Stella held Aurora’s hair as she threw up heavily in the toilet.“Gently, madam,” Stella said calmly, running her hand through Aurora’s hair like a mother would.“I feel like I should throw up everything in me. The first time wasn’t like this,” Aurora whispered quietly, and Stella nodded.“Every pregnancy comes with its own symptoms. That’s why every child has different attitudes,” she said with a smile.“Then I hope he takes after his father, not my weak self,” Aurora said, standing up.“Both of us in one child would be better, my love,” Damien’s voice sounded from behind, causing Stella to turn and bow her head in respect.“Good evening, sir,” she greeted.“Leave us. I’ll take it from here,” he said. Stella nodded, bowed again, and left.“Damien,” Aurora called tiredly.“It’s okay, my love,” he said, washing her face and mouth.“We’ll be leaving for London, where you’ll stay until the child is born,” he said, and Aurora frowned.“Why? I’m fine here. I—”“It’s for your protection, Au
The room was cold. Ciara walked in with a maid, then sighed.“Open all the curtains,” she said, then walked towards Camila.“You have to eat,” she urged, but Camila didn’t respond.“If you don’t, I’ll report you to Damien,” she added, prompting Camila to finally sit up.“What’s wrong with you? It’s been three days since the kidnapping, yet you’re still punishing yourself. Damien promised to find those involved. Or do you not trust your mighty brother’s strategy anymore—”“At least he cares about me. What do you care, huh? If it’s not Daniel, do you even care? Since he brought me here, did you check on me apart from today, when Dad reported I refused to eat or bathe? Where’s the favorite son now? Huh?” Camila cut in angrily.“I’m sure you know where Daniel is. And I’m not going to fight you or Damien about his whereabouts, because one thing is sure—he won’t kill his brother.”“Oh, that’s how sure we were that none of us could kill Grandpa… until you did,” Camila cut in again. Ciara cle
Agatha and Aurora couldn’t sleep. Aurora hadn’t heard anything from Damien about Camila. It was already dawn, and Stella served them hot tea as they both sat in silence.“Who would want to hurt her? She was supposed to leave today. We were supposed to see her off. I hope Damien ripped out their hearts,” Agatha said angrily.“I’m suspicious of Daniel. He disappeared after Damien’s attack, and Grandpa left nothing in his name. I’m sure he wants revenge on Damien, knowing how much he loves their sister,” Aurora said anxiously.“Have you heard from Naomi?” Agatha asked.“No… Last time, Mason said he divorced her,” Aurora replied.“Yeah, same thing. And he’s been visiting my restaurant frequently these days. I’m feeling awkward, Aurora,” she said, prompting Aurora to sigh and look at her.“I’ve never hidden anything from you, and I don’t think I can hide this one,” Aurora said, making Agatha look at her in confusion.“What’s going on?” she asked, worried.“Before Camila called, Damien and
Aurora sat gently beside Damien, her eyes meeting the gaze of the elderly woman who kept staring at her.“So much like Jane,” Simon’s mother whispered, prompting a sigh from Simon.“Mo—”“Please, allow her,” Aurora said just as the waitress walked in and served their meals. After she left, the room fell into silence.“Do you know my mother?” Aurora asked. Simon’s mother glanced at her son, hesitating to speak.“My wife asked a question, Mrs. Gabriel,” Damien said firmly. The elderly woman sighed.“I took Jane in when she came to New York, five months pregnant. At the time, my son was staying with his father,” she explained, and Aurora frowned.“Did my mom tell you who my father is?” she asked again, watching the woman hesitate.“She never wanted you to know. His wife paid her off and made her promise never to show up in their family. So she…”“Did she say who he is?” Aurora pressed. Damien sighed, already knowing the answer.“Honey,” he said, holding her hand gently, “we didn’t come h
It was 4pm already, everyone began to wrap up their tasks for the day. Aurora yawned and stared at the strategic plan template on her laptop. She still needed a highlight on it, she guessed she’d send it to Simon to help explain.As she packed her things for the day, Collins walked up to her.“Do you need a ride?” Collins asked but Aurora shook her head.“No, I’m good. After lunch, I didn’t see Ghafar again.” Aurora said, placing her laptop in her bag.“He was demoted to the junior team. The team leader didn’t announce it yet because he wants to find out why the sudden decision, but word going around says it came from above… like the chairman himself. There’s a rumor that the previous supervisor didn’t leave a good remark about him.” Collins said.Aurora sighed deeply. She knew the reason… and she was getting pissed.“Have a nice day, see you tomorrow.” she said quickly, then rushed out.“What’s wrong with her?” Marvel asked walking up to Collins.“I explained Ghafar’s situation and s
Aurora couldn’t believe what had just happened to her. She kept breathing heavily after Matilda stormed out of the meeting room. Sitting down, she held her neck, still shaken, when Marvel—who had forgotten her water bottle—walked in and frowned. “Are… you okay?” she asked, walking towards her previous seat. “Did Matilda threaten you?” she asked again, prompting Aurora to raise her head. “Goodness, why are you so red? Did she choke you?” Marvel asked. Aurora nodded, still clutching her neck. “She does it to every female staff in the team,” Marvel sighed. “Don’t bother reporting to Mr. Stanley—he won’t do anything about it.” “Did… argh…” Aurora groaned, holding her throat in pain. “Sorry, I’ll send for a pain reliever. You can stay here to avoid the rest of the team asking questions,” Marvel offered, making Aurora sigh and close her eyes. She wasn’t even worried about that. What she truly feared was Damien seeing her like this. That would lead to serious trouble. “Marvel! There