TOO RICH TO FALL IN LOVE

Chapter one ~ FIRED Inside one of the most luxurious restaurants in the city, Super Star Restaurant bustled with wealthy customers dressed in elegant designer outfits and sparkling jewelry worth more than most people’s yearly salaries. Crystal chandeliers hung beautifully from the ceiling, casting golden reflections across the polished marble floors. The atmosphere smelled of expensive perfume, wine, and freshly prepared meals. Among the busy waitresses moving from table to table was Aurora Lane. Despite the forced smile resting on her lips, exhaustion was written all over her face. Her legs ached terribly from standing for hours, yet her manager refused to let her rest for even a minute. “Aurora! Table six!” “Aurora! Move faster!” “Aurora! Stop standing around!” The harsh commands never seemed to end. She had been working double shifts for weeks without proper sleep. Sometimes she skipped meals entirely just to save extra money. Ever since their father abandoned them years ago without a trace, and with only vague memories of a mother she barely knew, Aurora had carried the responsibility of taking care of her younger sister alone. They still didn’t know their father’s whereabouts till date. One thing about Aurora Lane was certain — she despised rich people. To her, wealthy individuals were arrogant creatures who looked down on ordinary people. They believed money gave them power over everyone else. Aurora had seen enough cruelty from rich men to last a lifetime, and because of that, she kept her distance emotionally. Then suddenly… The atmosphere inside the restaurant shifted completely. The entrance doors opened slowly, and in walked Xavier Kingsley. The air itself seemed to freeze. Every conversation died instantly. Xavier Kingsley was the definition of power, wealth, and danger. One of the youngest billionaires in the country, he was feared almost as much as he was admired. His companies controlled industries, his influence terrified politicians, and his cold personality made people nervous around him. Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit with polished shoes that reflected the lights beautifully, Xavier walked with natural confidence. His expensive watch rested elegantly around his wrist while his neatly styled dark hair framed his dangerously handsome face. Women openly stared at him. Some whispered excitedly. Others simply froze. But Aurora remained completely unaware of his presence as she continued attending to customers. Xavier calmly made his way deeper into the restaurant before sitting at one of the reserved VIP tables. The workers exchanged nervous glances among themselves, silently praying they wouldn’t make any mistakes around him. At that exact moment, Aurora heard her manager shouting her name loudly. “Aurora!” She turned immediately. Her manager rushed toward her looking unusually nervous. “Serve Mr. Kingsley personally,” he ordered carefully. Aurora frowned slightly but collected the tray without questioning him. Behind her, several waitresses stared with jealousy because every woman in the restaurant wished for the chance to attend to Xavier Kingsley personally. Aurora ignored them all. Completely unaware that the next few minutes would change her life forever. Taking a deep breath, she approached Xavier’s table professionally. But before she could speak, her phone vibrated inside her pocket. She glanced at it quickly. Hope the money is complete? Her heartbeat quickened instantly. Her sister's hospital bill. Her thoughts became clouded with worry. Her mind drifted toward unpaid treatment fees, sleepless nights, and from the terrifying period that Amelia has been seriously ill. Distracted and lost in thought, Aurora accidentally tilted the tray too far. Red wine spilled directly onto Xavier’s expensive suit. The restaurant gasped collectively. Aurora froze. For a second, silence consumed the entire building. Then Xavier slowly lifted his eyes toward her. Cold. Sharp. Dangerous. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he thundered aggressively. His deep voice echoed through the restaurant, causing Aurora to flinch slightly before reality hit her fully. For the first time, she truly looked at him. And honestly… He was breathtakingly handsome. But his aura screamed danger. Xavier stood slowly from his seat, his expression darkening. “Do you have any idea how expensive this suit is?” he asked coldly. Aurora’s frustration finally snapped. Weeks of stress, exhaustion, pressure, and fear exploded inside her all at once. “Not everyone worships rich men,” she replied sharply. The entire restaurant fell into deadly silence. Forks stopped moving. Conversations ended. Even breathing felt forbidden. No one had ever dared to speak to Xavier Kingsley that way before. People usually begged him for forgiveness even when he was wrong. But Aurora Lane stood before him fearlessly despite trembling internally. Xavier stared at her intensely. His jaw tightened dangerously. For a moment, the tension between them became suffocating as they glared at each other without blinking. Then suddenly, Aurora’s manager rushed forward immediately. “I’m terribly sorry, Mr. Kingsley!” he apologized repeatedly while bowing nervously. “Please forgive her! She didn’t mean it!” The workers immediately began whispering among themselves. “She’s dead.” “She just ruined her life.” “She’s definitely getting fired.” Aurora finally realized how important Xavier truly was. Her stomach dropped painfully. With the help of his security guards, Xavier adjusted his stained suit before making his way toward the restaurant exit. The guards prevented customers from recording videos or taking pictures while everyone watched silently. Right before leaving, Xavier glanced back at Aurora one last time. And strangely… Something about her interested him. The moment he disappeared, Aurora’s manager exploded in anger. “What is wrong with you?!” he shouted furiously. Aurora lowered her head quietly. “I’m sorry—” “You’re fired!” The words shattered her instantly. Tears burned painfully behind her eyes, but Aurora refused to cry publicly. The humiliation alone was unbearable enough already. Without another word, she grabbed her bag and left the restaurant quietly while the whispers of the workers followed behind her. That evening, Aurora returned home emotionally drained and exhausted. The small apartment felt painfully silent. Immediately she entered, her younger sister Amelia Lane rushed toward her worriedly. “Aurora… did you get the hospital money?” Amelia asked softly. Aurora’s heart broke instantly. She opened her mouth to answer but couldn’t bring herself to admit the truth. She had lost her job. Before she could speak, her phone beeped loudly again. Her hands trembled slightly as she opened the message. “If payment isn’t made immediately, treatment will stop.” The hospital had already warned her not to bring Amelia back for treatment until part of the debt was paid. Fear consumed her entirely. Meanwhile, across the city, Xavier Kingsley sat comfortably inside his luxurious penthouse office, watching the restaurant’s security footage once more. His eyes remained fixed on Aurora’s face. Immediately after leaving the restaurant, Xavier had ordered one of his guards to investigate her. Then slowly… A dangerous smirk appeared on his lips. “Interesting,” he muttered quietly. ~CHAPTER TWO ~ THE BILLIONAIRE'S INVITATION Aurora Lane barely slept that night. The message from the hospital kept replaying in her mind. “If payment isn’t made immediately, treatment will stop”. She sat quietly beside Amelia’s bed while her younger sister finally drifted into a weak sleep. The dim light inside their tiny apartment revealed just how exhausted Aurora truly looked. Her eyes were swollen from stress, her body weak from overworking, yet her mind refused to rest. How was she supposed to save Amelia now? She had lost her job. And worse… She had offended one of the most powerful men in the country. She felt trapped. Completely trapped. The next morning, sunlight slipped through the thin curtains, forcing Aurora awake after barely two hours of sleep. Her phone vibrated loudly beside her. Unknown Number. Aurora hesitated before answering. “Hello?” she said weakly. “Miss Aurora Lane?” a deep masculine voice asked professionally. “Yes… who’s speaking?” “I’m calling on behalf of Mr. Xavier Kingsley.” Aurora froze instantly. Her heartbeat skipped. The memories from the restaurant came rushing back immediately — the spilled wine, the humiliation, the cold look in Xavier’s eyes. For a second, she thought maybe he wanted revenge. “I—I don’t have any problem with him anymore,” she said quickly, panic creeping into her voice. The man ignored her statement calmly. “Mr. Kingsley would like to meet you personally.” Aurora frowned in confusion. “What?” “You are expected at Kingsley Corporation by noon today.” Her brows tightened instantly. Expected? Not invited? The arrogance irritated her immediately. “I’m not interested,” she replied sharply. Before she could end the call, the man spoke again. “Miss Lane, Mr. Kingsley believes this meeting may benefit you financially.” Silence. Aurora’s grip around the phone tightened slowly. Financially? Her thoughts immediately drifted toward Amelia. Hospital bills. Medicine. Treatment. Rent. Food. Her pride screamed at her to reject whatever this was. But desperation whispered louder. “When exactly?” she asked quietly. “Twelve noon. A car will pick you up shortly.” The line disconnected immediately afterward. Aurora stared at her phone in disbelief. The audacity of rich people annoyed her endlessly. Still… She needed money. By noon, a luxurious black car stopped directly in front of her apartment building, immediately attracting attention from neighbors outside. Some stared openly while others whispered among themselves. Aurora felt uncomfortable instantly. She looked down at her simple outfit nervously before stepping inside the car carefully. The driver remained silent throughout the journey. As the vehicle moved deeper into the wealthy part of the city, Aurora couldn’t help staring outside the window. Massive mansions, expensive cars, and luxurious skyscrapers surrounded the streets beautifully. This was Xavier Kingsley’s world. A world completely different from hers. Several minutes later, the car finally stopped before an enormous glass building. Kingsley Corporation. Aurora slowly stepped out, her eyes widening slightly as she stared at the gigantic structure towering above her. The company screamed wealth and power from every angle. Employees moved around professionally while security guards stood alert near the entrance. Almost immediately, a woman dressed elegantly approached Aurora. “This way, Miss Lane.” Aurora followed quietly while receiving strange looks from workers passing by. Some appeared curious while others looked shocked. She wondered if they all knew who she was already. The elevator ride felt endless. Finally, the doors opened directly into the top executive floor. Luxury surrounded everything. From the polished floors to the breathtaking city view behind the glass walls, every corner reflected Xavier’s overwhelming wealth. The woman stopped before large office doors. “Mr. Kingsley is waiting.” Aurora inhaled deeply before entering. And there he was. Xavier Kingsley. Seated behind his massive desk like a king observing his kingdom. His black suit fit him perfectly once again, and his cold expression remained just as intimidating as before. The moment his sharp eyes landed on Aurora, silence filled the office instantly. Aurora hated how attractive he looked. “Sit,” he said calmly. Aurora remained standing. “You called me here. Speak.” A faint smirk touched Xavier’s lips. Interesting. Most people feared him too much to maintain eye contact, yet Aurora continued challenging him boldly. “I like straightforward people,” Xavier said while leaning back slightly. Aurora crossed her arms. “I’m not here for compliments.” Xavier studied her quietly for a moment before sliding a file across the desk toward her. Aurora frowned. “What’s this?” “An opportunity.” She hesitated before opening it slowly. The moment her eyes scanned the contents, confusion covered her face completely. Then shock followed immediately afterward. Aurora looked up sharply. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Xavier’s expression remained unreadable. “I never joke about business.” Aurora’s heart pounded loudly. Because inside the file was a contract. And at the very top were words that changed everything. MARRIAGE AGREEMENT. ~CHAPTER THREE~ THE OFFER Aurora stared at the document in complete disbelief. Her fingers tightened around the file while her heartbeat pounded violently inside her chest. MARRIAGE AGREEMENT. The words alone felt unreal. Slowly, she lifted her eyes toward Xavier Kingsley, searching his face for any sign that this was some kind of cruel joke. But his cold expression remained perfectly serious. “You’re insane,” Aurora said finally. Xavier leaned back calmly in his chair, completely unbothered by her reaction. “I hear that quite often.” Aurora pushed the file away immediately like it had burned her fingers. “There’s absolutely no way I’m agreeing to this.” Silence settled briefly between them. Outside the glass walls of the office, the city moved normally, but inside the room, the atmosphere felt heavy and suffocating. Xavier folded his hands together neatly. “You should at least hear the offer first.” Aurora laughed bitterly “Offer? You call fake marriage an offer?” “It is when billions are involved.” Her expression hardened instantly. Of course. Everything always came down to money with people like him. Aurora stood from the chair angrily. “If this is your idea of revenge for embarrassing you at the restaurant, then congratulations. You’ve succeeded.” She turned immediately, ready to leave. “Ten million naira.” Her footsteps stopped instantly. Aurora froze with her back facing him. Xavier’s calm voice echoed again. “For one year.” The silence afterward felt deafening. Slowly, Aurora turned back toward him. “What did you just say?” Xavier’s expression remained unreadable as he opened another file on his desk. “You heard me clearly.” Aurora stared at him suspiciously, unsure if she was hallucinating. Ten million naira? That amount alone could completely cover Amelia’s hospital bills, their rent, medications, and almost every financial problem destroying her life. Still… This was insane. “Why me?” she asked carefully. Xavier stood from his seat and walked toward the massive window behind him. His tall figure reflected power effortlessly. “For the next year, I need a wife.” Aurora blinked repeatedly. “You could literally choose anyone in this city.” “I know.” “Then why me?” Xavier turned slowly toward her. “Because you’re the only woman who has looked me in the eye without pretending to adore me.” Aurora frowned slightly. “That’s your reason?” “You’re honest,” Xavier continued calmly. “Stubborn. Difficult. And most importantly, you don’t care about my money.” Aurora almost laughed. If only he knew how badly she needed money right now. “There are thousands of women willing to marry you willingly,” she pointed out. “Yes,” Xavier agreed. “And every single one of them wants something beyond the marriage itself.” Aurora crossed her arms tightly. “And you think I don’t?” “You need money,” Xavier replied bluntly. “Not me.” The words hit sharply because they were true. Aurora looked away briefly. Xavier walked back toward his desk before sliding another paper toward her. “The contract is simple,” he explained professionally. “One year of marriage. Public appearances when necessary. You act like my wife, and in return, you receive financial compensation.” Aurora scanned the document carefully. Monthly allowance. Luxury apartment. Personal driver. Medical coverage. Her eyes stopped immediately. Full hospital sponsorship for Amelia Lane. Aurora’s breath caught instantly. “You investigated me?” she asked slowly. “I investigate everyone around me.” Fear mixed with anger inside her chest. People like Xavier Kingsley were dangerous exactly because of things like this. He had power powerful enough to uncover every hidden detail of a person’s life within hours. Aurora closed the file carefully. “No.” Xavier’s eyes narrowed slightly. “No?” “I’m not selling myself.” “You’re not.” “This is literally a business transaction.” “That’s exactly what marriage has always been for wealthy families.” Aurora shook her head firmly. “I’m not one of your rich women who’ll do anything for money.” Xavier studied her quietly. “You need this deal.” Aurora hated the fact that he was right. Desperately right. But agreeing to marry a cold-hearted billionaire she barely knew sounded like the beginning of disaster. “What do you gain from this?” she asked suspiciously. For the first time, Xavier hesitated slightly. “My grandfather left a condition in his will,” he admitted finally. “If I’m not married before the end of this year, I lose my position as CEO temporarily.” Aurora’s eyes widened slightly. “So this is about business?” “Everything is about business.” His answer came coldly. Aurora stared at him quietly. Suddenly, the image of Amelia crying the previous night flashed painfully through her mind. If payment isn’t made immediately, treatment will stop. Her chest tightened instantly. Xavier noticed the conflict in her expression immediately. “You don’t have many options left, Aurora.” She hated hearing that. Because it was true. Aurora slowly walked toward the window, trying to clear her thoughts. From the top floor, the city looked beautiful and distant — almost unreal. One year. Fake marriage. Money. Security. Amelia’s treatment. Everything sounded tempting. But Xavier Kingsley himself was the problem. There was something dangerously unreadable about him. His coldness alone made Aurora uneasy. “You can’t seriously expect me to live with you,” she muttered. “You’ll have your own space.” “And after one year?” “We divorce peacefully. You walk away with everything promised in the contract.” Aurora turned toward him again. “And if I refuse?” Xavier remained calm. “You leave this office and continue struggling alone.” The brutal honesty in his words irritated her deeply. No pity. No softness. Just facts. Aurora lowered her gaze toward the contract once more. Ten million naira. Amelia’s treatment. A better life. Her pride screamed at her to reject him immediately. But reality felt heavier than pride. Xavier watched her silently, almost like he already knew she was breaking internally. “What happens if people find out it’s fake?” Aurora asked quietly. “They won’t.” “And if I fall in love with you?” she asked sarcastically. To her surprise, Xavier’s expression darkened slightly. “That won’t happen.” The confidence in his voice annoyed her instantly. Aurora rolled her eyes. “You really think highly of yourself.” “I think realistically.” Silence settled between them again. Then Xavier walked closer slowly until only a small distance separated them. His deep voice lowered dangerously. “Take the deal, Aurora.” Her heartbeat betrayed her immediately. Not because she liked him. But because Xavier Kingsley carried an overwhelming presence that made ignoring him difficult. Aurora swallowed nervously before stepping back slightly. “I need time to think.” Xavier nodded once. “You have twenty-four hours.” Aurora grabbed the contract carefully before turning toward the door. But just before leaving, Xavier’s voice stopped her again. “One more thing.” She looked back cautiously. “If you accept this offer,” he said calmly, “your life will never remain the same again.” And somehow… That sounded more like a warning than a promise. CHAPTER FOUR REFUSAL Aurora barely slept the entire night. The contract remained untouched on the small table beside her bed while her thoughts battled endlessly inside her mind. Every time she closed her eyes, Xavier Kingsley’s cold face appeared again. Take the deal, Aurora. His voice kept replaying repeatedly in her head. Across the room, Amelia slept weakly beneath a thin blanket, her pale face looking more fragile than ever. The sound of her soft coughing shattered Aurora’s heart each time. She felt trapped between desperation and dignity. The money Xavier offered could change everything overnight. Amelia would finally receive proper treatment, their debts would disappear, and for once, life would stop feeling like a constant nightmare. But marrying Xavier Kingsley? Even if it was fake… It still felt wrong. Aurora sat up tiredly and grabbed the contract once more. Her eyes scanned the pages carefully again. Monthly allowance. Luxury apartment. Medical sponsorship. One-year marriage agreement. Everything sounded perfect on paper. Too perfect. And Aurora had learned long ago that things appearing perfect usually came with hidden pain. She sighed heavily before standing from the bed quietly. Walking toward the tiny kitchen, she poured herself a glass of water while staring blankly ahead. “What are you thinking about?” Aurora turned immediately. Amelia stood by the doorway weakly, holding onto the wall for support. “You should be resting,” Aurora said quickly while helping her sit down. Amelia noticed the papers instantly. “What’s that?” “Nothing important.” “Aurora.” Her younger sister knew her too well. Reluctantly, Aurora handed her the contract. At first, Amelia looked confused while reading. Then her eyes widened completely. “Marriage?!” she whispered loudly. Aurora immediately covered her mouth. “Lower your voice!” Amelia stared at her in disbelief. “A billionaire wants to marry you?” “Fake marriage,” Aurora corrected instantly. “That’s still insane!” Aurora rubbed her forehead tiredly. “I know.” Amelia looked through the contract again carefully before lifting her eyes slowly. “You’re seriously considering this?” Aurora stayed silent. That silence alone answered the question. Amelia’s expression softened immediately. “You really need the money that badly…” Aurora looked away quietly. For several seconds, neither of them spoke. Then Amelia reached for Aurora’s hand gently. “You don’t have to destroy your life because of me." Aurora’s eyes softened instantly. “Don’t say that.” “I mean it,” Amelia whispered weakly. “This man sounds dangerous.” Dangerous. That was exactly the word Aurora would use to describe Xavier Kingsley. Everything about him screamed danger. His eyes. His voice. His control. Even the way he spoke felt intimidating. Aurora sat beside Amelia quietly. “I can handle myself.” “But what if he hurts you?” Aurora forced a small smile. “He won’t.” Truthfully… She wasn’t entirely sure. Later that afternoon, Aurora stood outside Kingsley Corporation once again. The enormous building towered above her like a reminder of the difference between her world and Xavier’s. This time, however, her steps felt heavier. She had already made her decision. The receptionist immediately recognized her and guided her upstairs without questions. Several workers stared openly again as Aurora passed through the building. Apparently, news traveled fast around billionaires. When the office doors opened, Xavier sat exactly where she expected him to be — calm, composed, and intimidating as always. Today, he wore a black tailored suit with a silver watch resting against his wrist. His sharp jawline looked even colder beneath the office lights, and his dark eyes followed Aurora’s every movement carefully. He barely looked surprised to see her. “You decided quickly,” he said calmly. Aurora walked forward confidently before placing the contract directly on his desk. “I’m rejecting the offer.” Silence. Xavier slowly lifted his eyes toward her. For the first time since meeting him, Aurora noticed genuine surprise flicker briefly across his face. “You’re refusing ten million naira?” he asked slowly. “Yes.” “Interesting.” Aurora crossed her arms tightly. “I’m desperate for money, not stupid.” “Most people would accept immediately.” “I’m not most people.” “I noticed.” The room became quiet again. Aurora expected him to become angry, but instead, Xavier remained strangely calm. That somehow unsettled her more. “You really believe this marriage would destroy your life?” he asked eventually. Aurora laughed softly. “I think getting involved with you at all would destroy my peace.” A faint smirk touched Xavier’s lips unexpectedly. “You dislike me that much?" “I dislike arrogant rich men.” “And yet you came back." Aurora hesitated briefly... Because despite rejecting him… Part of her still wanted him to convince her otherwise. That realization irritated her instantly. “I came because I don’t want misunderstandings between us,” she replied quickly. “There were never misunderstandings.” Aurora frowned slightly. “Then what exactly do you want from me?” Xavier stood slowly from his chair before walking toward the massive window behind him. “You intrigue me.” Aurora blinked. “What?” “You don’t fear me enough.” His answer sounded oddly serious. Aurora stared at him, unsure whether to laugh or feel nervous. “Maybe because I’ve dealt with worse things than billionaires.” That statement made Xavier glance at her differently. For a brief second, something unreadable crossed his face. Then it disappeared completely. “You’re making a mistake,” he said calmly. Aurora lifted her chin stubbornly. “Maybe. But it’ll be my mistake.” Xavier nodded slowly. “I respect that.” Aurora honestly hadn’t expected those words from him. She grabbed her bag immediately. “Well… goodbye then.” But before she could turn fully, Xavier’s voice stopped her once again. “What happens when the hospital stops Amelia’s treatment?” Aurora froze instantly. Pain flashed across her face before she could hide it. She hated that he knew exactly where to hit. “You don’t get to use my sister against me,” she said coldly. “I’m reminding you of reality.” Aurora clenched her fists tightly. “I’ll figure something out." “And if you don’t?” She stayed silent. Because she truly didn’t know anymore. Xavier walked closer carefully, his expression calmer than before. “You’re drowning, Aurora.” His voice lowered slightly. “And you’re still refusing help.” Aurora swallowed painfully. “You call this help?” “Yes.” “No,” she whispered emotionally. “This feels like selling my freedom.” Xavier looked directly into her eyes. “One year of sacrifice for a lifetime of stability sounds reasonable to me.” Aurora hated how tempting his words sounded. For one weak moment, she almost reconsidered. But deep down, something warned her not to step into Xavier Kingsley’s world. Aurora stepped backward carefully. “I won’t do it.” This time, her voice carried finality. Xavier remained silent for several seconds before nodding once. “Very well.” Aurora turned quickly and walked toward the door before her emotions betrayed her completely. But the moment her hand touched the doorknob— “Your landlord plans to evict you tomorrow morning.” Aurora froze completely. Her eyes widened slowly. “How do you know that?” Xavier’s expression remained cold. “I told you already. I investigate everything.” Fear crawled slowly into Aurora’s chest. This man truly held power beyond imagination. She turned fully toward him again. “Are you threatening me?” “No,” Xavier replied calmly. “I’m waiting.” Aurora’s heartbeat quickened painfully. Because for the first time… Rejecting Xavier Kingsley no longer felt simple anymore. The office suddenly felt smaller. Heavier. Aurora stared at him with pain inside her chest but Xavier remain calm “You think money gives you the right to control people,” she said quietly. Xavier slipped one hand into his pocket. “No. Money gives people options.” Aurora laughed bitterly. “Funny. Because I don’t feel like I have any.” For a brief second, silence stretched between them again. Then Xavier walked back toward his desk slowly before picking up the contract once more. “You’re intelligent,” he said calmly. “You understand reality better than most people.” Aurora frowned slightly. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “It means you know pride doesn’t pay hospital bills.” His words struck painfully hard because they were true. Aurora hated truths that came from him. Xavier placed the contract back down carefully. “You can continue struggling alone if you want,” he continued. “But eventually desperation forces people to choose survival over dignity.” Aurora swallowed hard. “Why me?” she asked suddenly. This time, Xavier didn’t answer immediately. The hesitation surprised her. Out of all the questions she expected him to avoid, she hadn’t thought this would be one of them. Finally, he looked directly at her again. “Because you’re different.” Aurora almost rolled her eyes. “That sounds ridiculous.” “It’s honest.” She crossed her arms tighter. “You barely know me.” “And yet you refused ten million naira without blinking.” Aurora stayed quiet. Xavier’s sharp gaze remained fixed on her face. “Most women around me want access to my name, my wealth, or my influence,” he said calmly. “You looked at all of it and still walked away.” Aurora’s chest tightened unexpectedly. She didn’t know why his words affected her. Maybe because part of her sensed he rarely spoke honestly about personal things. Or maybe because hearing a man like Xavier “You still shouldn’t investigate my private life,” she muttered quietly. “I protect my interests." “I’m not one of your business deals.” Xavier stepped closer . “No,” he said softly. “You’re becoming something far more complicated.” The intensity in his eyes made Aurora’s breath catch briefly. She looked away immediately. This man was confusing. Cold one moment. Gentle the next. Controlling… yet strangely protective. It made no sense And somehow. Aurora forced herself to move toward the door again. “I need to leave.” Xavier didn’t stop her this time. But just before she opened the door, his voice came once more. “If your answer changes…” Aurora paused silently. “My answer won’t change." She replied