#Chapter 8: A Lifetime Ago

Aurora POV Leonardo curses under his breath as he pushes himself up from his chair, his movements stiff with irritation. Wine drips from his suit jacket, staining the expensive fabric and the shirt underneath it a deep, blood-red color. I should probably feel concerned about what kind of punishment will come from this since I’m the one closest to him and within hitting distance. But instead, I can’t help it—I laugh under my breath. Across the table, Dominic rises from his seat as well. His movements are slow and controlled, almost casual in a way. There’s no urgency in how he moves—just the kind of effortless confidence that makes it seem like he has all the time in the world. Without a word, he plucks a cloth napkin from the table and hands it to his father, as if assisting in the cleanup of the spilled wine is beneath him but doing so nonetheless. Leonardo takes it with a grumble, dabbing at the mess with irritation. “My mistake,” Domininc says smoothly. “I should’ve war