Chapter 14
The Horton brothers wandered aimlessly through the streets, taking a wrong turn that led them to a secluded but beautiful road. After what seemed like an eternity, they reached their destination: the estate they had been searching for all night.
Even at night, Rose Estate possessed a unique charm. Remnants of wedding decorations still adorned the gates. As Connor's car approached the entrance, prepared to drive in, several tall, sturdy security guards stepped forward. "Sir, this is a private estate. Unauthorized persons are not permitted entry." Connor, accustomed to unimpeded access, was unfazed.
Just as he was about to accelerate, Marcelo intervened. "Excuse me," he said, "could you tell me who owns this estate? I need to speak with them. I'm looking for someone."
The guards exchanged glances, seemingly questioning their ability to locate the estate if they didn't know its owner. Still, they responded calmly, "The estate is owned by the Vaughns. We don't welcome outsiders, and this isn't the place to find anyone. Please leave." They gestured for them to depart.
"The Vaughns?" Anthony's face darkened. He recalled his assistant mentioning a "Mr. Vaughn" in connection with Emelie's house purchase. The coincidence was striking.
For a moment, the brothers considered this connection. Anthony, who had only vaguely remembered the earlier mention, now linked it to a recent deal involving the same "Mr. Vaughn." His heart pounded; he felt he'd stumbled upon a vital clue. The estate's grandeur suggested a wedding far beyond their expectations. Emelie hadn't been lying; what they'd dismissed as jokes now seemed true.
Her wedding had been today? She had married just over two weeks ago? The realization struck them with crushing force. Since childhood, they had never imagined Emelie marrying anyone else, let alone a stranger. Why? What had they done wrong?
A long silence followed, yielding no answers. The wedding was over. Tonight was Emelie and her husband's wedding night. The thought was unbearable.
Without hesitation, Anthony turned the car around. His face was impassive, but the car's speed betrayed his turmoil. Marcelo and Connor followed. Their destination: Mirage Heights.
The drive was a blur, punctuated by numerous red light violations, but they finally arrived at Mirage Heights. Under the moonlight, the three brothers stood outside the villa, gazing at the brightly lit interior, lacking the courage to ring the doorbell. The bedroom curtains were drawn, but a faint light emanated from within. The lights remained on throughout the night, the amorous sounds from within startling even the birds.
They should have intervened, but felt powerless to do so. After all, they were only brothers in name, with no legal documentation to prove otherwise; they were merely neighbors. Yet, the man inside was Emelie's legal husband. The marriage certificate they'd seen that day now felt like a cruel joke.
Marcelo let out a shaky sigh. "Turns out Emelie already gave us the answer. It was us who were stubborn, always doubting and fooling ourselves!" Anthony stood motionless, staring at the master bedroom like a statue. Miserable, consumed by jealousy, anger surged uncontrollably. His temper, never his strong suit, flared. He approached the door, hesitated, then turned back to his brothers.
"Anthony, Marcelo… damn it, I'm a coward! Emelie has always been ours since we were kids. No one can take her away from us!" He began ringing the doorbell, then banging and kicking at the door, but to no avail. His actions felt absurd.
They remained there all night, while the villa’s light furiously shone.
Chapter 15