Chapter 69
Tasting the soup I made, I nodded to myself and turned off the stove. I set the ladle in the sink and rinsed it before patting my hands dry with a towel. Fishing my phone from my shorts pocket, I quickly typed a message to Millie:
Millie, cancel the meeting today and move it to tomorrow. Something came up at home—I can't leave. Thank you.
After hitting send, I slipped my phone back into my pocket and returned to the bedroom.
Opening the door slightly, I peeked inside. Aurora was still asleep. A quiet sigh escaped me as I stepped in and closed the door behind me. I sat on the edge of the bed and pressed my palm gently against her cheek.
Aurora frowned faintly before stirring, her lashes fluttering open as her vision adjusted. "What... happened?" she murmured, her voice raspy.
I let out a shaky breath of relief, leaning forward until my forehead rested against hers, my hands still cupping her face. "Why didn't you tell me anything about this, Ro?" I whispered, my throat tightening.
She could've just said she wasn't feeling well—I would've taken care of her in a heartbeat. But why didn't I notice it earlier? Why didn't I feel the heat radiating from her skin?
"T-tell you what?"
I brushed my thumbs along her cheeks, offering a faint smile. "Why didn't you tell me you had a fever?"
Aurora sighed softly and wrapped her arms around me, her hand rubbing small circles on my back. "I... I didn't want you to worry. Besides, didn't you have an important meeting?"
I shook my head, still keeping our foreheads together. "I told Millie to reschedule everything. I can't leave you like this, Ro. You've had a high fever for hours—you were mumbling in your sleep." My voice faltered. "You had me worried sick."
She'd been murmuring apologies, calling my name, pleading with someone I couldn't see. Hearing her voice tremble even in dreams made me wonder—what did she feel back then, when I was the one begging her not to leave?
"I'm sorry," she whispered, barely audible.
I exhaled softly and pulled back just enough to look at her. "You don't need to apologize for being sick. I'm your wife. It's my job to take care of you." I smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Now... how are you feeling?"
Groaning, Aurora slowly sat up. I helped her, tucking a pillow behind her back. "I feel... lightheaded," she admitted with a faint laugh. "Like my body isn't even mine."
I pressed my palm against her forehead—her temperature had dropped since earlier. "Your fever's gone down," I said with a small smile. "Let me get you some soup."
"Sol, I'm fine," she protested weakly.
I squinted at her, shaking my head. "You love saying that, don't you? But look at you—pale as a ghost, ready to collapse. Is that what fine looks like?" My voice was firm, but I couldn't help the warmth that slipped through.
She hugged a pillow to her chest, pouting like a scolded child. I sighed at the sight, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Stay put, okay? I'll bring you the soup."
Leaving her in bed, I walked back to the kitchen. I ladled the soup into a bowl, set it carefully on a tray, and added a cup of warm lemon tea, a glass of water, and a set of cutlery before carrying it all back to her.
One of the housekeepers approached and bowed politely before taking the tray from me. I nodded, letting her follow me back to the bedroom. When I opened the door, I held it for her to step inside first.
Aurora was sitting up on the bed, her phone in hand. I sighed softly and turned to the housekeeper, taking the tray from her with a grateful smile. "Thank you," I said.
Once the housekeeper left, I walked over to the bed, clicking my tongue. "Ro, can you focus on yourself before checking your work?" I scolded lightly, setting the tray on the bed. "Here—have some soup I made."
I sat beside her and picked up the spoon, scooping a spoonful and blowing gently on it.
Holding it to her lips, she took a careful sip.
"I don't know if it's any good," I admitted, my face heating.
"It's just carrot, potato, shredded chicken, and a bit of thyme and leek.
Don't laugh—I just followed a recipe online. "
Cooking isn't really my strength.
Everything I know, I taught myself—mostly because I wanted to make sure Dione had healthy meals.
Back when Aurora and I first got together, I started learning simple dishes just so I could cook for her.
From frying eggs to preparing decent meals—it was all because my girlfriend back then happened to be a DeLacroix heir with refined taste.
"You cooked for me..." she murmured with a soft smile, as if she couldn't believe it.
I almost laughed. "You're sick, Ro. I didn't want you starving yourself."
Aurora reached for the spoon, gently taking it from my hand. "It's good, actually," she said before taking another sip.
I swallowed hard, watching her enjoy the simple dish that didn't have anything fancy in it.
Even before, she'd eat anything I made—sometimes even the burnt ones—without complaint.
Never once did she criticize. It was as if she ate whatever I served simply because I made it.
"Well, at least my effort didn't go to waste," I said when she glanced at me.
"Why would it go to waste?" she teased, lips curling into a grin. "I'll eat everything you cook, even if it's not edible."
I gasped, clutching my chest in mock offense. "Are you saying I'm a bad cook? Because I've seen you enjoy every dish I've made these past months!"
Aurora laughed, her face flushing pink. "Everything you've made is great. I still remember when you learned to cook just for me."
My cheeks warmed at that, and I looked away, pretending to fix the pillow behind her.
I used to survive on takeout and leftover meals from part-time jobs, but once we started dating, I taught myself how to cook just to see her smile.
She'd been my unofficial—and often brutally honest—taste tester ever since.
"It would've been a shame if we'd moved in together and you only got to eat fried or overcooked food," I said, chuckling as I leaned back against the headboard. "At least now I can cook something edible."
Aurora hummed in agreement, finishing the soup down to the last drop. I smiled and set the tray aside on the nightstand before handing her the cup of lemon tea.
"So?" I asked softly. "How are you feeling now? Want to rest a little more?"
She smiled, her eyes bright despite the fatigue. "I'm not sleepy yet. Actually..." she looked at me with that familiar spark in her eyes. "Do you have a gown ready for the founding anniversary? If not, I can make one for you."
I blinked. "Are you serious right now, Ro?"
It reminded me of the old days—every time I was chosen to represent my department at an event, Aurora would insist on designing something exclusive just for me.
"Why not?" she said, her tone casual yet dreamy. "I can already imagine you in a sleek mermaid gown—midnight navy silk satin, with Swarovski crystal details."
I scoffed, taking the cup from her before leaning against her chest, wrapping my arms around her. "I actually haven't looked for a gown yet... but if it won't take too much of your time, I'll take your offer."
I smiled against her skin. I mean... who am I to reject my wife's offer, right?
Aurora wrapped her arms around me. "I'll surprise you with the design," she reassured, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "Oh, right—I'm planning a fashion week soon. I'll be releasing some of my new collections for the fashion house."
Shifting on the mattress, I lay my head on her thighs and looked up at her, smiling softly. "When was the last time you released one of your collections?"
Aurora had always been known as one of the top fashion designers in the world—her name carried the same weight as the most prestigious houses.
Even after she stopped releasing new work for a while, her reputation never faded.
Every design she made felt alive, stitched with emotion and meaning, as if her heart was sewn into every seam.
"Well, early last year," she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Before my business trips. Those collections sold really well, but this one will be a limited edition—we won't be making another batch."
I watched her face light up as she spoke, the kind of glow that only appeared when she talked about her art. "That's amazing," I murmured. "As expected of you—you always know how to breathe life into fashion."
She stroked my hair gently, her smile soft but distant. "It's because I don't know when I'll be able to release another one like this," she admitted quietly, exhaling a long breath. "I'm taking it one step at a time."
I reached up to cup her face, my thumb brushing against her cheek. "There's no need to rush," I reassured her, my voice steady even though something in me felt uneasy. "We have plenty of time, Ro."
"You're right," she mumbled. "We have plenty of time." She poked my nose playfully and smiled. "I'm already starting to feel better. You're such a great nurse, Sloey."
I rolled my eyes at her teasing, but couldn't help smiling as I held her hand.
Her silver eyes caught the soft light, shimmering like glass, and for a moment, I couldn't look away.
Her face glowed with warmth, but behind that warmth. .. there was something else. A shadow.
Something in her gaze told me she was hiding something from me.
My throat tightened. I squeezed her hand, holding on as if I could anchor her to me through touch alone. Whatever it was, I wasn't going to let her go. Not again.
Not now that I had already found her cage—and the key that kept her bound to me.
?·???°???°???·?
Pressing the dial button on the screen, I held my phone to my ear and listened as the line rang a few times. My eyes darted toward the bedroom door, half-expecting Aurora to suddenly barge in.
When the call finally connected, a familiar voice made me exhale in relief. "Sis? What's up?"
"Soeren," I began, my gaze still fixed on the door. "How's your progress with Monte Carlo Motorworks? Did you find anything about them—anything connected to what happened to my car back in Oxford?"
A hum came from the other end. "I'm already in contact with one of our trusted guys," he said, his tongue clicking thoughtfully. "No solid leads yet. But you mentioned your dashboard camera was synced to your phone, right? Did you check the backups?"
I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "Not yet. I haven't had the chance to go through all of them. Do you think there might be something there?"
"There could be," Soeren replied. "Go through every recording, sis. I'll keep digging into the service company's records."
"Alright," I said softly, leaning back in the chair. "But please—don't do anything rash, Soeren. I don't want Millie worrying over you. Still... thank you for the help."
He chuckled lightly. "Relax, sis. I'm just helping you look into what happened with your car in Oxford. Nothing reckless, I promise."
"Good," I murmured, nodding to myself. "And don't forget to pick up Dione later, okay? She'll be with you guys for the weekend."
He laughed under his breath. "Of course. You don't have to remind me to fetch my niece—I've been doing it for years now."
That made me laugh quietly, warmth flickering through the worry that always sat in my chest. "Well, since it's not public knowledge that Dione's my daughter, I'd rather keep it that way for now.
I don't want the press digging into her life.
.. not when her other mother doesn't even know she exists. "
Soeren's tone softened. "You don't have to explain, sis. I understand. But... I hope someday you'll be able to tell the world about her. Dione deserves that. Still, you're her mother—you get the final say."
"Don't worry, Soeren. The right time will come." My gaze lifted to the wedding photo hanging on the bedroom wall, the sight of it stirring something bittersweet inside me. "I'll end the call now. Take care, okay?"
After ending the call, I started typing him a follow-up message—until a soft knock sounded on the door. The click of the handle followed.
"Sol."
Aurora's voice made me glance up. She stood at the doorway, smiling faintly, and I felt my chest tighten.
"What is it?" I asked, setting my phone aside, my expression softening as I met her eyes.
As the door opened wide, Aurora entered, ushering in a mannequin dressed in a midnight navy gown—like a starry night, with a gradient effect at the hem.
My body froze. My eyes darted to the gown as my lips parted in awe. "Ro..." I mumbled.
She pushed the mannequin closer, her hands tracing the fabric. "It was yours, every detail... made just for you."
With slow movements, I stood up and took careful steps toward her. Trembling, my hand hovered forward. "It's... perfect."
Aurora stepped closer to me, leaning down as she looked straight into my eyes. "Try it on," she cooed. "I wanted you to feel it... the way I felt when I was with you."
I couldn't help but cover my mouth as my face heated up. She laughed softly and turned her attention back to the mannequin, removing the gown and handing it to me. "Go on, it was meant for you."
My mouth refused to speak; I was at a loss for words because somehow, the dress felt like it had been made solely for me—by Aurora. I could only hum softly before turning away, holding the gown as I walked into the wardrobe.
I stood in front of the full-length mirror before removing my clothes and slipping into the gown. Looking at my reflection, I couldn't help but smile. My skin seemed to glow beneath the fabric.
When I stepped out, Aurora was sitting on the edge of the bed.
Our eyes met, and I saw her reaction—like she couldn't believe what she was seeing.
Truthfully, neither could I. She truly possessed the skill; she truly deserved the recognition she had received in the fashion industry.
"You really did this for me?" I smiled at her. "You really made something like this... for me?"
Aurora stood and took a step closer, nodding. "I did." Her hand reached up, tucking a stray strand of my hair behind my ear, her knuckles brushing my cheek. "Because you deserve everything... and more, my Sol."
My heart thumped wildly inside my chest. Looking at my wife's face, I could tell she truly wanted me to wear this—that she meant every word she said.
I raised my hand, my fingers brushing her skin.
I couldn't help but laugh softly, my face flushed.
"Gosh... you always knew how to surprise me. "
She leaned into my touch, stepping closer, resting her forehead against mine. "And I always would," she whispered—low, yet enough for me to hear. Then she leaned in and brushed a featherlight kiss on the tip of my nose.
I scoffed and wrapped my arms around her neck, pulling her into a kiss.
Aurora's hands wrapped around me as she responded.
When we pulled apart, I pressed another quick kiss on her lips, giggling as my cheeks burned.
"Thank you, Ro," I mumbled, pulling her into a hug.
Her hands rubbed my back as she held me tighter. "You knew I'd do everything for you," she whispered against my ear. "Only for you, Sol."
A smile spread across my lips as I shut my eyes, savoring her warmth and her scent. I shrieked when she suddenly scooped me up and twirled us both around, laughter bubbling out of me as I clung to her neck.
When she stopped, she didn't set me down. Instead, she looked at me, a smile still plastered on both our faces. "I love you, Sol," she said.
My eyes locked with hers. "And I love you even more, Ro."
For the love of God, I wanted her for the rest of my life—only her, and Dione. And if heaven ever blessed us with little angels, I would welcome them all. I loved the idea of us—together, happy in each other's arms.