The evening air in Hyde Park was thick with humidity, and the last rays of daylight cast long shadows across the grass. As Elena approached the secluded park bench, her heart raced, remembering the countless conversations and kisses she and Eddie had shared there in the early days of their relationship. "The brothers seem to share the same favorite spots," she thought to herself, a hint of sarcasm in her inner voice.
Alfie was already there, his tall figure silhouetted against the deepening twilight. As Elena drew closer, she could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his jaw clenched and unclenched.
"I wasn't sure you'd come," Alfie said, his voice low and controlled.
Elena hugged herself, suddenly feeling exposed. "I shouldn't be here," she murmured.
Alfie turned to face her, his dark eyes intense. "And yet, here you are."
A heavy silence fell between them, filled with unspoken words and repressed desires. Elena was the first to break it.
"What do you want, Alfie? I can't... we can't do this. Eddie and I—"
"Are getting engaged in two weeks," Alfie finished for her, a hint of bitterness in his tone. "Yes, I'm well aware. The invitations have been sent, the flowers chosen. Tell me, Elena, did you pick roses for your centerpieces?"
Elena flinched at the pointed question. "That's none of your business."
"Isn't it?" Alfie took a step closer, close enough that Elena could feel the heat radiating from his body. "After what happened between us, I think I have a right to know."
"It was a mistake," Elena said, hating how her voice trembled. "We were drunk, upset. It didn't mean anything."
"Alfie's laughter was sharp yet humorous. "Isn't it? Look into my eyes and tell me you feel nothing." He wrapped one arm around her waist, caressing her dress, and the other hand touched her cheek. "Darling, you clearly have feelings for me, don't you?
Elena raised her gaze to meet his, intending to do just that. But as she looked into Alfie's eyes, the words died on her lips. She saw in them a reflection of her own turmoil, her own desire.And she also saw the possessiveness and lust in Alfie's eyes.
Her hands were pressed against his chest, "I can't," she murmured.
Alfie's expression softened. He wrapped his arms around her, one hand caressing the back of her head, the other gently patting her back. "Elena," he murmured, "you don't have to do this. You don't have to give in to a life you're uncertain of. You know, I can give you anything you want, academics, a career, everything."
Elena closed her eyes, leaning into his touch despite herself. For a moment, she allowed herself to imagine a different future – one where she chose passion over stability, excitement over security.
"Perhaps, Alfie can give me more?" A voice crossed her mind.But then Eddie's face flashed in her mind, and she abruptly broke free from Alfie's embrace, as if she had been scalded.
"No," she said firmly, taking a step back. "I love Eddie. What happened between us was a mistake, and it can never happen again."I think we should all forget about that, it's best for us both, Alfie, our brother.
Alfie seemed to be scalded by the title "brother", his gaze becoming sharp and resolute."You're lying to yourself, Elena. I will never forget you, nor will I ever give up on you.And sooner or later, the truth will come out."
"Is that a threat?" Elena asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alfie shook his head, a sad smile playing on his lips. "No, it's a promise. You can't bury this forever, Elena. And when it comes to light – because it will – I'll be here."
He turned and left, leaving Elena standing alone in the wind. She watched his retreating figure, dejectedly sitting down in a chair, her mind filled with doubts and regret. She couldn't understand why Alfie - the head of an old money family, a sought-after bachelor in London's high society - would latch onto her and refuse to let go.
As she made her way home, Elena's phone buzzed with a text from Eddie: "Hope everything went well with your mom. Can't wait to see you tomorrow. Love you."
The simple message sent a fresh wave of guilt crashing over her. She had chosen Eddie, had recommitted to their relationship. So why did she feel as if she were suffocating under the weight of her decision.
Elena arrived home to find a single rose on her doorstep – blood red and in full bloom. There was no note, no explanation needed. She knew exactly who it was from and what it meant.
With trembling hands, she picked up the flower. Its thorns pricked her finger, drawing a bead of blood. Elena watched as the crimson drop fell, staining one perfect petal.
When she chose Eddie, she did indeed place more emphasis on his family background. As a girl from a middle-class background, marrying Eddie meant an upward social mobility. But when Eddie's brother sent her signals, she was now filled with endless anxiety. These two brothers, one with a strong personality and the other gentle, but both were obsessive. "Damn, what else can they do to me?" Elena angrily tore off the petals and forcefully crushed them in her hand, letting her hand be stained red by the juice of the petals. "Regardless, I am still myself. Don't worry!" she encouraged herself.