Aurora POV:I headed to work, not a tad anxious I was late. I knew Mr. Jordan wouldn't get angry at me, I could easily explain why I was late and he would understand. He was opening his car door, when I drove into work. He waited for me to carefully park and get out of the car to meet him ."Nice of you to finally join us Mrs. Hardy" He said mockingly "I must say you came too early. You couldn't have come any earlier""I'm sorry boss, I had someone very important that couldn't wait""I'm sure you do, you could have called nonetheless" "I'm sorry" he said "Don't sweat, I was picking on you" he chuckled, a grin spread on his face."Where were you going before I came"“I’ve got to be out of town today. Think you can hold the office together until I get back?”“I’ll do my best, sir,” i promised."I trust you will, later then"I watched him got back into his car and zoomed off. I greeted some of my colleagues that crossed my path, I couldn't see Appollos, I presumed he has a modeling
Michael POV: I walked into the building with a furrowed brow. I had been outside all day, I haven't been to my office since I left Aurora's house. I have had Libby print the fax Aurora sent and brought it to me at the state's cemetery before she returned to workLibby saw my dark furrowed face at once when i stepped in. "What's wrong sir"I handed the results of the state crime lab’s autopsy on Aurora's father to her.She cupped her mouth in horror before handing it to Mabel who had the same reaction. "Don't tell her yet, I'm going to tell her in person and then drive her home and help her break it to her mother. It’s going to be an ordeal for them. If we can catch Amanda, we’ll charge her with first degree murder. Aurora and her mother will both have to testify, and it will resurrect some terrible memories for old Mrs. Hardy. "I’m not sure her heart will take it.”“What can be done?” Libby asked I shrugged. “The only thing I know is to try and reach a plea agreement, if I can
Michael POV:I drove at an average speed and carefully while I trailed behind her. We both pulled infront of her house at the same time. I stepped out of the car and waited for her to do the same before walking hand in hand into the house Mrs. Hardy looked up expectantly, and with faint surprise, when she saw me come in the door with her daughter. I saw her face fell, the excitement disappearing, I presume she saw the worrying expression on her daughter's face.She was propped up on the sofa with pillows. She look from Aurora to me back to Aurora again giving each a suspicious look. “You have the results of the autopsy,” she guessed. “That floozie poisoned my husband, didn’t she?” she added, eyes flashing. “I want her drawn and quartered!”I smiled at Aurora. “Didn’t I tell you?” i mused.She nodded. “Yes, you did sir.” She put down her things and went to sit beside her mother on the sofa and pull her close. “We’re going to find her and send her away for years and years,” she promi
Aurora POV: “See, dear, he misses you!” Mom said when they heard his car start up outside. “He wants you back! You’ll do it, won’t you?”Even i wasn't sure what i wanted or what to do. I've never felt so confused."I don't know Mom, i really don't" "What are you confused about, isn't that what you've always wanted"“I have to change clothes and get supper started,” i interrupted to halt her speculation. “What would you like? How about pancakes?”“Pancakes? For supper?” the older woman exclaimed.“Why not? We love pancakes!”She smiled. “Then pancakes it is. And coffee.”Coffee reminded me of michael and made me sad. I’d lost nt job over coffee. I was very sad but i didn’t let it show. “Decaf for you,” i teased, and went to change me clothes.I was changing into something comfy when i heard the sound of my mom talking to someone. My heart skipped, Did he come back. I quickly slipped on the sweatshirt and walked into the living room. Already sitting on the sofa with my mother was Libb
Michael POV: After the arrest warrant was issued, the local police of ohio were quick to make move on her before she got away. She was detained at the local precinct before sent down to San Antonio. Every property in her name was seized and was charged with fraud and multiple homicide. I drove Aurora and her mother to the court on every hearing, i didn't let the trial drag for long telling the Judge the old woman has a frail health. He had speeded the trial.Throught the trial, the court had been filled with different people i had known in Jacobsville, I saw Leo Jordan once or twice too in the crowd, i also saw Cal sitting behind Libby. All were there rooting for the Hardy family inevitable win. I admired their zeal to show support to the elderly woman and her daughter, i presumed it gave them even more strength to go through the storm. Mother and daughter testified against her, i made sure too much pressure wasn't exerted on the older woman and it all went smoothly. As promised,
Aurora POV:As I walked into the house, I could feel the weight of my decision heavy on my shoulders. Mr Calhoun had offered to buy me a new house and our old house at that if i had wanted and I had declined his generous offer. I couldn't shake the feeling that I had made a mistake, but I needed my mother's advice to help me ease my conscience. But despite knowing i could tell her most things, i couldn't help shake the feeling she wouldn't be so excited with my decision. I know we are happy here and we've made this place to call home. But we would be relatively happier in our old house. "What's wrong with you" My mom asked for the umpteenth timeI contemplated in a split seconds, coming out or not. I sighed deeply."Am i rude for constantly refusing people's help""I'm confused.""Do you remember Mr. Calhoun" She frowned "I'm old Aurora, not suffering from dementia" "I'm sorry""What's going on with him?" She asked"Well, he offered to buy me a new house as a compensation gift, af
Michael POV:It was election day, i woke with a summat stuck to my throat. I was not the one contesting but i was nervous for my friend. He had worked so hard on this. I knew he will be so hurt, if he loses. But he sounded so confident i knew something was up his sleeves, which he refuses to say. I'd given my workers a day off to vote in the election, they both know whom to vote for. I had taken my time to relax before heading to the polling Unit. I felt certain buzz in the air, i could feel somethig was amiss but I'd figured it would be the nerve doing something to my brain, making me feel something that was not there. My phone rang, i knew whom it was before having to look. I was right, it was him, i presume he was nervous about it. He was acting all high and mighty yesterday. I will mock him a bit to lighten the mood.I pick up on the third ring"Where are you?" he asked "I'm at home, I'd be heading to the polling unit soon enough""Are you watching this" "Watch what?""The n
Michael POV:As expected, Calhoun won in an upsetting land slide. He was having a party at his place to celebrate. I was very happy for him but nonetheless skeptical and suspicious of the win.He was having a party tonight to celebrate the win, it was logical i be in attendance. The place was filled up as i had expected, each and every hoping for the graces of the new mayor of Jacobsville. The party celebrating the mayor's win is a dazzling display of elegance and sophistication, every detail meticulously planned and executed to perfection. The venue is a grand ballroom, adorned with crystal chandeliers that cast a warm, golden glow over the festivities. The walls are draped in rich fabrics, the colors muted and understated, lending a sense of quiet opulence to the space.The atmosphere is electric, the guests buzzing with excitement and anticipation as they mingle and chat. The dress code is strictly black tie, and the guests have pulled out all the stops, the women in stunning gown
Epilogue Aurora POV:The warm sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft golden glow on the bedroom walls. I lay in bed, feeling the gentle rhythm of my husband's breathing beside me. It had been a long and arduous journey for us, but today was a day of happiness—a day to cherish the love and resilience that had brought us together.I watched him for a long time, I enjoyed watching him sleep. there was something particularly soothing about watching him sleep.As I stretched my arms above my head, my eyes fell upon the photograph on the nightstand. It captured a moment frozen in time, our wedding day. We got married on a beach in Oregon. It was the most beautiful day of my life. Michael's eyes were filled with unwavering devotion, and I couldn't help but smile at the memory. The vows we exchanged that day held the promise of a lifetime of shared dreams and unbreakable bonds.We had toured the world like he had promised leaving with beautiful memories everywhere we we
Michael POV:As I stood before the graves of my parents and Beatrice, a mix of emotions washed over me. It was the first time I had brought anyone to this sacred place. I watched as she knelt down, her face solemn and filled with respect, paying her respects to the departed souls who had unwilling been absent to shape my life."Who are they?" She askedI was yet to tell her whom they are and name on the graves gave no clues to whom they were. "The first two are my parents and the third is my elder sister" She looked taken aback"I thought you never knew them""I was lucky to find out, with some help of some friends. I wanted you to meet them too"She nodded, her eyes filled with awe. Aurora's voice trembled slightly as she spoke, her words carrying a weight of sincerity and determination. "I promise you, dear parents and sister, that I will take care of Michael. I will be there for him, just as you were. I will cherish him, support him, and love him with all my heart. You have left
Michael POV: The town recieve the news about Calhoun with mixed feelings. The next few days was spent uprooting every corrupt official on Calhoun payroll and his drug warehouse was ruthlessly shut down. It was finally Mark's funeral, I had dreaded this day because of the effects I knew it would have on me.I stood there, my heart heavy with sorrow, as I gazed upon the somber scene before me. The room was filled with mournful whispers and tear-streaked faces, each one reflecting the immense loss we all felt. "Today, we gathered to bid farewell to a dear friend, a courageous soul who had given his life in the line of duty. He was a cop, a protector of the innocent, and his untimely death"The eulogies began, each one a testament to his character and the impact he had made on countless lives. His family, friends, and fellow officers all shared their stories, their voices trembling with a mix of grief and admiration. They spoke of his courage, his selflessness, and his unwavering deter
Aurora POV: It's been days since my search and rescue. I never imagined that freedom could feel so overwhelming. After enduring the horrors of being kidnapped and held captive, the sweet taste of liberation should have been pure bliss. Yet, as I cautiously navigate this newfound freedom, it feels as though the world around me is still holding its breath, afraid to disturb the fragile existence I've fought so hard to regain.The news of my rescue spread like wildfire, and people showered me with words of relief and gratitude. They embraced me with tender hugs, their eyes brimming with tears of joy. But beneath their smiles, I sensed a subtle unease, an unspoken fear of shattering my fragile state of recovery. It's as if they see me as a porcelain doll, easily broken with a single misplaced step.Every interaction now feels calculated, as if everyone around me is walking on tiptoes, afraid to say or do anything that might trigger painful memories or send me spiraling back into the dark
Aurora POV:I stepped into the familiar warmth of Michael's house. He came back to pick me up the next morning after spending considerable time with my mother. He had insisted on staying with him for the time being and my mother was only happy to agree. It is a mix of relief and apprehension flooding my senses. The events of the past few days had been a nightmare, one that had finally released its grip on me. I glanced around, taking in the comforting sights of our living room, but the shadows of the ordeal still lingered in every corner.Michael stood beside me, his eyes filled with a mix of worry, love, and a determination to keep me safe. I understood his concerns; after all, I had been taken away from him against my will. But as much as I craved his protective presence, I also longed for a sense of normalcy and the freedom to heal at my own pace.Michael furry companions who seems to have been waiting anxiously for my return, approached cautiously, sniffing the air with curiosity
Michael POV:As I walked Mr. Eyre and Jane to the airport, the weight of sadness enveloped us, casting a somber atmosphere over our conversation. The news of Calhoun, being responsible for his daughter's death had left us both of them speechless and devastated.Jane walked in front while Mr. Eyre and I walked behind her."I can't believe it, Michael," Mr. Eyre whispered, his voice trembling with disbelief and pain. "How could someone commit such a heinous act? I can't wrap my mind around it."His words echoed the thoughts that swirled in my own mind. I struggled to find an answer, my voice choked with emotions. "I don't know, Mr. Eyre," I managed to say, my voice laced with sorrow. "We continued walking through the airport, the surroundings a blur as our conversation grew heavier with regret and guilt."I blame myself, Mr. Eyre " I confessed, "I can't help but wonder if there were signs I missed, if I could have protected her somehow. And to think I have wined and dined with her kill
Aurora POV:I stood there, watching the flames dance and devour the remnants of the cloth I had worn during my unimaginable ordeal. The crackling fire illuminated the night, casting a warm glow upon my face as i gathered around its flickering embrace. The crackling of the flames seemed to echo the tumultuous journey I had endured, a journey that had tested my spirit to its very limits."Aurora" My mother called, I turned to see her creeping on me. I saw glint of sadness in her eyes, when she saw what I was burning. What was suppose to represent a joyous day, now represents a traumatizing experience, it's existence needed to be erased."Libby and Mabel are here to see you. Should they wait for you in the Living room""Let them join me in the backyard" I replied softly "Ok dear" I heard their footsteps few seconds later, before Libby reached out and gently touched my shoulder. "We came as soon as your mother called you are back" Her voice trembled with emotion as she spoke, "We miss
Michael POV:"Are you okay, Aurora? I'm here now, everything is fine now" I held her tightly like someone would try to steal her from my hand againHer tear glands finally gave in to the waterworks. "I was so scared" she said choking on her own words. "I thought I was not going to see you again""Then I had Mark died in my arms, I watched him died, life sucking out of him slowly. Then I had to stare at his dead body for hours""You are fine now"I patted and rocked her body like one would a baby. It felt soothing to have her in my arms again. My heart races in my chest, adrenaline still coursing through my veins as I hold her tightly in my arms. We've just escaped from the clutches of danger, and the relief surges through me like a tidal wave. I can feel her trembling against me, her breath coming in short gasps, and I know she's just as shaken as I am. As I look into her eyes, gratitude and love swirl in the depths of my being. The thought of losing her, of never seeing that radian
Aurora POV: I sat resting on the wall while staring into the oblivion. I sit here, trapped in this cold, desolate room, my spirit drained and my body weary. The flickering overhead light casts eerie shadows on the peeling walls, reflecting the dismal state of my existence. My mind is numb, and my once fiery gaze has dulled into a vacant stare.Hope, once a flickering flame within me, has been extinguished. Not the long for my mother's smile and Michael touch could rekindle the hope. It has been replaced by a resignation, a surrender to the cruel fate that has befallen me. The days and nights blend together, a blur of monotony and fear. I have lost track of time, as each passing moment feels like an eternity.Calhoun intentions are unclear, his motives shrouded in darkness. If he wanted to kill me he should have already. All I know is that he holds complete control over my life, and I am at his mercy. The uncertainty gnaws at me, devouring any remnants of strength I have left. I wonde