The Marred Bond

Chapter 1

[( Year: 2020). Boston, Massachusetts. United States]

• Aurora •

"As you can see, I'm right now there, where the strike is- Camera here! I haven't applied this thick layer of make up for you to not even record me!", I hissed at Elijah (my cameraman) after covering my mic. He glared at me before bringing the camera back to my face. I smiled. "The wage workers are down on the streets, demanding for the pay in increase- I mean increase in pay!", I held the mic tight, as I shifted slightly to my left for Elijah to capture some glimpses of the madness behind me, but enough to keep myself in the frame as well. "The situation is getting out of hand and cops are having hard time in controlling the rage filled workers. We-"

"Okay, Aurora. Thanks for joining with us and keeping us updated with the latest happenings.", b***h- I mean, the head journalist Katy said to me and I had to forcefully smile at the camera as she disconnected our connection. I ripped the wireless earbuds off and grunted.

"We demand justice!"

I turned sharply only to find one man almost all over me as he struggled to stick his face in the camera's frame which Elijah was still holding.

"Get away!", I said and he ignored me as he continued yelling his slogans in the camera which was not even on. "I said out of my way!", I gritted at him and he still acted oblivious. Oh no he didn't!

"He's impotent!", I said to the camera pointing at the man beside me and he gasped before scurrying to join the crowd. I sighed tiredly.

Elijah laughed as we both moved to the pavement. "What are you laughing at?", I asked, irritated and fed up.

"Why are you always so salty?", He chuckled and I scoffed.

"I hate this job!", I grumbled as I trotted to stand under the shade. He followed me immediately. "My dream job was to sit inside a lavish office, all prepped up and rattling out news or interviewing big personalities but here I'm covering stupid useless news which no one ever pays attention to!", I breathed out heavily, stepping back as the harsh sun rays fell on my toes.

"Not everyone get what they desire. But you're at least doing job in your favourable sector.", Elijah tried to find good in my miseries, as he always does. For everyone. He's just so optimistic.

"Are we done now? Or is there anything left?", I asked as I rested my head back on the closed shutter behind me.

"Nope. We're done here. We should head office now.", He said and I smiled. Satisfied that we're done with this s**t.

We took a subway back office.

"I have a good news!", Bella came barreling towards us, her hands in air, her lips in a huge grin as if she's endorsing any toothpaste brand. I swear I sometimes question myself as to why I'm friends with her. But she's my best friend since highschool so I think I've already missed that time to really doubt our friendship.

I awkwardly smiled at the other colleagues of mine and glared at her. She stopped right in front of us, smiling sheepishly as she scratched her nape. "I've a good news!", She squealed and I nodded, smiling forcefully. Her good news are rarely ever good.

"Oh hell no! I'm out!", Elijah said as he attempted to walk away. Bella grabbed his collar and shot a look at him that meant no playing around and standing straight until she allows to move. He cleared his throat and stood slumped.

"Good boy!", She patted his chest.

"I'm in dire need of coffee. Can we continue this in Cafe?", I asked and she looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding and grabbing my hand along with Elijah's as she dragged us to the cafeteria.

I ordered myself a regular latte while they gave their preference. Grabbing our orders, we sat down and I looked at her, waiting for her to continue.

"Okay, so you know the annual function that is organized on every new year's eve!", I nodded, and she took a brief pause. Trying to create more suspense.

"Speak up, b***h!", I snapped and she blinked.

"Yeah. So you know that every rich and famous personality comes. Even the-"

"King of werewolves and influential country representatives come together to celebrate the peace legacy that two worlds have maintained so far blah blah. I know. So what?", I asked impatiently.

"I'm chosen to cover the story there.", She stated smugly as she took a sip of her coffee.

Elijah sputtered his coffee out and the drops landed on Bella's hand.

"Thanks for ruining my coffee!", She scowled grabbing few tissues.

"He really likes you huh!", I nodded to myself.

"How rude! I've earned this for myself!", She looked offended. We all know our senior, Mr. Chris has a crush on Bella since the day she has joined. And she's not oblivious to it as well. Not that she's not good in her work, but her experience is seriously not enough for her to land so many good opportunities. I mean me, Elijah and Bella have joined this network company at the same time. But we're a different case. While me and Elijah are always out to cover the news even when the changing climate shows no mercy, she's always interviewing famous celebrities.

I'm not jealous. That's not what it is about. I'm just worried about her. I mean, she is so innocent and naive. And-

Okay I take the bunch load of lies back. I'm jealous!

"Lucky you.", I said softly, ignoring the weird burn in my chest. Here I'm dealing with strikes and lost puppies and she's blessed with a chance to see the King of werewolves in real. Damn I remember that lost puppy's story coverage. It was some famous CEO's wife who lost her son (which I later found out was actually a puppy) and I was told to interview her. While she was bawling out her eyes, I was awkward and uncomfortable. Me and Elijah shared many pitiful glances for us in that one hour. I was ready to bury that dramatic lady deep in her grave and personally slam the final nail of her coffin.

"I think we should head to our floor now. We're already late.", Elijah said and I nodded. I grabbed my coffee cup and tapped on her shoulder as a gesture to get going.

It was after office hours that I bidded them goodbye and headed to grab a cab back home. I'm saving to buy myself a car but with my neverending apartment installments, I think I will have to wait a little more longer to drive my own car.

It seemed difficult to hire a cab during rush hours. I groaned soundlessly as no cab stopped. I should have booked myself an Uber.

A Toyota Highlander stopped right before me and I stepped back. Consciously looking to my sides and then at the car as the mirror came down, revealing my ex boyfriend's face. I resisted my urge to slam the nearby mailbox on his face. The poor mailbox doesn't deserve this garbage.

"Come in. I'll drop you.", He said nodding his head for me to sit inside.

"No thanks.", I said and swiftly moved five feet away, ignoring his presence.

"Aurora-"

"Valentine. It's, Miss. Valentine! I don't like hearing my name from the people I don't know.", I stated, shifting my gaze at the Lamborghini that stood on the other end of the road. How I wish I had something like that under my ass.

"Are we really gonna play strangers here? Quit being stubborn and sit inside. I'll drop you off!", He said, as usual dominantly. I rolled my eyes.

"Leave, Hades. I'm seriously not looking for an argument here!", I said to him and he sighed before opening the door and stepping out.

I decided to leave. Turning to my side, I started to walk away from him.

"Aurora!", He turned me around with a vice grip on my elbow and I squeezed my eyes shut in frustration. This man was bringing out my murderous instincts!

"Do you not understand simple English!?", I spat out, pushing away his hand.

"I agree I did a mistake! But for f***s sake it was just a kiss! Not that I slept with her!", He gritted out, inching closer and almost hovering over me with his 6.1 height. I felt so small in front of him but damn me if I let him have that satisfaction.

"Look, Hades! She's your best friend since highschool. You told me this yourself. And for you to kiss her, means you've feelings for her since a long time. You're just too dumb to acknowledge them. So I suggest you to stop following me and go back to her!", I said thrusting my finger on his chest.

"I'm not a kid, Aurora! I know who I've feelings for. And it's you. Not her. So stop pushing me away. I'm sorry. I slipped. I wasn't thinking straight when I did that. But the moment I saw you, the regret was real. Just give me one more chance, please!", He literally begged and I exhaled heavily.

"Why did you-", I stopped as a middle aged couple eyed us in disapproval. God damn these oldies don't know how to mind their own business. "We'll talk about this later. I've to go now.", I said and stepped away from him to create a distance between us.

"I know how stubborn you are. But damn if I let you go that easily. I'll keep apologising until you forgive me.", He said determinedly and left.

I don't do well with deceivers. I hate them with passion. When I was in relationship with Hades, not once I fantasied about any other guy. I hope Noah Centineo doesn't count. I mean he's an actor so it's not same right? Whatever! I was honest and loyal so he should have been same! That's my point.

Eventually I hired myself a cab and headed home.

After reaching home I took a leisure shower and made myself ramen noodles as I was too lazy and tired to prepare something healthy. I enjoyed my quick dinner while watching Friends With Benefits.

Why isn't life like movies? Simple and with a happy ending. I would have given up on my kidneys to get a peaceful happy ending. Keeping the bowl and chopsticks on coffee table, I sat back relaxed and brought a comforter to cover me.

I scoffed when the movie ended. b***h found her true love in a casual s*x friend and here I'm dealing with a boyfriend who cheated on me after two years of relationship.

My phone rang and I put the television on mute before grabbing the device.

"Yes, mom. Shoot your next order!"

"When are you coming home? Christmas is coming up. Your dad is pestering me about this since morning!"

"Mom, I'm not in highschool-"

"-anymore and I don't have winter holidays. One day is all I get and I can't fly all the way there just for a dinner. Blah blah! I know. Say something different!", She chastised and I smiled at how similar we are. Damn I miss her now. Her warm hazel eyes looking at me with love and the tasty tiramisu she makes for me. I miss all.

"Okay. I'll come home this year."

"Really!?", I heard dad's excited squeal and laughed. He's seriously a five year old kid trapped in 55 years man's body.

"Yeah!", I chuckled.

"He's so happy now.", Mom said and I know she must be shaking her head at Dad's silliness.

"But I won't be able to stay for more than three days.", I added to make sure she gets the gist and lets me go in peace when I pack to leave. She's a real drama queen when it comes to get her things done.

"Okay. I've no problem!", She chirped before we hung up.

I unmuted the Television and watched random programs until I fell asleep. It is weekend tomorrow so I can sleep for however late I want. There's no restrictions on my beauty sleep tomorrow.

I woke up late next day. Took my bath and then made my breakfast; in a speed that was slower than my brain while doing calculations. I was tasting the eggrolls when the bell to my apartment rang like a fire alarm. Wiping my hands on the apron to get the rid of oiliness, I manoeuvred to the front door and opened it.

Elijah and Bella stumbled inside like toddlers on sugar rush.

"I-I-"

"Breath! Breath first!", I said as she panted like an asthma patient.

"I got three invitations!", She screamed as she ran around in circles as I watched horrified.

"Is she okay?", I mouthed to Elijah and he snickered before nodding.

"Bella, stop and then tell me! I can't understand you talking in riddles!", I said and she giggled before coming to me. She held out three golden cards, waving them on my face. Flaunting them proudly.

"What are they?"

"Oh right! You don't know what these invitations are for! Well, let me tell you. These are the invitations for Annual function! I managed to get two extras for you and Elijah!", I gasped as my hand fled up to cover my mouth. I shook my head in disbelief and she nodded. Confirming the news.

"Ho-How?", I whispered, still shaken up.

"Well, you all always say that he has a crush on me. So I just seduced him a bit and tada! I got these!", She said smugly, blowing air on her non-existent nails. She eats them rather doing pedicure and manicure like some normal girl.

"You have my heart girl! We'll get to see werewolves alive!", I sighed dreamily. I've always seem them on television, that too very rarely.

"They'll be in their human form!", Elijah deadpanned.

"Shut up!", I don't want to lose my vibe.

____

Hope you enjoyed the first chapter.

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