loving you was a mistake

The morning sun streamed gently through the white curtains of the Riverson-Wilson mansion. Birds chirped quietly in the distance while the sound of Aurora's laughter filled the kitchen as she helped the chef prepare breakfast. Mark walked in with a softened expression, a noticeable difference from the tension of the night before.

"Good morning, love," he said, wrapping his arms around her from behind. Aurora smiled and leaned into his embrace. "Good morning, troublemaker. You're forgiven, just don't carry me off like a bag of rice in someone's office again," she teased.

Mark chuckled. "I deserved that."

After breakfast, Angel stretched on the velvet couch in the living room. "Thank you again, Aurora. Dinner last night was amazing. You and Mark really know how to host. "You're welcome, Angel," Aurora replied with a sweet smile. "Next time, you're cooking at your place." Girl I was surprised to see you in the kitchen today. "Angel I just felt like making breakfast today."

Angel laughed, grabbing her handbag. "Deal. Anyway, I better get going. Maxwell will be wondering where I disappeared to. "I'm sure he'll be fine," Mark said as he walked Angel to the door. "Send my regards."

As Angel got into her car and waved goodbye, Mark's smile faded. He turned back inside, a sudden weight settling on his shoulders. He knew what he had to do.

****Later That Day…****

Maxwell stood in his home office, flipping through files when a knock came on the door.

"Come in," he said. Mark stepped in, his hands buried in the pockets of his coat, his expression unreadable. Maxwell looked up, his brow raised. "Mark? You don't usually drop by unannounced."

"I know," Mark said quietly, closing the door behind him. "But there's something I need to get off my chest. Something I should've told you months ago." Maxwell's posture shifted, sensing the gravity in Mark's tone. "Alright. Sit." Mark didn't sit. Instead, he paced slowly across the room before stopping in front of the large window. He stared outside for a moment before turning back to face Maxwell.

"I had a hand in Jake's death."

The words sliced through the air like a dagger.

Maxwell froze. His lips parted, but no words came. His hands clenched into fists at his sides as the tension mounted between them.

You what?" Maxwell finally uttered, his voice low and dangerous.

"I did pull the trigger," Mark clarified. "But I orchestrated the scene. I had people watching him. I created the storm that led to his death. At the time, I saw him as a threat to the mafia business , to myself, to everything I had built."

Maxwell shot up from his chair, his expression livid. "You let him die?! You knew Jake had cancer, didn't you?" Mark shook his head slowly. "No. I found out later after everything. I didn't know he had stage four cancer. If I had known… maybe things would've been different."

Maxwell's jaw clenched as he paced the room, the weight of betrayal on his shoulders. "He was my friend, Mark. My brother in every way but blood."

"I know," Mark said. "And I've hated myself every day since. Aurora doesn't know the full truth. If she finds out… I might lose everything."

Silence lingered between them until finally, Maxwell sat back down, eyes closed. When he opened them, there was something softer behind them grief still, but also understanding.

"You made a mistake, a terrible one. But I know you love Aurora, and you've changed. I can't promise I'll forget it… but I forgive you, Mark." Mark's eyes widened. "You do?"

"You came to me. That says a lot. Just never lie to her. She deserves the truth even if it breaks her." I'm not ready to tell her," Mark whispered.