~The next morning~ “You should have let us do it my way. All these frustrating things wouldn’t even come up.” Alec uttered with a scoff, shaking his head as he slammed into the couch. “Can you at least tell me what happened first? Is this about Aurora?” Anita asked worriedly and curiously as she settled next to him. Her heart raced uncontrollably in expectation of his revelation. “Of course, what else is going to annoy me this much? He has proposed to her! Arthur has f**king proposed to her. He made it official.” Alec answered with anger evident in his voice. Anita went silent as she reminisced over what she had just heard. For some reason, she wasn’t as troubled as Alec was. “Why don’t you look mad, right now?” He asked after noticing her countenance. “Because I think it’s even better this way. If they get married, and I appear to ruin it, then the pain is even more on her. And then you will be there as a shoulder to cry on. It’s amazing!” She answered as she broke into laughte
Getting to Aurora’s workplace, Alec did the same thing. He opened the door for her and she stepped out. She walked into the restaurant, and he followed behind her. Getting into the waiting area, to her greatest surprise, she met Arthur seated. “Arthur.” She called in surprise as she approached him. Arthur, who had already seen them since Alec opened the door for her, couldn’t help but stare coldly at Alec. His eyes were fixed on him so much that Aurora noticed this. She hastily moved in front of him, blocking his view. “He’s just a customer. Stop staring at him like you’re going to kill him, okay?” She asked, and he let out a deep breath. “He looks like someone I have seen before. But I can’t recall where.” Arthur uttered. “Are you sure?? Maybe you saw him in the restaurant the few times you’ve visited.” She answered, settling on a chair next to him. “No, I don’t think it’s at the restaurant.” He answered, taking another glance at Alec, who was already heading out of the resta
~After a few weeks~ As the solemn music played, everyone seated turned to look at the designated entrance as they expected Carter to show up. In front of the congregation stood Derick, dressed in an emerald green suit, and behind him was Arthur, dressed in the same kind of suit, but about two shades lighter. Happiness and joy flowed from within Derick as he waited patiently to see his husband and make him his for life. In the congregation were Aurora and the kids, Brenda and Derick’s son, and a few friends from Derick’s workplace. All of them wore green outfits, and so were the flowers, cards, and decorations. It all looked very beautiful and organized. A priest stood in front of everyone, waiting to join the two men in holy matrimony. Suddenly, the solemn music grew louder as Carter stepped into sight. He had an emerald green veil on his head, and he wore a suit to match, with lots of embellishments on it. Everyone stood up as soon as he began to walk down the aisle to where
After the wedding, the driver drove Derick and Carter home in their wedding car. Getting home, they alighted from the car and ran towards the door. In excitement and anticipation, Derick opened the door and pulled Carter along with him. Carter staggered into his arms and before he could gain balance, Derick grabbed his head and captured his lips in his. He kissed him deeply and passionately, pinning his back against the wall. “Hmm… hmmm.” Carter moaned as his hands squeezed through the tiny gap between their chests. He held onto Derick’s suit and pulled it off, causing Derick’s hands to fall off his face. Derick, still keeping his lips locked with his, started to undress Carter too. Carter broke the kiss so he could unbutton his shirt, and when he looked into Derick’s eyes, there was nothing but passion and lust. In no time, their shirts were off. Carter went in for the kiss this time, pushing Derick to the couch. As they fell to the couch, they giggled and laughed as if they ha
The next day, Aurora returned to her apartment after she had dropped the boys at school. She had only a few days at the restaurant now before leaving. She had to start planning her wedding with Arthur too. She got to the restaurant a few minutes after resumption time. Heading right to Jack’s office, she met him behind his desk. “Hi, boss!” She said teasingly, and he let out a smile. “Let me call you back, okay?” He said, and Aurora furrowed her brows and looked at the table to see that he was on a call. Her eyes widened and she placed her hand on her mouth, feeling stupid. “Alright. See you tonight. Bye.” A feminine voice answered from the other end of the phone, and the call got disconnected afterward. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize you were on the phone,” Aurora uttered, and Jack shook his head with a chuckle. “I figured. Don’t worry, okay? It’s all good. How are you today?” He asked, pointing to the chair in front of the desk, and she sat. “I’m good. I’m here to remind yo
~After three weeks~ In the large chapel hall, there were numerous people from all around the state, seated to witness Arthur get married to Aurora. The highly decorated chapel was full to the door with people of class and caliber. In the front seats were Carter and his husband, Jimmy, Theo, Jack, and Rachel, who happened to be close people to the couples. Arthur stood in front of the priest, his side turned to them as he waited for his bride. Josh, who was also dressed in a white suit and trousers, stood behind Arthur as his best man. Carter and Derick constantly exchanged looks happily, waiting to see how beautiful Aurora looked. And just then, the large chapel doors opened. The loud sound of the door opening made everyone turn to look at the doors. Then the boys, three of them dressed in the same suit, walked in, causing the people to burst into laughter. Ryan carried a pillow to which the rings were attached, Riley carried a basket of petals which he began to drop right from
Getting to the wedding venue, and just as Alec was about to park his car in front of the chapel, he saw Aurora run out of the entrance in tears. In haste, he got out of the car and stepped out so she could see him. “Aurora! Aurora!” He called, and she raised her head and saw him by his car, staring at her in confusion. “Where are you going?” He further asked, this time, she was running towards him. “Oh my… why are you crying?!” He asked, his eyes widened in shock. “Get me out of here!” Aurora yelled in tears, grabbing his car door and flinging it open. She got into the car and shut the door. Without hesitation, Alec ran to the other side of his car and got in the driver’s seat. Igniting the engine, he zoomed out of the space he had parked and hit the road. He constantly looked at Aurora as she bawled her eyes out. He kept quiet and said nothing. He knew Anita had done her thing, and it was time for him to do his. He had to be the shoulder she’d cry on. He was so happy he got t
Arthur couldn’t stop pacing in the living room. All attempts to reach Aurora were to no avail. Carter kept calling her phone, but she didn’t answer. At some point, her phone was switched off. “Her phone is switched off,” Carter muttered in disappointment, placing his phone on the couch. “Do you have any idea where she could be? Do you know who drove off with her?” Derick further inquired. “I don’t know. I didn’t see anything. She was in the car and the next second, the car zoomed off.” Carter explained. “What do I do?! I need to reach her tonight!” Arthur yelled in frustration. His voice was so loud that Theo could hear it from inside the kids’ room. “What’s happening?? Where is mummy? Why is Daddy so worried?? Why did the wedding stop all of a sudden?” The boys began to question Theo, and he shook his head. “I don’t know either, okay? You all should go to bed. You’ll know more tomorrow.” Theo said to them. Rowan was on the verge of tears as he could sense that something had go
~After A week~ While Aurora slept, she perceived the strong smell of pancake in her nostrils. She shook her head, furrowing her brows while her eyes were still closed. “Aurora.” She heard her name in a whisper, and this was when she slightly opened her eyes. Very close to her face was Arthur’s face, which had a large smile on it. “Good morning beautiful.” He uttered, and she smiled faintly, rubbing her eyes with her hands. “Good morning.” She mumbled, her eyes falling shut again. “I made you breakfast.” He added, and her eyes opened again. She looked down at his hands and saw a tray with him. He wore an apron on his singlet and black pants.“You did? I can smell pancakes.” She answered with a smile, and he nodded. “These are the fastest things I can make.” He responded, and she broke into laughter. “Baby, you didn’t have to. You shouldn’t stress your leg, remember?” She answered, sitting up and collecting the tray of pancakes from him. “My leg has gotten better, okay? I don’t
After making love to Arthur, Aurora fell asleep in his arms. Arthur could hardly sleep because he kept staring at her, thinking of how far they had come. Without a doubt, he knew they were destined for each other. ‘I have to make this work again. And this time, without mistakes.’ He thought, slowly and carefully caressing her face in a way that wouldn’t wake her up, but unfortunately, she ended up waking up. She slowly opened her eyes and when she saw him staring at her, she smiled widely. “Hey.” She uttered in almost a whisper, and he responded with a smile. “You didn’t sleep?” She asked, and he shook his head. “I couldn’t. I couldn’t stop staring at you.” He answered, and she scoffed, looking away. “Stop teasing. How is your leg?” She asked as she sat up. She took a look at his leg and looked at his face again. “I wasn’t teasing. And for my leg, I don’t know. It feels numb.” He answered, causing her to furrow her brows. “Is that a good thing?” She asked, and he shrugged with
The same day, they all went back to Arthur’s house, including Derick and his husband. They helped Aurora bring him out of the car and place him on the wheelchair, while she pushed him into the house. “God, I’ve missed this place so much.” He mumbled and raised his head to look at Aurora, who had a faint smile on her face. “I do miss it too.” She answered, looking at his face. Then she recalled the doctor had told her to clean the scratches on his face which were plastered. “We should clean your scratches as soon as they are gone.” She added, and Arthur nodded. “Okay, Ma’am.” He responded teasingly, which made Aurora furrow her brows. “Ma’am?” She asked with a chuckle, and he nodded. “Why is that?” She further asked. “Because I’ll be doing whatever you ask of me without questioning your opinion.” He answered with their gazes locked. “Can somebody get these two a bed already? They've been so flirty since we left the hospital,” Carter muttered, rolling his eyes. “You know we can
Getting back to the hospital, they met Rachel, Aurora’s mother sitting next to Arthur on the bed. The kids also sat in the bed with Arthur. Arthur sat up on the bed, his back resting against a pillow. “You’re back,” Rachel uttered with a large smile as they all walked into the ward. “Mom, when did you get here?” She asked, opening her hands so she could embrace her kids who eagerly climbed down the bed just to embrace her. “About an hour ago. I was finally told you were around today, and I couldn’t wait one minute longer to see you. I got here and saw that you and the others have headed out.” She responded, and Aurora nodded. “We went for Anita’s court hearing.” She uttered, moving closer to Arthur’s bed. She held his hand and smiled softly. “How are you feeling now?” She asked, taking a glance at his wrapped leg which now lay on the bed. “Better. I feel much better. Thank you.” He answered, and she nodded. “I’m glad.” “How was the hearing?” He asked, and Derick scoffed. “Th
~After A Week~“My Lord, the only evidence against my client is one provided by one man, who I am sure is not a friend of hers and is just looking for a way to complicate her. This may all just be a coincidence.”“Objection, My Lord!” “Objection overruled.”“Thank you, my Lord. Apart from this man who claims to be my client’s friend, there are no other witnesses to prove that my client is guilty. These were just words heard, and I must say that there are so many people who sound the same. It must have been someone else on the phone.” “Objection, My Lord!” “Objection sustained.” “Thank you, My Lord!” Arthur’s lawyer, Mr. Smith stood up to defend Arthur too. “My Lord, I bet my colleague here must have forgotten we also have a video of her on the phone with someone, saying this person should make it seem like an accident. I’ll play this tape now.” He said, giving a USB stick to one of the officers. Aurora looked at Alec, who sat beside her, with fear in her heart. She feared that A
Aurora left the police station with Derick, leaving Alec to do as he had promised. Getting back to the hospital, they met everyone where they had left them. “Aurora, welcome back.” Carter greeted, hugging her, before planting a peck on Derick’s lips. “How was it?” He asked, and Derick heaved a sigh. “It was Anita,” Derick uttered, and Theo scoffed. “I know it. That witch. When will she ever stop? After Mr. Arthur paid her to leave us the hell alone. She just wouldn’t listen.” Theo uttered in anger. “Paid her to leave? What are you talking about?” Aurora asked with her brows furrowed in confusion. “Yes. She came to the house after you left and Mr. Arthur was a total mess. She said he could give her a huge amount of money to make her disappear from our lives totally, and this included getting rid of the baby she claimed was his.” Theo explained, making Carter and Derick exchange looks. “How are we just knowing this? She probably used that money to fuel her next operation! Why wou
In the evening, Aurora and Derick visited the police station while Carter and Theo stayed with Arthur and the kids. Getting to the police station, Aurora walked behind Derick as she was unsure about where to go and what to do. Derick walked up to the cop behind the counter and said; “We are here for Arthur Howard. His wife is here.” Derick uttered, moving away so that the cop could see Aurora who was behind him. “His wife? I thought they never got the chance to be official.” The cop answered with a chuckle, and Derick raised his eyebrows in surprise. “What? It’s all over the internet. She ran away on her wedding day after another lady claimed to be pregnant for him.” He added, and this time, with laughter. Aurora scoffed and shook her head in disbelief. “Do you want to gossip? Or are you going to take us to your boss?” Derick answered with a stern look. “What exactly are you seeing him for?” The cop further asked. “He is just here to frustrate us, Derick. We should leave.” Aur
Aurora arrived at the hospital the next day. She ran into the ward, and when she saw the boys, she broke into tears, kissed them, and embraced them tightly. “Oh God. I was so scared it would be more than these. How are you feeling?” She asked them, and they hugged her again. “We have missed you so much, mummy. We are much better now. They keep giving us injections and drugs, and now it’s as if nothing happened.” Ryan said, and she nodded, tears still streaming down her eyes. “I’m so glad you’re okay now.” She answered and then looked up to see Theo, Carter, and Derick staring at her. She had almost forgotten they were there. “Hi.” She mumbled as she stood up to greet them. One after the other, they embraced her. She hugged Carter the tightest, burying her head in his shoulder. “Where is he? How is he?” She mumbled in tears, her eyes shut very tight in anticipation of the horrible response she could get. “He’s behind the curtain. Let me walk you there.” He said to her as he hel
While Alec was in Aurora’s house, sneakingly looking for clues about what her next evil agenda was, her landline rang. He furrowed his brows as he walked up to her bedside table and answered the phone. He remained quiet and waited for the person from the other end to speak. “Anita, it’s done. When do we come for the balance? He’s not going to survive it, that’s for sure.” Because he couldn’t answer, he hung up and hastily walked out of the room. “He is not going to survive it? What have you done, Anita!”He got out of the house and left, making sure he wasn’t seen. Driving to his house, he couldn’t help but wonder what had happened. He feared that Arthur was in great danger, and he wasn’t sure what to do if that was the case. Getting to his house, he turned on the television and drew his phone out of his pocket. He sat on the couch and began to search for news channels. He believed if it was Arthur, the news would carry it because of the influence he has in society. He passed