Aura had returned to M City, and this time, she walked in with her head held high. She didn't need anything but the man she loved. Embracing a new identity—her only unchanged aspect was her first name—she left behind her family and friends to carve out a life in A City.
She knew her friends must be frustrated with her absence over the past two years, but she had a purpose now.
In her quest for Orion's heart, she believed that marrying him would open the door to a deeper connection after her stint as his secretary, but she soon realised his true motives. Orion was focused on securing his grasp on the family business, which he had helped establish. There was competition from a younger cousin, and marriage was his strategic solution.
Her investigation revealed that Orion had no meaningful relationships with women besides his mother, and she had become his closest female confidante. This made her the ideal candidate for a contract marriage—just a facade to hide the real stakes at play.
After she signed the divorce papers, she left them neatly in his study for his lawyer, who would handle the rest. He had already signed them out of frustration when he tossed them at her, but Aura felt no regret about walking away. She wished only that she had said goodbye to Orion's grandfather, the one person who genuinely cared for her during her two-month stay with Orion. His wise heart understood that his grandson had his sights set on the company rather than true love.
*****
"Miss Aura, welcome back!"
The family butler greeted her with warmth, his concern evident.
"Why didn't you take me with you? You look so thin! All that health talk I gave you—what happened?"
Alfred, the devoted butler, knelt, checking her for any signs of distress.
"Oh, Alfred, I'm perfectly fine. Just lost a little weight," she replied confidently.
"You were already too thin; now you look like just bones!"
Aura burst into laughter, a sound she hadn't made in a while.
"Alfred, are my parents here?" she asked, her tone lively.
"I've missed you so much. How is A City?"
"I have so much to share, but first, I want to see my two favourite people!"
"They're in the upper lounge, as always, waiting for you."
"Thank you, Alfred."
"Aura, would you like something to eat?" he offered, clearly wanting her to feel at home.
"Yes, please! My favourite ice cream," she replied with a smile.
Alfred watched her retreating figure, filled with fond memories. He had served the Zeldas for thirty years, witnessing Aura grow from a child into a remarkable woman. He had always been there for her, stepping in as a second parent when needed.
Aura was inherently good, always concerned for others, but she had a fiery temperament that demanded respect. When she had shared her plans to move to A City to find the man who had helped her, he had no idea it was more than just a visit. Now, seeing her safe and sound, filled him with relief.
*****
Knock, knock.
"Who's there?" Aura's voice echoed, reminiscent of her mother, Astrid. Her parents were nestled together on the couch, engaged in a lively conversation.
"Where are my two best people in the world?"
"She's here!" Astrid responded, her voice brimming with joy.
"Aura!" Ambrose, her father, beckoned.
"Mom, Dad!" She leapt into their embrace, her heart full.
"I've missed you both so much!" Tears welled in her eyes, but she was strong.
"How have you been, my daughter?" Astrid asked, her voice thick with emotion.
"How can I be well without you? Two years is far too long," Aura said, wrapping her arms around their necks.
"Dad!"
"Stand there!"
Ambrose commanded, preparing for a thorough check-up, a family tradition.
Aura complied, knowing it was a signature routine. Astrid examined her daughter closely, concern etched on her face.
"You've lost weight, Aura. What happened?" Ambrose's voice reflected his anger.
Astrid tried to calm him, her eyes darting between father and daughter.
"Did you take any care of yourself? Why didn't you consult us about your health?"
"Dad, I'm perfectly okay! Just a little lighter," she insisted, turning to showcase her healthy figure.
"I missed you both!" she exclaimed, throwing herself into their arms once more.
"Tell me everything," she pressed, kissing her father on the cheek and then her mother's.
"Did you miss me?" she asked playfully.
"Of course! How can I be at peace when my daughter is out there?" her father replied, clearly relieved to have her home.
"Astrid," she addressed her mother casually, and Astrid responded without missing a beat.
"I missed you too! Your lectures, your cooking, everything!"
Her parents exchanged bewildered glances. They had allowed her to go to A City, believing it was for a noble reason—to find the man who had saved her. She had called them with the story of her new job, insisting she was doing just fine. But now, it was time for the truth to unfold.