Chapter 89

I hesitated between laughter and sorrow as Alex and I found ourselves exiled from the monastery. The incident in one of its rooms had clearly crossed a line. Even though Alex was one of the largest donors to the monastery and was called brother by the staff, having sex on the monastery grounds was really considered blasphemy by them.

"I'm relieved you didn't shave your head," I said, wrapping my arms around Alex affectionately.

"I was close to it, Aurora. If you'd arrived even a day later, today would've been my initiation, and I'd be bald," Alex replied with a chuckle.

Returning to the orphanage to visit Mrs. Collins, we were greeted by the familiar walls, infused with the lingering scent of detergent from the hanging clothes, and the joyful laughter of the children.

"Mother," Alex began, sitting beside her. "This is Aurora."

"Yes, my son, I remember her. She worked here voluntarily for four months. But tell me, have you chosen her as your partner?" Mrs. Collins asked, her eyes twink