Chapter 66
Turning to face Aurora, I took a step back as she kept stepping forward. She smiled at me, her hands tucked into her pants pockets, while mine were buried inside my overcoat.
We stayed like that—me walking backward, her moving forward—until I paused near the edge of the river, where punts floated lazily across the water.
"Want to ride one, Sloey?" Aurora's voice pulled my gaze back to her.
"Do you want to?" I asked in return.
She only shrugged, then walked up to me and pulled me into her coat. I couldn't help but laugh softly as I wrapped my arms around her. She sighed, tugging my head closer and pressing light, lingering kisses on the top of my head.
"How could I ever stay away from you for so long?" she murmured, her tone more like a question for herself than for me.
"I want to stay like this with you," she whispered again, kissing my temple before taking a sharp breath and snuggling me closer. Her warm breath tickled my skin, and I laughed quietly.
"Ro," I murmured, hugging her tighter. "You really love displaying affection in public," I teased, patting her back lightly.
She groaned, pulling away just enough to sigh helplessly. "Maybe it's best if we go back to the hotel and just snuggle all day?" she said with a grin.
"You're unbelievable," I clicked my tongue, though a smile tugged at my lips. Standing beside her, I took her hand as we continued walking toward the punt rental. My gaze, however, drifted toward a woman nearby, cradling her baby.
My steps faltered. My free hand moved instinctively to my stomach. That familiar ache of being a parent washed over me, bittersweet and heavy.
"Why are you staring at the mother?" Aurora's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
I blinked and let out a soft scoff before glancing back at the woman. Then I hooked my arm through Aurora's, pulling her closer as we walked again. "I wasn't looking at her," I said lightly. "I was looking at the baby. It's cute—didn't you see it?"
A smile lingered on my lips as I remembered how tiny and beautiful Dione had been when she was born.
Now she was growing into such a bright, bubbly young girl.
I wondered how Aurora would react when she found out.
I couldn't wait to see her face when I revealed Dione on our anniversary.
"Are you pregnant, Sol?" Aurora suddenly asked, making me freeze.
I looked at her, a small chuckle escaping. "I'm... not."
How many times had we even done it? Just during the honeymoon. After that, nothing happened between us again.
"Oh." Aurora clicked her tongue. "So, no honeymoon baby? That's disappointing," she teased, flashing that familiar mischievous grin. "Should we try again later?"
My face flushed hot, and I smacked her arm, laughing despite myself. "Quit it," I groaned, rolling my eyes. "Besides, you're injured. Focus on healing your arm first before anything else."
She chuckled, exhaling softly. "If you change your mind, just know I'm all in, okay?"
My lips twitched, and I shook my head. Knowing her—her appetite, her confidence—I doubted I'd even last two rounds if I gave in to her again.
I didn't bother replying. Instead, I grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the punt rental, where we chose one with a guide.
We settled beside each other, enjoying the scenic view of the river. It had been so long. Aurora didn't say a word, but when I looked at her, she was smiling like a child who had finally been let outside after being cooped up for ages.
Ah, she's cute, I thought, remembering how she'd always react with such innocent wonder at anything she found beautiful or worth remembering.
Tilting my head, I glanced at the water, then back at her.
Grinning to myself, I scooped up a handful of water and flicked it toward her face. She jolted in surprise.
"Oh, so you want a water fight?" she said with a grin, scooping water and splashing it across my face. "Take this! And this!"
I shielded myself, laughing as I tried to flick water back at her. After a few playful exchanges, we stopped, breathless and smiling. The laughter faded into quiet contentment, the cool breeze brushing against our skin.
"The last time we were here was decades ago," I said, resting my elbow on her thigh as I looked out over the river. "Was it our third anniversary, Ro?"
"Mm-hmm," she hummed, nodding as she took my hand and played with my fingers. "It was. It's been so long." Her gaze lingered on the wedding ring on my finger.
I swallowed hard, my eyes finding hers. "Where did you go after the breakup, anyway?" I asked. I'd searched for her everywhere in Oxford, but none of our friends knew where she'd gone after graduation. She had disappeared after the day we broke up.
She gave me a faint smile before looking away, as if avoiding my eyes. "Central Saint Martins," she said quietly. "I took a fashion design program there... and focused on other things."
I hummed in response. No wonder I hadn't seen her after that day. I'd tried to tell her I was pregnant, but she had erased me from her life—blocked me on everything, cut me off completely, as if our years together meant nothing.
Glancing up at the sky, I squinted to see more clearly, letting out a faint smile.
"How about you?" Aurora asked after a moment, her voice soft.
"I went to INSEAD," I said with a small laugh.
"You know, the business school for the world.
I wasn't exactly part of the elite—I only had this.
" I tapped my temple lightly. "But luckily, there was a scholarship and a sponsorship that helped me continue my studies. I also took a few side jobs."
I exhaled, remembering those exhausting years—surviving on scholarship stipends, part-time work, and the little I could save—while carrying a child on my own.
Aurora looked at me with a mix of guilt and pain in her eyes. "It must have been hard... juggling everything by yourself."
It was.
I only nodded, tilting my head. "At first, yeah," I admitted.
Especially being pregnant, craving food I couldn't afford while trying to stay at the top of my class to keep my scholarship.
"But I got used to it. You know what's funny?
Someone offered me an apartment near INSEAD.
At first, I was hesitant, but you know how shameless I can be when it comes to studying. " I laughed softly, shrugging.
I remembered that cheap little apartment—far from campus but close enough by bus. Sometimes I biked when money was tight, but as my belly grew, I stopped risking it.
Aurora smiled faintly as she toyed with my fingers again. I watched her, my own lips curving into a knowing smile. "Weren't you the one who paid for that apartment?" I asked, making her stiffen.
Her hands froze. She sat up straighter, meeting my gaze. Her throat bobbed as she swallowed.
"Didn't think I'd find out?
" I teased gently, still smiling. "I saw you once—talking to the apartment owner.
After that, I pressed him for the truth.
" I chuckled, shaking my head. "He admitted it but told me not to confront you because he knew you'd get mad.
So... I let it go. Besides, I needed somewhere to live.
I just thought maybe you were feeling guilty—that's why you helped your poor ex. " I laughed softly.
But back then, every time I saw her, I wanted to run to her—to hug her tight and tell her I was pregnant. I held myself back because what was the point? She had already cut me off. And I didn't want to cause problems with the landlord, so I stayed quiet.
"It wasn't a donation," she murmured. "I just... wanted to lighten your burden."
I looked at her, smiling softly before standing up from the punt. The guide reached out a hand, helping me onto the grass. Aurora followed, accepting his hand as she stepped out beside me.
As Aurora stepped out, I wrapped my arm around hers once again and pulled her toward the nearby mall.
"It's funny—you were the one who broke up with me, yet you helped cover my apartment bills.
Back then, I thought maybe you wanted to win me back.
.. but twelve years passed, and nothing. "
I had even tried to reach out to her mother, who was staying in Switzerland.
I told her I was pregnant with Aurora's child, but I never heard back.
Aurora didn't even bother to show up. Maybe she expected me to get an abortion since I was poor? But none of it made sense, so why...?
"I just... couldn't bring myself to face you." Her voice was low, guilty, full of regret.
I nodded. "That's why, even after living in Monaco for eight years and building my company there, we never ran into each other." I laughed softly, shaking my head.
I had been trying to reach out for eight long years, hoping to meet her in person, but maybe destiny didn't want our paths to cross again.
Monaco was such a small place, yet not once in those years did we meet or even glimpse each other.
Sure, we were invited to the same galas, but I rarely saw her attend—there was always a representative from her side instead.
Aurora pulled me closer, resting her arm around my waist. "I'd been busy with business. Flying from Monaco to everywhere."
"No wonder," I muttered with a shrug.
I stopped right in front of a store and smiled as I glanced up at her. Aurora blinked, then looked at the store, then back at me. I didn't let her react; I just pulled her inside—a baby lounge.
Soft music played in the background, mingling with the gentle coos of babies and the quiet whispers of mothers. The air smelled faintly of lavender—soothing, sweet, and nostalgic.
I turned to face her, grinning. "I think you need to see this, Ro," I said, pulling her toward one of the nearby shelves.
Back then, I had been alone buying things for Dione, running errands, and preparing everything she needed.
My fingers brushed over a silk baby romper just as Aurora joined me.
She looked so innocent, checking the size of the baby socks against her palm like she could measure them that way.
I pulled out a pair of baby socks, smiling to myself. Twelve years ago, I'd been so torn about what kind of fabric to buy for Dione's clothes. I had done extensive research just to make sure she wouldn't get rashes.
"Sloey," Aurora's soft voice made me look at her. She smiled and tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "Do you want to build a nursery back at our home? I know we're not expecting anytime soon... but maybe we could design one of the rooms now."
My body froze. She was right—we weren't expecting—but our child was already a tween, though she didn't know that yet. I looked at her, trying to see whether she was being playful or serious. "Are you sure?"
She nodded eagerly, smiling. "I mean... we could prepare in advance, right? So if we conceive—or maybe adopt—whenever we're ready, there will already be a room for our future baby."
I didn't respond right away, trying to process her words. She must have taken my silence as rejection. "I mean... I'm not forcing you—"
"Let's do it, then." I nodded, agreeing to her idea. I had never had the chance to make a nursery before; all I could do was buy what Dione needed. No fancy room, just a quality crib, clothes, and formula—everything essential.
I smiled at Aurora, nudging her. "But only if you promise not to turn it into a fashion runway for the baby," I teased, knowing her all too well.
She laughed, leaning in to kiss my temple. "No promises. I might already be imagining tiny outfits for our little heir."
I rolled my eyes, though I smiled at her words. Maybe she wouldn't hate me when she found out I'd hidden our child from her for twelve long years. "You're impossible, but I like it," I said, wrapping my arm around hers.
Maybe, when the time was right, we could conceive another baby.
Dione had been an only child for so long—it would be nice for her to have a sibling.
I looked up at Aurora, smiling. "Come to think of it, have you thought about a possible baby name? You know, if we ever conceive?"
She looked down at me. "I haven't thought of any, Sloey. But... who knows? Maybe when it happens, I'll tell you what I'm thinking for the name." She leaned closer to my ear, her tone playful. "I must say, we should really try making one tonight. Who knows, right?"
I nudged her abdomen playfully, making her groan and laugh at the same time. My face heated at the thought of being intimate with her tonight. Maybe... it wasn't such a bad idea after all.
?·???°???°???·?
As I lay in bed, I stared at the ceiling, letting out a deep sigh and shifting sideways, trying to find a comfortable position—but sleep wouldn't come. Giving up, I sat up, picked up my phone from the nightstand, and unlocked it.
Still up? Can't sleep.I typed the message and sent it to Aurora.
Grabbing my robe, I slipped out of my room and went straight to hers. I knocked on the door, waiting for her to answer.
"Want to sleep here?" she greeted when she opened the door, stepping aside to let me in.
I raised a brow, squinting at her as she closed the door behind me. "Why does that sound like you're not planning to let me sleep at all?"
Aurora laughed, draping her arm around my shoulders and pulling me closer as we walked toward the couch. We sat down side by side, her arm still on my shoulders.
"Why? Do you want us to do something other than sleep?" she asked, wiggling her brows playfully. I couldn't help but scoff.
I rested my head against her shoulder, letting out another sigh. "How's your arm? Still hurting?" I asked after a while.
She shifted beside me and hummed, nodding as she wrapped her arms around me. "Not too much. Maybe the painkillers are working, but it still throbs a bit."
Sitting up straighter, I turned to face her. "Remember what I told you?" I pointed at her arm. "Take a full week of rest, okay? Don't overwork yourself."
Today was our last day in Oxford, and we'd be traveling back to Monaco tomorrow. I noticed Aurora staring at me, silent.
My brow furrowed as I crossed my arms. "Aurora, are you even listening?"
"I am," she said, her eyes locked on mine.
I swallowed hard, feeling my face heat under her intense gaze. I looked away. "Then why are you looking at me... like that?"
She reached out, and I couldn't help but look at her. Her thumb brushed against my skin. Slowly, she leaned in, closing the space between us. I closed my eyes, feeling her warmth.
My hands reached out to cup her face, responding to her kiss.
I could hear the soft smooches of our lips, our breathing ragged.
Aurora pulled me even closer, arching my back as we deepened the kiss.
When we pulled back, our lips parted, and we giggled like teenagers having their first kiss.
Despite our chests rising and falling, we leaned in again, wanting to close the space between us—but my phone suddenly rang. I pressed my palm against Aurora's lips, stopping her.
I pulled out my phone and checked the screen. It was Margot. Great timing, I groaned.
"Let me just take this call," I muttered, standing up and walking into her bedroom as I answered.
"Hey, Margot?" I greeted.
"Sloane? You finally answered!" she exclaimed.
I let out a sigh, rubbing my temple. "Well, yeah, I just got back at the hotel. I've been out this morning, that's why I couldn't answer your calls."
"Hotel?" she echoed. "Why are you staying at a hotel? Don't tell me your wife threw you out. What hotel are you at? I'll come pick you up."
A laugh escaped me, and I clicked my tongue. "Margot, calm down. I'm in Oxford, with my wife, obviously."
"Oh," she mumbled. "Oh... right. That's why," she laughed, though it sounded a bit off. "You're with your wife today? In Oxford? Like... a date?"
I hummed and nodded. "Yeah... something like that." I pursed my lips. "Actually... I decided to give Aurora and me another chance."
"You what?!" she exclaimed on the other line, and I had to move the phone away from my ear.
A groan escaped me as I chuckled, pressing my phone back to my ear.
"Calm down, will you?" I glanced toward the doorway—Aurora was still sitting on the couch.
"Something happened back here that made me realize I couldn't live with so much hatred.
Besides... Aurora and I are legally married.
Registered. It's best for us to start over and give each other another chance while we're at it. "
Margot laughed on the other line. "Wow. That's... rich, coming from you, someone who's been trying to build up hate for twelve years, huh?"
I pressed my lips into a thin line and hummed. She wasn't wrong. "You're on point there, Margot. But this is my marriage. It's my choice to decide what's best for me and Aurora."
My eyes darted back to Aurora's figure, and I faintly smiled.
"Besides... I've never felt anything like this again, Margot.
I think I'm making the right decision." My gaze lingered on Aurora's back.
"Anyway, I need to go. Just send me whatever you want to say, okay?
Bye!" I rushed to end the call, not wanting Aurora to wait.
I stepped out of her room and stood beside the couch.
"Done with the call?" she asked, resting her head against the backrest.
I nodded. "One of my business partners. Anyway... I should let you rest."
Aurora stood, blinking at me like she couldn't believe I was leaving her alone in the room. "You're not sleeping here?"
I arched a brow, laughing softly. "It's not like we won't see each other tomorrow... or every day back home." I shrugged, turning toward the door.
"Don't oversleep, okay?" I teased, feeling her follow me. "I'm not waking you if you don't get up on time." I turned to face her.
She stepped closer. "Can't you just stay? Please?" Her knuckles grazed my skin as she pressed a kiss to my forehead.
I let out a soft laugh, slipping my phone into the pocket of my robe. I reached out, wrapping my arms around her neck. Aurora's hands slid to my waist. We stood there, looking at each other.
"I love you," I let the words slip out.
Aurora tried to suppress a smile, but failed. Her face flushed red, making me giggle. I tiptoed to press a kiss to her lips. Just as I was about to pull back, she tugged me closer, making me stumble against the door.
"Ro," I murmured, tugging her hair as I pulled her in, deepening the kiss.
Aurora's hands slid to my head, pulling me closer as she guided me toward the bedroom, our lips still locked. My hand slid inside her shirt, grazing her abdomen, eliciting a soft groan from her between kisses.
As we entered the bedroom, she pushed me gently toward the vanity, and I leaned on the edge, her hands cupping my face, deepening the kiss.
"Sol," she rasped, her lips trailing to my ear, pressing ticklish kisses along my earlobe. I gasped, tugging at her shirt and tossing it to the floor.
We stood so close, eyes locked.
I swallowed hard as she began to untie my robe, letting it slip from my shoulders until it pooled at my feet.
The way her knuckles brushed my bare skin sent shivers down my spine—not from fear, but because she was deliberately careful, as if I might break under careless touch.
"God... you're divine, Sol," she breathed.
I let out a soft laugh, threading my fingers through her hair as I gazed at her lips. "And you're still a smooth talker, hmm?"
She leaned in slowly.
"Only with you," she murmured before we sealed another kiss—deeper, hungrier, desperate for heat.
The smooches, ragged breaths, and gasps filled the room.
My hands roamed from her shoulders down to her abdomen, then to the waistband of her sweatpants.
I slipped one hand inside her underwear, stroking her already hard shaft. She growled as I let my lips trail to her neck, and she leaned forward, her uninjured hand bracing against the vanity for support.
"Sloey," she whispered, needy, as I kept stroking her length.
"What's wrong?" I teased, shifting her to lean fully on the vanity. "Already weak from just a few strokes, Ro?" I licked her lips before trailing down her chest and stomach, tugging down her sweatpants and underwear as I knelt between her thighs.
Holding her shaft, I ran my tongue along it while stroking her. I could feel it throbbing as I took her into my mouth, thick and hard. I almost gagged trying to take it deeper.
Pulling back, I rasped, then went back to sucking her, bobbing my head, my tongue teasing her tip. Her growl was suppressed, but I could hear the strain breaking through.
Glancing up, I saw her tilting her head back, one arm pressed against her face while the other held herself on the vanity. I groaned as she began thrusting into my mouth, lost in the sensation.
"Damn it, Sol," she hissed, ragged and breathless, tugging my hair as she thrust harder. She groaned again and pulled me back. "Stand up," she ordered, looking down at me.
Lips parted, chest heaving, I slowly rose to my feet. Barely steady, she suddenly pulled me in, pressing her lips to mine. Her bite on my lower lip earned a sharp gasp, and she shifted us harshly against the vanity.
Aurora leaned me back, my arms wrapping around her neck. She pulled back from the kiss, and, as if pressed for time, tugged my panties down. I stepped out and kicked them aside.
She smirked before leaning in, her warm breath brushing my ear. "Thought you wanted me to focus on healing my arm first?" she whispered, licking my earlobe. I arched my back and giggled in response.
Rubbing my arms along her shoulders, I looked at her. "Just tell me if you can't keep up tonight, Ro. I can take care of myself back in my room."
She let out a frustrated growl, biting my shoulder. "Who says you're allowed to touch yourself without me?" she asked, eyes locked on mine. She sucked two of her fingers, spat on her palm, then slid them along my core.
I couldn't stop a moan from escaping as I buried my face against her chest, feeling her fingers circle my clit.
"Ro," my breath hitched, clinging to her arm. "Please... stop teasing me," I pleaded, the heat inside me building unbearably. I wanted her, completely.
Aurora pushed me gently, turning me to face the vanity mirror. "Bend over for me, Sloey. I'll take you from behind."
I swallowed hard but obeyed, bending over. I felt her thigh part mine slightly as she slowly slid inside. I gasped, covering my mouth to suppress it, but she pushed my lingerie to my waist and began to thrust—hard, deep, deliberate.
Another gasp escaped me as I bit my lower lip. Her every movement filled me, her shaft stretching me, pressing deep. "Every sound you make belongs to me, Sol. Don't hold them back," she teased, quickening her pace.
I groaned, clutching the edge of the vanity for support. "Fuck you, Aurora—" I gasped. "You're going to break me with the way you're thrusting!" I moaned, gasping with every hard push.
The thickness of her shaft wrapped inside me completely. She giggled, leaning closer, her hand cupping my cheek as she thrust deeper. My gaze met hers in the mirror, lips parted, moans escaping uncontrollably.
"Spread those pretty thighs for me, sweetheart. Let me remind you how much I've missed you."
I glared at her reflection as she deepened her thrust, aiming for something inside me. I couldn't hold back a sharp moan, hands clutching the vanity. "Damn it, Ro!" I gritted my teeth. "I can feel you... so deep."
She wrapped an arm around my waist, steadying me as my legs wobbled. "Look at you, squirming, shaking... all for me," she teased, and I groaned in response.
Aurora stood, still holding my waist as she kept thrusting. I leaned on her shoulder, moving with her rhythm, breasts bouncing with each motion.
I tugged on her hair, gasping. "You make me feel so full, so... owned. Don't stop."
She pressed kisses to my bare shoulder, growling, breathing ragged, driving me higher.
"Ro," I groaned, gasping. "I can't hold it anymore," I admitted, feeling the heat building.
"It's okay, Sloey. Let go," she murmured, pressing another kiss to my shoulder blade as she continued thrusting.
My chest rose and fell as I tugged on her hair, the heat dripping from my core.
My body trembled as I bent over the vanity for support.
My legs wobbled, but Aurora didn't stop—she kept thrusting a few more times until I felt her release inside me, filling me completely.
Her shaft throbbed, each pulse sending another wave of warmth through me.
Aurora leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to my back before slowly sliding out of me. "You good, Sol?" she murmured, then suddenly scooped me up in her arms, cradling me in a bridal hold.
"Hey!" My eyes flew open. "Ro, your arm's still injured!"
She only smiled, carrying me toward the bed.
"I can manage," she said, lowering me gently onto the mattress.
She leaned in, kissing my forehead before lying beside me.
Her arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me close as she trailed soft kisses along my cheeks, forehead, and shoulders.
Her breathing was still ragged, her warmth enveloping me. I shifted closer, cupping her face and pressing a kiss to her throat. "I love you," I whispered.
"I love you more, Sol. My Sol."
She held me tighter, her lips brushing against my skin. A faint smile curved my lips as my eyes began to grow heavy. Somehow, being this close to her—feeling her heartbeat against mine—made the world quiet enough for sleep to find me.