Michael POV:I got the news on my way to the office, it started as a rumor from here and there, before it was finnaly confirmed. Former Mayor Merrill had commited suicide, he had left a note confirming it was a suicide and no one was connected to his death. He said his conscience of how he ran the town for the last couple of years was killing him and he thinks he had to end to it all. To a reasonable man, i know that is a load of bullshit. No one commits suicide because of that, he was murdered I'm sure. But there was no way to prove that, had he committed suicide before the election, every one would have knew something was amiss, but he had stepped infront of the whole and only committed suicide afterward. It made no difference to me, rather i think someone had meticulously planned it. Someone who was not satisfied with him not just stepping down from the election, but his death was needed. Of course i couldn't prove all these, there was no proof to my hypothesis, no one will beli
Michael POV:I entered the the office, Libby met me with a scowl, i realized i was late, it was past midday already. "They are here, aren't they" i asked "Waiting for the past thirty minutes" She replied "They are not happy" she added "I will make it up to them" Mabel pretended to be so focused hoping i wouldn't notice her and remembered she came late again.As I walked into the conference room, I could sense the tension in the air. My clients, a couple in their late thirties, looked visibly annoyed. And rightfully so. I had canceled our earlier appointments twice and came to the third one late. But I was here now, ready to listen to their legal problem and help them in any way I could."Good afternoon," I said, taking my seat at the head of the table. "I apologize for my tardiness. I hope you can forgive me."They remained silent, their arms crossed and their expressions stoic. I took a deep breath and decided to dive right in."So, what brings you here today?" I asked, opening
Aurora POV:I had hoped I'd have a comfortable life again, if not for me for my mother. I knew Mr. Angelo tried his possible best, but it wasn't meant to be.I had planned to tell Mr. Jordan i was quitting, i was so nervous, i feared for his reaction. I knew he would be angry, but how angry would he be. After the stress of the trial he had insisted i took a time off, i wanted to, but i need tell him in person i was quitring, i couldn't possibly tell him over a phone call. I had waited for him to come to my office like any other day. He finally did. "Aurora, you are as stubborn as an ox" he said"I told you to take your time of to rest" "I needed to come, i am not tthat tired to be fair""Props to you for coming and Aurora" He mused"Did you hear about the Mayor Merrill, he committed suicide"I cupped my mouth in horror "what? Why? I never heard. God! What happened?""I don't know, probably because he lost his mayoral position""I thought he stepped down himself" i pointed out "Yea
Aurora POV:"I love you Aurora, i love you so much Aurora. I have always hated women, since my wife. I saw them as despicable creature, but it all changed when i set my eyes on you. You woke something in me, something i thought was dead long ago. There are so many reasons why I love you, but two of the most significant ones are your calm demeanor and your kind heart.Your calm demeanor is truly remarkable. No matter what life throws your way, you always remain composed and level-headed. Your peaceful presence is like a balm for my soul, and being around you makes me feel more relaxed and centered.Equally important is your kind heart. You are always willing to lend a helping hand, and you treat everyone with warmth and compassion. Your generosity and empathy are truly inspiring, and they make me want to be a better person.Together, your calm demeanor and good heart make you an incredibly special person, and I feel so lucky to have you in my life. And i want you to be there forever. I
Aurora POV:When i got home I was so choked by confusion and guilt, i skipped gym for the upteenth time. I couldn't tell my Mom what is going on with me, i need the help of my best friend, i had to call Libby. She picked up on the third."Libby, where are you" "Home, i just came back from work""Home alone?""Yeah, why?"I need your judgement with a decision I'm about to make""What is it? Believe me, it'd be better discuss in person""Should i come over to your place?"It's becoming a ritual for them to come to mine instead of the other way round. I go to her place too but in a long while."No, I'd come. I don't want my mom to catch a whiff of it""Fair enough" "I would be there in half an hour" I headed out immediately i hung, but not before telling my mom."Mom, I'm going to Libby's. I will be back in an hour or two" i called out to her"Don't stay out for long" she called back "I won't" "And drive carefully""I will"■○♡○♤○♤○♤○¡I pulled up in front of her house , I couldn't
Aurora POV:It was deja vu.As I stood in front of my closet, the anticipation of my first day back at work after a long break was palpable. I wanted to make a great first impression, especially on my boss. I browsed through my dresses, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the choices.I wanted something that would do justice to my beauty, something that would make me feel confident and powerful. After trying on several dresses, I settled on a black midi dress that hugged my curves in all the right places.As I looked at myself in the mirror, I felt a surge of excitement and confidence. The dress was simple yet elegant, and it made me feel like I could conquer the world.I paired the dress with black pumps and simple pearl earrings, and applied a light make up. as I stepped out of my house.I went to my Mom's room and spun in front of her."Wow! Honey, you look stunning. You look so beautiful"I smiled widely. "I took forever to pick this cloth, You think Mr. Angelo would notice?" "Unless
Michael POV. I had woken up on the wrong side of the bed, i felt grumpy, like my regular old self. My bad dreams were becoming incessant.As I drifted off to sleep, my mind began to wander and my eyelids grew heavy. But soon enough, my peaceful slumber was disrupted by a terrifying nightmare that seemed all too real.In my dream, I found myself walking hand in hand with Aurora I love. We were strolling through a beautiful park, surrounded by lush green trees and vibrant flowers. Everything was perfect, and I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness and contentment.But then, out of nowhere, I heard a loud piercing scream. My heart skipped a beat as I turned to see the love of my life writhing in pain on the ground. Her body was contorted in agony, and she was screaming for help.My body was paralyzed with fear, and I felt as if I couldn't move. My heart was pounding in my chest as I watched her suffer, unable to do anything to ease her pain. Tears streamed down my face as I tried to w
Aurora POV: I had ask Libby for some paper work, i was buried in thrilling work load, the joy of helping him was just like i had remembered. It felt like i never left. "Aurora" i heard his voice over the intercom "can you make me another cup coffee"When i heard his voice over the intercom for the first time since i came back, it was emotionally exalting.I quickly made another cup and took it in to him. "Thank you, Aurora" He had said"You are welcome sir" i replied I caught his eyes lingering on me for a second too long. I blushed at the realization he was feasting his eyes hungrily on me. I had barely done any paper work, when he called me again through the intercom.I quickly made another and took it in for him. "I'm sorry for troubling you" he said this time around"It's no trouble sir" i replied 'I'm happy to do it' i mumbled to myself "Thank you Aurora""You are welcome sir" i replied againIt repeated itself, i had barely sat down when he asked for another. I made coffe
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