CAROLINE'S P.O.VThorne's words struck a nerve within me. Did he really mean what he said? Deep down, there were times when I wanted him to wrap his arms around me. I wanted him to tell me how much he loved me. I wanted him to whisper sweet nothings to me as we made love. But our relationship ties have been severed far beyond repair—or has it truly? Was there truly no chance for us to work things out even after all this time? Truth be told, I was a bit surprised by his actions at the party. When I saw how angry he looked, I didn't know what to feel. Jealous perhaps but I couldn't pinpoint what to be jealous about. And when he pulled me into him, I was stunned. But then I felt it was all an act; he was trying to play the picture-perfect husband. My annoyance got the best of me, and I just wanted to lash out at him. I didn't know what to expect, but it was definitely not the words he uttered. He was jealous? He wanted us to be as we once were. Could it really be possible? Numerous thou
THORNE'S P.O.VI don't know how I was expecting tonight to turn out, but it was definitely not this route. In fact, it was a pleasant turn of events, and maybe... just maybe it'd be the start of a new beginning for Caroline and me. Perhaps this was what I needed to get Aurelia off my mind. I watched as my wife got down on her knees, pulling my slacks and underwear as she dropped to her knees."What would you like me to do, sir?" Fuck, I had forgotten just how submissive Caroline was, always wanting to please me. Running my thumb across her lips, I slipped it into her mouth as she sucked it almost instantly, all the while keeping her eyes on me.Slipping my finger out of her mouth, I gripped my cock firmly in my hand, the angry tip touching her slightly parted lips. "Open that whore mouth and suck." I spat, and without hesitation, she obeyed.My eyes rolled to the back of my head as my head tilted back slightly. "Fuck yes, that's a good girl." I swore at the feel of her tongue swirling
AURELIA'S P.O.VI force myself to break the stare down between Thorne and I, the heat of his piercing stare unnerving me to no end. I just wanted this damn party to be over so I could be back in my bed with my cat and some ice cream."Hey, Cooper, my man. What's good?" I hear Ralph's cheerful voice as he comes over to greet Cooper, pulling him in for a 'bro' hug as they pat each other's backs. Ralph turned towards me as we greeted each other and shook hands, returning his attention back to Cooper."Hey bitch." I couldn't help but thank the heavens upon hearing the voice of the one person who I needed the most at this moment. If there's anyone who can get me out of here so I could take my mind off things, then it'd be Celia."Hey Cee." I croak softly; her eyes bore into mine, studying my appearance, and I instantly knew something was off with me. Thankfully, the guys were too distracted by their conversation to notice how distraught I sounded. Quickly, she pulled me into a hug before
AURELIA'S P.O.VAdjusting my reading glasses on the bridge of my nose, I take a sip of my coffee as I type away on my keyboard. I had been working on my novel for some months now, and it was nearly ready. Given the fact that I had been so preoccupied with the events in my life, I barely had the chance to continue my book. I was currently on a week's break from work to sort myself out, which gave me the chance to pick up on my other life activities. Next to me, Lucy meowed softly as she swooshed her tail from side to side."Hey baby, are you hungry?" I cooed as I picked her up. Walking into the kitchen, I let her down while I fetched the milk bottle and her treats. I poured some into her bowls and returned the rest before going back to what I was working on. I had been so immersed in my work that I hadn't realized the hours go by until I heard sharp, rapid knocks on the door, distracting me momentarily.Breathing deeply, I take off my glasses and rub my eyes as I stand to my feet and
THORNE'S P.O.VSitting on a high stool around the counter, my fingers trace the edge of my glass filled with whiskey, gripping it as I bring it up to my lips and take a sip. For some reason, sleep eluded me as thoughts swarmed my mind. Thoughts centering around a particular female, Aurelia. The news of her pregnancy still left me shaken. A part of me feared that the child was mine, but what proof did I have? There was a possibility that she had been with Cooper after me. But what if? What if, by a twist of fate, I happened to be the father of her child? What would happen then? What would happen to my marriage, which I had managed to lay a footing for us to start over? What would be left of the relationship between my son and me? And most importantly, what would become of Aurelia and me? Given my reputation, it's safe to say that there'd be huge repercussions on both ends.Rubbing the creases on my forehead, I took another sip just as I heard footsteps approaching. Taking a glance, I w
AURELIA'S P.O.VLife sucks. That was the only explainable reason as to why I lay sad and lonely on my bed, surrounded by my comforter, a tub of ice cream, a Netflix movie, and Lucy. Well, she barely paid me any heed as she made herself comfortable on the bed while watching the movie with me. It was a sappy romance movie that made me want to bawl."Fuck you, Ken; Lora deserves better than you dip shit." I sobbed, feeling sadder by the minute. Why was I sad? Oh right, Cooper had decided not to speak to me after being a total douche to me, and I had also decided not to speak to him first; besides, I wasn't in the wrong..he was!!!Stuffing my face with more ice cream, I continued to yell at the movie like a complete maniac, grateful there wasn't anyone who could see me like this—not like I'd care, like I said—I'm sad. I continued with my antics some more until I'm interrupted by the bell ringing. Thinking it could be Cooper or Celia, I don't bother changing out of my boy shorts and tank t
AURELIA'S P.O.VShifting uncomfortably in my seat, I swing my foot in rapid motions as I impatiently wait for the obstetrician's report. After a few seconds of waiting, the doctor finally pays me some attention, shifting her attention from the laptop screen to me. She offers me a kind smile."My apologies for the wait; I have your results.""And? Is there any problem?"She shakes her head as she flips through my file."Not at all; in fact, both you and the baby are very healthy. Considering it's your first pregnancy and you're still in your first trimester, I'd say you're a very lucky woman. According to your reports, it states that you're eight weeks gone, yes?" I nod in response to her question."That's good, and what about the father of the baby?""He wasn't able to come; he was occupied with work, so he was unable to make it, but he'll be here for my next appointment." Lies, I had deliberately not told Cooper about my appointment, and it had nothing to do with the fact that we wer
AURELIA'S P.O.V'Meet me at this location; it's urgent. And if you don't come to me, I'll come to you... Thorne' The message was quite vague and suspicious. Lots of thoughts ran through my mind as I re-read the text about a thousand times."Hey, what are you looking at?" Celia asked curiously as she popped up behind me. We were both seated at the dining table as we made breakfast. Well, I was seated while Celia made breakfast consisting of chocolate pancakes and eggs.Shutting off my phone, I reply, "It's Thorne." She lifts a brow in question, not quite grasping what I had said."Cooper's dad." I rolled my eyes, watching her start over to the stove just in time to stir the eggs and turn off the stove. Dishing out pancakes and eggs onto each of our plates, she places one before me, and muttering a thank you, I dig in just as she makes herself comfortable on the seat next to me."Okay, what does he want?""He wants to meet. And his message sounded so weird.""Well, what did it say?""H
AURELIA'S P.O.VTrue to his words, Thorne was there when I awoke, still holding the baby in his arms. I smiled at the sight."Hey you." I drawled out, his attention now on me as he smiled. God, how did I survive all this time without him? I have no idea."Hey baby, sleep well?" He asked, and I nodded in response."Yeah, I did. Were you able to get any rest while being occupied with this one?" I nodded towards her."No, but I don't mind in the slightest. Holding her in my arms is like a dream come true.""I can tell; she's precious, isn't she?" "She's beyond precious; she's an angel." He answered, captivated by the little one."She looks like you." I raised a brow at him, "Oh, does she? I had a feeling she looked more like her father.""Perhaps, but she takes after you in looks. I'm going to have to put a leash on this one; can't have these savage men coming after my princess." I burst out in laughter; oh, I would pity anyone who would dare break her heart. They'd have Thorne to cont
AURELIA'S P.O.VHe was here, standing right before me after all this time. I wanted to leap into his arms so he could hold me and never let me go, but the cold look on his face hurt me. He looked anything but happy to see me. Who could blame him? After all, I had fled with his child without a word. I could only imagine the resentment he held towards me."I'll, uh, be outside." Celia cleared her throat as she picked up the baby, who babbled away. Awkward silence reigned upon us as soon as she left. I could barely look him in the eye even though I felt his burning gaze on me."Congratulations." He spoke up, his voice devoid of any emotion."Thanks, you too." I gave him a forced smile, which he didn't return; instead, he looked at me with a blank stare."How have you been?""Fine." I nodded as I went silent; I didn't know what to say. Do I apologize to him? Do I explain myself? Or do I just remain silent?Seeing as I hadn't said anything, he turned away."I'm sorry." I watched him tense
THORNE'S P.O.V"Your proposal sounds good, Mr. Scott, but-" I was cut off by the sound of my phone ringing. Staring at the unknown caller, I excused myself from the table."Hello?""Thorne?" Asked a familiar voice."Yes, this is he. Who am I speaking with?""It's Celia, and you need to listen to me carefully, okay? Don't panic." She spoke anxiously. How could the damn woman ask me not to panic when she sounded like she was on the verge of a panic attack? Women."What is it, Celia? Is it Aurelia? Is she okay?" In spite of her leaving me, I still loved her."Yes, I need you to take the first flight you can and come to Ireland." Ireland? She had been there all this while?"Lia's having the baby; she asked me to inform you." And just like that, everything around me ceased. The baby, she's having the baby. Isn't it too soon?"Send me the details now." I ordered as I hung up, dashing out of the room until I heard someone call my name."Mr. Mikaelson? Where are you off to in such a hurry?" T
AURELIA'S P.O.VThe months had dragged by painfully slowly. I was due any day now. At first it had been hard, being away from Thorne. At times I'd cry myself to sleep, but I always had Celia to console me. A few weeks after I had relocated, I heard on the news that Caroline had been convicted, having admitted to her crimes. And then I saw him; my heart thumped harder as I stared at him, so far yet so near. To anyone out there, he looked fine; he looked composed, but I knew better. I knew he was hurting inside. Celia had told me how he had begged and cried for her to tell him where I was. In her words, he was devastated to learn of my disappearance. It broke me to know that I had hurt him so deeply, but it was for the best. Being together hurt me, and I needed to heal.I had begun writing a new book, which I was currently occupied with when I heard the doorbell ring. With furrowed brows, I checked my phone before looking at my cat, who lay on the bed next to me, seemingly asleep.The d
THORNE'S P.O.VTaking a swing of my drink, I belched. Alcohol had become my bestfried ever since she left me. I laughed bitterly. She left me, even after everything we had been through. She just up and left without a word. Filled with anger, I there the bottle at the wall, watching as I shattered to pieces. Staggering blindly, I troed going up to my room but fell at the bottom of the stairs. Having no strength in me, I laid there and cried like a pathetic child. I bet Caroline would have had a good laugh had she seen me like that. When I had discovered she has left, I was scared at first, I had thought something bad had happened. Perhaps someone had taken her once more, but then I looked through the apartment and realized she was gone. She had left me.I had tried calling her, but she was unreachable, so I had opted for the next option, Celia. But she had been adamant about telling me where she was even after I had cried, begged, and yelled at her. Frustratedly, I had hung up and driv
AURELIA'S P.O.VThorne had been upset when he had learned that I had gone to see Caroline. After he had calmed down, I explained to him that I needed to because there was no way I could move on without speaking to her, which he understood. I had inquired about Cooper, and he had said that he had refused to talk to him. He had spent the day with me just talking about everything and anything, most especially that he couldn't wait to see the baby. His eyes would light up in happiness whenever he felt the baby kick. As he prepared to leave with the promise to return the following day, I had pulled him close and kissed him as if I never would, or perhaps I won't. He had expressed his surprise, but I simply brushed it off as nothing. Sharing one last kiss, he left.As soon as he left, I went into my room and cried for a few minutes before gathering myself and fishing out my box. One by one, I threw in everything I had into the box when I heard the doorbell ring. Afraid, I hurriedly hid the
AURELIA'S P.O.VAfter spending two days in the hospital, I was allowed to leave. Celia had cried when she saw me lying on the hospital bed, apologizing over and over again after claiming it was her fault I got kidnapped. After she had finally calmed down, I narrated what had happened. At first, she was shocked at the news of Caroline being my birth mother, and then the shock gave way to anger. She was beyond pissed and wanted to wring Caroline's neck.She had helped me home and pampered me to no end; Thorne had also spent the majority of his time with me. I had learned from him that Cooper had been released on bail, and I was relieved; I hated the thought of him being punished for what he had been unknowingly coerced to do. Caroline was the mastermind behind it all, and she was the one who was supposed to pay, not Cooper. At first I had thought it to be sweet when Thorne and Cee had been extremely protective of me; surprisingly, even Ralph dropped by, but then it gradually became anno
AURELIA'S P.O.VStanding at the entrance of the hallway was Thorne. The look on his face terrified me; he was out for blood; he was out for Caroline's blood. "I'll make you wish you had never been born." He spoke his words calmly, the resonance of the hall carrying his words across. But even in the calmness, one could easily hear the anger in it."I see you finally found us; no matter. My son and I were just deciding the fate of your whore." The evil bitch sneered at him, fishing out her gun, which she pointed at my head. Even Cooper seemed startled as he gasped."I swear to God, if you hurt her, I will bury you alive." Thorne promised, enunciating his words with each step he took."Mom, stop. This wasn't what we agreed on." Cooper panicked."Oh shut it, Cooper. I didn't raise you to be a weakling. We agreed to this.""No, we argued to make her suffer, to make them both suffer but not kill her." He argued defiantly."Kill her, make her suffer. Same thing, any way she dies.""She's yo
AURELIA'S P.O.VThoughts filled my head, riddled in shock at the newfound discovery when she spoke again, "Shocked, I presume. I was also. How coincidental was it that my long-lost daughter was set to marry my son? Fate could really just be cruel." I felt disgusted with myself; I had slept with him. I had sex with my half-brother. What the fuck?"I guess it was destined that you and Cooper would never work out, one way or the other." Anger brewed in me as I looked at her repulsively."How could you? This is all your fault. You gave me away; you didn't give a crap about me. I was your daughter, even if I was born out of an affair. You're a hypocrite, behaving like you're a saint, like you had done no wrong, but your sins are the worst." I screamed at her, before chuckling, "I guess the apple really doesn't fall far from the tree, mother." She looked enraged but then smiled, stood up, and walked stealthily towards me. Facing her squarely, I braced myself for her hit, but it never came.