Lynn smiled warmly, her eyes glinting with amusement. "You think we're going to discuss the diary here?" she asked.
Aurora chuckled. "I don’t think so. But I believe you’re here to confess your feelings or share something of that nature?" Sid joined her in a laugh. Lynn pointed at Sid, saying, "He’s the one with the feelings. I’m here to share my experience. We’re, you know... relatives."
Sid quickly chimed in, "We’ll soon be a couple."
Lynn shot him a playful but pointed look. "In your dreams."
The atmosphere between the three was easy, filled with casual banter. Meanwhile, Hector stood a little apart, watching them. His mind churned. What a coincidence, using Aurora's name, he thought, a bit of intrigue in his eyes.
As the crew began preparing the set for the live episodes of the show Buds, the participants readied themselves for the program’s opening segment. The show was divided into five segments, each focused on sharing personal stories about love and relationships. To participate, individuals had to submit a diary revealing their connection to the person whose experience they wanted to share. Sid’s reason for joining was simple: He was there to allow Lynn the opportunity to tell her love story. Once the diaries were found, two individuals would be chosen to participate in the program. Aurora, naturally, had already discovered the diary.
Hector, on the other hand, was there by obligation—he was compelled to participate, supposedly to learn about love, relationships, and women. His father had arranged a marriage between him and Aurora, the very woman now standing delicately before him, unaware that she was the one he was supposed to marry. As for Aurora, she knew exactly who Hector was, though her feelings about the impending marriage remained a mystery—for now.
The room buzzed as the crew set up for the opening segment, and everyone waited for the preparations to be completed. Soon, the participants would be brought in to record the first part of the program. One crucial rule was that no one was allowed to leave their designated seat once filming began. It wasn’t just a set—it was a gilded cage. The worst kind of imprisonment was the one you entered willingly, believing you were free, even if it was adorned in diamonds and gold.
But for those who controlled the game, their freedom was not up for negotiation. Bloodshed was a possibility, but it should never disrupt the relationships in play. No matter how dark or twisted things became, the ones in charge knew how to tread carefully, even in the shadows. They walked a smooth path, unchallenged, with a knowing calm.
The setup was complete, and the filming of the opening sequence began. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves—everyone except Hector, who had no desire to be there. But he had no choice; he was compelled to be there, to learn how to deal with women and emotions, preparing for his marriage to the daughter of the Al Batris family. She was the first heir, the one who would hold the reins after her father, perhaps even controlling everything herself.
The marriage was arranged to end the conflicts between the two families, a union designed to ensure mutual control, without fear of infringing on each other’s territories. That was the purpose of the alliance: to bind the heirs of the Al Batris and the Salvador families, who now stood before each other. Hector harbored resentment toward Aurora, who, oblivious to her role as his promised bride, seemed to take pleasure in provoking him with every glance.
The clock struck six in the evening, and the filming finally concluded. The participants were escorted to their rooms, where they would stay until the program’s filming wrapped up. However, Aurora had to be at her family’s mansion by eight, leaving her only two hours to slip away without anyone noticing—and without drawing attention in the process.
Aurora walked alongside Lynn, her roommate in Room 10, on the same floor as the set. Sid and Hector shared a room downstairs. Rooms were meant to foster more intimate exchanges between the participants and the program's guests. This time, however, the "guests" were crime lords—men who would not be easily confined. Even Hector, staying in a building owned by his family, searched for a way to escape, longing to slip out until it was time to film the first episode.
The phones of the participants had been confiscated to prevent any leaks about the show. So how would they manage to sneak out unnoticed?
Love and seduction were two very different things, and both Aurora and Hector were adept at alluring those around them with precision—perhaps Aurora, even more so.
Aurora, along with Lynn, arrived at their room—a large space designed to accommodate ten people, equipped with a spacious balcony. Aurora quickly made her way outside, pretending to be enchanted by the view with childlike wonder, but all the while, she was plotting her escape. As she leaned over the railing to see if there was anything below to climb down, her blue eyes met Hector’s, who stood on the balcony next to hers, also looking for a way out.
Hector glared at Aurora with an air of arrogance, as though she were insignificant. Aurora, unbothered, smiled and spoke, "You’re not trying to sneak out, are you…?" She paused, letting him stew on her words before adding, "To sneak into our room? After all, we are two beautiful girls." She laughed cruelly at his shocked expression, enjoying his discomfort. "How did you know?" he muttered.
Hector stared at her, retreating from the balcony as though conceding the space to her. Once he was gone, a dark expression settled over Aurora’s face, as if struggling to control herself. She quickly surveyed her surroundings and spotted a small balcony beneath—likely connected to the kitchen. She glanced upward, noticing a balcony above her, which appeared easier to access. A smile crept onto her face as she whispered to herself, "Which one will you choose, hmm?"
She hurried back inside, eager to shower before Lynn could.
Aurora began undressing in front of Lynn, unfazed by her presence. The last piece of clothing fell away, leaving her exposed to Lynn, who froze, staring in awe at Aurora's form. Aurora caught her gaze and smirked, moving toward Lynn with grace and purpose. She swayed, her naked body drawing Lynn’s eyes until Lynn pressed herself against the wall, feeling the heat of Aurora’s proximity.
Aurora gently took Lynn's hand, guiding it to her chest. "Aren’t they big?" she teased, and Lynn, flushed with embarrassment, nodded. Aurora wrapped Lynn's arms around her waist, her voice low and provocative. "Let me see yours too." But Lynn recoiled, trembling, overwhelmed by the intensity of Aurora's touch. Aurora laughed cruelly, her amusement evident as she returned to the shower.
As Aurora showered, she sensed the silence in the room, using the opportunity to gauge Hector's movements. She turned off the water, her flawless skin glistening, stepping out and wrapping a towel around herself. She listened, then heard a thud below—the sound of Hector taking the lower route.
Emerging from the bathroom, water still clinging to her skin, she found Lynn either asleep or pretending to be. Aurora smiled to herself, then, without changing her clothes and holding the towel tightly, she stepped onto the balcony. She checked her surroundings—no one in sight. She glanced up at the balcony above, tightened her towel, and began climbing.
Upon entering, she discovered an elderly woman sleeping soundly in her chair. Aurora stared at her for a moment before noticing a scarf nearby. She grabbed it, slipped out, and quietly padded toward the stairs, her bare feet making no sound. When she reached the garage, a black car's headlights illuminated the area. Aurora approached, her skin still damp, and slid into the back seat. Her brother, the driver, started the engine.
"Not again," he remarked, passing her clothes.
Aurora flashed a cheeky smile. "It’s already seven-thirty; hurry up!" She began changing, eager to get to her destination.
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