehow, whenever it comes to Zabelle, you always have all the time in the world.”
Antonio stiffened but still didn’t turn. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, don’t act dumb, dear brother. It doesn’t suit you,” Alejandro said, leaning casually against the desk.
“You and Zabelle. It’s the talk of the household- -or at least it would be if I had more siblings to discuss it with.”
Antonio finally turned his chair to face his brother, his expression unreadable. “And here I thought you had better things to do with your time than gossip like a bored socialite.”
Alejandro smirked widely. “What can I say, you bring that part out in me,” he shrugged.
“Now back to what is happening between you and Zabelle. It’s like something out of a trashy romance novel. All you’re missing is a plot twist where you declare undying love.”
“Enough,” Antonio snapped, his voice low but firm.
Alejandro raised his hands in surrender. “Touchy, aren’t we? Fine. I’ll stop. But you have to admit, it’s funny seeing you like this.”
“Like what?” Antonio leaned forward, his
eyes narrowing.
“Agitated. Distracted. Dare I say… human?” Alejandro’s smirk widened some more. “It’s not a bad look on you, but it’s new. Care to explain? Is it because of Zabelle?”
Antonio’s jaw tightened as he leaned back, exhaling through his nose. “Seriously, don’t you have anything better to do?” “No, I don’t,” Alejandro stated. “Now, what’s up with you, you’ve changed.”
For a moment, Antonio considered it. He considered voicing the tangled mess of emotions he’d been dealing with since Zabelle had become a constant presence in his life.
However, he was unable to find the words. Plus, Alejandro’s annoying behaviour just made it harder.
Instead, Antonio decided to try another approach. “Hypothetically,” he began, his tone composed, “what would you say if someone… felt conflicted about their emotions toward another person?”
Alejandro’s brow furrowed, his teasing grin fading slightly.
“Conflicted how? Are we talking anger, admiration, lust? Or-” His eyes widened in horror. “Wait, are you the hypothetical -person?”
Antonio glared at him as he realized just how big of a mistake he was making trying to talk about his feelings with Alejandro. “Forget it.”
“No, no, hold on.” Alejandro crossed his arms, his expression both curious and amused.
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18:26 Sat, Dec 28 GO.
Chapter 101
“You’re serious, aren’t you? This isn’t about business or revenge–it’s personal.”
“I said forget it,” Antonio growled, his tone warning.
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“Come on, Antonio,” Alejandro said, leaning forward. “If you’re asking me of all people, it must be eating you alive. Just admit it–this is about Zabelle, isn’t it?”
Antonio’s silence was enough answer.
Alejandro let out a low whistle, shaking his head. “Wow. I never thought I’d see the day. Big, bad Antonio, brought to his knees by a woman.”
Antonio stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. “Get out!”
“Relax, I’m just messing with you,” Alejandro said, though he stood as well, sensing his brother’s rising irritation.
“But seriously, if you’re this worked up, maybe you should just tell her how you feel.”
“It’s not that simple,” Antonio muttered, pacing the room.
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“Why not? You’re Antonio. You don’t do hesitation, and you sure as hell don’t do complicated. You see something you want, you take it. So what’s stopping you now?”
Antonio/stopped pacing and turned to face Alejandro, his expression a mix of frustration and vulnerability. “I don’t know what I want.”
Alejandro blinked, genuinely surprised. “You don’t know?”
“I said drop it,” Antonio snapped, his voice sharper than he intended.
For once, Alejandro didn’t push. He studied his brother for a moment, his usual teasing smirk replaced by a rare look of understanding.
“Alright,” he said, holding up his hands again. “Consider it dropped. But just so you know, whatever this is… you don’t have to figure it out alone.”
Antonio looked away, his jaw tightening. “I’ll handle it.”
“Of course you will,” Alejandro said, his smirk returning as he headed for the door. “Just try not to overthink it. You’re terrible at processed other emotions other than anger.”
“Out,” Antonio barked, pointing to the door.
Alejandro chuckled but complied as he opened the door. “Good luck, brother. You’re going to need it.”
As the door closed behind him, Antonio sank back into his chair
Alejandro’s words echoed in his mind. “You don’t do hesitation, and you sure as hell don’t do complicated.”
He closed his eyes, leaning back as he tried to steady his thoughts. Alejandro was wrong about one thing; the fact this wasn’t something he could simply take or control.
Whatever this was with Zabelle, it was different. And that terrified him more than anything else.
He needed to know what it was first so he could stop the darn feeling.
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