It was early morning when Kai left the hospital. His condition was deplorable. He was so tired and unwell that he didn't question Tristan's presence, who, after all, gave him and Aurora a ride.Back at the apartment, Aurora helped her friend into the guest room. He lay down and nestled into the soft covers, gradually drifting off to sleep with the scent of lavender filling his nostrils. Aurora turned off the lights and gave one last look to Kai before exiting. She walked to the living room, where she saw Tristan standing in the middle of the room, his hair and clothes damp from the rain."How is he?" Tristan asked."With a fever, but the doctor said it's normal," she replied, looking downcast. "Thanks for the ride.""Do you need help with anything else?""No... you can go now." She went to the door and opened it, waiting for him to pass."Are you sure?""I am."He looked at her for a while. He knew she was lying, but he could understand her perspective. She wanted to be alone and proc
Days later, Tristan had never been so impatient. Days had already gone by, and he still didn't have a response from Aurora. He didn't want to pressure her, but the anxiety was unavoidable. Every day, he checked his phone, looking for any message or missed call from her."Tristan!" Xavier barged into the boss's office."Don't you know how to knock?" Tristan set his phone down on the table."Sorry, Genevieve is no longer here to announce me... anyway, I just wanted to remind you about the early meeting with the Chinese businessmen tomorrow.""I won't forget. Now leave."Xavier nodded and left the office, but returned seconds later."Tristan!""What now?" Tristan looked at him with irritation."Speaking of secretaries, we still need to hire someone to cover that position. I already have a list of candidates and...""I'll look into it later.""Fine." He was about to close the door when he opened it again. "Tristan!""For heaven's sake, Xavier!" He exploded. "Did you decide to spend the da
Luna watched through a glass pane as children between the ages of three to ten played in a small room filled with vibrant colors and educational toys. She smiled with emotion, thinking that soon one of those small and innocent beings would become her son or daughter."Miss Luna," a woman with black hair, but white roots, approached her. She smiled weakly as if regretting something. "I'm sorry, but I have bad news."Luna's smile vanished. "What happened?""The judge did not approve your request for the adoption process," she said, noticing Luna's saddened expression."B-but why not?""Well, you're a single woman who lives for her own business. We can't entrust a child to be locked up at home, without receiving care and attention.""But I won't do that! I will be very present in their life and provide the best conditions.""I'm sorry, but the decision has been made...""What can I do to change your mind?" She persisted, desperate. "I'll do anything!""Miss, there's nothing we can do. Ag
"Kai, I've already told you I don't need help preparing dinner!" Adelaide repeated as she chopped vegetables on the countertop. Aurora watched the argument from the table. "You need to rest; you had a very busy afternoon.""Adelaide, I can't work anymore, and I'm being spoiled by you two. At least let me help you in the kitchen," he continued insisting. The girl rolled her eyes and turned to him."Fine, but no giving me orders. You're the boss at the restaurant, but here, my dear, I'm in charge!""Yes, ma'am," he muttered ironically, making the photographer laugh."Don't sulk. You'll be able to work again soon," she tried to console him. "Just be patient. Griffin said nothing in your daily routine will change.""He also said you should shave your hair." Aurora commented.Kai wasn't a vain person; he never cared about fixing his hair or changing his clothing style to appear in public. Despite that, Aurora knew he was upset about having to shave his hair, and it affected her too. But as
Aurora's awakening was announced by the gentle touch of her cellphone. Grumbling lazily, she reached out for the device, which was in the pocket of her jeans lying on the floor."Hello?" she answered, her thoughts still sluggish from just waking up."Where have you been?" Luna inquired from the other end of the line."I just woke up," she replied evasively, not wanting to admit that she was in Tristan's bed."Do you know what time it is?" Luna scolded.Aurora glanced at the digital clock on the nightstand and realized that it was already past noon."It's past noon," she confirmed."Exactly! You were supposed to be at my house by 10 in the morning!" Luna exclaimed, furious.Aurora widened her eyes, having completely forgotten that she had promised to help Luna get ready for the wedding."Oh my goodness, Luna, I'm so sorry! I completely forgot!" she exclaimed, quickly getting up and hurriedly putting on her clothes. "Don't worry, I'll be there in twenty minutes!""Hurry up! Please!" Lun
The bride and groom were dancing to the tune of a slow song, while the guests observed them with smiles. Other couples were also sharing dance moments, including Griffin and Adelaide.Aurora contemplated the scene, watching everyone exchange laughter and loving glances. Each person had their partner, their companion, while she held a glass of beer.When she decided it was time to leave, she realized she wasn't carrying her purse. For a while, she searched for it around the hall until she remembered leaving it in Luna's room.Climbing the stairs towards the second floor, Aurora opened a crack in the last door of the corridor, and upon verifying that there was no one, she entered the room completely and retrieved her purse from the dressing table. Then, she left the room.Upon returning to the corridor, her steps automatically stopped when her eyes met Tristan's from the other side. He was wearing his typical dark suit and dress shoes, with a serious expression.When Tristan saw her, he
POV - (Point of View) Aurora NavarroThe last two days have been a bit strange between Adelaide and me. She doesn't seem angry about my decision to trust Tristan, she's just not entirely convinced it will work out. However, we're still talking normally, despite this underlying tension. Kai doesn't seem bothered by it, he was just surprised at first and continues to act as usual. Thomas practically wanted to set off fireworks when he found out, and I wasn't the one who told him, it was that gossip-monger Klaus. Those two are always in cahoots now. As for me, I feel like this time I can place my bets on that Mr. Arrogant and Proud. He said it'll be good for me, and from what I know of him, I know he keeps his word.***Alexander is moving. It's not usual for newlyweds to live on opposite sides of the city, so Luna wanted him to move into her house as soon as possible."It's been nice having you as a neighbor!" I bid farewell to Alexander in front of his old house. Luna's driver was wait
POV - (Point of View) Aurora NavarroTristan didn't come after me. And I didn't go after him. I didn't tell anyone about what I saw, not even Klaus, despite his insistence, because I knew something was wrong. He'll only know when the news is announced on TV. "Tristan Callahan is going to marry his ex-secretary, Genevieve!"I might be devastated by yet another romantic illusion, but don't think I stayed lying in bed crying over it. Tristan doesn't deserve my tears, nor does he deserve me wasting my time thinking about him.I'm swamped with college assignments, and that's actually a good thing. I spend hours focused on my studies instead of thinking about the unpleasant people surrounding my life."What are you up to?" Nicholas sits in front of me. We were at one of the outdoor wooden tables on the college campus."Getting some assignments done," I stop typing on my laptop and notice the mess I've made on the table. Books scattered, crumpled papers, and an empty coffee cup.Nicholas's p
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