Chereads / FORBIDDEN LOVE: hot kiss for imperfect romance / Chapter 2 - The world's era changed, our lives changed.

Chapter 2 - The world's era changed, our lives changed.

**Hundreds of years later...**

In a small house in a slum area, on the corner of the fast-growing, modern city of X, life was hard.

Despite the city's booming economic growth, it hadn't affected Leah's family.

"Good morning, aunty. How are you today?"

Every morning, like usual, Leah would visit her aunt's room before leaving for her work in the hustle and bustle of City X.

"This is me now, Leah. How about your job?"

Aunt Lauren, nearly sixty, had been caring for Leah all this time. Lately, she had been feeling unwell due to diabetes and had been bedridden for a few weeks.

"Everything is as usual. Hopefully, you'll get better soon. I have to go to work now, aunty."

Leah kissed Lauren on the forehead. Since Lauren had to take a long break due to her illness, Leah had become the breadwinner for her family. She worked from morning till night, jumping from one job to another. She did it all for the sake of her family.

"Be careful, Leah... Aunt loves you,"

Leah smiled faintly, waving her hand at Lauren, who couldn't leave her bed, then closed the door to their little house.

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There was a developing country with a booming tourism sector, filled with skyscrapers and crowded streets full of luxury cars. Busy people populated the downtown area.

City X was one of the country's most developed cities, thriving like flowers in the spring. It boasted cutting-edge technology and modern infrastructure.

But unfortunately, the social gap was glaringly obvious.

Leah was a prime example. She lived in a small, smelly rental house. They couldn't even shout freely at home, as the walls between houses were thin.

Moreover, Leah had to take care of her sick aunt, forcing her to take on every possible job to make ends meet. From dawn till evening, she worked multiple part-time jobs, from the convenience store to various others.

Meanwhile, in an elite estate in the middle of a pine forest, the wealthy residence of Mr. Edward stood. His mansion was luxurious, with many rooms, high-tech architecture, and a swimming pool at the heart of the house.

The estate also featured a decorative garden with fountains and beautiful sculptures scattered around.

A black European car crossed the main gate, stopping at the yard. On the passenger seat sat a beautiful lady with seductive eyes, and beside her, a handsome young man was driving.

The two looked so close and intimate, as though they were a couple— a new one, indeed.

The couple embraced passionately, unwilling to untangle their lips, their hot breath betraying their growing desire.

However, in the end, Maria had to get out of the car and part ways with her lover.

Maria Salomon, a seductive woman with a curvaceous figure, was the younger sister of Edward's wife. In her thirties, she had never had a serious relationship with any man. She was proud of her body, flaunting her round, tempting breasts and full thighs.

She liked to wear miniskirts and sexy dresses that showcased her curves, all for self-confidence and pleasure.

The man next to her was Daniel. Though they hadn't been dating for long, their chemistry was evident.

Their kiss lingered, though they both knew their time was running out.

Unbeknownst to them, someone in the distance was watching their every move. A man with sharp eyes and a sarcastic grin had witnessed everything.

"Daniel, do you want to stop by?" Maria asked, her voice playful.

"Of course not. What if your older sister sees me? She would be very angry," Daniel replied, opening the door for her.

"Okay, fine. See you later, dear."

Maria kissed him once more before reluctantly exiting the car.

Daniel blew her a kiss as he drove away.

Waiting near the front door was Edward, who surprised Maria a little. He smiled, his lips curling into a grin.

"Where have you been, my sister-in-law?" Edward asked, stroking his lips with his thumb.

His brown eyes roamed over Maria's figure, an unmistakable look in his gaze.

'Look at those tight clothes. They wrap around her body beautifully,' Edward thought.

Maria was indeed beautiful and sensual, her body attracting his attention in a way that made him grin.

"Just hanging out with some friends," Maria replied lazily.

She quickly stepped past him, clearly eager to avoid the conversation.

Edward couldn't help but admire her walk, the sway of her hips obvious to him.

He smirked, his eyes lingering on her body as she left.

"Where's my sister? Is she still working?" Maria asked as she walked up the stairs.

Edward raised his hands in the air, admiring his sister-in-law's shapely figure.

He was a middle-aged man with a mustache and a mining business. But lately, he had been spending more time at home, indulging in his hobbies and enjoying the company of his beautiful waitresses and, of course, his young and sexy sister-in-law.

Edward's wife, Mrs. Pauline, was very different. She was strict, firm, and a workaholic. She worked every day, leaving the house and returning home multiple times a month to focus on her treasures.

Maria was a stark contrast— free-spirited, and much more attractive in Edward's eyes than his wife.

Maximilian, or Max, was Edward's son, the only heir to the family's vast fortune. Max, twenty-two years old, was handsome and well-known at college. His good looks and athletic body made him a popular figure. He had become the "prince of the campus," known for his calm demeanor and sweet nature.

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Maria walked past the stairs and glanced at Max's door, disappointed to find it empty.

"Where is my handsome nephew? He should still be here."

It was only eight in the morning, but Max was already gone.

"Don't tell me he's gone to campus already! Jeez, honey, you're so diligent. I can't believe your good-boy attitude!"

Maria put her hands on her hips, irritated that she couldn't see Max this morning.

She let out a sigh and glanced at the invitation in her hand, still hoping for a chance to see him.

"He must accompany me tonight. I need an excuse to spend the night with Daniel."

Maria's voice was full of hope, already planning something in her head.

"Is it possible that Max is already at campus?"

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