Chapter 29
Packing my things into my luggage, I paused when my gaze landed on my sweet girlfriend lying on her stomach, legs crossed, swaying in the air as she snuggled a pillow against her chest. A book lay open on the mattress before her.
I smiled and slid down onto the floor, sitting beside her. "What are you reading, hun?"
"Wuthering Heights by Emily Bront?," she said, turning the page. I hummed, shifting to lie on my stomach next to her—one arm draped lightly over her back, the other propping my chin.
I watched her read in silence. I could feel her gaze on me, but I didn't dare ask what she was thinking.
When she finally shut the book, she rolled onto her side, elbow propping her head, her knuckles cradling her cheek. "Are you done packing your things, hun? Didn't you say your flight is later tonight?"
I nodded. "Yeah, I just need to bring a few clothes. I can buy the rest if I need to." I glanced at her. "Are you sure you don't want to come? Mom would be thrilled to see you, Sloey." I tried to coax her.
She shook her head, smiling softly. "Didn't you say you wanted some mother-daughter bonding time? Besides," she sighed, "I'm trying to find another part-time job. I can't just let you spend money on me because we've been together for four years."
Clicking my tongue, I poked her nose. "Didn't we already agree on that? So... what's the matter if we spend my money for the two of us? What's mine is yours."
She shook her head firmly. "I don't want Auntie thinking I'm only with you for your money. And I want to save something for myself too... something that's mine, not yours, hun."
I groaned, burying my face in the mattress. "Does that mean you'll have less time for me? What about me? I need your time too!" I kicked my feet playfully against the mattress, like a child throwing a tantrum.
Sloane laughed, pinching my cheeks. "Come on now, you're so needy, Ro," she said, flustered, her eyes locking on mine. "I'll miss you, though. One month is too long, but call me whenever you can, okay?"
My breath hitched. "I'll miss you more, hun," I whispered, leaning in for a kiss. It was supposed to be quick, but I couldn't stop myself.
I cupped her cheeks, smiling against her lips as I pressed closer, straddling her on the mattress. Sloane's hands wrapped around my neck, pulling me in as if she didn't want to let go. My other hand traced the curve of her back, feeling her warmth beneath my palm.
"Maybe I shouldn't leave at all," I murmured against her lips, nuzzling her gently.
Sloane groaned softly, tugging at my hair. "You can't cancel that," she whispered, her voice catching as she leaned into me. "Besides, Auntie already knows you're coming."
Humming against her skin, I sucked and bit, leaving a mark. She groaned, tugging me closer. My hands reached for her shorts, sliding them down along with her panties.
"Ro," Sloane mumbled, making me glance at her as I unfasten my pants. "We're out of condoms," she said, face flustered.
I blinked, leaning in to kiss her lips. "Can we do it raw this time?"
"Well..." Sloane hesitated. "Just make sure you pull out if you're about to cum, okay?"
"No promises, Sloey," I teased, grinning. She punched my shoulder playfully. "Come on, don't worry. If we can make our own baby, we're getting married anyway after graduation."
She clicked her tongue and pulled me in, sharing another kiss. I slid out and stroked my shaft as we kissed, rubbing the tip against her clit before slowly easing inside her. Warm, slippery heat wraps around me the moment I enter.
A groan escaped her as she arched, her breath hitching. "T-that's deep, honey," she gasped, her core throbbing with each movement.
"Sensitive today, aren't we?" I teased, leaning in to claim her lips again while keeping my rhythm. Her legs coiled around my waist, pulling me deeper. "I'll miss being this close to you, Sloey," I whispered against her ear, my hands resting on her shoulders.
She shifted, straddling me, grinding against my length as her fingers combed through her hair.
"Don't you dare make out with another woman while you're away, Aurora—or else I'll slice this shaft off your body.
" Her glare sharpened, but her lips parted with a gasp as I held her waist, matching her grind with my thrusts.
"I wouldn't dare find another woman, hun. You know how much I love you," I grinned, watching her.
"You better," she warned, palms pressed to my abdomen, her grind frantic, her core pulsing against me.
She leaned down, burying her face in the crook of my neck, gasping. I wrapped my arms around her, matching every movement. "Don't stop," she whispered, ragged and trembling.
I hummed in response, planting kisses along her shoulder blade as I continued. Her body shivered against mine, her spot throbbing with every stroke. My shaft pulsed inside her, keeping pace with the rhythm she set.
"Sloey," I murmured, biting her shoulder as I pulled her closer. I can feel her trembling, warmth encasing me as she cums around me.
"Ro," she hissed, clutching my shoulders, still pressed against my neck. "You're... throbbing inside me..."
Groaning, I kept moving inside her, thrusting deeper, harder, until I could feel my own release spilling inside her, my shaft throbbing, my body trembling. I groan, pulling her close.
"Ro!" she hissed, sitting up. Her eyes blink rapidly as I look at her, still inside her. "Did you just... cum inside me?"
Realizing what I'd done, I looked down, swallowing hard. "What..." I whispered. Sloane chuckled, slowly sliding my shaft out.
"Oh shit!" I hissed, sitting back as she straddled me. "I'm so sorry—I forgot we weren't using condoms."
She sighed, smacking her forehead. "Ro, what if I get pregnant? What if... I mean, I'm ovulating," she stammered, flustered. "And... and considering your condition with your ovotestes..."
"Hey, hey," I cupped her face, smiling. "If I get you pregnant, what's the matter? Aren't we planning to settle down after graduation?"
"But what if you've changed? What if you don't love me once I'm pregnant?" Sloane sulked, burying her face in her hands.
"Come on, hun," I chuckled, gently prying her hands away. "Look at me, Sloey. I won't stop loving you. Okay? We'll get married after graduation—I don't care when. As long as it's you. I don't want anyone else."
Pouting, Sloane wrapped her arms around me, burying her face against my chest. "Don't forget about me while you're with Auntie, okay?" she mumbled.
I hummed, smiling as I pulled her closer. "How could I ever forget you when you're all I ever think about?" I teased, rubbing her back. "Be safe, okay? Keep me updated. I want to hear everything while we're apart, even across the distance."
That day, I left Sloane in our apartment since I was going to visit my mother.
She had driven me to the airport and back with my car.
When I touched down in Switzerland, my mother's staff met me and escorted me to the private suite where she stayed for her treatments.
Entering the suite, the faint hum and chime of the medical machines greeted me. The scent of disinfectant mingled with the warmth of the room. Walking down the hallway, I peeked into the doorway where her bed was.
"Lady Eléonore," one of the staff greeted, bowing. "Young Master Aurora is here." He stepped aside, setting my luggage in the corner.
I stood beside him, bowing slightly to my mother. "Mom," I greeted. The moment I lifted my eyes to hers, I froze.
Her body was too thin; I could trace the contours of her bones through her skin.
It looked as though her skin was glued to her frame.
I stepped forward cautiously, as if holding my breath.
She smiled weakly from behind the machines.
"Rory," she whispered, her hand waving me forward.
I dropped my duffel bag to the floor and walked over, enveloping her in a hug. "Mommy," I murmured, closing my eyes. "I'm sorry I didn't visit sooner."
She hummed, her fingers gently stroking my hair. "How's my baby?" she whispered, struggling slightly with the words.
I pulled back, looking at her, then at the staff member, who excused himself. I sighed and turned my attention back to her.
"You came alone?" she asked.
I nodded, faintly smiling. "I would have brought Sloane, but she said she's looking for a part-time job."
"How's... your trip?" she asked.
"Fine, I guess," I replied, settling on the couch near her bed. "I was able to get some rest on the plane." I glanced around the room—pristine, yet dull. "Did Papa stop by?" I asked.
My mother's frown softened into a small, sad smile. "You know your father and I divorced long ago... right?" Her voice was hoarse, but she managed a soft laugh, coughing lightly in the process.
"Still... he was your husband," I said with a shrug.
"Rory," she said softly. "The moment your father and I divorced, he had no responsibility toward me. Besides... he didn't even bother visiting while you were growing up."
Pressing my lips into a thin line, I stared at the tile floor. "Mom, would you mind if I married Sloane after graduating? I mean... you've known her for a long time, and we're happy together. I want to marry her."
She didn't respond. Silence wrapped around us, heavy and suffocating. When I finally looked up, I saw her expression—plain, unreadable. I swallowed a lump in my throat as we locked eyes.
"Rory," she said softly, "what do you think about marriage? Why do people marry?"
I sat up straighter, clasping my hands on my knees. "I..." I paused, glancing at her. "People marry because they love each other and want to build a future together," I answered.
A faint nod from her.
She looked at me, then slowly turned her gaze toward the wide glass window of her private suite.
"That would be easy if life were that simple, Rory," she said without looking back at me.
"As much as I want you to settle with Sloane. .. I can't let you."
Her disapproval made my chest tighten. Didn't she tell me she was happy to see Sloane caring for me? For the past four years, all I'd received from her was approval. So why... now?
"Mom," I started. "Sloane and I... we're happy. I want her to be my wife, and I want us to build a family together. I can't imagine life without her."
She turned to face me, her expression heavy with dread.
Her eyes—just like mine—pierced me, cold and unwavering.
"I'm thinking about your future, Aurora," she said firmly.
"I don't want you to end up like your mother, left alone in the end, believing love is enough.
.. because sometimes, love will never be enough. "
I stood, clenching my fists at my sides. "Mom, Sloane and I are happy together. We handle life's problems without issues. Besides, I'm grown up now."
"Of course, you're grown up," she agreed. "You've been groomed to grow up properly, as the sole heiress of DeLacroix Couture and Luxury House, Aurora. You've been prepared to handle life's challenges, to solve problems easily."
"Then why? Why can't you give me your approval to marry my girlfriend? You said Sloane's a good woman, that she treats me right! So why can't you bless us?!" I yelled, my face flushed with frustration.
My mother just looked at me, letting out a slow sigh before giving me a faint, controlled smile.
"You want my blessing?" she asked, tilting her head.
Even after being sick for so long, her aura hadn't wavered—she still carried that intimidating presence she always had.
"Fine," she continued, raising a finger before I could speak. "I'll give you my blessing... but only if you let my doctors perform the tests."
I stepped back, incredulous. "Mom! I told you, I'm not sick like you or like Grandma!" I protested. "This is way off topic!"
"I'm doing this for you, Rory," she said, her voice calm but unyielding. "I don't want anyone hurting my only child. If you want my blessing, you'll do as I say—and prove to me you don't carry the bloodline curse, the same one that's haunted me all these years."
?·???°???°???·?
To get my mother's approval to marry Sloane, I underwent several routine tests: blood work, physical exams—everything. No matter how much I insisted I was perfectly healthy, my mother's decision was firm: I had to take the tests.
I sat rigidly on the examination table, fingers clutching the edge of the crisp paper covering it. The faint hum of medical equipment and the soft shuffle of nurses outside did little to calm the tightening knot in my stomach.
The same physician who had cared for my mother during her treatments entered, file in hand. I straightened instinctively, meeting his gaze.
"Aurora," he began, his tone gentle yet serious. "You mentioned you've been feeling fatigued?"
I nodded. "Yes, doctor. But given my course load and sports, it's probably just stress. Plus, I just traveled from Oxford to Switzerland in the last few days—maybe jet lag." I shrugged, forcing a casual tone.
He nodded, flipping open the file he carried. "Well," he said, "I have the results from your routine tests. Blood work... bone marrow biopsy..." He paused, studying me. "I think it's time we discussed them openly."
My brow furrowed. "Doc, I told you—I'm fine. Mom's just paranoid."
He sighed, sitting across from me and placing the file on the counter. "Your results," he began carefully, "indicate acute leukemia." He paused again, gauging my reaction.
I blinked at him, scoffing. "Acute leukemia?" I pointed at myself, incredulous. "Me? Acute leukemia? No, Doc," I shook my head, my voice trembling. "How can I even have that curse when I feel perfectly fine?"
He rubbed his temple, his gaze steady. "The disease is currently controlled. That means we caught it early enough for treatment to be effective."
My chest tightened.
"You're not kidding, are you? Is this...
serious?" I tried to force calm into my voice, but panic roared inside me.
I haven't felt sick—no unusual symptoms, nothing—but here he is telling me I have acute leukemia, just like my mother and grandmother.
I wanted to shout, to deny it, to run—but I held myself back.
"This is serious, yes," he confirmed. "You have controlled acute leukemia. Consider yourself fortunate your mother insisted on these tests—we caught it at an early stage, when treatment has the best chance of success."
I clenched my fists. "Controlled... like Mother's?" My voice trembled, though I tried to steady it.
"Yes," he nodded.
"Much like your mother's first diagnosis.
The therapies are aggressive but manageable.
You'll need a regimen similar to hers—chemotherapy, close monitoring, and possibly a bone marrow transplant if needed.
But you're strong, Aurora. Resilient. You can face this. "
A knot formed in my throat. My gaze flicked to the window, as if I could escape the weight of his words by staring outside.
I'm sick? I'm dying? So soon? But... I have plans with Sloey... I want to marry her.
"How..." My voice cracked. "How serious is it?"
The doctor's gaze softened. "Acute leukemia isn't to be underestimated. But your prognosis is favorable because we caught it early. You'll have to commit fully to treatment, and there will be hard days. But you're not alone—you have support, and you have guidance."
I didn't respond. I just stared at my hands, trembling slightly.
I had dreamed of a happy life with Sloane, the woman I truly love. Why... why me? Why now?
"We'll start planning the treatment immediately, and I'll oversee everything personally," he continued. "Like your mother, I know you'll face this head-on."
I raised a hand, almost as if I were participating in a recitation. My eyes met his. "I... I need to think about this. I want to talk to my mother first, doc."
I stood, bowing slightly in respect before turning my back on him, not waiting for a response.
My mind was a whirlwind. I'm sick? No... no, this has to be a mistake. I'm not sick. I'm not going to die! I gritted my teeth and stormed back toward my mother's suite.
I opened the door and walked down the hallway, spotting her by the window. The Swiss Alps stretched beyond, glistening in white snow. Clearing my throat, I pulled a stool to her bedside and sat down.
She turned, her gaze settling on me. "So... how's the result?"
I parted my lips, but no words came. I closed them again, offering only a faint smile before shutting my eyes and letting out a heavy sigh. "Acute leukemia," I whispered.
When I opened my eyes, I caught my mother staring at me. Was it pity? Shock? I couldn't tell. "Oh dear..." she murmured, her voice barely audible.
"That must be a lie!" I protested, panic rising in my chest. "Look at me, Mom! Do I look sick? About to die? I'm healthy! I eat well, I sleep enough! How can I be... how can I have acute leukemia?"
She didn't answer. I shook my head, desperation tightening my chest. "I want another test! I'm not buying this! I don't have that sickness! I'm not cursed!" My voice cracked, and suddenly I felt warmth streak down my face.
I touched it and realized I was crying. Swallowing hard, I wiped my tears. "I'm not going to die! I'm going to marry Sloane! We're going to have children of our own!" I shouted, my voice breaking like a child's.
"Rory," my mother said firmly. "You can't be with Sloane in this condition."
"Why not?!" I snapped, rising from the stool. "I told you, Mom—I'm not sick!"
She closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath before opening them again. "Don't shout at me. Sit down," she commanded, her voice both stern and weary.
I wanted to protest, but a sharp throb in my chest made me catch my breath as I sank back onto the stool. "Mom, please... I want to be with Sloane."
"No."
I sniffled, wiping away my tears. "Why? Why me? Why can't I be with Sloane? Why can't you let me be happy?"
"I'm thinking about you, Aurora," my mother said softly. "You just said it yourself—you have acute leukemia." She gave a faint, almost sorrowful smile, then turned her gaze back to the snow-dusted Alps outside the window.
My jaw clenched, hatred curling in my chest. How could I be sick when I felt fine? How could I carry the curse of our bloodline when nothing felt wrong?
"Do you know why your father ran away from the two of us?" she asked. I didn't respond; I couldn't.
"Your father and I... we were together since high school. People called us a power couple, an ideal match." Her laugh was bitter, hollow, but she still wouldn't meet my eyes.
"Two years after I gave birth to you," she clicked her tongue, "my leukemia symptoms started. I thought it was just fatigue. Monaco didn't have the medical facilities I needed, so I went to BioSynthix in Switzerland for proper testing."
She turned toward me, her eyes sharp but weary.
"That's when I found out—I have the same illness your grandmother had.
Leukemia." She sighed, the weight in her chest palpable.
"I told your father, hoping he'd support me.
.. and he left. No words, no letters, nothing.
He ghosted me, knowing you were still just a child. "
"Why does this have to do with me and Sloane? My relationship with Sloane isn't like yours, Mom," I retorted, frustration rising like a storm in my chest.
"Maybe now," she shot back.
"I said Sloane is good for you, yes, but what would happen if she finds out you're sick.
.. and dying soon? Leukemia is a terminal illness, dear.
No matter what you do, it doesn't end well.
So, do you really think the same Sloane would want to stay with you once she knows? "
"That's not your decision to make. It's Sloane's," I said, my voice tight.
"But it is my decision to make as your mother," she said firmly, forcing me to meet her gaze.
"I don't want you to be left hurt, betrayed by the person you love most. I know you love Sloane, and she loves you—but how long can that love hold when you're facing this? "
I stayed silent. I couldn't argue with that, not yet.
"I thought the same way once, Rory. I loved your father. I trusted him to be there when I needed him most. But what happened?" Her voice broke, a cough catching her throat as she covered her mouth. "He left. Ghosted me. And in the end... it ruined me."
I opened my mouth to move closer, but she shook her head gently.
"I want you to understand one thing, Aurora," her voice muffled behind the tissue she pressed to her lips.
"Sloane might be there for a long time..
. she might stay at first. But what happens when she gets tired?
Do you want to see her struggle? Do you want to see her drained, stressed, taking care of you while watching her life slip away?
Once she faces that hardship, how can you be sure she'll stay? "
"But—" I started, my chest tight.
She shook her head, eyes locked on me.
"Aurora," she said, clearing her throat and tossing the tissue into the nearby bin.
A faint stain of blood clung to the corner of her mouth.
"Leave Sloane. Break up with her. End everything between you.
I want you to save yourself from being left behind when the time comes, and I want to spare Sloane the pain of watching you slowly decay. .. over time."
My lips trembled, vision blurring. I looked up, letting out a hollow laugh. "I love her," I admitted, my voice cracking. "Mom, I love her. I can't just leave her... just because I'm sick."
"Rory," she said, voice sharp yet weighted with sorrow, "if you truly love Sloane, you'll set her free.
Love isn't selfish. Let her enjoy her youth.
Let her find someone who can be with her for the long run.
You don't have to watch her suffer—and you don't have to watch yourself decay in the process.
I don't want you to be the one left behind. "
"While you still have time, end it with her," she added, her tone brooking no argument, leaving me no choice but to hear her words.
My mind drifted to Sloane—waiting for me in our apartment, smiling, patient, trusting. "Can't I just stay with her, please?" I pleaded, chest tightening. "I don't want to leave her."
"Dear," my mother sighed, voice soft but resolute, "just listen to me, okay? I know what's best for you. I don't want you facing the mess that's coming. At this stage, step back. Leave her. Try not to cross paths again."
Leaving Sloane—the one person who sees right through me, the one who makes life feel worth living—felt like tearing my heart out a million times.