Chapter 4: Unfinished Business

Aurora POV

Five years later...

We arrived in Los Angeles, a city that nearly drained the life out of me. The towering hotel loomed as I entered with my son.

Five years ago, after my divorce from Liam, I found out I was pregnant. I chose not to tell him; he didn’t deserve that knowledge. Now, I was back in Los Angeles with my son for a business trip, completely unaware that my company would have dealings here.

As the elevator doors opened, I stepped into the luxurious, marble-floored hallway, holding my son's small hand. The bustling world outside—filled with bright lights, loud voices, and the unmistakable energy of Los Angeles—felt distant. Inside, everything was serene, polished, and meticulously designed, almost dreamlike.

Yet my heart was anything but at ease.

The city's weight bore down on me, not just from memories but from thoughts of him—Liam. Just hearing his name sent a shiver through me. I quickly pushed that thought away. I couldn’t afford to be vulnerable, not now, not with so much at stake. My son, Sky, tugged at my sleeve, his innocent eyes wide with curiosity, and I squeezed his hand, using his presence to anchor me. I had to be strong for him, regardless of what this city or this trip might bring.

"Mom, this place is huge," Sky exclaimed, his voice filled with wonder as he gazed at the bright lights and soaring ceilings.

"It’s beautiful, isn’t it?" I replied, forcing a smile while tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

Sky dashed ahead as we made our way down the hallway to our room. I admired his spirit. At just five years old, he was blissfully unaware of the complexities of life—the pain I had buried deep or the tough decisions that had brought us here. For him, everything was still a grand adventure.

We arrived at the door to our suite, and I swiped the key card, hearing the reassuring click of the lock releasing. For a brief moment, I felt a lump in my throat. This place radiated opulence. Everything seemed flawless, yet an overwhelming sense of anxiety settled in my chest.

Once inside, I admired the stunning view of the city skyline, the lights shimmering below like countless stars.

My young son dashed to the window, pressing his small hands against the glass, his face glowing with excitement. "Look, Mom! It’s like a sea of lights!"

"Yes, it is," I murmured, but to me, this city had never resembled a starry sea. It felt more like a vast ocean of reminders, echoes of a past I was desperate to escape.

As I placed my bag down and turned around, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I already knew who it was before glancing at the screen.

David.

David had been my personal security for years. He understood me better than anyone else. I trusted him completely with my safety and my life’s direction. His professionalism was always unwavering.

I picked up the call, keeping my voice steady yet taut. "David?"

“Ms. Aurora,” David's voice came through clearly, calm and collected as ever. "I’ve arranged the meeting space for tomorrow. Everything is in order. I also reviewed the guest list and confirmed that your company’s connection is valid. You’ll be meeting with the right individuals."

I nodded, letting out a small sigh. "Good. This needs to go flawlessly, David. No errors.”

David acknowledged my words with a nod. "I will ensure everything is managed as always. Should you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to inform me."

"Thank you," I responded quietly, my thoughts already consumed by the intricacies of the forthcoming meeting.

A sense of tightness gripped my chest, an unsettling feeling that lingered. The reality was that this journey to Los Angeles was not solely for business purposes; it was also about confronting a past I had hoped to leave behind.

I shifted my focus to Sky, who was energetically jumping on the bed, his laughter echoing as he bounced. His joy served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices I had made. I had shielded him from numerous hardships, yet I had also kept him from a father he had never known.

The choice to leave Liam—this choice—continued to haunt me. I had vowed to myself that I would never allow him to be part of our lives, never to let him influence Sky… Yet, with the business meeting approaching, I found myself questioning. What if? What if everything fell apart?

"Mom, come jump with me!" Sky's cheerful call broke through my reverie.

I managed a faint smile, feeling the tension in my stomach ease slightly as I approached him, my heart swelling with affection for the little boy who had been my anchor during times of turmoil.

For the moment, it was just the two of us. Just this fleeting instance.

However, I was acutely aware that tomorrow would bring the past rushing back.

"Very well," I remarked, my tone noticeably lighter. I ascended onto the bed next to him, attempting to disregard the rapid beating of my heart.

He expressed his delight with a joyful squeal as we bounced together. For a fleeting moment, I allowed myself to forget the burdens of Los Angeles and everything I had left behind.

I permitted myself to simply exist.

However, in the recesses of my mind, I was aware that tomorrow would bring another confrontation with all that I had previously fled from.

Regardless of the outcome, I needed to be prepared.

At that moment, my phone chimed; David had sent the list of guests attending the meeting. I smiled as I absentmindedly scrolled through the names. Suddenly, I came across a familiar di*k name.

“Liam Hemsworth” — I am scheduled for a business meeting with my ex-husband?