Days later...Adelaide was sitting on the couch, wearing her reading glasses, and reading a romance novel. Her attention was drawn to the door, which was opened to reveal Aurora, drenched and with a grumpy face."Good evening..." Adelaide said."Only for you!" replied Aurora, slamming the door shut."What's the reason for this bad mood?" asked Adelaide."Isn't it obvious?" Aurora pointed to her wet clothes."That's strange... I didn't see that it rained today," Adelaide furrowed her brow slightly."That's because it didn't rain! This was the work of some idiot who drove over a puddle," explained Aurora, taking off her shoes. "I need a shower!""Do you want me to warm up some food for you?" offered Adelaide, and the young woman nodded before heading to her room.In the bathroom, Aurora took off her wet and clingy clothes and stepped under the shower, where she took a complete bath. She was tired and very frustrated; it hadn't been her best day. Since early in the morning, she had been
Tristan was seated in an armchair in his private jet, sipping a glass of whiskey before takeoff. Aurora was beside him, not as calm as he was, as it was her first time on a plane. She felt an uncomfortable flutter in her stomach and tried to think of anything other than the winged vehicle plummeting from the sky. The pilot and the secretary entered the jet and were surprised to see Aurora next to their boss. "What is she doing here?" Genevieve questioned. "Aurora is traveling with us," Tristan replied indifferently, taking another sip of his drink. "But this is a work trip! This girl shouldn't be here!" Genevieve protested. "Genevieve, if it bothers you, then leave. The same goes for you," Tristan said, directing the last part to Xavier, who had yet to speak. Genevieve grumbled and went to sit a bit further away from them, while Xavier settled into the seat in front of Aurora. "I guess I can endure this Smurf until the end of the trip!" Xavier teased. "What did you call me, wa
The sound of Genevieve's red heels echoed through the lobby of the splendid luxury hotel until she interrupted her steps and stood with her hands on her waist in front of Xavier, who was reading an accounting magazine on a small sofa."Where's Tristan?" Genevieve inquired."He left early," Xavier replied, without taking his eyes off the magazine."Do you know where he went?""For a meeting.""And he went without you?""Yes. He wanted someone trustworthy to accompany the shorty to the mall. And guess what? I was the lucky one!" he smiled sarcastically.Genevieve looked pensively at some corner, remembering the time when she was in a relationship with Tristan. At that time, somehow, she felt special when she was with him, and consequently, she fell in love, which was a big mistake."Xavier, you're Tristan's best friend, you must know a lot about him, things that are valuable to me," said Genevieve."And what would be valuable to you?" Xavier questioned.She forced a smile and sat beside
Behind the mansion, there was a large area completely covered with grass and surrounded by cherry blossom trees. Aurora was there, admiring the bright stars in the sky while talking on the phone."I can't understand. Just say one thing at a time," she said.Adelaide was on the other end of the line, so agitated that her words rushed out of her mouth."I talked to Griffin today... he apologized for the New Year's kiss, said it was impulsive... out of fear of losing me," she blushed, remembering the doctor's words."And what did you say?""I decided to give him a chance. A chance for both of us!" Adelaide's words left her sister speechless."And what about Kai?""I like Kai, but not in the way I like Griffin. I'm very grateful for what he did for me and for you, and I ended up loving him, but not as a man, only as a friend, and I can see that clearly now."Aurora smiled, happy for Adelaide's happiness. Regardless of the decision she would make, she would be by her side, supporting her.
POV - (Point of View) Aurora NavarroTristan looked at me as if he couldn't decipher whether I was serious."I've thought a lot about this. My decision is final, I won't change it," I said with more firmness and clarity."And you intended to leave like this, in secret?""Well, I did leave a note.""A note," he repeated and let out a weak, harsh, humorless laugh. "I don't recognize you."Neither do I! Writing notes is not like me, but I thought it would be easier to leave than to face him while saying "goodbye." I also thought he wouldn't care. After all, why is he so angry about it?"And would it make a difference? Hearing the words from my mouth or reading them on a piece of paper, do they have different destinies?" He didn't answer, so I sighed. "That doesn't matter. Anyway, I'm leaving from here.""Are you sure about this? Are you sure it's what you want?""Yes. I'm sure. It's enough for me. You've only been hurting me.""I hurt you?" He furrowed his eyebrows, not understanding.Th
The maid responded promptly, "Mr. Tristan is not at home at the moment."Griffin, in front of his brother's mansion, inquired, "Can you tell me where he went?"She replied, "No, sir, but I advise you to ask Mr. Xavier."Griffin asked, "Why? Did they leave together?"The maid explained, "No, but Mr. Xavier came here a few hours ago looking for him. By now, he must have found him."Thanking for the information, Griffin smiled before turning and getting into the car.Dialing his phone, Griffin called Xavier's number, who answered immediately.Xavier, relieved, said, "I'm glad you called!"Curious, Griffin asked, "Why? Are you in trouble?" Music could be heard in the background.Xavier replied, "I need your help... I mean, Tristan does!"Worried, Griffin started the car as soon as Xavier provided the meeting address. It was a bit far, causing him to accelerate more than usual, but without exceeding safety limits.Upon arriving at the parking lot of a nightclub in Manhattan, where his brot
Aurora shouted through the intercom, "Don't let him come up!"The lecherous old lady at the reception asked, "Are you sure about that, young lady?"Aurora promptly replied, "Of course I am! I don't want to see that snitch even if he were covered in gold!"After the warning, she went to the kitchen to try and prepare a snack, as Adelaide wasn't home and hadn't left anything prepared for lunch. She searched the pantry for something edible and easy to make, opting for pasta, and then went in search of a suitable pot."And never reject my entry again!" Aurora startled at Kai's deep voice, who had just entered the kitchen."I think everyone thinks this is a free-for-all and that they can come in whenever they please!!!" Aurora replied, irritated. "I don't want to talk to you!" the redhead affirmed."Are you cooking?" Kai changed the subject, looking at the pot she was holding. "What miracle is this?""Don't try to change the subject! Get out of here right now! Shoo!" Aurora retorted."I'm
Adelaide and Kai were having lunch together at a diner near work."Judging by that look on your face, last night's dinner must have been terrible!" commented Kai, observing Adelaide's sullen expression."I did everything you said! All that talk about giving a chance, and she goes and throws wine in Mr. Callahan's face!" grumbled Adelaide."You know she wouldn't have attacked him if she didn't feel offended," Kai said."He called her a brat, but the reason for the argument was Tristan. I didn't hear the whole conversation, but I know she defended him. She still cares about him. I know it," Adelaide confided."She doesn't..." Kai abruptly interrupted his speech, feeling a strange dizziness. His hand gripped the table's edge for support, and he shut his eyes tightly, sensing everything around him spinning."What's wrong? Are you okay?" Adelaide asked, concerned."Yes." He slowly opened his eyes and blinked a few times to regain his composure. "I'm fine! It was just a moment of dizziness.
Six years later...Tristan, Aurora, and Adelaide now formed a close-knit family, brimming with love and joy. The room with the world map wallpaper looked a bit different, adorned with soft colors and children's toys, reflecting the happiness that had filled that space. However, the image of the map still adorned the wall because the little girl had a deep fondness for that decoration.Adelaide, now six years old, lay on the bed with her Corgi dog, Toby, by her side. She was engrossed in a book of pony stories, her latest passion. Tristan approached and gently stroked his daughter's red hair as she read."Still in love with ponies, my dear?" he asked with a smile.Adelaide nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Daddy! They're so cute and magical!"Tristan smiled, reminiscing about the time she used to call him 'pony.' "Maybe one day, when you grow a bit more, you can ride a real one."Adelaide's eyes lit up at the idea. "That would be amazing, Daddy!"Meanwhile, Aurora stood in the doorway, wa
Five years later...Aurora felt every heartbeat quicken as the contractions intensified. Her breath was deep and irregular, and her hand was firmly clasped in her husband Tristan's, who remained by her side, providing strength and support. The delivery room was immersed in a silence heavy with anxiety and anticipation.The soft candlelight spread throughout the room, creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere. The scent of lavender hung in the air, mixed with the electric tension that enveloped the couple. The walls were lined with white tiles, reflecting the serenity of the moment that was about to unfold.The obstetrician, Rose, moved with a comforting calmness as she prepared for the baby's arrival. She smiled, instilling confidence in Aurora, whose eyes welled up with tears. Aurora knew that she would soon cradle the fruit of her love with Tristan in her arms.The contractions now came with an almost rhythmic regularity, causing Aurora to focus even more on her breathing. She took de
It took only a matter of weeks for Xavier to gain full custody of Christian, following Genevieve's sentencing to decades in prison. Soon after, he announced Amelie's pregnancy and their engagement.It wasn't easy for Violet to cope with what had happened to her older sister. Despite always finding Genevieve's behavior towards Tristan and Aurora strange, she never imagined that her uncontrollable way of loving would lead her to that point. Aurora stayed by her side in the first few days until Violet decided to spend some time at her parents' house in another city. However, she promised to return for her friend's wedding.And she kept her promise.Aurora sneaked out of the room where she was getting ready, and since she already knew the way - the ceremony was taking place at Mr. Callahan's mansion, which he had lent for the event - she hid behind a wall where she could observe the beautifully decorated hall. She saw Violet among the guests, looking stunning in her purple dress, talking
A suffocating panic crawled through Aurora's body as she was pushed through the corridors of the mansion, not knowing exactly where she was going; where Genevieve wanted to take her."Move faster!" Genevieve ordered, pressing the barrel of the gun against her head.Aurora swallowed hard and quickened her pace. She was terrified, her chest felt tight, and her mouth bitter, but she tried to think of a way to change things. She wouldn't surrender, let alone die there."Here. Go in," Genevieve indicated a door, and even though Aurora was confused, she obeyed. It was Tristan's office."Genevieve..." Aurora spoke softly, even though she was in complete agony at the sight of the brunette pointing a gun at her with an empty expression. "Please, think carefully about what you're about to do...""I should have done this a long time ago! It's the only way this hell will end," Genevieve replied."No, it won't." Aurora shook her head. "Genevieve, killing me won't make Tristan love you...""I don't
If news reached Thomas's ears, it would take only a few days for him to share it with the entire United States. Aurora called Klaus, who wasn't even in America at that moment, wanting to tell him before someone else did, but it was too late. He already knew, thanks to Thomas, of course. Klaus still made her swear over the phone that she wouldn't plan anything related to the ceremony until he and Frederick returned from their honeymoon.Tristan planned to tell his father when they visited him on Sunday. Mr. Callahan wasn't very connected to gossip, so it was quite likely that he didn't know the news yet. And even if he did find out, he wouldn't be the type of person to care about such things.Despite the immense joy, Aurora's heart ached every time she imagined her sister helping her with the wedding details. She imagined that Adelaide would cry all the time, from the first dress fitting to the end of the party.Aurora continued with her treatment and medications. She still woke up in
Many hours later, they were still on the couch, holding hands. Aurora rested her head on Tristan's shoulder, and he also rested his head on hers."I had an idea," she said."Here it comes," Tristan replied with a smile."Hey!" Aurora pulled away from him, indignant. "My ideas are always brilliant.""And what's this one?""Well..." Aurora moved to sit on his lap, with one leg on each side of his body and her hands on his broad shoulders. "I thought we could invite our friends and have a non-traditional ceremony. It could happen here, or maybe in a hall. You would wear a suit, and I'd wear a beautiful dress... and some sexy lingerie for later."He watched her closely."Aurora, are you asking me to marry you?" Tristan asked.She blushed but managed to nod."Have you ever noticed that every time we go in opposite directions, and that's been happening since the day we met, we end up finding each other again without intending to?" Aurora began to explain. "I don't want to rely on luck again
"What are you doing here?" Tristan's question burst into that tension-filled space, unleashing a torrent of long-held emotions."I came to lay it all on the line!" the redhead declared, adjusting her tone to convey determination. "And just so you know, no, I'm not drunk, and I'm fully aware of what I'm about to say, so pay close attention." Tristan, relaxed with his arms crossed and leaning against the door frame, kept his gaze focused as he listened attentively. "This whole 'being friends' thing isn't going to work. Sure, I agreed to it at first, but I also said we should let our hearts go where they wanted. And that's the point. My heart only goes to you... even if you are a Mr. Arrogant, cheeky, proud, masochistic, and thick-headed jerk!"A glimmer of amusement appeared in Tristan's eyes as he commented, "That was the longest one yet."Aurora scolded him, "Don't interrupt me, or I'll lose my train of thought."Tristan, with a touch of sarcasm, teased, "Are you sure you haven't had
Aurora decided to go to Luna's house."Sorry for showing up without giving you a heads up, Luna."Luna laughed and replied, "I appreciate it, actually! The men in the house are all out right now, and when that happens, I'm stuck here, bored out of my mind." Observing the younger woman's distressed face, she realized something was wrong. "What's going on? You seem nervous."Aurora explained, "I need to talk to you."Luna nodded, concerned, and promptly settled down on the living room couch with the young woman."Go ahead, speak.""After I went to New York, did Tristan... did he say anything to you? I mean, did he ask about me?"Luna chuckled, but her mood faded when she saw Aurora's worried expression. "Seriously? Oh yes, he asked about you all the time."Aurora's heart raced, a good feeling she hadn't experienced in a while."Really?""Klaus told me that you two got back together at his wedding. I thought he had already told you."Aurora laughed at her friend's gossip, but then her ex
An hour of comfortable silence stretched, during which Aurora briefly dozed off, and Tristan contemplated his life while gently caressing her hand."Whose room is this?" Aurora asked, noticing the miniature cartoon character figurines on top of a dresser on the other side."Mine. Well, it used to be mine," Tristan replied."Really?" Aurora got up, full of curiosity, and went to the other side of the room to examine closely."My father said he didn't touch anything after I left, except for the clothes I left behind," explained Tristan."What happened to them?""They were donated. Besides that, everything's the same."Aurora noticed that the miniatures were the only decoration with a personal touch. There was nothing else. No photos or CDs of any bands he used to like. Since childhood, he had a rather minimalist taste."Your father must have missed you," she commented, hearing his incredulous grunt. "Seriously. After all, you're still his son. I can't think of any other reason he wouldn