It was a smooth, comfortable flight from New York to Los Angeles, and Aurora's eyes drank in every detail like she had been starved for beauty. "It's been a million years since I did this," she whispered to herself with a soft sigh. Finally… I'm out of New York.
Her smile was heavenly, the kind that could light up a room. She gazed out of the car window as the city skyline faded away. The tall, glittering buildings were replaced by thick, towering trees swaying gently in the breeze. The road stretched ahead, quiet and almost eerie in its stillness."Uhmm… excuse me," she leaned forward slightly, addressing the chauffeur, "where are we heading? I don't see the others."
"Sorry, Miss Aurora," the man replied politely, "we are heading towards Sir Mark's estate."
"Oh… okay," she murmured, her brows lifting slightly. "But what about the others?"
"I'm sorry, ma'am, I don't know about them."
She hummed softly in thought, letting the car's hum fill the silence."Ma'am, we're here," the chauffeur announced.Aurora raised her head and froze. Before her stood a massive, breathtaking mansion its elegant architecture framed by manicured gardens.
"Wow… this is exquisite." Her lips parted in awe. "Who the heck is Mark?"She had been to many beautiful homes in her life, but this… this was something else. This mansion didn't just say wealth it screamed power. As she stepped out, a row of neatly dressed staff stood waiting. The butler, an older gentleman with a refined air, bowed slightly. "Good day, ma'am. I'm Jeff, the butler of this mansion."
"Hello," she greeted with a polite nod.
"Please, this way," Jeff said, leading her into the living room.Aurora's eyes widened. The interior was jaw-dropping every corner was a piece of art, every object glittered with the touch of billions.
"Ma'am, please make yourself at home."
"Thank you, but… where's Tiwa? "I'm sorry, ma'am, but the other Miss is in the other mansion." Her brows knitted. "So… am I going to live here alone? How is that supposed to be fun? "Who says you are alone?"
That voice. Deep. Cold. Familiar.
Her head snapped around, and her breath caught.Him."You?! "Yes, me," Mark replied, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Surprise. Aren't you happy to see me?"What exactly do you expect me to say?"Should I go back?" he asked lazily.
"No, no…" she said quickly, waving her hand. "You can stay. Don't mind me — I was just… a bit surprised, that's all." Mark's steps were unhurried as he closed the space between them. His eyes were fixed on her like a predator sizing up his prey. When he reached her, he slid one arm around her waist, pulling her flush against him. "You look beautiful," he murmured, his voice low and hoarse.
Aurora's heartbeat thudded so loudly she was certain he could hear it. For the first time, she felt an unfamiliar fear curl in her stomach at a man's touch. Desire burned in his eyes, sharp and unyielding but the question was, was she ready for this?
"M-Mark…" she stammered, her voice awkward and trembling. "I don't think this is right."And why is that so?" His gaze never left her. "We're married. You're my wife."
"I know that, but—" Sir, the room has been prepared," the butler's voice cut in.Aurora seized the moment, slipping out of Mark's hold. "Shall we?" he asked.She nodded, her cheeks flushed, her pulse still racing.
They each took their baths separately and drifted into a short nap.
Grrrowl.
Aurora frowned. "Where's that noise coming from? "Your stomach, obviously," Mark said, lounging on the couch with one arm draped over the backrest. His dark eyes were locked on her, as if he had been watching her for some time.She quickly sat up on the bed, avoiding his gaze.
"No need to explain," he cut in smoothly. "You're hungry. Come on — let's go out for dinner. "I'll change my clothes."Fine. I'll be waiting for you downstairs." Aurora stepped into the closet and nearly gasped. There were so many clothes that it was overwhelming. She ran her fingers over silky fabrics and designer tags, finally settling on a lemon-green jumpsuit. She paired it with a matching Chanel purse and fastened a glittering diamond choker around her neck. Her silver stilettos caught the light, perfectly complementing her outfit.
Her long hair flowed freely, brushing against her lower back. She added just a hint of lip gloss it was already evening, after all and gave herself one last glance in the mirror before stepping out to face the night.