AURORA'S POV
Dawn's refuge-10:00am
As I sat in front of my vanity, the soft morning light danced across my reflection highlighting the uncertainty in my eyes. I ran my finger through my hair, feeling the tangles and knots as I worked them out with my brush. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air,mingling with the sweet fragrance of my perfume. I thought about Liam and our relationship, or rather arrangement. Of course it is a business deal that would secure my company and family future.
As I began to style my hair, my mind wandered to the conversation I had with Jenny the previous day. Was she really telling the truth about Liam or is she trying to manipulate me?
My phone buzzed,breaking my train of thoughts. I picked it up, expecting it to be Liam, but instead, I saw a text from an unknown number. "Think carefully about your future."
The message read.
My heart skipped a bit. Who was sending me the messages and what did they want me to know? I tried to brush it off as a prank but the message lingered in my mind, making me question everything. Including the relationship with Liam.
Feeling uneasy, I decided to visit my mom at the hospital. I needed someone to talk to, someone who would give me honest advice.
As I arrived at the hospital, I was greeted by the familiar smell of antiseptics and the sound of beeping machine.
My mom was sitting up in bed,looking a little more alert than usual. I smiled and gave her a hug. "Hey mom, how are you feeling today?"
"I'm feeling a bit better, sweetie. But I can tell something's bothering you. What's on your mind?" She asked, her eyes filled with concern.
I hesitated, unsure of how to bring up my concerns. But then I took a deep breath and decided to share some news with her. "Mom, I need to tell you something." I said, my voice a little nervous.
She looked at me with curiosity. "What is it, sweetie? You can tell me anything."
"I'm getting married." I said, trying to sound casual.
Her expression changed from curiosity to surprise. "Oh sweetie, congratulations! I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks mom, I'm really happy too."
Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "When is the big day? And who is the lucky guy?"
I hesitated, not wanting to go into details just yet. "It's soon mom, and I'll tell you all about it later okay? I just wanted to share the news with you first"
She nodded understandingly. "Okay sweetie, I'm just glad you're happy. We'll talk more about it when you're ready."
I smiled, feeling relieved. As I prepared to leave, my mom squeezed my hand. "Just be happy, Aurora, that's all that matters."
I nodded, feeling a sense of determination.
As I walked out of the hospital room, I couldn't help but think about the contract marriage I was about to enter with Liam. I had told mum it was out of love, but in reality, it was a calculated move.
My mind wandered back to the mysterious messages and calls I'd been receiving. Who could be behind them?
I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the present. I had a wedding to prepare for, and a contract to fulfill.
Just then, my phone buzzed again. I hesitated for a moment before answering it. It was Liam.
"Hey, I was thinking we should meet up to discuss the wedding details." Liam said, his voice smooth and calm.
My heart fluttered with unease. "Yeah, that sounds good, when were you thinking?"
"How about tomorrow?" Liam asked. "We can finalize the guest list and discuss the ceremony."
I nodded, even though he couldn't see me. "Tomorrow sound perfect."
As we made plans, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was trapped in a game I didn't fully understand. And the mysterious messages were just the beginning.
LIAM'S POV
APEXION DIGITAL MEDIA
I sat in my office, discussing Aurora's past with Ethan over the phone. I was determined to know everything about her.
"Not much to tell, Liam," Ethan said. "Aurora's background is pretty clean. She's from a wealthy family. Her father passed away a few years ago, and her mother has been dealing with health issues."
I pressed for more information. "What about her personal life? Any skeletons in the closet?"
Ethan hesitated before responding. "Nothing concrete, Liam. She's kept a low profile until recently. I've got some leads, but nothing's panned out yet."
I wasn't satisfied with the lack of information. "Thanks, Ethan. Keep digging. I want to know everything about her," I said firmly.
After the call, I dialed Aurora's number, my mind still preoccupied with thoughts of her.
"Hey, I was thinking we should meet up to discuss the wedding details," I said calmly and smoothly. We made plans to meet the next day at 10 am. As I hung up, my curiosity about Aurora's secrets grew. What was she hiding? I wondered if I'd find out more about her as our wedding approached. For now, I would continue with the contract marriage plan.
AURORA'S POV
I walked into my office, still thinking about my conversation with my mom at the hospital. My assistant, Lisa, greeted me with a smile.
"Hey, Aurora! How's your mom doing?" she asked, concern etched on her face.
"She's doing better, thanks for asking," I replied, trying to brush off the unresolved thoughts. Lisa nodded. "Glad to hear that. What's on your agenda for today?"
I hesitated, unsure of how much to share. "Just the usual, I guess. I'll be meeting Mr. Flynn tomorrow to discuss...some plans."
Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Flynn, huh? Sounds serious. Is everything okay?"
I laughed, trying to dismiss her question about Liam. Oh, it's nothing. Just business stuff. Don't worry about it."
Lisa looked skeptical but didn't press the issue. "Alright, let me know if you need anything. I've got some documents that need your signature."
I spent the next few hours going over documents and responding to emails. When I finished, I decided to take a break and grab a snack. I stopped by a nearby café and ordered a chicken sandwich and a cup of Earl Grey tea. As I waited for my order, I couldn't help but think about Liam and our upcoming meeting.
What did he want from me? And what were his true intentions? I had agreed to this contract marriage, but I was starting to wonder if I was missing something important.
I took my food and drink, and headed home, my mind still whirling with questions and doubts. As I walked, I took a bite of my sandwich, savoring the flavors. The Earl Grey tea was soothing. My breathing slowed, and my muscles relaxed, letting go of anxiety.
Despite the comfort food, my mind remained preoccupied with thoughts of Liam and our future together.