Forbidden: The Billionaire’s Secret Sister Chapter 05
The night breeze on the terrace carried a slight chill and I hugged my arms tightly, gazing at the dark
blue mountains in the distance. The humiliation in the banquet hall was still vivid in my mind–Vivian’s arrogant face made me sick.
“I’m sorry.” Augustine’s voice came from behind me, low and sincere. didn’t turn around. “Why apologize? You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I should have stopped them earlier.” He walked up beside me, leaning against the stone railing of the terrace. “Vivian and her friends have been spoiled since childhood, thinking bloodline determines everything.”
“Doesn’t it?” I turned to face him, moonlight casting shadows on his face. “In your world, isn’t birth everything?”
Augustine let out a bitter laugh. “Why do you think I helped you?”
I don’t know.” I looked directly into his eyes, saying warily, “Maybe you think I’m an interesting plaything? Or you want to prove something?”
“Damn it.” He shook his head, turning to face the distant mountains. “I’ve been sick of these
hypocritical games since I was a child. Bloodline doesn’t represent character, and money doesn’t represent value. I’ve seen too many talented people like you get crushed by this system.”
His words caught me off guard. This didn’t seem like acting–there was a deep weariness in his tone.
“Then why don’t you leave?” I asked.
“I tried.” Augustine’s voice carried self–mockery. “When I was eighteen, I refused to enter the family business and went to study organic farming. My father nearly disowned me.”
Organic farming?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Yes.” He turned around, a certain light flashing in his eyes. “Real agriculture should exist in harmony with nature, not destroy the land for maximum profit. I have a winery in the northern mountains, employing local farmers with organic cultivation. The family is very displeased with this.”
Istared at him, trying to judge whether he was lying. “Why are you telling me all this?”
Because I believe true aristocratic spirit is about taking social responsibility, not exploitation.” His tone became serious. “How about visiting my winery tomorrow? I want to show you different possibilities.”
‘Is he serious?‘ I asked myself. Augustine Blackwood, the second son of this family, was actually inviting me to visit his… organic farm?
“I’m not sure…” I hesitated.
“No strings attached.” He seemed to sense my concern. “I just want to show you that birth doesn’t determine a person’s values.”
Just as I was about to answer, a familiar voice came from behind.
“Augustine, what are you doing?”
Phoenix’s voice carried obvious displeasure. I turned around to see him and Celeste walking out of the banquet hall. Celeste was clinging to his arm, the picture of refined delicacy.
“Having a conversation with a remarkably talented drti: artist.” Augustine’s response was calm, but I could feel the tension between the two brothers.
phoenix’s gaze swept back and forth between
Augustine and me, finally settling on my face. “I thought you’d already left.”
Cold, distant–as if all those late–night conversations we’d had never happened.
“I was just leaving.”
“Then get some rest early.” After Phoenix said this, he headed toward the interior of the mansion with Celeste, not even glancing back at me.
I stood there, feeling like I’d been slapped hard.
“Phoenix… he knows what kind of woman he should marry.” Augustine turned to me, his eyes showing some sympathy. “And you’re not on that list.”
Those words stabbed straight into my heart like a knife. I knew Augustine was telling the truth, but hearing someone say it so bluntly still left me breathless with pain.
I should go.” I hurried toward my car.
“Sera, wait.” Augustine called after me. “About tomorrow…”
“I’ll think about it.” I said without looking back.
Driving away from Blackwood Manor, my mind was in chaos.
‘He knows what kind of woman he should marry. And you’re not on that list.‘
gripped the steering wheel so hard my knuckles. turned white. Why was I torturing myself like this? Knowing it was impossible between us, why did I still harbor fantasies?