"Aurora, you need to follow my footsteps. I want our children to be of the same age or maybe just a year apart just like us." Aurora let out a deep sigh as her eyes met Mark's. The worry etched on his face was unmistakable. "Of course. Don't worry," she said softly, trying to ease his concern.
Later that evening, Aurora sat in front of her vanity mirror, gently applying her evening lotion. The soft glow from the room's chandelier lit up her features, highlighting the serenity on her face. Suddenly, Mark appeared behind her. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her familiar, sweet scent.
"Hmm… you smell so good," he murmured.
Aurora giggled, closing her eyes to savor his touch. "Will you join me in England?" he asked hopefully. "I doubt it." He released his hold and took a step back. "And may I know why?" As I already said, Mom wants to spend some time with me. I thought we were through this."
"Ahh, yes. I was just hoping maybe you changed your mind… who knows?"
A moment of silence passed between them before Mark spoke again. "Honey, do you really want a child?" Of course I do. I'd love to have one of my own."
"Hmm, I see. But you're scared to do what it takes to have one…" Mark replied, his tone flat and unreadable. "It's not like that. I… I—"
"Could you be more shameless?" she snapped suddenly. Aurora flushed with embarrassment and stormed out of the closet, leaving behind a silence thick with tension.
***Next Morning ***
"I'm ready. I'll be waiting downstairs." "Sure, Honey." Mark had been calling her "Honey" ever since Angel's Anniversary. He'd been putting genuine effort into their relationship and Aurora noticed. She appreciated it. In fact, she loved it. Slowly but surely, he was stealing her heart.
Tiwa had left for Italy after Aurora's surgery. Aurora missed her terribly. She knew Tiwa needed the distance after all the drama that had unfolded in New York. Aurora only hoped she would find love and peace wherever she was. After breakfast, the couple headed straight to Aurora's parents' mansion.
"Are you okay with me staying at my parents' for a week?" Aurora asked, watching his reaction closely. "Yeah, I am. It's not like I have a choice. And besides, I'm leaving the country. Who am I to complain? It's obvious you'll choose your family over me after all, I did nothing but bring you pain."
Aurora's face immediately fell. "Please don't say that. I really do want to come with you, but… try to understand me, Mark. I need to spend time with them. Get to know them."
"It's okay. I understand," he said with a soft sigh. "We're here." Aurora looked up and gasped. "Wow…" The word fell from her lips before she could stop it.
A towering golden gate gleamed before them, basking in the morning sun. It shimmered like a crown jewel, guarded on both sides by elite men in black uniforms. "The gate is made of gold?" Aurora whispered. "My parents really live like royalty." Mark smirked. "This is just the beginning. There's more than you could ever imagine."
He rolled down his window. "We meet again, Chief. I'm here with your Madam the one who'll soon be your Boss. Don't you think it's a bit rude to keep her waiting at the gate?"
"My apologies, sir." The guard spoke quickly into his two-way radio. Within seconds, the majestic gate opened with a gentle hum.
Mark drove into the enormous yard. Their guards rushed to open the doors as the couple stepped out. The view took Aurora's breath away. Neatly trimmed hedges framed a path of marbled tiles. A massive crystal-clear fountain stood proudly in the center of the lawn, with water that sparkled like diamonds under the sun. Beyond the garden loomed a mansion so magnificent it could rival the palaces of old. Its towering spires, arched windows, and elaborate architecture made it look exactly like a castle.
"I can't believe I missed all this my whole life… And wait is this a military base?" Aurora whispered. Armed guards were stationed everywhere, and their serious expressions were intimidating. One particular guard with a visible gun made her instinctively step closer to Mark.
"Hey, hide the weapon. My wife is scared of guns," Mark commanded. "Apologies, Ma'am." The guard bowed respectfully.
"It's okay. Just… please hide it when I'm around."
As they walked further, Aurora saw her parents standing grandly at the entrance of the mansion, a long line of maids lined behind them. "Welcome home, dear," Kim called out warmly. "Mom!" Aurora ran into her mother's arms. "How are you, darling? "I'm good. You? "I'm fine, baby." "Dad!" She turned to hug him tightly. "My darling, how are you?"
"I'm fine, Dad." She gave a small chuckle. "I saw you speaking with the guard. I looked scared, didn't I?"
"You did. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm just scared of guns, that's all."
"I see. I'll ask them to keep them hidden when you're around. "Thanks, Dad. Mark's guards do the same, so… I hope you understand."
"It's okay, darling. I understand your fear," Kim said gently, cupping her daughter's cheeks.
"Uhmm… Hi everyone. I'm Hazel Aurora Wilson Riverson but you can call me Aurora, since I'm used to that. Hazel's fine too."
"Welcome home, young Miss," the staff greeted in perfect unison, bowing deeply.
"Father, Mother, I'll take my leave now," Mark said. "Nonsense! Come inside," William insisted. "Yes, you should at least have a drink," Kim added. "As much as I'd love to, I need to get to the jet terminal in thirty minutes. Don't worry I had breakfast."
"Alright, if you say so."
Aurora walked quickly to him, her heels echoing against the marble. Mark smiled and cupped her face in his hands. "I'm gonna miss you," he whispered, gently playing with her nose. "Mark…" she sighed, pulling him into a tight embrace. "I'll miss you too."
She tilted her head and pressed her lips to his. He responded instantly. It was a kiss filled with love, longing, and unspoken promises. But then, Mark tasted something salty.
He gently pulled away, only to find tears running down her cheeks."No, no… I don't want to see these," he said, reaching into his pocket and dabbing her face with a tissue.
She leaned her head against his chest, holding him a little longer. Finally, she let go.
"Mother. Father. I'll take my leave, please."
"Take care, Son," William said.
Mark placed one last kiss on Aurora's forehead and turned toward the car. Aurora stood still, her hand raised in a gentle wave as she watched the vehicle drive away until it disappeared from sight. "Come, my Princess," Kim said softly.