AURORA'S POV
LUMIN CITY HOSPITAL,
Three days had past since the anonymous call, and I felt a mix of relief and unease. The silence was almost deafening and I couldn't shake off the feeling that this was just the beginning. I tried to push the thoughts away, focusing on my mothers health first.
The deal with Mr Flynn has been finalized. According to the terms of the contract,we had to get married as soon as possible so that I could start working on the project that was the reason for our arrangements.
My mother has started chemotherapy and I was determined to be strong for her and Annabelle.
In the hospital, I sat beside my mother holding her hands as the doctor explained the treatment plan. "The chemotherapy will target the cancer cells and we'll monitor her progress closely." The doctor said with a calm,reassuring voice.
My mother looked pale but determined, her eyes fixed on me. "I'll get through this," She said with a weak voice. I smiled, trying to reassure her. "You will mom,we will be here for you every step of the way."
The doctor nodded,"We'll do everything we can to support you through this process, If you have and questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out."
Just then, my phone rang and I excused myself to answer it seeing that it was Annabelle. "Hey sis,"I said, trying to sound cheerful. "How is the show coming up?"
"Everything is fine," Annabelle replied, sounding confident. "I'm just getting ready to walk the runway, how is mum?, it's been two days since I saw her last."
I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of anxiety. "Mom's started her chemotherapy, the doctor said it's going well so far," I said trying to sound optimistic.
Annabelle let out a sigh of relief. "That's great, I was worried sick about her."
I hesitated, knowing I had to tell her about something important."Belle, I need to talk to you about something." I said, my voice barely a whisper.
"What is it?" She said, worry etched in her voice.
"It's about the meeting I had at Apexion media three days ago with Mr Flynn", I said,taking a deep breath. "He proposed a marriage contract to me".
There was a pause on the other end of the line. "A marriage contract?, what does that mean?"
She asked, her voice skeptical.
I explained the arrangements to her and she listened intently. When I finished, she said "Rara, I trust your decision no matter what you plan on doing. You're doing what's best for you and I know you'd always take the right decision."
I felt a wave of gratitude towards my sister. "Thanks belle,Your support means everything to me."
Annabelle's voice was reassuring. "You know I'll always be there for you."
I smiled, feeling a sense of relief. Knowing that Annabelle had my back made all the difference.
"I'm glad you're doing well at your show," I said, changing the topic "You deserve this, you've worked so hard for this."
"Thanks Rara, I'll come visit mom soon, take care of her for me, okay?" Annabelle said before hanging up.
I nodded even though she couldn't see me. I would take care of our mother, no matter what.
LIAM'S POV
Apexion Digital Media,
It has been three days since I asked Ethan to investigate the mysterious person behind the text message. I was getting anxious to know who was behind the message, but Ethan had come up empty-handed, unable to find any leads.
I sat in my office,staring at the reports on my desk. "Ethan, what's the update on the investigation?" I asked, frustration creeping into my voice.
"Sorry Liam, we've checked all the possible leads, but nothing seems to be working out. It's like the person vanished into thin air." Ethan replied, shaking his head.
I nodded, feeling a sense of disappointment. "Keep trying Ethan. I want to know who is behind this, I don't like being threatened and I won't let it slide.
Ethan nodded "I'll keep trying Liam,we'd get to the bottom of this."
With the investigation going nowhere, I decided to focus on my upcoming meeting with my father. I needed to tell him about my plan to get married to Aurora.
When I got to his estate, I was welcomed by the housekeeper, who led me to my fathers study. The study was a grand room with dark wood paneling and shelves lined with leather bound books. The walls were adorned with paintings ancestors and notable figures from our family's history. A large, ornate desk sat at the far end of the room, behind which my father sat.
The room was dimly lit, with only a few rays of sunlight peeking through the heavy curtains. The air was thick with the scent of old books and leather, a familiar smell that always me feel nauseous.My father's study was a place of importance, where serious discussions and decisions were made.As I entered, he looked up from the papers on his desk, his eyes piercing as he gazed at me. " Liam. Come in. I've been expecting you," he said, his voice deep and commanding.
I nodded, taking a seat in the chair opposite his desk. "Father, I've come to discuss something important with you," I said, getting straight to the point.He leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine. "I'm listening. What is it that you want to discuss?"
"I've decided to get married to a woman named Aurora.I'd like for you to meet her" I said bluntly.
He raised an eyebrows "A woman? What's her background?, he asked, his voice skeptical.
"She's a talented individual with a great project in mind". I said, not wanting to disclose anymore information because I knew he would have his men do a background check on her.
My father leaned back in his chair. "Tell me more about her, what makes you think she is the right person for you?"
" I just know she's the one," I said grudgingly.
My father nodded thoughtfully, "Bring her over for dinner tomorrow, we'll discuss the wedding plans."
" I'll make the necessary arrangements and make sure she is prepared for dinner". I said.
The Next Day,
I called my assistant into my office, "Luke, I need you to make reservations for two at Casaroella Restaurant (a five star restaurant in the heart of the city), and arrange a bouquet of flowers, a designer dress, jewelry and heels to be delivered to Miss Aurora Willows before 10:am. Include a note indicating it's just part id the contract terms, nothing more."
My assistant nodded quickly and got to work. "I'll take care of it, Mr Flynn, anything else?"
"Yes,make sure everything is perfect, i want to make a good impression and there will be no room for mistakes." I said in an authoritative tone.
With the arrangements taken care of, I picked up my phone and dialed Aurora's number. She answered on the first ring.
"Hello?" She said, her voice soft and melodious.
" Aurora, it's Liam. My father would like to meet you this evening for dinner. I thought we could meet for lunch first to discuss the contract terms." I said, trying to sound formal.
" okay, that sounds good. What time were you thinking? " she asked, her voice professional.
"How about 12:pm, let's meet at Casaroella. We can discuss the details then," I said, smiling as I thought about seeing her again.
"Sounds perfect, I'll see you then". She said before hanging up.
As I put down my phone, I couldn't shake off the feelings that my feelings for Aurora went beyond the contract. I knew she was the girl from my past, and that realization made my emotions stronger. I couldn't wait to see her again and get to know her better.
I looked at my watch, feeling a sense of excitement. It was going to be an interesting day.