CHAPTER 3: HIDDEN DESIRES

Recap from chapter 2

Wren asserted his authority over a maid and met Dee, the Van family's young master, who will train them for the heir competition. Cam revealed Dee's impressive background, sparking Wren's interest.

That Afternoon

The designer arrived with her assistants carrying bags of fabric and tools.

"Butler More, the designer is here," a maid informed him.

"Call the young masters," Butler More ordered. "Tell them to come for their measurements."

Zoe and Cam arrived first.

"Good afternoon, Miss Lee," Cam greeted with a smile.

"Good afternoon," Zoe said.

"Morning, dear," Lee responded warmly. She then looked at Zoe and sighed. "Still as expressionless as ever."

Cam laughed. "Miss, you know how Zoe is. You've been our designer for years."

"Yes, seven years now. Always so serious," she chuckled.

Before they could continue chatting, Mark stormed in.

"Who's taking my measurements?" he demanded rudely.

"Sun, take his measurements," Lee instructed her assistant.

As the assistant worked, Lee asked, "What style do you want?"

"My usual. I want to be the center of attention," Mark said arrogantly.

"Anything else?"

"I'll send you the jewelry I plan to wear so you can match it."

"Understood."

Just then, Wren strolled in.

"Look who finally graced us with his presence," Mark sneered.

Wren smirked. "Yeah, so be honored."

"You—!" Mark spluttered.

"You sound like a broken record. Sit down before I make you."

Mark huffed. "I don't want to catch your poor people disease."

Wren's eyes narrowed. "You stole my life. You should've been the poor thing—not me. But I'd rather be this than a fraud like you."

Mark's face turned red. "I hate you!" he screamed, storming out.

"The feeling is mutual!" Wren called after him, smirking.

Cam burst into laughter. "Damn, you really sent him running."

"I know, right?" Wren grinned. "Now, let's get this over with."

And so, the measuring began.

That Evening – Mark's Room

Mark sat on his bed, his face contorted in anger. He had been fuming since his encounter with Wren. Grabbing his phone, he dialed a number.

The call rang for a long time before the person finally picked up.

"Pick up the damn phone faster next time," Mark growled.

A cold voice responded. "What do you want?"

"That Wren guy is getting on my nerves."

"So? You can't handle him yourself?"

"I can handle him," Mark snapped. "But I want him to suffer. I want him to regret ever stepping into this house."

A short silence followed before the voice on the other end spoke.

"Stick to the plan. If you mess this up, we lose everything."

Mark clenched his jaw. "I know what I'm doing."

"You'd better. Handle Wren before I return."

The call ended.

Mark threw his phone onto the bed, his eyes gleaming with malice.

"I'll make you regret ever thinking you could take what's mine," he muttered.

That Night – At the Club

Zoe sat in a dark corner of the club, watching Cam closely.

The loud music pulsed through the air, neon lights flashing across the dance floor. Cam was moving to the beat, his body pressed against another man's.

Zoe's fingers curled into fists. He hadn't expected to find out this about Cam.

So this is what he does every night…?

His chest tightened as he watched Cam grinding against the stranger, laughing in his drunken state.

Unable to stand it any longer, Zoe stormed onto the dance floor and grabbed Cam's wrist.

"What the hell are you doing?" Zoe demanded.

Cam turned, his movements slightly unsteady. His face lit up with recognition, even in his intoxicated state.

"Zoe? What are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you that!" Zoe snapped. "We're leaving."

Cam smirked, his words slightly slurred. "Nope. I came here for a quick fuck—I'm horny."

Zoe stiffened. "How can you say something like that?"

Cam chuckled, leaning in too close. "Oh, don't pretend to be innocent, Zoe."

Zoe narrowed his eyes. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Cam grinned wickedly. "Next time you decide to jerk off, maybe close your door properly. And lower your voice."

Zoe's entire body froze.

"…You what?"

"And," Cam continued smugly, "maybe delete your search history next time. 'Hot gay porn videos'—ring a bell?"

Zoe's face turned red.

Cam leaned in, his lips brushing against Zoe's ear. "You could help me out instead… or I'll find someone else."

A sudden heat rushed through Zoe's veins. Without thinking, he grabbed Cam's face and crashed their lips together.

Cam didn't pull away.

Instead, he deepened the kiss.

Their breaths mingled, heat rising between them. The club's music pounded in the background, but at that moment, it didn't matter.

When they finally pulled apart, Zoe's voice was husky. "Let's get a room."

Cam smirked. "Unless you want tomorrow's headlines to be 'Book Family's Adopted Sons Caught in a Gay Club'… I suggest we move somewhere private."

Zoe scoffed. "There's nothing the media won't write."

They made their way to the private rooms in the back of the club. Cam opened a door, pulled Zoe inside, and locked it behind them.

Before Zoe could say another word, Cam pushed him onto the bed, straddling him.

"This is what you wanted, right?" Cam whispered, grinding against Zoe.

Zoe's breath hitched as he looked up at Cam's mischievous smirk.

No turning back now.

A mix of moans and ragged breaths soon filled the room.

Precap

"Siri what to do after sleeping with your adopted brother" cam asked looking at his phone

He woke up this morning and remembered the previous night illicit act

Question:

What secrets have Cam and Zoe been hiding, and how will their newfound passion affect their relationships with the rest of the family?