Charles continued, "I know who you were married to. But aside from Jaxon and myself, no one else does. And it will stay that way."
She exhaled slowly, her shoulders relaxing. "You're not worried about my connection to Damian Blackwood?"
"Not in the slightest," Charles replied smoothly. "I judge people based on their capabilities, not their history. Sure, I may have done my on research on you just to be sure. Hower, Jaxon sees potential in you, and I trust my son's instincts."
Aurora turned to Jaxon, who simply shrugged. "Told you I had good taste."
She let out a soft chuckle despite herself. Charles' assurance meant more than she expected. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she wasn't just someone's ex-wife, she was being seen for herself.
She thanked Charles who left her in Jaxon's care and they left the office.
"Welcome to Reid Consulting Group." Jaxon spread his arms to officially welcome her.
Aurora tried not to laugh, "You look weird." She then pinched his cheek, "The next time you're telling me something please make sure to not leave any important details. Your dad being the boss for example."
"Ow, ow, ow." Jaxon whined and she let go, letting out an amused chuckle, he nodded, "I promise, Aurora. No more secrets."
She gave him a warm smile. For a second the world disappeared around him, her smile was the prettiest he has ever seen. He then blinked a few times and looked away then gestured toward a spacious corner office. "That's yours."
Aurora blinked. "Mine?"
"Well, technically, it's shared. You'll be working closely with me, so we'll be in and out of that space a lot." He grinned. "But I figured you'd appreciate a decent view."
She stepped inside, her eyes drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city skyline. The desk was sleek and organized, a brand-new laptop and notepad neatly placed on top.
"This... is more than I expected," She admitted, running her fingers along the desk's smooth surface.
Jaxon leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. "I know you're starting over, Aurora. But you're not doing it alone, rest assured." He scratched his nape, "Hey, I'm...sorry for the way I acted yesterday. I was just a little surprised, that's all and... kind of pissed off at you know who."
Aurora sighed and rested on the desk, "There's no need to withhold any emotion towards him, Jaxon. He's nothing but part of my past now. And besides..." She placed her hand on her stomach, "These kids will bring nothing but joy to me, I can feel it."
Jaxon raised his brows, "Kids? As in plural?"
Aurora nodded with a small laugh. Jaxon lowered his head, "Congratulations, Aurora." His voice was unreadable as he said that. As if he just snapped out of it, he raised his head back up and gave her a toothy grin, "Alright. It's time to get to work."
She nodded firmly, "Yes, boss."
__
Blackwood mansion.
Damian looked at the remainder of Aurora's belongings that were neatly packed in several boxes, he sighed, "Take them away." He instructed the maids and they obeyed.
"Honey!" Selene's voice echoed as she entered the living room. Rubbing his forehead, he turned around and gave a small smile, "You seem happy."
"That's because I am." She threw herself in his arms for a hug and added, "Why won't I be happy when you've finally gotten rid of that bitch's things. Now I can shop in peace knowing there'll be enough space."
Damian huffed, "It's always shopping with you. Don't you do anything else?"
Selene pulled away, her mood unfazed, "Well, there's yoga and spa day... but shopping takes the cake. You should come with me next time, it'll be fun."
"No, thanks." He declined flatly, "I have to go to work now."
"What? No..." Selene protested while pulling him by the arm, "Can't you just stay here with me? I bought some interesting stuff that I want to show you." She leaned closer, "Red's your favorite color, right?"
Damian sighed, she really wasn't going to let this go. He took her hand, his eyes lingering on her body. "Fine," His voice low and deep, "Show me everything."
Selene's heart almost gave out. She swallowed and walked ahead of him. He took a long hard look at the last box containing Aurora's belongings that was being taken away and closed his eyes. "Forgetting you is going to be the hardest thing I'll ever do, Aurora." He said within, "But I certainly hope that wherever you are, you aren't treated unfairly like you were here."
"Honey, hurry up!" Selene beckoned excitedly.
___
5 years later.
The grand event hall shimmered under the warm glow of chandeliers, with elegant decorations. Distinguished guests filled the space, raising glasses, exchanging laughter, and celebrating the success of Reid Consulting Group.
At the center of it all, Jaxon sat at the front table, dressed in a sharp black tuxedo, his usual playful smirk softened by something more genuine.
Aurora stood on the stage, holding a glass of champagne and the microphone in her other hand. She was radiant in a sleek, midnight-blue gown, exuding the quiet confidence that had grown over the years. As the room got quiet all eyes turned to her.
"I'd like to take a moment," She began, her voice steady, yet filled with warmth, "to raise a toast to the man of the evening, Jaxon Reid."
A round of applause sounded, but she lifted a hand, signaling for them to wait. Her gaze found Jaxon's, and her lips curled into a soft smile.
"When I first met Jaxon, I had no idea what I was getting myself into." The audience chuckled, and Jaxon smirked. "He was persistent, confident, and if we're being honest, a little too sure of himself."
More laughter filled the room, and Jaxon pretended to be offended, shaking his head with amusement.
"But over the years, I've had the privilege of seeing what truly makes Jaxon remarkable," Aurora continued. "His resilience, his ability to lead with both strength and kindness, and most of all, his unwavering loyalty to the people he cares about."
She took a deep breath, her expression softening. "I know if Charles were here tonight, he would be so incredibly proud of the man you've become, Jaxon."
A somber hush fell over the room at the mention of Charles Reid, who had passed away two years prior due to health complications. Aurora's voice remained steady, but there was a hint of emotion beneath her words. "He built something incredible, and you've carried his legacy forward with grace and determination. He may not be here physically, but I know he's watching over you tonight."
Jaxon's jaw tightened, and for a moment, he seemed to struggle for words, his gaze locked on Aurora.
She lifted her glass higher. "So, to Jaxon Reid. An incredible leader, a visionary, and the best friend anyone could ask for. May your success continue, and may we all be lucky enough to be part of it."
The room erupted into applause, glasses clinking together as everyone echoed her toast. Jaxon didn't take his eyes off Aurora as she stepped down from the stage, a warm smile gracing her lips. She returned to her seat beside him, and as she did, he leaned in slightly.
"You always know exactly what to say," He murmured, his voice filled with something with gentleness.
Aurora laughed softly. "That's what I do best."
Jaxon didn't reply right away. He simply watched her, his expression unreadable, but undeniably full of admiration.
