Chapter 8
1168 Words
AURORA
I sat on the edge of my bed in this huge room that still felt like a hotel, phone in my hand, staring at Aunt Lila’s number like it was gonna call itself.
My thumb lingered above the call button for five minutes. I felt nauseous. Guilty nauseous. At last I pushed it.
It kept ringing and ringing. Ringing even longer then went straight to voicemail.
I ended the call fast before she could even complete her sentence. I didn't want to listen.
Tears welled up in my eyes but I forced them away with a strong blink. It was all my responsibility. The agreement collapsed. Aunt Lila risked herself for me at the manor, ending up with only problems because of it. All because I couldn’t stay silent or behave calmly with Eleanor.
I ended up scrolling to Grace’s contact instead. I wasn’t too keen on calling her either—she’d shout. I had it coming—but, at least there was a chance she’d answer.
She went ahead. Second bell. “Aurora " she spoke, her tone dull and weary as if she had anticipated this call.
“Hey " I murmured, my throat constricted. "Is Aunt Lila here?”
There was silence. "You realize she isn’t interested in speaking with you at the moment.”
My gut churned. "I’m aware. I ruined everything. I’m sorry. Please… just let her know I’m sorry alright? Everything, at the manor, the water, the deal falling apart—it’s my fault.”
Grace exhaled deeply loud enough for me to hear over the phone. "Apologies aren’t enough Aurora. Lila put her job on the line by yelling at Eleanor Vale in front of half the pack. For your sake.. You countered that by secretly getting engaged to their son.”
“I never intended for any of this to occur " I said, my voice breaking badly. "Please just put her on speaker or something. Let me speak to her directly.”
Then Grace’s voice fainted. "Lila, it's Aurora. She wishes to say sorry.”
In the background Aunt Lila’s voice was clear. "Let her know I’m not prepared to listen.”
Afterward the line went silent.
I gazed at the phone until the display dimmed. Tears flowed suddenly, warm and swift. I brushed them away with my sleeve, and continued to fall.
The door slammed open with force that it struck the wall and I let the phone fall onto the bed.
Nathaniel remained standing in a suit appearing irritated, as usual. "Are you prepared?”
I quickly wiped my face praying he hadn’t noticed the redness in my eyes. "Do you know what knocking means?"
He entered, quietly shutting the door behind him. "You’re my wife.”
I chuckled, though it sounded sharp. "Pretend spouse. Just, on paper. For your mom’s arrangement. Recall?”
His jaw clenched slightly. "My mother won’t relent. She’s relentless. She’ll continue pressuring me until I’m married to the person she chooses. You’re no longer in my life. Even before the contract concludes.”
My stomach sank. "You aren’t going to allow her. We have a deal. It’s legal.”
He gave no reply and simply stared at me with those eyes that revealed nothing. "Corporate event this evening. Grand Aurora Hall.”
My heart skipped a beat despite it all. Grand Aurora Hall. The elegant venue downtown that everyone mentioned. Sparkling crystal chandeliers, live performances, dishes I couldn’t even say aloud.
I felt thrilled for a moment, then I recalled the Luna event. The water. The laughter. "Just, like before? When everything fell apart?”
He gave his head a shake. "Not, in that way. I’ll stay the time. Nothing is going to occur.”
I bit my lip. "Are you certain?”
He gave a nod.
I examined him carefully, searching for any sign of the man from the accident. "You truly don't recall? Me dragging you out of the car that evening?"
He knitted his brows slightly. "No.”
“You seemed different then, " I murmured. "Presented the contract the next day. Composed. Even kind. Not… this empty slate you are now.”
He remained silent and simply turned around then left leaving the door ajar.
I gazed at it. Who could this man be? The one, from the hospital, seemed like someone entirely.
A couple of hours afterward I got dressed. A plain black dress I located in the closet was nothing since I didn’t want to provide Eleanor with more reasons. Hair gathered in a bun. Minimal makeup to conceal the eyes.
Eleanor stood in the foyer below, arms folded, her eyes tightening the instant she spotted me.
“That dress " she remarked, her nose crinkling as if detecting an odor. "Too simple. Too somber. You resemble someone attending a funeral.”
Nathaniel glanced at his watch, near the door appearing restless. "We’re running late.”
She parted her lips to continue. He had already started to leave. She exhaled sharply. Trailed behind her heels striking the floor with irritation.
Inside the car I took the seat beside Nathaniel while Eleanor sat ahead glancing at me through the mirror. Silently I seethed, arms folded, gazing outside the window.
Nathaniel bent forward his voice, a whisper meant only for me. "Once we arrive, discuss your business.. Present it as large and prosperous. Avoid letting it come across as the struggling venture it truly's ”
I faced him slowly, hurt by his words. "Pardon me?"
“They " he murmured quietly. "They possess wealth. Incredibly inquisitive. Constantly evaluating everything. Your spouse, your occupation, your income. It’s like a game, for them. Analyze couples, challenge decisions. I even catch myself doing it occasionally when I spot billionaires with their spouses.”
I looked at him. "That’s… strange.. Somewhat cruel.”
“That’s the way it is, " he remarked, shrugging as if it were usual. "If they believe your gallery is struggling they’ll chatter. Wonder why I married you. Make it an issue. Spin it into rumors that damage reputation.”
“So I’m lying?" I questioned, my voice growing louder.
“Decorate " he stated calmly. "Mention it’s expanding. Additional branches. Major customers. I’ll support you if anyone inquires.”
I chuckled, sharply and loudly enough for Eleanor to spin around. ". What happens when they start digging? Discover it’s all fabricated?”
“I’ll provide the funds " he stated. "Transfer money to your aunt’s gallery. Sufficient to make it appear legitimate. Grow it. Employ personnel. Whatever is needed.”
I shook my head. Gazed out the window once more. "Aunt Lila would never accept your money. She’d destroy the offer letter without glancing at it. Her disdain for your family runs that deep.”
He made no comment on that.
I rested my head on the chilled glass observing the city lights streaking by. I sensed despair.
It felt like whatever I said this evening someone would see through it. All would collapse once more.
- Writer
