Aurora's Point Of ViewThe sun was already high in the sky when I arrived at the construction site on *Ike Nui*, the island’s familiar warm breeze brushing against my skin. I adjusted my overalls and clipped on my helmet, a little nervous but also excited about the project we were undertaking. It had been years since I’d been involved in anything this hands-on. The island was beautiful, but as I glanced around the bustling site, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside mI hadn’t seen Eduardo yet this morning, but I knew he was somewhere overseeing things. His company was working in collaboration with Arclight, Ricardo’s company, and though the merger was unexpected, it was necessary for the project to move forward. Still, it was strange to see Ricardo here againAs I made my way through the site, the sound of machinery humming, workers shouting instructions to one another, I spotted Ricardo. He was standing near the main structure being built, looking out at the blueprint in his hand
Eduardo’s Point of ViewI watched Aurora and Ricardo by the beach from a distance. The sight of them together stirred something deep inside me, something I didn’t want to admit. I clenched my fists, trying to focus on the construction site, on the workers, anything but them. But my eyes kept drifting back to the two of them, laughing and talking like old friends—like more than that. Ricardo had always been a thorn in my side, but seeing him now, back in Aurora’s life after all these years, felt like a slow burn under my skin. He wasn’t just a business rival; he was something else. Someone from Aurora’s past that I couldn’t control, couldn’t compete with in the same way I competed in business.As the day wore on and Aurora walked toward me, I could tell she sensed something was wrong. She asked if everything was fine, and I gave her the coldest answer I could muster without completely shutting her out. I couldn’t let her see how Ricardo’s presence was getting to me. I couldn’t let her
Aurora's Point Of ViewRicardo's call came in immediately I got into my room. I had expected him to call maybe at night but I guess he wasn't one to waste time. I took off my dirty clothes and picked up the call as I wrapped a towel around my body. "Didn't expect you to call so soon." He chuckled, "I would've called at night but I figured out you'd be tired and would rather use that time to rest than talk to some disturbing lad on the phone." I laughed, "You know I don't see you as a disturbance." He hummed knowingly in reply, "You didn't think so when we first met. If I remember correctly, you hated my guts." "And if I remember correctly, you deserved it." I countered and he laughed lightly. "Well, I wouldn't deny that. Are you busy?" I shook my head as I settled in my bed. "No, I'm not. What's up?" He hummed, his voice dropping low as he said, "I just wanted to talk to you." My fingers found their way into my hair, "Talk to me?" I asked as I twirled the strands. "Yes." He w
Aurora's Point Of ViewI wasn't sure if I was seeing right. I blinked rapidly to be sure this wasn't a dream. She was here. Serena was really here. In Hawaii, in this resort of all places? I stepped in fully, making sure my wide eyes didn't leave her smug bitchy face. I let down my purse on the couch softly. "What..." I didn't know which question to ask. What was she doing here? Why was she here? Did Eduardo know about her arrival? Surely, that wasn't possible. Because he never made mention of her. Well, we haven't really spoken for the last two days. Ugh! I don't even know what to think right now. "You look like you've seen a ghost." I frowned. I would not let her get the best of me. "What the hell are you doing here?" "What? Mad that I'm interrupting your little honeymoon with Eduardo?" She asked with a smile that was anything but sweet. "Well, honeymoon is an overstatement given the groom is nowhere to be found." "What the hell are you doing here? I don't think you informed E
Aurora's Point of ViewThe next morning, I woke up with a headache that matched the weight in my chest. I hadn’t slept well, tossing and turning as Eduardo’s words replayed in my mind, like an annoying song you can’t shake. The sting of his accusations still clung to me, and the anger I’d felt last night was quickly turning into something worse—doubt.Did he really think that low of me?I groaned, sitting up in bed. The room was quiet, too quiet. The heaviness in the air was a stark contrast to the paradise that lay just beyond the balcony, where sunlight filtered in through the curtains. I hated that this place, once a dream destination, was now a battleground for my emotions. It felt wrong. We were supposed to be working here, *together*, not tearing each other apart.I dragged myself to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face in an attempt to wake up. My reflection looked tired, eyes puffy from the tears, lips pressed together in a thin line of frustration. I hated looking li
Eduardo's Point of ViewI stood in the living room, the silence stretching long after Aurora had left me standing there, her last words like a cold wind that refused to leave. I had been ready to say something—*anything* to convince her, to show her that I understood, that I was willing to fight—but the words died in my throat. She had raised her hand, stopped me, and now all I had was this growing, empty ache in my chest.Her words echoed, over and over: "If you want me, earn me." I clenched my jaw. I'd thought I had already. I’d worked hard, pushed my limits, made sacrifices. But maybe… maybe I hadn’t done it for *her*. Maybe I had been fooling myself, thinking I could have it all on my terms.But now, with each passing second, my resolve hardened. She was right, even if it stung. I hadn’t earned her trust back, hadn’t proven I was worth her time. But I’d do it. I had to.I dragged myself through the morning, going through motions without even tasting breakfast, unable to shake the
Aurora's Point Of View "You're cheating! That's not how it's supposed to go!" I yelled at Ricardo as I scattered the cards on the grass. "Hey, you're ruining the game!" He laughed as he grabbed my hand, stopping me from ruining it any further. "I did not cheat. You're just pained I'm winning." I folded my arms defensively, "that is not true at all. Look, I put an Ace, and then you dropped..." I picked up the two cards, "you dropped these at once! What are you trying to do, lessen your load?" He threw his head back in a fit of laughter. I pouted, "Ricardo, it's not funny." "Alright alright." He stopped laughing but his eyes still held playfulness, "Alright I'll stop. We can go one more game?" I hissed, "No." He pursed his lips and looked around. His eyes lit up like he spotted something before he stood. "Stay here, I'm coming," he said before he left. I sighed, pulling my knees to myself on the soft grass. I did not feel like going home immediately to face Eduardo again so I de
Eduardo’s Point of ViewThe day passed in a blur, each second ticking by slower than the last. My focus was shot, and even the warm breeze coming off the ocean did nothing to relax the tight knot of frustration in my chest. It seemed that every time I turned, I saw her—them, to be exact. Aurora, laughing with Ricardo, her shoulders loose and relaxed, her smile brighter than I’d seen in days. Every laugh, every shared glance twisted something sharp inside me. I tried to brush it off, convince myself it was nothing—just her blowing off steam. But it wasn’t that easy. I couldn’t shake the growing suspicion that maybe I was losing her.“Focus,” I muttered under my breath, thumbing through a stack of paperwork on the project logistics. But the numbers swam, refusing to fall into place. No matter how much I tried to distract myself, my mind kept circling back to her… and to him.It didn’t help that Serena kept popping up everywhere I turned, smiling that saccharine, practiced smile that us
Aurora’s Point of ViewNana's birthday party was a success to say the least. She was so touched and she wouldn't stop saying thank you. Two days passed and things were back to usual. Eduardo called me in the morning to invite me to a coffee shop. He said we needed to talk. I didn't need a soothsayer to tell me what he wanted to talk about. I knew instinctively. The coffee shop was warm and cozy, with the soft hum of chatter and the comforting smell of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. I sat across from Eduardo, stirring my latte absentmindedly, wondering why I felt so restless. We spoke about the usual things—work, the kids, even Nana’s party. The conversation flowed naturally, but I could sense an underlying tension. Eduardo’s expression shifted as he leaned forward, his hands clasped together on the table. “What’s next for us, Aurora?” he asked quietly, his eyes searching mine. I froze, unsure how to respond. “What do you mean?” I asked, stalling for time. He sighed, h
Aurora’s Point of ViewThree months had passed, and life had finally settled into a rhythm. My business wasn’t booming like some overnight success story, but it was steady. Profitable. Enough to keep me busy and give me a sense of purpose I hadn’t felt in years.One of the unused rooms in the house had transformed into my work sanctuary. Shelves lined the walls, stocked with packaging supplies, raw materials, and finished products ready for shipment. My desk was cluttered but organized—a system that made sense to me, if no one else.It was fulfilling, but hard. Nana helped as much as she could, but she had her own responsibilities. Julie was swamped with work, and even Eduardo only came by occasionally. As for Ricardo, he’d been gone for a month on a project abroad.I told myself I didn’t think about him much. It was easier that way.But deep down, I missed him. The way he made me laugh when I was too tired to care about anything, how he believed in me even when I doubted myself. The
Aurora's Point Of View I shut the front door behind me, pressing my back against the cool wood as I tried to steady my breathing. My lips tingled, and my heart raced, but not from exertion. Ricardo’s kiss lingered in my mind, and no matter how much I tried to shake it off, the memory wouldn’t leave.“What are you doing, Aurora?” I whispered to myself, running a hand through my hair.The house was eerily quiet without Eloise and Dexter, who were already asleep. I’d hoped for a peaceful evening to focus on my work, but peace was the last thing I felt. I walked into the living room, my gaze landing on the vision board propped against the wall.It was filled with fragments of the life I wanted to build - pictures of smiling families, career aspirations, quotes about strength and independence. All of it was meant to guide me, to remind me of who I was becoming.But now, I felt adrift.***The days blurred into weeks.Between the kids, work on my new venture, and occasional check-ins with
Aurora's Point Of ViewThe afternoon stretched lazily into early evening as Ricardo and I worked at his dining table, the space cluttered with sticky notes, sketches of designs, and beads scattered across every available surface. My eyes burned from staring at my notes, and my fingers ached from stringing beads into different patterns. I leaned back in my chair with a groan, stretching my arms above my head. “I’m exhausted,” I admitted, dropping my hands to my lap. “If I see one more bead, I might scream.” Ricardo glanced at me, smirking as he shut his laptop. “You’re calling it quits already? We’re just getting started.” “Ricardo, I’ve been staring at beads for hours,” I shot back, rolling my eyes. “I need a break.” He laughed, leaning back in his chair. “Fine, fine. How about we unwind a little? I’ve got some tequila in the kitchen.” I arched an eyebrow. “Tequila? You’re trying to kill me now?” “Only a little,” he teased, standing up. “I’ll grab the glasses. Stay put.” I got
Aurora's Point Of View It was Dexter’s idea, of course. My son had a way of bringing people together, even when the adults in his life were determined to stay in their separate corners. “You’ve been working too hard, Mom,” he’d said, his voice full of authority for a five-year-old. “We need a day for all of us. Me, Ellie, you, and Dad. And Uncle Ricardo can come too! My friend said her mama and daddy go out together all the time!"At first, I balked at the idea. Spending a whole day with Eduardo, Ricardo, and the kids in the same space? It sounded like a recipe for awkwardness. But Dexter was insistent, and when Eloise chimed in with a quiet, “It could be nice, Mom,” I caved. So, here we were, standing in the middle of the city park on a sunny Saturday, my nerves jangling as Eduardo unloaded a picnic basket from the back of his car. Ricardo stood a few feet away, holding a soccer ball and trying to coax Dexter into teaching him “the rules of football.” “Uncle Ricardo is being emba
Aurora's Point Of View The sun filtered through my window as I sat at my desk, notebook open and pen in hand. The page stared back at me, blank as always. I sighed, resting my chin on my hand. I had been at this for weeks - trying to figure out what I liked, what I wanted, who I was outside of Eduardo and everything else. The buzz of my phone pulled me from my thoughts. I glanced at the screen to see Ricardo’s message: “Morning, explorer. Time for your next adventure. Dress comfy—I’m picking you up in an hour.”I smiled despite myself. Ricardo had a way of dragging me out of my head and into the world. “Where are we going this time?” I texted back. “You’ll see. Trust me.”***An hour later, Ricardo pulled up outside my house, his car as loud and attention-grabbing as his personality. I slid into the passenger seat, eyeing the mischievous grin on his face. “You’re going to love this one,” he said, shifting the car into drive. “Is it another cooking class?” I asked, trying to gu
The morning sunlight poured softly through the curtains, painting streaks of gold on the walls. I sat on the couch with my coffee, my notebook open on my lap. The pages were a chaotic mix of scribbled ideas, crossed-out plans, and even a few doodles from Eloise. Progress, I told myself, even if it felt painfully slow. The sound of small footsteps echoed down the hallway, pulling me from my thoughts. A second later, Dexter appeared in his pajamas, his hair sticking up like he’d been wrestling with his pillow all night. It was Saturday so I get to spend the whole day with my babies today. “Good morning, Mommy,” he mumbled, his voice thick with sleep as he climbed onto the couch beside me. “Good morning, love.” I kissed his messy curls and set my coffee down. “Where’s Eloise?” I asked, wrapping my arm around his small frame. “She’s still sleeping,” Dexter said, snuggling closer. I smiled, resting my chin lightly on his head. Moments like these felt like an anchor, grounding me in t
Aurora's Point Of ViewRicardo turned sharply when I called out his name, his dark brows raising in surprise. “Yeah?” For a moment, I froze, the weight of my impulsive request catching up to me. My mouth opened, but no words came out. Instead, I stared at him, my mind running wild with the thought of what I had *wanted* to say. “Did you say something?” Ricardo asked, his voice pulling me out of my stupor. He snapped his fingers lightly, a teasing gesture meant to catch my attention. “I...” My voice faltered, and I quickly shook my head. “No, nothing.” He frowned, studying me for a moment as if he could see through my half-hearted denial. “You sure? You looked like you wanted to say something.” I felt my cheeks heat up under his gaze. *I thought I said it out loud,* I realized, my heart pounding at the sheer embarrassment of it all. “No, really,” I insisted, forcing a tight smile. “I was just... I thought I heard something, but it’s nothing. You should go.” Ricardo didn’t look c
Aurora's Point Of ViewThe café was quieter than usual, the muted hum of soft jazz filling the background. I sat by the window, tracing patterns on the condensation that formed on my coffee cup. I’d been staring at Eduardo’s text for hours, my thumb hovering over my phone, unsure of whether I was ready for this conversation. "I’m sorry. I want to talk." His words were simple, but the weight they carried felt suffocating.After much thought and deliberation, I had agreed to meet him. But now, sitting in the quiet of the cafe, I wasn’t sure if I was ready to face him... really face him. I glanced at my wristwatch - thirty minutes past five. He said to meet here at 5.30. The door opened with a soft jingle, and Eduardo stepped in. His eyes scanned the room before locking onto mine. There was a look of hesitation on his face, something I hadn’t seen in a long time. Maybe it was guilt, maybe it was regret... either way, it made my stomach twist.He approached slowly, like he wasn’t sure wh