Chapter 57
Reaching the dance floor, we stood close to each other as laughter and the pulse of the music surrounded us. It felt like we were back in our Oxford years—after every exam week, we'd go out, have midnight walks, hit the clubs, or even take spontaneous trips abroad, just the two of us.
I swallowed a lump in my throat as I held her waist, swaying to the rhythm while she pulled me closer, as if the space between us would never be enough. I held my breath when I felt her warm breath brush against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.
"Sol," she whispered against my ear. I could feel her breath, her scent. I kept moving, our bodies in sync with the music.
My hands slid up to her shoulders as I traced the edge of her skin, my touch deliberately slow. "What is it?" I asked.
"Twelve years ago..." She straightened, her gaze locking with mine through the pulsing lights. I swallowed hard, waiting for her to continue. She had told me before the wedding that she wanted to explain our breakup—was this it?
"The truth is..." she began, taking a deep breath.
"Sol, the reason I broke up with you is because I'm d—"
Aurora's words cut off when I gasped sharply. Someone had pulled me away from her.
I looked up to see a man standing in front of me, his arms around me.
My brow arched, and I scoffed. Well, I wondered how Aurora would react to this.
So much for her explanation. That could wait.
I wanted to see how she'd handle it if she saw me in someone else's arms.
My hands slid up the man's shoulders and down his chest as I began to move with him. The music was too loud, the bass pounding against my ribs, and my head throbbed faintly with the sharp scent of his cologne—but I managed.
He pulled me closer, and I could feel the strength of his body. I swallowed hard when he leaned in, his lips dangerously close to mine. I glanced over my shoulder—Aurora was still standing there, frozen in place.
Can you see it now, Ro? I bet you didn't expect me to dance with someone else, did you? Because even back then, I never looked at anyone else. It was always you. But now... how will you handle this?
My hand rose to cup the man's cheek, my fingertips grazing his skin. I was about to step back when he suddenly closed the distance and pressed his lips to mine.
My eyes widened as I shoved him back, turning immediately to where Aurora had been. "Ro—" I started, but the word died in my throat. The dance floor was empty where she'd stood.
"What's wrong? Aren't we having fun?" the man asked, stepping toward me.
I raised a hand, stopping him. "No. Gotta go," I muttered, not even looking back as I hurried off the floor. I heard him call after me, but I didn't turn around.
When I reached our table, Aurora was nowhere in sight. A heavy sigh escaped me as I headed toward the washroom, waiting by the door as women came and went—but Aurora never appeared.
"Did she just leave?" I whispered to myself.
Leaving Subsix, I made my way toward the private villa. Halfway down the sandy path, I stopped. Aurora's heels lay abandoned on the ground.
A harsh sigh slipped from my lips as I crouched down and picked them up. "Did you get jealous, or what?" I muttered with a bitter laugh. Straightening, I walked toward the villa's private deck.
The moment I stepped onto the deck, I saw her standing against the railing, the sea breeze tugging at her hair. I set her heels down quietly on the floor before approaching her.
"You ran away, Ro," I teased, my voice soft but edged with challenge. I wanted to press her—just a little further.
Her movements were stiff, and I saw her holding a bottle of beer in one hand.
"You didn't have to—" she paused, her voice trembling, as if she were holding back every ounce of emotion.
But I wanted to break her. Tilting her head back, she stared at the dark sky. "Not like that, Sol."
My brow arched as I looked at her back, taking deliberate steps until I stood beside her. When our eyes met, I saw the glimmer of tears she refused to let fall.
Leaning closer, I brushed my fingertips along her earlobe. "Not like what?" I pressed. "Not like pressing against another man the way you used to press against me? Not like tasting freedom while you stood there and burned alive?"
Tell me, Aurora. If she could have just admitted she never wanted to see me with someone else, I would have dropped everything.
I would have been hers—completely, irrevocably.
If she could have just said she wanted me from the beginning, I would have stopped this madness.
But I wouldn't tell her that. I wanted her to realize it herself—that what she needed wasn't money, nor fame, but me.
Aurora took another gulp of her beer, but I snatched it from her and drank the rest in one breath. Turning my back, I placed the empty bottle on the lounge table.
A sharp gasp escaped me when she grabbed my arm, forcing me to face her. "Why?" Her voice cracked, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Why are you doing this, Sol?"
I tilted my head, smiling at her—slowly, cruelly.
"Because you deserve it, Ro." Stepping closer, my fingers brushed against her cheek.
"You left me. You ruined me. And now..." I caught her wrist, squeezing until she winced.
"...I'll ruin you. Slowly. Beautifully. So you'll never forget who you belong to. "
Aurora tried to pry her wrist free, but I held firm, my grip unyielding. Her composure faltered, yet she said nothing.
"You think I don't see it?
" I whispered, leaning close until only a breath separated our lips.
"The weight you've lost. The way you tremble.
Something's eating you alive, Ro—and you still won't tell me.
" My eyes drifted from hers to her lips.
"Stress, Ro? Fear that you might lose your empire no matter what?
" My lips brushed hers, barely a whisper of contact.
"Don't worry. I'll be here. I'll devour you whole until you beg me—until you decide you need only me. "
"Sol," she breathed, her voice trembling. Her eyes were rimmed red, tears threatening to fall as she cupped my cheek, her thumb tracing my skin. "You'll never forgive me, will you?"
I scoffed softly, my breath brushing her face.
"Forgive you?" Cupping her face, I pulled her close and pressed a kiss against her temple, letting my words bleed into her ear.
"No, darling. I'll love you. I'll ruin you.
And when you finally break..." My lips curved into a whisper of a smile.
"...I'll be the only one left to pick up your pieces. "
A smirk tugged at my lips as I released her, giving her a light shove backward. "This is my revenge, Aurora. Have a taste of it while it's still hot." My fingers traced the slope of her shoulders. "Your worst mistake was leaving me. You shouldn't have."
For a brief moment, regret flickered in her eyes. But it vanished—burned away by something defiant. Her expression hardened, her gaze steady, unflinching.
She stepped closer, forcing me back until I hit the edge of the table. Her hands came up, caging me in. "You want to see me beg?" she scoffed. "Then make me beg, Sloane. Make me kneel—if you even can."
The sound of my name on her lips made my pulse spike, my expression darken.
Before I could stop myself, I grabbed her collar and crushed my lips against hers, demanding her surrender.
My hands framed her face as I bit her lower lip—hard enough to taste the sharp tang of blood.
I sucked on it briefly before shoving her away, breathing hard, my chest rising and falling with every breath.
I wiped my lips harshly, laughing in her face, though my chest ached.
I wanted to cry—but who the hell was she for me to let myself break?
"Your lips tasted better when you didn't tell me you were only using me for sex.
" My voice cracked despite the bitterness.
I wiped my eyes before turning away and leaving her behind.
My hand trembled as I opened the door and slammed it shut, the sound echoing through the silence.
I leaned my back against it, sliding down to the floor as I hugged my knees to my chest. Burying my face against them, I let out a quiet, broken sniffle.
"It still hurts, Aurora," I whispered. "I can still feel the pain you caused me—even after all these years. "
I didn't know how long I stayed there before I forced myself to stand and take a quick bath. When I stepped out of the bathroom, wearing only my lingerie, Aurora still hadn't returned. I glanced around the room, then stepped out toward the living area—empty.
A sigh escaped me as I walked back to the bedroom and lay down sideways on the bed, shutting my eyes. "She's already grown up," I murmured to myself. "Why would I care for her?" Pulling the blanket over my shoulders, I forced myself to sleep.
When dawn came, the faint light filtering through the curtains woke me.
I turned to the other side of the bed, only to find it empty.
The mattress was still smooth, untouched.
Frowning, I rubbed my face with both hands before slipping on my robe and stepping out to the living room—still no sign of her.
"Where did she sleep?" I muttered, opening the door to the deck. My breath caught when I saw her slumped on a lounge chair, her face buried against the small table beside her. Empty beer bottles lay scattered across the deck.
My chest tightened as I walked toward her.
The sea breeze sent a chill through me, and I almost shivered.
"Is it really that hard for you to swallow your pride for once, Aurora?
" I whispered under my breath. With a quiet sigh, I slipped the robe off my shoulders and draped it over hers, tucking it carefully so she wouldn't get cold.
"Fine," I muttered, my voice soft but laced with exhaustion. "Be that way." Turning away from her, I headed back inside, letting the door close softly behind me.
?·???°???°???·?
Sitting at the edge of the bed, I glanced over my shoulder to see Aurora's back turned toward me, a pillow wedged between us like a quiet declaration of distance.
I let out a slow sigh before standing up.
It had been days since we returned to Monaco from the Maldives, and since then, not much had changed.
We coexisted like polite strangers—sharing the same space, the same bed, yet carefully avoiding each other's thoughts.
I went to the bathroom, washed my face, and brushed my teeth. When I stepped out, I tied my robe tightly around my waist and left the bedroom, heading straight for the kitchen. The housekeeper was already preparing to make breakfast.
"I'll cook today," I said, offering her a faint smile.
She blinked, then gave a small bow. "Is there something you'd like me to prepare, Madame?"
I shook my head. "No, it's fine. I'll take it from here."
Opening the refrigerator, I pulled out a few ingredients. Knowing Aurora, she never liked heavy breakfasts—pancakes and bacon were usually enough to satisfy her.
"Well," I murmured to myself, cracking an egg into a bowl, "maybe a peace offering wouldn't hurt."
I focused on the rhythm of cooking—the sizzle of butter, the soft hum escaping my lips as I flipped a pancake. When I turned to grab a plate, my heart nearly stopped.
"Holy fuck!" I gasped, clutching my chest. "What the hell are you doing—standing there like some ghost?"
Aurora stood a few meters away, her hair a tousled mess, half of it falling over her face. She didn't move for a moment, then tilted her head and brushed her hair aside before walking toward me.
"Sol," she said softly, "can we talk?"
I raised a brow, setting the spatula down with a sigh. "What is it? Don't you have to go into the office today?" I nodded toward the stove. "I made pancakes."
Aurora gave a faint smile and shook her head. "I figured I should tell you now. Since, technically, you're my wife."
Her words made my brows knit together. I didn't reply, waiting for her to continue.
"I'll be gone for a while," she said quietly. "A month, maybe."
I blinked, my chest tightening. "Gone? Where exactly are you going?"
"Switzerland," she replied. "An urgent business trip."
I bit the inside of my cheek and turned back to the stove, pretending to focus on the pancakes. "When did you find out?"
"A week ago. I know I should've told you sooner—"
"Safe trip," I cut in, forcing my voice to sound casual. I flipped the pancake one last time, staring at the golden surface. We'd been married for barely more than a week, and she was already leaving.
I pressed my lips together and nodded, hiding the sting of disappointment that settled deep in my chest. "Take care of yourself," I said quietly.
Aurora cleared her throat. "Can I ask you something?"
I glanced over my shoulder. "What is it?" I asked, pouring another batch of pancake batter onto the pan.
"Could you... look after the company while I'm gone? You're my wife—and the largest investor. I was hoping you could manage things until I get back."
I set the spatula down again, turning to face her, ready to snap back. But before I could say anything, she rushed to add, "If it's too much, it's fine. I just thought I'd ask."
A sigh escaped me, softening my expression. "Alright," I said quietly, turning back to the stove and flipping the pancake. "When's your flight? Do you need me to drive you?"
"This afternoon. And no, I'll manage."
My head whipped toward her. "This afternoon?"
She nodded. "Yeah. There's a private plane, and my luggage is already packed." Her voice faltered when she saw the glare I gave her, and her head dropped slightly.
She had known she was leaving for over a week—and now she was only telling me when she was about to board the damn plane?
"What's the trip really about?" I pressed. "Do you need more investors?" Part of me couldn't help but wonder if she was just trying to escape me.
"I'm planning to expand. Build another HQ in Switzerland. Geneva or Zurich, maybe."
I nodded slowly, lips twitching as I tried to hide the disappointment curling in my chest. But it was her company, after all. "Alright," I said, plating the pancakes and turning off the stove. "Let's eat."
Aurora helped me carry the food to the dining table. I placed my plate on the chair across from hers and sat down.
My eyes drifted to my tablet, where I had left off reviewing documents for the upcoming financial review at my company. I sliced a piece of pancake and took a bite, chewing slowly while scrolling through the screen.
"Sol," Aurora called softly. I looked up at her. "About—"
Her voice was cut off by a call flashing across my tablet. I raised a finger. "Hold on," I muttered, slipping in my earbuds and answering the call. I walked toward the glass panel overlooking the sea.
"Margot," I greeted quietly. "Something you need?"
"Just checking up on you." Margot's voice came through the other line. "I'll be in Monaco for a while. Can we meet today?"
I blinked at my reflection in the glass, then glanced over my shoulder. Aurora was still eating her pancakes, her expression unreadable. I exhaled softly and turned my gaze back to the horizon.
"I can make time for you," I said. "How does this afternoon sound?"
"Can't we meet before lunch? You know, have lunch together and catch up? It's been a while," Margot insisted.
I laughed softly at her words. "No, I'm afraid not," I said firmly. "My wife's with me until lunch, so afternoon would be the only option for us to meet."
A groan echoed from the other end of the line. "You're really putting up your act—like you love your wife and all that." She clicked her tongue in irritation.
I only hummed in response. "Send me the details of when and where we're meeting. I'll see you there, alright? I'm hanging up now." I ended the call before she could reply.
When I turned back to the table, Aurora was already standing, her plate in hand. "Done already?" I asked, setting my tablet down.
She nodded. "Hmm. Thank you for the breakfast, Sol."
"What were you going to say earlier?" I asked, sitting down again. I remembered she had been about to speak before the call interrupted us. "Before the call?" I sliced into my pancake and took another bite.
"Nothing important," she murmured, shaking her head before excusing herself.
I swallowed the lump forming in my throat, my eyes following her until she disappeared into the kitchen doorway. A sigh slipped out. She had barely touched her food.
I forced myself to finish my breakfast, then began clearing the table.
One of the housekeepers came over to help, and I simply nodded in thanks before heading to the bedroom.
Closing the door behind me, I sat on the edge of the bed, listening to the faint sound of the shower running.
After a while, Aurora emerged, wrapped in a robe, a towel draped over her shoulder as she dried her hair. Our eyes met, and she froze.
"Sol..." her voice cracked slightly, and I almost scoffed.
I stood, walking toward her, brows furrowed. "Something you need?" Aurora asked, her throat bobbing as she swallowed.
Pressing my lips into a thin line, I shook my head. "I'll be meeting with a business partner later—the one I was talking to earlier."
She tilted her head and gave a faint smile, though I could see the flicker of disappointment in her eyes. "Oh," she chuckled softly. "That's fine. Don't worry about me."
"I'll wait for you to leave for the airport before I go," I clarified. I wasn't about to leave her right before her flight—what kind of wife would that make me?
She looked at me, confused. "Why?"
I shrugged, my lips twitching. "Because I'm your wife. Isn't that what a wife should do?"
Aurora let out a laugh—a hollow one, without an ounce of amusement. "You're my wife because you wanted revenge, Sol."
Her words made me sigh.
"I know," I admitted, walking toward her wardrobe and pulling out a shirt for her.
"But legally, we're married. Binding in every way.
I'll act like your wife when it matters.
So let's not argue over how I play the part, alright? " I handed her the shirt.
Her gaze lingered on it for a moment before she took it. A faint smile touched her lips. "Yeah," she mumbled, her voice low.
"Hurry up, or you'll miss your flight," I said as I moved toward the door.
"Anything you want me to bring back?" she asked behind me.
My hand paused on the knob. I looked over my shoulder, smiling faintly. "Just come home safe," I said softly. "It'd be sad if something happened before I even got to enjoy my revenge." With that, I opened the door and left her behind.
I headed to my study and picked up my laptop. Leaving the room, I settled in the living area and began reviewing the company's investment documents and financial reports. My focus was buried so deep in the numbers that I didn't even notice how much time had passed.
A faint movement caught my attention. When I looked up, I saw Aurora standing there, wearing the clothes I'd chosen for her.
"Leaving already?" I asked, setting my laptop aside on the couch as I stood.
"Uh-huh," she said, a duffel bag slung over her shoulder.
I walked with her toward the foyer. From there, I could see the driver loading her luggage into the car, while Celeste—Aurora's secretary—waited by the passenger side.
When we reached the porch, Aurora turned to me with a small smile. "I'll be gone for a while. Stay safe."
She was about to step out, but I caught her wrist and pulled her back. Her lips parted, ready to speak, but before she could, I cupped her face and kissed her. When I pulled away, I laughed softly at the sight of her flustered expression.
"Just an act," I whispered, my thumb brushing across her cheek. "Make sure you come back, Ro. Otherwise, I'll ruin the empire your family's been protecting for generations."
Aurora only smiled. "You don't have to remind me. But don't miss me too much, okay?"
I chuckled lightly, resting my hands on her shoulders. "I'll miss not having someone to take revenge on. That's just sad." I leaned in and kissed both her cheeks. A sigh slipped out. "No matter how much I hate you, I still hope you stay safe."
"Thanks, Sol," she murmured.
I let her go and watched as she walked to the car. Leaning against the porch post, I followed her every movement. Somehow, the thought of her being gone for a month made the house feel emptier already.
When she turned to look at me, a silly impulse crossed my mind. I raised my hand and called out, "Take care, love. I love you!" I smiled brightly, exaggerating the gesture like a devoted wife performing for an audience.
The reaction was priceless—Celeste and the driver both blushed at my words. Aurora, though, just stood there, watching me. I knew she understood it was all part of the act. Still... what if it wasn't?
Her lips moved slightly as if she wanted to say something, but she didn't. Instead, she smiled and waved back before slipping into the car.
I stayed there, leaning against the post, watching until the car disappeared down the drive. When it was gone, I straightened and stepped back inside the house.
The silence that followed felt heavier than I expected. "Surely, I'll miss your presence here," I whispered to myself, laughing bitterly at my own words.