The city skyline came into view as the car Aurora was in crossed the bridge leading into her new home. Unlike the really busy city she had left behind, this place had a quieter charm.
The buildings were tall but not overwhelming, their glass windows reflecting the warm sunset. People walked along the sidewalks at a slower and calmer pace, couples holding hands, children laughing, and street vendors calling out their evening specials.
The streets were lined with trees, their leaves gently being blown by the breeze. The further they drove, the more Aurora realized this place was different. Less suffocating, less haunted by memories.
Eventually, the car pulled into a peaceful residential neighborhood. Here, the city noise faded into the background, replaced by the occasional chirping of birds.
The house Maywell had arranged for her was nestled on a quiet street, surrounded by beautiful blossoming trees. It was a cozy townhouse with a small front garden, its white exterior giving it a warm, welcoming feel.
Aurora stepped out of the car, gripping the handle of her luggages. The air was cool, crisp, filled with the scent of fresh flowers. She glanced up at the house, feeling a mix of emotions swirl inside her, relief, uncertainty, and a quiet determination.
This was her new beginning. No more Damian. No more Blackwoods. Just her and the life growing inside her.
Just as she was about to go inside, someone called to her.
"Excuse me, miss?"
She turned around and saw someone walking towards her. It was a tall fellow whose slightly wavy short hair bounced as he took steady strides towards her.
Aurora put her guard up. After what happened with Damian, she'll be damned to ever trust anyone so easily again. Did Victor send someone after her? Did he already figure out that she was pregnant? Was this person here to...get the job done? She took a couple of steps back, getting ready to scream if this person ever tried anything with her.
The stranger stopped in front of her and flashed the friendliest smile Aurora has ever seen before speaking, "Sorry to bother you, do you have a moment please?"
Aurora let go of the breath she'd been holding and took a proper look at this stranger. He had a dark shade of brown hair and eyes, he had soft facial features, which made him appear really charming and approachable. A calm smile which made his dimples appear and a mole on his left cheek that added to his already great looks. She had to admit inwardly that this person was quite good-looking, but she wasn't smitten or attracted to him. She cleared her throat, "Yes? What is it?"
The stranger's eyes brightened, "Sorry for disturbing you when you just got off. You look like someone who just moved in."
Aurora frowned, stress from the trip starting to wear her down, she wasn't in the mood for this."And you look like someone I'm about to stop talking to if you don't get to the point."
The man chuckled. "Fair enough. Jaxon Reid." He extended a hand, but when Aurora didn't immediately take it, he smoothly lowered it back to his side. "I'm a business consultant. I help people looking to start fresh in a new city. New businesses, new ventures, help boost existing businesses, that sort of thing."
Aurora's frown didn't budge. "And you just happen to be here?"
"Call it good timing," Jaxon said with an easy grin. "This neighborhood is small. New faces stand out." He glanced at her luggages. "And something tells me you're looking for more than just a place to stay."
She scoffed and looked away, "What are you, a fortune teller?"
He laughed, "What great humor you have there, miss." He reached into his pocket, pulled out a card and handed it to her. "I hope you reach out, uhmm..."
"Aurora Black- Sinclair! Aurora Sinclair." She bit her lips, inwardly giving herself a face palm. To think that she almost called herself a Blackwood just now, how annoying.
Jaxon's curiosity lasted a second, then he was back to business mode again, "Miss Sinclair. Contact me if you have any questions." He flashed one last smile before walking past her.
Aurora sighed, she looked at the card for a moment and put it in her back pocket, business will have to wait. For now, a lot of unpacking and settling in needed to be done.
After she went in to the house, Jaxon, who had just finished talking to another person, took a look at the spot where he talked to Aurora and smiled a little, "What an interesting lass." He murmured to himself and continued his walk in search of his next audience.
__
Somewhere in Dubai.
On a private beach, Selene stood knee-deep in the water that matched her eyes, her designer swimsuit hugging her curves as she posed for yet another picture. The camera shutter clicked, capturing her flawless beauty, but when she glanced back at the shaded lounge area, her smile faltered.
Damian sat comfortably under a white canopy, dressed in casual yet refined linen clothing, his dark hair was being blown gently by the ocean breeze. But instead of enjoying the moment with her, his sharp gray eyes were fixed on his phone screen, his deep voice firm as he spoke to someone on the other end. "No, I don't care about the delay. Push the meeting forward, and tell them I expect a finalized report by tomorrow."
Selene rolled her eyes, definitely not the honeymoon she was expecting. She got out of the water and strode towards him. The first thing she did was snatch his phone and end the call. After which, she groaned, "I don't like this. Can't you just enjoy the moment with me? You've been working since we arrived! We're on our honeymoon, not a business trip."
Damian sighed, "The sooner I finish that work, the better. Don't you think? You're dragging this out by taking my phone." He leaned closer to her and took back his phone. "And besides, it's not like it's my first honeymoon." He muttered with an unreadable flicker in his eyes.
Selene's face fell, her brows twisted in anger, "I cannot believe you just said that. Not your first honeymoon?"
Damian shrugged, "Yeah, I was previously married, remember? It's not that special when you do it a second time."
At this point, Selene's face was twisted in rage, "Well it's my first honeymoon, you jerk. Ugh!" She stormed off and headed for the villa.
Damian sat back down, finally some peace and quiet. He knew all it would take to get on her good side again would be some flowers and jewelry so he didn't bother going after her. As he continued his work, his mind involuntarily drifted off to Aurora and his hands froze, "I wonder where you are right now..." He thought aloud.
__
Aurora finally finished unpacking, then went around the house, writing down the things she needed to get; Groceries, toiletries and others. When she was done, she got on her laptop to place an order but something went wrong. When she included her card details she found out that it had been restricted!
