Chapter 10: Changes

Vanessa stormed into Ethan’s office, slamming the door behind her. Her frustration was evident in the way she stomped across the room. She still couldn’t accept that Aurora had taken the gown she wanted—her gown. But what infuriated her even more was discovering that Aurora was somehow acquainted with Angela Stanfield.

How the hell does a lowly secretary like her know someone like Angela?

Ethan glanced up from the document he was reading. The moment Vanessa sank onto the couch, arms crossed and scowling, he knew something was wrong.

“Babe? What’s wrong? How did the fitting go?” he asked.

Vanessa rolled her eyes and glared at him. “You wouldn’t believe who I saw at the boutique, Ethan. Aurora.” Her voice dripped with venom.

Ethan frowned. “Aurora? At a bridal boutique? Why would she be there?”

“I don’t know, but apparently, she’s claiming she’s getting married!” Vanessa scoffed, tossing her hands in the air. “Can you believe that? Aurora. Getting married.”

Ethan stiffened. A strange feeling settled in his chest—one he didn’t quite understand.

“Really?” His voice came out more cautious than he intended. “To who?”

Vanessa huffed. “I don’t know! And honestly, do you really think it’s real? She probably said it just to get under my skin!”

Ethan exhaled sharply. “Right. It’s impossible. There’s no way she could afford a wedding, especially at Ms. Stanfield’s boutique.”

Vanessa stood up and walked to the minibar. She poured herself a glass of wine, downing it in one go before setting the glass down with a clink.

“That’s exactly what I don’t understand,” she muttered, turning back to him. “How does she know Angela, Ethan? I thought she was just your secretary.”

Ethan’s brows furrowed. “What?”

Vanessa strode back toward him, her irritation growing. “Are you even listening to me, Ethan?!”

Ethan sighed, rubbing his temple. It didn’t make sense. But he had always known that Aurora had a way of connecting with people. It was something he had admired about her—and taken advantage of.

Vanessa sat on his lap, looping her arms around his neck. “And you know what else she did?” she pouted. “She took the gown I wanted! Your ex-secretary took my dress, Ethan.” She pressed closer, her tone turning sugary sweet. “Can you get me another gown from Ms. Stanfield? I want something even more extravagant than Aurora’s.”

Ethan forced a smile, though his mind was still clouded with questions. “Don’t worry. I’ll make the arrangements.”

Vanessa grinned. “That’s why I love you!” She kissed him, satisfied.

Later, as a way to appease her further, Ethan handed her an expensive gift—something he never used to do for Aurora. He liked spoiling Vanessa.

But once she left, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

Aurora was in her room, reviewing reports on their company’s branch in Westmoor when her phone buzzed. She frowned when she saw Ethan’s name flashing on the screen.

She let it ring a few times before finally picking up.

“What do you want, Ethan?” she asked flatly.

Ethan, on the other end, scowled. “What took you so long to answer?” His voice was laced with irritation.

Aurora raised an eyebrow. “Are you hearing yourself right now? Did you forget that you were the one who pushed me away?”

Ethan clenched his jaw. He didn’t like the way she spoke to him now. Back when they were together, Aurora had always been polite, always agreeable, always willing to please him.

But now… she was different.

“Is it true?” he demanded. “You’re getting married?”

Aurora chuckled, amused. “That’s none of your business, Ethan. You told me I was beneath you, remember? So why do you care?”

Ethan’s grip on his phone tightened. “Why are you being difficult, Aurora? I’m just asking! And how could you do that to Vanessa? Are you pulling this stunt because you still can’t move on? We broke up a long time ago!”

Aurora laughed—really laughed. And it infuriated him.

“You’re hilarious, Ethan,” she said. “I honestly don’t know what I ever saw in you. I must have been a complete fool to fall for you back then.” Her voice turned cold. “But now? I don’t care about you. Or her. So don’t ever call me again. You are not a part of my life anymore.”

“You—”

Before he could finish, Aurora ended the call.

Ethan groaned, his frustration boiling over. Something about Aurora had changed, and he couldn’t stand it.

He gritted his teeth.

“You’re going to regret this, Aurora.”