Chapter 60
Tangled up on the couch, I snuggled my arms around Aurora's waist and buried my face against her chest while her focus stayed on the sketchpad resting on her knee. Her hand moved gracefully, tracing a line across the paper.
I yawned, blinking sleepily as I looked up at her. She glanced down at me and smiled, still humming that familiar tune. I smiled faintly when she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss on my forehead.
"Je ferai un domaine," Aurora murmured, her voice low and hushed as her pencil continued to move. I will create a kingdom. The words trembled softly between us.
She paused, glancing down at me as I lifted my gaze to meet hers. "Où l'amour sera roi," she continued, a faint smile ghosting over her lips. Where love will be king.
My breath hitched at the sight of her eyes—those silver eyes that made her look so composed, so untouchable to everyone else.
"Où l'amour sera loi," she whispered. Where love will be the law.
The wind tangled through my hair as we stayed curled up on the couch of our apartment balcony.
"Où tu seras reine..."Where you will be queen.
Her voice lowered even further, her breath brushing against the top of my head. "Ne me quitte pas." Don't leave me.
She kept repeating the last line, softer each time, as if the words were a plea rather than a lyric.
My eyes flew open when the blaring sound of my phone jolted me awake. I swallowed hard and reached for it on the nightstand, sliding my finger across the screen to answer.
"Margot?" I mumbled, shutting my eyes and covering them with my arm. "Hey... do you need something?"
"Hey, good morning," Margot said. "I was gonna ask if you're free today? Maybe we could hang out?"
A sigh escaped me as I lowered my arm and let it rest above my head, staring blankly at the ceiling. I was about to decline when I realized that maybe getting out of the house for a while wouldn't be such a bad idea.
"Actually... let's do that," I said, forcing a small laugh. "Let's go clubbing later tonight. Have a girls' night or something."
It had been days since Aurora and I last spoke. We hadn't settled anything after the fight, and even though I told her not to move her things out of the master bedroom, she did it anyway.
I mean, how much pride could she have? She could've just said sorry and that would've been enough—but no, she stood her ground, not even trying to approach me.
"Sloane? You still there?"
Margot's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I sighed and sat up on the bed.
"Sorry—what was that, Margot? You were saying something?" I asked, guilt creeping in as I realized I hadn't been listening.
A sigh came from the other end of the line. "I said, it's a shock that you're not bailing on me right now."
I let out a small laugh, exhaling softly. "Well, I realized you might start pouting if I kept bailing on you. And since I'm actually free today, let's see each other."
"Make sure you won't bail out last minute, alright?"
"I won't, ma'am," I teased with a chuckle. "Anyway, let's just meet after lunch. Send me a message where we'll be meeting."
"Alright, bye, Sloane. See you later!" Margot said before hanging up.
Taking a deep breath, I got out of bed and headed straight to the bathroom for a shower. Afterward, dressed in a fresh set of clothes, I walked toward the kitchen.
I made myself a cup of coffee and sat at the outdoor dining area, letting the morning breeze brush against my skin.
"Should I apologize?" I murmured to myself, staring into my cup. "But... I didn't even do anything wrong. She's the one who blamed me for something I never did."
Taking a sip, I sighed. "Maybe getting out of this house will help me process everything."
Once I finished, I rinsed my cup and started back toward the bedroom.
I was walking through the hallway when I nearly bumped into someone. My breath caught as I looked up—only to meet Aurora's eyes. I stepped aside to give her space, but she mirrored my movement.
We both blinked at each other. I shifted to the other side, and to my surprise, she did the same again. I stopped, staring at her silently. She cleared her throat, then stepped sideways, gesturing for me to pass.
I brushed past her without saying a word.
"Sol."
Her voice made me freeze mid-step. I stood there in the hallway, but I didn't look back. I was afraid that if I did, we'd only end up fighting again. And I was tired—tired of walking on eggshells around whatever she was thinking of me.
If she didn't want to ask, I wouldn't explain. Let her overthink, let her believe what she wanted. She already painted me as the unfaithful one.
"I'm heading out," she added quietly.
My brow lifted at her words, but I said nothing. I walked down the hallway to the master bedroom and closed the door behind me.
Leaning against it, I shut my eyes and let out a sharp exhale before pushing away and heading toward the foyer.
I had told her I'd act as her wife when it mattered, yet there I was—ignoring her after she deliberately told me she was going out.
A soft, disappointed laugh escaped me when I caught sight of her already in her car.
I stood by the foyer, watching as her vehicle pulled out of the driveway.
My gaze shifted to the nearby housekeeper. "Did your Ms. Aurora tell you where she was going?"
She nodded, smiling politely. "Ms. Aurora said she was visiting the Monaco Police Station, Madame."
I blinked, my brow lifting. My eyes darted to the now empty driveway. Was she going to see Monsieur Bianchi? "Alright. Thank you," I said quietly before turning back toward the bedroom.
Combing my hair through my fingers, I let out another sigh. If she found out today that I'd manipulated some of her embezzlement records, I was certain she'd be furious—truly furious this time.
My thoughts were interrupted when my phone chimed. Striding toward the nightstand, I picked it up and saw a message from Margot. I chuckled softly as I read it. "This woman, really," I murmured under my breath, setting the phone down before getting ready to go out.
It took me about an hour to prepare. Grabbing my handbag, I stepped out of the room and passed by the housekeeper. "If your Ms. Aurora looks for me, tell her I'll be staying out late," I said, not waiting for a reply as I walked out of the house.
The drive didn't take long. My car stopped right in front of the private yacht club. Stepping out, I scanned the area for any sign of Margot.
"Sloane!"
The familiar voice caught me off guard, followed by an unexpected hug that made me blink. I swallowed hard and glanced up—only to see an all-too-familiar face. Clearing my throat, I chuckled softly and playfully ruffled her hair.
"Margot," I greeted with a subtle nod. "Good to see you again."
"Well, look who actually decided to show up today," she teased, clicking her tongue before taking my hand and pulling me toward the yacht entrance.
I looked down at her hand holding mine, then back at her face.
Margot must have noticed my gaze because she paused, tilting her head with a smirk. "I'm not your wife," she said firmly. "I just look like her."
A small scoff escaped me as I rolled my eyes. "You may look like my wife, but you're not her, Margot," I said with a faint smile.
People often said Margot resembled Aurora—especially the younger version of her. But to me, no matter how uncanny the resemblance, she could never make me feel what Aurora once did.
"Great," she said with a grin, tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear. "Because I'd never dare hurt someone like you."
I let out a soft laugh, clicking my tongue. "Margot," I sighed, looking her in the eyes. "Don't get it twisted, okay? You're my friend, and I treat you like a younger sister. Nothing romantic is going on between us. Haven't I made myself clear about that?"
"Oh, I heard you loud and clear," Margot said, pulling me once again as one of the staff approached us. She talked to the staff for a moment before we were ushered toward a small private room.
We sat side by side on the couch, her hand still holding mine.
I looked at her hand on me, feeling nothing.
Clearing my throat, I pulled back and reached for the menu.
"I wanted to stay until it's late," I said, flipping through the pages—not really looking for something to eat, just trying to divert my attention.
I felt Margot glance at me but she didn't respond. She just turned to the server, listing down our orders. When the server left, she turned to me. "I just ordered your usual. I hope you don't mind," she said.
Pressing my lips into a thin line, I hummed, shaking my head. "I don't mind," I said, throwing my head back on the backrest, crossing my arms across my chest.
"Sloane, you look so stressed. Are you sure your wife's treating you just fine?"
Her question made me tilt my head, looking at her. "Why?"
"Because if not, I would be more than willing to take you away from her. I don't care about your plans for her, and all that," she shrugged, making me raise a brow.
My lips parted, ready to respond, but the server came in, holding two trays of food and drinks. He placed our orders on the table. Margot picked up a mozzarella pepperoni bite and took a small bite of it.
"You know what," she said, chewing gently, "I wish I'd been the one you met first—so you wouldn't have had to go through all that pain."
Margot's words made me laugh softly. I picked up my margarita and took a sip, crossing one leg over the other as I shifted in my seat, turning sideways to face her. I perched my elbow on the backrest and leaned my cheek against my palm.
"Oh, really?" I clicked my tongue, taking another sip of the margarita. I licked my lower lip and sighed. "You can't just say that, Margot."
"I've been offering myself to you, Sloane," Margot said, shifting in her seat as well, facing me as she rested one leg on the couch.
"I've been very vocal about what I feel for you, and I understand that you don't want anything between us aside from friendship.
But if your wife ever hurts you, I'll always be here—ready to catch you. "
My eyes darted to hers.
I had always been aware of what she felt, but I couldn't give it to her—simply because she wasn't Aurora.
I gave a faint smile and a subtle nod. I didn't want to give her false hope, because even if I did give her a chance, I doubted it would ever work. She was like a doppelg?nger of Aurora.
"Sloane," she called out, making me blink when I realized how close her face was to mine. I swallowed a lump in my throat as she leaned in even closer.
My face flushed, and I covered her lips with my free hand. "Margot, I'm married," I said, sitting up properly as I removed my hand from her mouth. "Don't make it awkward for the two of us, okay? You're not only a friend but also my business partner."
"Why don't we just start a relationship, Sloane?" Margot asked, as casually as if she were asking about the weather.
I turned sharply to face her, raising a brow. She only shrugged, looking at me. "I bet you don't love your wife, right? You said you were only marrying her because you wanted revenge. So why not start a real relationship with me?"
An amused laugh escaped me as I shook my head. "Sometimes, you're weird," I remarked, taking an awkward sip of my margarita.
"I'm serious," Margot insisted.
"Why not try dating me, even if you're married to her?
I mean, she only needs you for money, not for anything else.
She used you before, and now she's using you again for her own gain.
It's not really beneficial for you. So.. . want to try dating me?"
My gaze dropped to the glass in my hand, my thumb absently rubbing the stem. Margot wasn't entirely wrong. Aurora was the one benefiting from everything. Aside from losing everything if she initiated a divorce and I agreed, none of the terms were really in my favor.
But the thing Margot guessed wrong was that I hadn't married Aurora purely out of revenge. It was because of my daughter—and because, somewhere deep inside me, I still wanted to be with her, despite the revenge I thought I wanted.
"Try to give it some thought, Sloane," Margot added.
I didn't respond. I just focused on my drink. I needed the liquor to escape—not her words, trying to make me reconsider something I had already decided long ago.
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Letting out a deep sigh, I snuggled closer, wanting to feel the warmth even more. My hand reached out for something—then my body stiffened when something warm wrapped around me, pulling me closer.
I froze, my fingers brushing against what was beside me. My eyes flew open, and I gasped as a familiar scent enveloped me. Swallowing hard, I glanced up—only to see Aurora's face inches from mine. Her eyes were still closed, her arms wrapped securely around me.
"What... happened last night?" I whispered, my voice hoarse as I looked down at myself beneath the blanket. My clothes weren't the same ones I had worn when I met Margot.
Wait—I frowned, studying her face. How sure was I that this wasn't Margot?
I peeked beneath the blanket, then back at the woman beside me. Before I could process anything, a jolt of panic hit me and I shrieked, shoving her away. I must have pushed her too hard because she hit the corner of the nightstand with a dull thud.
"Shit," she groaned. That voice—my breath caught. It wasn't Margot. Thank God. But Ro?
My throat tightened as I saw her slump against the floor, one hand clutching the back of her head. "Fuck," she cursed under her breath.
My eyes widened when I noticed blood on her fingers. "Oh God—" I gasped, covering my mouth before scrambling off the bed and rushing toward her. "I'm so sorry!" I dropped to my knees, trying to check the wound.
"Did you just push me out of the bed?" she asked, letting out a soft, breathless chuckle.
"I didn't mean to," I protested, hovering near her. "I didn't know you were beside me—I just woke up and you were hugging me! It startled me." I stood quickly, grabbing the first aid kit from the console.
"You're the one who hugged me in your sleep last night," she shot back, her voice low but teasing.
"Shut up," I hissed, kneeling in front of her and pulling out some cotton balls. I pressed one gently against the back of her head.
Aurora stayed still, lowering her gaze. "Is it... huge? Or...?"
"It's not huge," I murmured, replacing the cotton with another one.
"But it's a little deep." I sighed, pressing harder to stop the bleeding, but the blood kept seeping through.
"Why does it take so long for something this small to stop bleeding? " I muttered under my breath.
Aurora's fingers brushed against mine as she took the cotton herself. "It'll stop eventually," she said softly, leaning her head back against the nightstand. "Though... I feel a little dizzy." She let out a quiet laugh, like there was something funny about this.
I bit the inside of my cheek, guilt rising in my chest. "Should I take you to a clinic? Or the ER?" I asked, glancing around, ready to grab my things—but she caught my hand.
She gave me a faint smile. "Calm down. I'm fine," she said, though she winced immediately after.
I swallowed hard, blinking rapidly to hold back tears. It was my fault she was like this. Aurora shut her eyes, breathing deeply as I stayed beside her, unable to look away.
Heaving a deep sigh, I shifted and sank down beside her, gently pulling her closer until her head rested against my chest. I wrapped an arm around her, keeping her steady as I tended to her wound.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, guilt thick in my throat. "I didn't mean to."
Come to think of it, how did I even end up sleeping beside her? Did I do something reckless last night? Did we... do something? No matter how hard I tried to remember, everything was a blur.
I reached for another cotton ball and pressed it gently against her head. The bleeding still hadn't stopped.
"Sol..." Aurora's voice made my breath catch.
"Hmm? What is it?" I tried to sound calm, but my heart was pounding too fast. I just hoped she couldn't feel how nervous I was.
"I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "For being so insensitive the last time we fought. I went overboard. I didn't think about how my words would hurt you. I was selfish. I let my anger speak instead of considering what you felt."
My lips pressed into a thin line as I blinked away the sting of tears. A quiet, humorless laugh escaped me. "You know apologies don't change anything, Aurora." I reached for the antiseptic swab and dabbed it gently against her wound.
Aurora's hand caught mine. Her grip was weak but certain. "I know," she whispered. "But you still deserve to hear them. You're my wife, Sol. I should have respected you—asked, listened—before letting anger decide what I thought of you."
I said nothing. I couldn't. I was afraid my voice would break if I spoke. Because even though I had wanted to hear her apology, it still hurt to finally receive it.
"Sol..." she called again, softer this time. "If you could... give me another chance... please."
My hand faltered midair. I swallowed hard and pulled her closer, letting her head rest more firmly against my chest. "Ro... if I give you another chance, do you really think we'll work out?"
Silence. No answer came. I frowned and looked down—only to notice her breathing had slowed, her head heavy against me, her fingers slack.
"Ro?" I whispered, shifting her slightly. When she didn't respond, I let out a faint, helpless laugh. "Well... maybe you didn't mean it," I murmured, easing her carefully onto the bed.
A quiet grunt escaped me as I carried her weight.
I laid her down gently and reached for the first aid kit again, peeling open a gauze pad to cover her wound.
Once it was secured, I tucked the blanket around her and brushed a thumb along her cheek.
Her skin was pale, but soft beneath my touch.
Leaning in, I pressed a light kiss to her lips—barely a whisper of contact—then another to her forehead. "I'm sorry," I breathed, the words trembling against her skin.
I gathered the used cotton and tossed it into the bin before placing the kit back on the console. My gaze lingered on her sleeping form, the steady rise and fall of her chest, the faint crease between her brows.
With a quiet sigh, I turned and headed to the bathroom to start my morning routine, though my heart stayed somewhere on that bed beside her.
When I finished, I stepped out of the bathroom wearing only a robe.
I walked toward the wardrobe and picked out my office attire for the day.
Standing before the full-length mirror, I smiled faintly at my reflection—fitted pencil skirt, silk blouse tucked neatly in, the image of composure.
I was about to put on some light makeup when my phone rang. I rushed toward the nightstand and slid my finger across the screen to answer. "Dione, sweetie," I greeted softly as I stepped out of the bedroom.
"Mommy!" Dione's cheerful voice rang through the line, instantly warming my chest. "I missed you, Mommy!"
"I missed you more, sweetie," I said, leaning against the wall. "How's it going? I hope you've been focusing on your studies."
She hummed, then spoke with excitement. "Yes, Mommy! I actually won another math contest—first place this time!"
My brows lifted, a grin tugging at my lips. "Wow, good job, sweetheart," I said proudly. "Mommy's really proud of you."
A faint voice came from Dione's side, followed by her giggles. "Mommy, I have to hang up now. My friend's waiting—we're going to the library."
I nodded to myself. "Alright, sweetie. Enjoy and take care. Mommy loves you."
"I love you too, Mommy! Bye!"
The call ended. I chuckled softly, staring at the phone's lit screen before locking it. Turning back toward the bedroom, I froze for a second when I saw Aurora awake, sitting at the edge of the bed. Her bare feet touched the floor, one hand resting against her head.
"You're awake," I said, closing the door behind me and walking toward her. She looked at me but didn't speak. I tilted her chin up gently, scanning her face. "Hmm," I hummed. "You look better now." A faint smile crossed my lips.
She blinked, confusion softening her expression. "What... happened?"
I shrugged, gesturing toward her head. "You passed out while I was tending to your wound." I gave her cheek a light pat. "So sorry about that. Really."
Stepping back, I sat at the vanity and began applying light makeup, fastening a pair of gold earrings.
"Were you... going somewhere?" she asked quietly.
I caught her reflection in the mirror as I spritzed perfume along my neck. "I have a meeting with a business partner. Expansion plans outside Europe." I stood and turned to face her. "Oh—and Mr. Silva asked if his investment in your company will still push through."
Aurora lowered her gaze. I shrugged. "If you don't want to, just say so. I'll handle the negotiation."
"I actually..." she sat up straighter, meeting my eyes. "I read the minutes Celeste gave me. The proposal too."
My brow arched, waiting for her to continue.
"I'm considering his investment," she said at last. "I could set a meeting with him."
A soft chuckle escaped me. "Uh-huh," I nodded, giving her a pointed look. "Considering you thought he was..." I tilted my head, one brow raised. "What exactly? My lover?"
Aurora froze, throat bobbing. "I... Sol..."
I let out a quiet laugh and waved a hand dismissively. "I'll let Silva know you're considering it." My smile was faint but firm as I turned toward the door. "I'm heading out."
The moment I opened it, a sharp gasp escaped me—the door slammed shut again, and I turned only to find her standing close, her breath brushing against my cheek.
"Sol," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly.
I blinked, pressing my back against the door. What the hell is she doing?
"About what I said earlier... about another chance—"
A sigh escaped me. "Oh, I know you were just playing with me. Don't worry, I'm not taking it seri—"
My words cut off when her lips met mine. My eyes widened as her trembling hands cupped my cheeks, pulling me closer. My breath hitched—half shock, half ache—as my palms met her shoulders, instinctively trying to push her away.
"Ro," I mumbled against her kisses, my heart pounding as I pushed her back just enough to break the kiss.
My breathing was ragged as I stared at her.
"Ro, wait—what the hell are you doing?" I managed to ask, my voice trembling with disbelief.
"If this is some twisted game, drop it."
I couldn't understand what she was trying to do. I didn't like her pulling this stunt, not when I knew that later, she'd accuse me of something else—again. My breath caught when she suddenly dropped to her knees, her trembling hands holding mine.
"Sol, please," she begged, her voice breaking. "Another chance. Let's start over. Let me make it up to you. If it doesn't work, I'll walk away. I'll sign the divorce papers. I'll give you everything."
My jaw clenched as I looked down at her kneeling before me, her words twisting a knife inside my chest. She spoke of giving us another chance, yet in the same breath, she offered to leave again—as if that was what I wanted.
"Can you stop this?" I said, my voice low but sharp. "We're not teenagers anymore. I don't have time for theatrics." I pulled my hand free and turned toward the door. "I need to go."
As I opened it, her voice caught me off guard.
"Sol, I love you."
The words froze me in place. A sharp pang pierced through my chest, forcing me to stand still. I turned slowly, my eyes narrowing as I met hers. "What did you just say?"
Aurora rose to her feet and walked toward me, her face flushed and desperate. "Sol... I love you. I always have."
My heart pounded wildly.
She loves me? I searched her eyes, looking for a trace of deceit—but what I saw there felt raw, real.
Still, a part of me refused to believe it.
My body stiffened, then relaxed just enough for me to muster a faint, cold smile—before my hand connected sharply with her cheek.
"Do you think this is funny, Ro?" I clicked my tongue, glaring at her. "You—casually saying that to me now? When twelve years ago, you admitted you only used me because I was good in bed?"
"Sol," she said softly, reaching for my hand. "Just tell me what I can do to make up for my mistakes. Tell me how I can make it up to you."
I laughed bitterly, pulling my hand away. "You want me to tell you how to make it up to me?" I said, nodding slowly as I blinked back the tears burning in my eyes. "Then stop pretending you love me. Don't make me hate you even more, Ro. I've had enough."
Turning my back to her, I clenched my fists, forcing my voice to stay steady. "If you'd only told me that before... maybe I would've treated you differently."
With that, I left without waiting for her response.