Aurora's POV
Nightshade estate-
As we drove up to the estate, the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers filled the air. I felt a sense of skepticism wash over me. The sprawling mansion loomed before us, its stone façade gleaming in the fading light of day. The estate was surrounded by perfectly manicured lawns, ornate fountains, and towering trees that seemed to stretch up to the sky, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze. A winding driveway led us to the entrance, where a liveried butler stood waiting to greet us, his expression formal and polite.
Liam had told me that his father's name was Malcolm, and I couldn't help but wonder what kind of man he was. I had only met Liam, and I wasn't sure what to expect from his father.
The mansion itself was a grand structure, with high ceilings, large windows, and intricate stone carvings. The exterior was adorned with beautifully maintained gardens, and the sound of softly playing music drifted through the air.
Liam parked the car, and his driver pulled up behind us in my own vehicle. We exchanged a look, and I nodded, feeling a sense of unease about the contract marriage that was about to be finalized.
Liam got out of the car and came around to open my door. I took his hand, and he helped me out, his touch feeling more like a calculated gesture than a genuine display of affection.
As we walked towards the entrance, Malcolm stood waiting for us, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in our appearance. He was an imposing figure, with a stern expression that seemed to command respect.
"Aurora," he said, his voice deep and authoritative. "Welcome to our home."
I smiled politely, trying to hide my reservations about the arrangement. "Thank you, Mr. Malcolm," I replied, my voice neutral.
Liam's hand rested on the small of my back, a subtle reminder of our roles in this charade. I felt a shiver run down my spine as Malcolm's eyes seemed to bore into me, assessing me like a prized possession."Shall we go in?" Liam suggested, his voice smooth and courteous.
I nodded, and we followed Malcolm into the mansion, the grandeur of the estate enveloping us like a shroud. I couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead, and what the consequences of this arrangement would be.
As we entered the mansion, I took in the opulent decor, the lavish furnishings, and the artwork that adorned the walls. It was clear that Malcolm spared no expense in maintaining his luxurious lifestyle.
We were led to a formal dining room, where a sumptuous meal was laid out before us. The table was set with fine porcelain, crystal glasses, and silverware that sparkled in the light. Malcolm took his seat at the head of the table, with Liam to his right and me to his left.
A woman with hazel eyes and long, black hair walked into the room, her presence commanding attention. She was dressed in a stunning red gown that accentuated her curves.
"Ah, Calista," Malcolm said, his voice warm and welcoming. "Come join us." Calista smiled, her eyes locking onto Liam. "Darling," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness. "You look handsome, as always."
Liam's expression remained neutral, but I could sense a hint of tension in his body. I didn't know what the story was between them, but I could tell that Liam didn't particularly care for her.
I stood up to greet her, trying to be polite. "Hello," I said, extending my hand. "I'm Aurora."
Calista's eyes flicked to me, and she smiled. "Welcome, Aurora. It's a pleasure to meet you."
I sat back down, and Calista took her seat beside Malcolm. The butler poured us glasses of wine, and Malcolm raised his glass in a toast. "To our union," Liam said, his eyes locked on mine. I forced a smile and raised my glass, feeling a sense of unease about the future that lay ahead. "To our union," I echoed, trying to sound sincere.
The conversation was awkward, with Calista dominating the discussion with her own topics, her voice rising and falling in a melodious rhythm. Liam's responses were brief and polite, but I could sense his discomfort. I tried to keep the conversation light, asking questions about the estate and the local area,my curiosity genuine and Liam's answers were informative, his voice smooth and courteous.
As the meal drew close to an end, I felt a sense of relief. I had gotten through the dinner without any major incidents, and I had even managed to be polite to Calista, despite sensing the tension between her and Liam.
But as we stood up to leave, Calista's eyes locked onto me, and I could sense a hint of calculation in her gaze. "I'm sure you'll fit in perfectly here, Aurora," she said, her voice overly friendly, to the point of being unsettling. Her eyes seem to bore into me, assessing me like a prized possession. "After all, you're exactly what this family needs."I smiled politely, trying to be gracious, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her words than met the eye.
Liam's POV
As we sat down to dinner, I could sense the tension in the air. My father was watching Aurora with a calculating gaze, while Calista, seemed to be sizing her up.
The conversation was stilted, with Calista dominating the discussion. I responded briefly, trying to keep things light. Aurora asked questions about the estate, her curiosity genuine. As the meal drew to a close, Calista's eyes locked onto Aurora. "I'm sure you'll fit in perfectly here, Aurora," she said, her words dripping with an insincerity that made me uneasy. I felt a surge of protectiveness towards Aurora, who smiled politely despite the undercurrent of tension. I reached out, resting my hand on hers beneath the table. It was a subtle gesture, one I hoped would reassure her.
As we stood up to leave, my father's eyes met mine, his expression expectant. I knew what he was waiting for – for me to solidify our union and secure the family's future. I felt a sense of trepidation, wondering what lay ahead for us.
AURORA'S POV
The evening air was cool and crisp as Liam and I walked through the gardens, the soft glow of lanterns casting a warm light on the lawns. We strolled along a winding path, the sound of gravel crunching beneath our feet was soothing and and the scent of blooming flowers filled the air.
"Aurora, I think you handled dinner well," Liam said, his voice professional. I nodded, feeling relieved. "Thank you. I tried to be polite and courteous."
Liam's expression was neutral. "You were. My father seemed pleased, and Calista seemed interested in getting to know you."
I raised an eyebrow. "I sense tension between you and Calista." Liam's gaze turned guarded. "We don't always agree. She's my stepmother, and we've had our differences in the past."
I nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. Family can be complicated." Liam's expression remained neutral. "Yes, it can. Let's talk about the wedding plans. My father wants to finalize the details." I nodded, my mind focused on the contract marriage. "I'm ready to discuss it. What's the plan?" Liam's gaze met mine. "I was thinking of having the wedding next week. A small ceremony with close family and friends. What do you think?"
I was taken aback by the short notice, but I didn't want to delay the inevitable. "Next week sounds doable. But I'd like to discuss the details with your father and make sure everything is in order."
Liam nodded. "I'll arrange a meeting with him tomorrow. We can finalize the plans then."
I nodded, feeling determined. "Sounds like a plan. Let's get everything settled and move forward." Liam's expression was professional. "I'll send word to my father's assistant to schedule the meeting for tomorrow. We'll finalize the details and make the necessary arrangements for the wedding." I nodded, feeling a sense of resignation. The contract marriage was happening, and I needed to make the best of it. "I'll be ready," I said, my voice firm. Liam's gaze met mine, his eyes assessing. "Good. I'll make sure everything is taken care of." We walked in silence for a moment, then Liam spoke up again.
"Aurora, if there's anything you need or want, please let me know. I want to make sure you're comfortable with the arrangements."
I appreciated his consideration. "Thank you, Liam. I'll keep that in mind."
We continued walking, the garden's peacefulness a contrast to the complexities ahead.