AURELIA'S P.O.VIt wasn't until the early hours of the next morning before we got home. Thorne and I had shared a few kisses in the car before we entered the house.Most of the lights were off, save for a few, which meant everyone was asleep. I had just reached the kitchen area when I felt a tug pulling me back into a broad chest."Ugh, can we go back?" Thorne groaned, his chest vibrating as he spoke. I giggled in response and then turned to face him."Unfortunately we can't, and I'm pretty sure it'd be hard for us to be alone together; it'd seem too suspicious."The lights outside cast enough light for me to see him pouting. He looked adorable."Well, I guess. But not for long, I hope.""Not for long, babe, we'll tell them. Soon." I reassured him, pecking his lips intending for it to be a short kiss, but he had other plans in mind as it soon turned heated. He backed me up into the island, hoisting me up by my thighs as it turned into a full-blown makeout. We were too immersed in ours
AURELIA'S P.O.V"Uh, sure." I stuttered, giving him a tight-lipped smile as I opened the door wider, stepping aside as he entered the room before shutting the door. "Could you just give me a minute so I could quickly get changed?" Without saying a word, he gave me a nod, so I quickly slipped into the walk-in closet. I could feel myself hyperventilating as my hands became clammy and began to shake. Fuck fuck fuck, I wasn't ready to confront him yet. I had spent about ten minutes in the closet before mustering up the courage to finally step out, only to see him occupying the seat that Celia had previously occupied, staring out the window."Took an awful amount of time getting changed." He bit out coldly, turning to look at me."Yeah, sorry. I've just gotten a little slower because of the baby." My excuse sounded pathetic to my ears as I lowered myself on the bed. Neither of us spoke for about a minute until he finally cleared his throat."How long has it been going on?" I bit my lip wh
AURELIA'S P.O.VI had remained locked up in my room well into the evening, still reeling from shock. My stalker had followed me all the way here, which made me draw two conclusions: either my stalker was someone I knew or someone I barely knew or remembered who bore a grudge against me. But who could it be? I usually kept to myself; I barely interacted with people unless it was necessary. And then my mind pondered on people I knew. Celia would never hurt me in such a way; we had known each other for a long time, so I knew what she was capable of and what she wasn't. I knew she couldn't be my stalker. My mind then went to Ralph; I mean, he had basically blackmailed me into telling Cooper the truth, but I couldn't imagine he'd stoop so low as to stalk me, and besides, judging by our last conversation, he didn't know anything about Thorne and I.My mind then drifted to Cooper. Could he be the one? I couldn't completely rule it out, as he always had a habit of wanting to know where I was
THORNE'S P.O.VThe day passed quickly, turning into the night. Even though everyone seemed to ignore it, there was tension in the air. Lia had locked herself up in her room, barely coming out. This guy, Ralph, had been giving me the stink eye at whatever chance he got. Caroline ignored me purposely, and Cooper kept on sulking all day while Lia's friend, Celia, seemed to be caught in the middle. I felt bad for her. She didn't deserve to be caught in the middle of a drama she had no hand in; all she had done was be a supportive friend. And now it seemed to affect her relationship.Lia had fallen asleep, so I had left her to get some rest; the poor thing looked like she had barely slept a wink, and I couldn't blame her. Being threatened by two people would do that to you; deep down, I had a strong feeling that Caroline had a hand in what had happened, but I didn't have any proof. She had done nothing other than ignore me, which was unlike her; if the years spent with her had taught me an
AURELIA'S P.O.VDarkness, that was all I could see...all I could touch. Why was it so dark in here? I was cold. I could hear two voices, then I heard someone leave, and it went silent. I could hear someone sobbing, begging me to wake up. Was I asleep? Perhaps that must be why I could only see the darkness. I could see blurry visions like a playback. What are those? I didn't know. I needed to wake up; I had to. So with every bit of strength in me, I willed myself to wake up. At first, all I could hear were the beeping sounds of a heart machine, and then I heard quiet sobs. I felt warmth on my arm, so I looked at it to see Celia resting on it, her tears coating my skin."Cee." I croaked, my throat parched. "Oh my goodness, Lia, you're awake. Thank God, you're awake.""Water." Hurriedly, she poured me a glass and handed it to me, helping me drink. Once I was satisfied, I patted her arm, signaling I was fine. "What happened?" "You don't remember?" She asked, her eyes were red as she lo
Third Person's P.O.VAurelia had awoken the next morning to disappointing news. The news of her affair with Thorne had spread like wildfire. How it had begun or who had begun the rumors? Nobody knew, but she did. Her stalker had begun the rumors. It wasn't enough that they had disclosed her secret even after giving her an ultimatum; they intended to destroy her life. Initially, Celia had tried her best to dissuade Aurelia from going on social media, but she could only stall for so long. Devastated, Aurelia locked herself in her room, utterly inconsolable. She had refused to open the door even when Thorne had begged her to. She was ruined; she wanted to be away from everything. Thorne was furious; he didn't know what to do. He swore to track down whoever was behind the pictures and rumors. How had the news spread so fast? Surely, neither Cooper nor Caroline would want to tarnish their image. It'd be shameful.He had gone back home after having just returned from Aurelia's place. He kn
AURELIA'S P.O.VI awoke groggily to the rays of sunlight seeping into my room, but I made no move to get up; I have no strength in me to want to do anything. I had stayed off social media for the last couple of days; I had received criticism from the public, who insulted me relentlessly; some even went as far as making mocking videos. In the end, I had to shut off my phone so I could get some peace. I wanted to lie here all day and just feel sorry for myself. But I knew I couldn't, especially because I knew a few people who would never let me get depressed in peace. An example being Celia, who just barged into my room."Rise and shine, sleeping beauty. We're going to do something fun today, be it going out, staying indoors, and having fun. Something, anything." She sang cheerily.Pulling the duvet over my hair, I grumbled, "Go away; I want to be alone." I felt cold air hit me as she threw the covers off me, her arms placed on her waist as she gave me one of those glares which a mother
AURELIA'S P.O.VSlowly regaining consciousness, the memories of what had happened seeped into my mind as I fully jolted from sleep. I was tied up, my eyes were covered, and my mouth was gagged. I struggled against the binds of the restraints to no avail. My heart pounded in my chest; I was gonna die; my stalker had gotten to me. I heard the sounds of footsteps, causing me to freeze; the sounds got closer, and I could make out two things. The clicking of heels and clicking sounds of something flat. "We know you're awake." The voice sent a wave of shock through me. Someone untied my blinds as I blinked slowly to adjust my vision. Standing before me was my ex-fiancé, a cold expression on his face. He looked well, except for the murderous look in his sunken eyes. My jaw slackened. "Cooper, what are you doing? Why did you kidnap me?" I felt hands on my shoulders, causing me to jump in fright as I slowly turned my head to see who it was: "Oh darling, this was all me." She chuckled cruell
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.