Aurora stirred at the sound of a voice. It was distant but clear. Her eyelid felt heavy, and her head was throbbing. She pressed one hand to her head, not fully awake.
This place was unfamiliar, the bed, the room, everything.
Her mind reverted back to last night, she had been tipsy and a stupid blond had tried to have his way with her and then a man came to save her.
Did he bring her here?
The room is dark, and city lights shine in through the window. Aurora blinked, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand. Her entire body felt sore.
Aurora made out the outline of a man standing in front of a floor-to-ceiling window. He had her back towards her, but she could tell he was the man from last night.
Her eyes widened at that realisation; she had spent a night with the stranger. Whatever trace of sleep left in her eyes disappeared. She quickly looked under the duvet.
Aurora only relaxed when she saw that her clothes from last night were intact.
He didn't touch her. She felt a sense of respect towards him.
He had one hand dipped into his pocket and the other holding a phone to his ear. Even from behind, he looked regal.
"I'm sorry boss."
"Sorry won't fix this," Slade said, his voice calm. "How do you plan to fix this?" He asked.
"She suggested divorcing her husband."
"I don't want a divorcee. Grandpa would not be pleased. This needs to look real," he paused massaging his temples. He never thought the search for a wife would be so difficult.
All he needed was for someone to pretend to be his wife so he could throw his grandpa off his back.
They can go their separate ways afterwards. However, he seems to be attracting women of all kinds.
This woman in question never mentioned she was married when Nicholas first approached her.
"There are others who have shown interest in the agreement. I'll forward some of the documents to you."
"I don't have the time to go through anything," Slade said.
He turned and Aurora quickly shut her eyes. For some reason, she felt it would be better if he didn't know she was awake.
Slade's eyes lingered on the sleeping lady briefly before walking to take a seat on the couch.
His grandfather had asked him to get married. He had successfully pushed this aspect of his life away for a long time. But he needed to get it over with before he could fully take over the Wellington corporation.
"Anyone who isn't a divorcee, widow, and is single will do. The marriage won't be forever. It's for a year, then we can go our separate ways. Just make sure she is from a good background."
"You know how important this marriage is for me. I don't care about her past, I just need to convince grandpa that I am happily married."
"Alright boss," Nicholas responded and then beeped.
Slade was quiet. He sat on the couch long after the call ended.
On the other hand, Aurora's mind was swelling with questions.
She may not have heard the entire conversation, but from the part she heard it was clear he wanted a wife.
She will not be going back to Liam and subjecting her life to being his and Jenny's slave, and for what?
Death?
When she heard slow footsteps she wondered if he was leaving.
The side of the bed dipped and Aurora tensed.
Why was he in the bed with her?
Wait, did they spend the entire night together on this bed? She furrowed her brows feeling him move closer to her.
"You can stop pretending now." His voice cut through her thoughts, her eyes fluttered open immediately and she rose up, her head bumping into his.
She lets out a groan, holding her forehead.
"I wasn't pretending." Aurora said, rubbing her head, her voice soft, "I just didn't want to open my eyes."
Slade leaned back, he had never met a girl with such a strong forehead. Why did she suddenly leap? He turned his body so he was facing her.
His lips twitched to the side, "Why? Think I bite?" he questioned, his voice cold.
Aurora felt the need to explain, "No no." Aurora quickly said, and she pulled the duvet closer to her body.
"Was wondering if it was a habit of yours to rescue drunk ladies at bars." She didn't mean to sound sarcastic but that was exactly how it sounded to Slade.
"What a pleasant way to say thank you. You are welcome… ungrateful." He said and then added, "and let's not forget the headbump. For a lady, your forehead is quite strong."
Aurora scoffs, trying to ignore his remark that she deemed rude. She had something better to focus on.
She turned to him, staring at him for the first time since that morning. There was a shift in the air and Aurora's breath quickened.
His sharp jaws and high cheekbones gave him a sculpted face. His brows are thick and perfectly arched. Her eyes finally locked with his green orbs. Beneath it was an arrogant look, like a man used to getting all he wanted.
She swallowed hard. This man was more handsome than any man she had ever met.
Slade tilted his head, wondering what he had said wrong as he stared at the wide-eyed girl. He squinted, moving his body back, as if to get a better view of her.
When she refused to give him his address last night, he brought her to his penthouse. Even in the car, she had refused to let go of him.
When he laid her in bed, she held him and that was how they ended up in the same room.
He moved his hand past her face, "Are you alright?"
Maybe it was a really bad idea to bring her here after all.
"Marry me." Aurora suddenly said.
"Huh?" Slade raised a brow. She has finally lost it.
"No," Aurora shook her head. That wasn't the correct way to phrase it.
"Let's get married." This time, her voice carried more confidence.
Forget Liam, her standards were higher.