"Mark, I'm so sorry. I can't even imagine what you must have gone through as a child," Aurora said softly, her heart aching. "It's nothing, Aurora," he responded, brushing his fingers gently over her hand. "Everything happens for a reason. That hard part of my life shaped me into the man I am today. I just wish my mother had lived long enough to see me become something. And… even if some part of me still resents my father for not standing up for us like he should've, I still wish he was alive too."
He paused, a bittersweet smile forming on his lips. "He may not have fought for us, but he was always there in his own quiet way. And that meant something. Honestly, if I had been raised in a perfect, loving family, I probably would've ended up spoiled. Just like Jeffrey."
Aurora chuckled. "You're hilarious, Mark."
"I heard that." Aurora and Mark turned their heads sharply toward the familiar voice. Mark smirked knowingly. Aurora smiled in curiosity as the butler welcomed a tall, sharply dressed man with warm brown eyes there was something oddly familiar about him. But it was the gorgeous woman standing beside him that caught Aurora's eye. Graceful, elegant, yet clearly uncomfortable in her high heels Aurora didn't recognize her.
"Leon!" Mark stood, pulling the man into a brotherly hug. "Welcome, my dear friend."
"Mark, meet my wife Alicia Dark Hart."
Mark walked over to her, took her hand, and kissed her knuckles politely. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Dark Hart."
"The pleasure is all mine," Alicia replied with a polite smile. "Aurora," Mark called, stretching his hand toward his wife. She approached with her signature grace and charm, placing her hand in his. "Leon, meet my wife, Aurora Riverson Wilson."
"Well, well, well," Leon said, grinning. "It's such a pleasure to finally meet your acquaintance." He kissed her knuckles, and Aurora returned the smile sweetly. "The pleasure is all mine." Soon after, the women exchanged hugs and kisses. Alicia was warm and elegant and beautiful, no doubt about it. Aurora took an instant liking to her.
They all sat, and the maids hurried in with refreshments. Aurora took a sip of her now-cold coffee and called a maid over. "Please take this away and bring me a fresh one, thank you." Mark and Leon were already knee-deep in business talk shares, contracts, and mergers. Aurora and Alicia exchanged a knowing look.
"Leo, can I steal Alicia away for a bit? You two are boring us to tears," Aurora teased. "Be my guest," Leon replied with a smile, clearly charmed by Aurora's sass. The two women made their way to the garden patio with their drinks. "So, how long have you been married to Leon?" Aurora asked as she settled into one of the plush seats.
"Just three months now," Alicia said, her tone a mix of surprise and fondness. "It's been good… so far."That's great to hear. Mark and I just hit our eighth-month mark."Well, I can see you're very happy in your marriage."
Aurora beamed. "Oh, Alicia… I'm not just happy in my marriage, I'm finally happy with life. I found my real parents thanks to Mark, I got my surgery done, and I don't live in fear of dying anymore." Alicia blinked, surprised. "Wow, that's incredible." Then her voice softened. "Honestly, I'm happy too… but it's still surreal sometimes. Just three months ago, I was a regular girl trying to survive. Then bam! I meet this brooding billionaire, and he sweeps me into his world."
Aurora leaned in, intrigued. "Was it love at first sight?" Alicia burst out laughing. "Love?! Please! It was war at first sight. He was cold, distant, arrogant, rude, a snob and God, so annoying! I couldn't stand him." Aurora laughed along, nearly choking on her drink. "Sounds familiar. Mark was even worse at the beginning."
"Wait is this a billionaire thing or what?" Alicia joked. "Are they trained in coldness and mood swings at some elite rich-man academy?"
"I wonder too, girlfriend."
They both broke into another fit of uncontrollable laughter. "Aurora, you're such a nice person." And so are you, Alicia. We definitely need to exchange contacts. You and I need to meet up more often and maybe spend some of our husbands' money while we're at it."
"Oh, I love the sound of that!" Alicia exclaimed, clinking her glass against Aurora's. Back inside, the four of them gathered around the dining table. The chef had outdone himself the meals were nothing short of heavenly. From perfectly grilled lamb chops to aromatic rice and delicate sauces, the table was a spread of fine culinary artistry.
Aurora stole a glance at Alicia and Leon. Leon was being surprisingly sweet pulling out her chair, gently brushing her hair from her face, refilling her glass. Alicia, however, shot Aurora a sideways glance that clearly said, "Why is he suddenly pretending to be a romantic?"
Aurora almost choked on her laughter and quickly covered it with a sip of her wine. Mark glanced her way. "What's funny? "Oh nothing, just girl things," Aurora smirked, winking at Alicia who giggled quietly behind her napkin.
That evening, the air was light, the food was exquisite, and the conversations though filled with luxury and laughter were laced with secrets neither couple had the courage to unveil. Yet through the layers of charm and elegance, a bond was forming one that would soon be tested. The billionaire wives had found each other and the games had only just begun.