Chapter 77
Slowly adjusting my vision, I covered my eyes with the blanket and reached out to the space beside me—only to find it cold. My hand patted the sheets, searching for Aurora's warmth. When I pulled the blanket down, the sheets were crumpled, but she was nowhere to be found.
"Did she go to work early?" I mumbled, still groggy from sleep but forcing myself to sit up. Tossing the blanket aside, I got out of bed and headed for the bathroom. I knocked before twisting the knob open.
"Well, she's not even in here.
" I shrugged, stepping inside. Standing before the mirror, I stared at my reflection, sighing as I stretched my arms high, a groan slipping out before letting them drop to my sides.
I tied my hair into a messy bun, washed my face, brushed my teeth, and went through my usual routine before heading out.
As I reached the kitchen doorway, I stopped. Aurora stood by the island counter, her back to me, completely absorbed in whatever she was doing. A smile tugged at my lips as I walked toward her.
"Ro," I called softly, but she didn't turn around. Leaning closer, I peeked over her shoulder and realized she had earbuds in. Mischievously, I plucked one out and slipped it into my ear.
"Good morning," Aurora greeted, setting aside the whisk and bowl before turning to face me.
I chuckled, unable to help myself. She sighed and tugged up the fallen strap of my lingerie dress before leaning in to press a quick kiss to my lips. It was brief—but enough to make my heart stumble.
"What's gotten into you?" I teased, tapping her shoulder. "Since when do you cook first thing in the morning?"
She only shrugged and turned back to the batter she was whisking. "Just felt like serving you and Dione. Nothing extravagant. Just... a normal breakfast for us."
Leaning against the counter, I watched her move with quiet fascination. A small smile played on my lips—it was rare to see her trying like this for our daughter.
"Would you like some coffee? Or tea?" I asked as she moved to the stove.
She glanced over her shoulder, smiling. "How about a mixed-berry smoothie? I've been craving one."
I sighed softly, smiling in return.
Walking to the fridge, I grabbed the frozen berries, Greek yogurt, and lactose-free milk.
Setting them on the counter beside the blender, I started preparing the smoothie—when a familiar tune drifted through the earbud still in my ear.
Chuckling, I began to hum along to Taylor Swift's 22. Turning around, I saw Aurora whisking again, her rhythm steady and precise. I laughed and crossed the space between us.
"You whisk like you're drafting a contract," I teased, stealing the whisk from her hand.
"And you sing like you're auditioning for Broadway, Sloey," she shot back, rolling her cardigan sleeves up to her elbows.
"Admit it—you're too stiff for this," I said, leaning close enough that my skin brushed hers, making her laugh as I swayed to the beat, still whisking dramatically.
"You'll ruin the breakfast," Aurora warned, though her smile didn't fade.
I raised a brow and smirked. "Then we'll dance hungry," I countered, setting the bowl down and catching her hand.
She didn't move for a moment, but then she gave in. We danced together, laughing like a couple of teenagers living in a boarding house. Aurora lifted our joined hands, and I spun beneath them, swaying and singing.
My head tipped back as laughter spilled out of me, and Aurora's hands slipped around my waist.
"Hey!" I pointed at her, winking. "I don't know about you, but I'm feeling twenty-two!" I sang, swaying playfully while Aurora's face flushed—laughing, but clearly enjoying herself.
Looking at her, I couldn't deny how full my heart felt. The way she laughed, the way she held me close—God, I always craved this. I always craved her.
The song ended, but neither of us moved. We just stood there, eyes locked. Aurora's hand came up to cup my cheek, and I leaned into her touch, smiling softly as I rested my arms on her shoulders.
"I missed this," I admitted quietly. "I missed everything about us, Ro."
"Sloey," she whispered, before leaning in and kissing me. I tugged her closer, responding to her kiss, our mouths molding together until the world shrank to the rhythm of our breathing and the faint music still playing through our shared earbuds.
"Mommy? Pops?"
Dione's small voice cut through the air. Aurora and I jerked apart, eyes wide. Turning toward the doorway, we found our daughter standing there, rubbing her eyes sleepily.
"Sweetie," My voice cracking mid-word. Aurora snickered beside me, and I elbowed her in the ribs, rolling my eyes.
Dione grinned. "Did you two just sing?" she asked, then sniffed. "What's that burning smell?"
"Oh fu—" Aurora stopped herself mid-curse and rushed to the stove, switching it off. I burst out laughing.
"So much for the effort, honey," I teased.
Aurora groaned, pointing at me accusingly. "How is this my fault when my wife—the woman who made me drop everything to dance in the kitchen—asked me to twirl her?"
I raised a brow, chuckling. "Well, I can whip us something else—"
"It's fine, Sloey," she interrupted, opening the oven. "I told you, I made bacon-and-egg cups too, besides the soufflé pancakes."
She turned, holding up the baking pan. I tilted my head and smiled. "Fine," I said, walking over to help her plate the bacon and egg cups. I glanced at Dione. "Dione, sweetheart, come get the pancakes. We're eating breakfast."
"Yes, Mommy!" Dione giggled, running toward Aurora. "These smell so good, Pops!" she exclaimed, sniffing the warm air.
Aurora tousled her hair. "Then you'd better eat them."
Dione laughed and hurried to the dining table, proudly carrying the plate of pancakes.
I turned to the blender, realizing I'd completely forgotten the smoothies. Scoffing at myself, I poured them into tall glasses.
"I'll make granola with mixed berries, too. Want some?" Aurora asked.
I nodded in response and placed the bacon-and-egg cups on a tray along with the smoothies, carrying everything to the dining room. Dione was already seated in her usual spot, legs swinging happily under the chair.
"Mommy," she called, drawing my attention as I set the plates down and poured the smoothies.
I hummed softly, busy with the tray, until I noticed she hadn't said anything else. I looked up. "Sweetie?"
Dione grinned widely, then made a kissing gesture with her hands. "You and Pops were kissing in the kitchen," she teased.
My jaw dropped. "Dione!" I hissed, eyes wide, feeling my face flush hot. "We-we weren't—I mean—" I stammered, avoiding her gaze as my cheeks burned even redder.
Dione chuckled, clearly enjoying my embarrassment.
I felt like I'd been caught red-handed by my own daughter. I smacked my forehead as Dione giggled. "You know what, why don't you just go check up with your Pops, yeah? Tell her we're gonna eat."
Dione jumped out of her seat, still grinning. As she passed me, I reached out and squished her cheeks. "I love you, sweetie."
She smiled despite my squeeze. "I love you too, Mommy!" she chirped.
I let go and patted her head. "Now go to your Pops," I said, moving toward my usual spot.
A moment later, Aurora entered the dining room carrying a tray with two bowls of granola; Dione walked beside her. "Say—would you like to go to the beach later today?" Aurora asked.
My brow rose at the question.
"Can we, Pops?" Dione's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Aurora set a bowl in front of me, placed the other in front of Dione, then sat down beside our daughter. "Don't you have work to do, Ro?" I asked, glancing between them.
They sat close together, like two versions of the same person—a mini-Aurora and Aurora herself.
"I can take a day off for this young lady right here," Aurora said, pinching Dione's cheek playfully. "Besides, it's summer. Can't you take a break? Just a little family outing, maybe?"
I scooped a blueberry and popped it into my mouth, then sighed in defeat at their puppy eyes. "I'll call Millie, then," I relented.
"Yes!" Dione giggled, pumping her fist as if she'd won. Aurora and Dione high-fived like co-conspirators.
I rolled my eyes but couldn't hide my smile. They were already a pair. "You two always team up against me," I teased.
Aurora grinned and winked as she sipped her smoothie. Then she set her glass down and said quietly, "I've been thinking... I'm planning to step down as CEO of my company."
My spoon froze midair. "What?" I put it down and stared at her.
"I said—"
"No, I heard you." I narrowed my eyes. "Why would you step down?"
It was sudden. She hadn't mentioned it before. We were in our early thirties—why step away now?
Aurora looked at Dione, then back at me.
"Because I want more time with her. With both of you.
If I stay buried in work, I'll miss everything that matters.
I've already lost too many years. Work will always be there, but time with my family.
.. I can't get that back. I won't risk losing it again just because I own an empire. "
I searched her face for the same explanation she'd given her voice, but there was something I couldn't read. I folded my arms. "Since when have you been thinking about stepping down?"
She tapped her chin. "Just... a few weeks."
I opened my mouth to argue, then closed it. I let out a long breath. "Think it through, Ro. If you're sure, do it—but don't rush the decision."
She gave me a small, guarded smile. A prickle at the back of my neck told me there was more beneath the surface, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.
?·???°???°???·?
Sitting on the sofa at the sundeck of the yacht, I glanced at Dione, who was grinning from ear to ear as the sea breeze brushed against her skin. My gaze drifted toward Aurora, standing in front of the control console.
"Dione," I called, patting the empty space beside me. She walked over and settled next to me. I reached for her hair, tugged out the tie, and began weaving it into a French braid.
My brow arched when I realized we had stopped in the middle of the sea. Aurora was calibrating something at the controls as the yacht swayed gently atop the water. She turned to face us, a soft smile curving her lips.
"Is something wrong with the yacht?" I asked as she approached.
She shook her head. "No, nothing at all." Crouching in front of Dione, she brushed her fingers across our daughter's cheek. "Want to go fishing for a while? This area's full of marine life."
I tied off the braid and smiled when Dione looked up at me, eyes bright. "I'd love to try it, Pops!"
"Great." Aurora grinned, patting her head before standing. "Let me grab the fishing gear," she said, heading down the stairs.
Leaning back, I tilted my head toward the sun and closed my eyes, letting the warmth and salt air wash over me.
"Mommy," Dione's voice pulled me back. I turned my head toward her. "I didn't know Pops was this rich—like, rich-rich," she said, awe lacing her tone.
A laugh escaped me. I exhaled softly, brushing my fingers along her cheek. "She is, sweetie. She always has been."
"Doesn't she have any siblings? How does she even spend all her money if she's alone?"
Her curiosity made me smile. "Your Pops has the means, trust me." I chuckled. "But she's not exactly a spendthrift. Sure, she splurges sometimes, but most of the time, she invests it back into her company."
I thought of Aurora's NGO and smiled faintly. "You know, she puts her money into good things. She's like the secret Santa Claus of her empire."
Dione tilted her head, brow furrowing. "Like... giving gifts?"
"You could say that." I tapped her cheek gently. "Haven't I told you before? Your Pops and I come from different worlds. Maybe it was fate that brought us together the first time—but now? I think I defied fate just to be with her again. So we could be complete."
Dione leaned back on the sofa, crossing her legs. "You know what, Mommy? I realized something." I raised a brow, curious. "Maybe we should've gone to her sooner. Pops looks happier now that she has us—way happier than she did in her old interviews."
My throat tightened as I stared at her. "Y-yeah," I managed. "Maybe we should've."
Aurora returned with one of the crew, carrying fishing rods and an insulated box. "Here come the fishing rods!" she called cheerfully.
Dione jumped to her feet and ran toward her. "Pops! Teach me how!" The two of them stood side by side, checking the rods with identical focus.
I watched them, my wife and daughter, and something inside me ached. Maybe Dione was right. Maybe if I'd come to her sooner, everything could've been different.
Once the rods were set up, the three of us held one each. I cast my line into the water and waited, the gentle rhythm of the waves surrounding us. Dione leaned on the railing; her rod propped beside her as she peered into the sea.
"You know," Aurora's voice broke the silence. I turned toward her. "You're supposed to wait quietly. Fish don't like drama."
A laugh bubbled out of me as she sat beside me. "Then they're definitely not my kind of audience."
Aurora chuckled—low, warm, effortless—as she cast her line. "Well then," she murmured, "I suppose I'll have to charm them for you."
Her words made me nudge her playfully, and we both laughed. I leaned my head against her shoulder as we waited for a catch. "Ro," I murmured, still resting my head there, "are you happy?"
Aurora's free hand draped over my shoulder. I felt her lips press softly to the top of my head. "Of course," she said quietly. "I'm more than happy, Sol."
An hour passed, and we ended up with around ten fish—Aurora said we'd cook them later once we reached the beach. As the yacht glided smoothly across the water, I found myself standing beside her, leaning on the railing.
"You're showing off," I teased, chuckling as I watched her maneuver the yacht with practiced precision.
She smirked, eyes flicking toward me. "And you don't like it?"
Pushing off the railing, I faced her. "Didn't say that. I just think it's more fun when I'm the one showing off." I shrugged with a grin.
Aurora raised an amused brow but didn't bother to respond. I leaned back again, tilting my head toward the sky and closing my eyes as the sun warmed my face.
"Pops! I can see the beach!" Dione's excited voice rang from the deck.
I laughed softly, straightening up beside Aurora. "She really loves places like this."
Aurora smiled as she pressed a button on the control panel. A low hum from the hydraulic system echoed over the sea. "We can come here more often while she's on break."
We walked down toward the aft deck. "Dione! Come on!" Aurora called, and our daughter came running down from the forward deck.
"Are we going to ride the jet ski, Pops?!"
I couldn't help but laugh at her excitement—the way she bounced and giggled, practically vibrating with energy. She was clearly enjoying every moment with Aurora.
The jet skis bobbed in the water, gleaming under the sun. I swung my leg over one, revved the engine, and sped away with a grin. I turned back just as they caught up. "Try to keep up, darling!" I shouted, my laughter trailing behind me.
"Mommy!" Dione giggled, her voice carrying over the waves. "You're so competitive!"
At some point, the two of them managed to reach me. I grinned and swerved past them again, teasing, "You two are so slow!"
Their laughter mixed with mine, the spray of saltwater kissing our skin. When we finally returned to the yacht, the crew was waiting to help us dismount.
Half-drenched, I ran my fingers through my hair, water dripping down my temples.
"You almost knocked me into the sea," Aurora said, laughing as she helped Dione off her jet ski.
I reached up and patted her cheek with a grin. "Maybe I wanted to see if you'd swim after me."
She caught my wrist, her touch firm but gentle. "You know I would."
Of course, she would. I rolled my eyes lightly, trying to steady my heart. Turning to Dione, who was watching us with that amused little smile, I asked, "So, how did you like it, sweetie?"
"It was so much fun, Mommy! I want to try it alone next time!"
"Not until you learn how to ride safely," Aurora said, wrapping an arm around my waist. "I can teach you when we're back at our private harbor."
"Really?!" Dione clasped her hands together, eyes sparkling.
I nudged Aurora with my elbow. "You're spoiling my daughter too much."
"What?" Aurora raised a brow. "She's my daughter too! Look at her—" she pointed toward Dione "—she even looks like me."
Groaning, I pinched the hand resting on my waist. "If you want to learn jet skiing, we need to get you proper riding gear first, sweetie."
Aurora blinked, glancing between us. "Wait, are you—"
Crossing my arms, I gave her a pointed look. "You said you wanted to teach her, right? She needs proper gear. I don't want her getting hurt without it. Only then will I let you teach her."
Dione's grin widened even more. "Pops!" she squealed, eyes gleaming with joy.
I could only watch them—my wife and daughter—and marvel at how close they'd become in such a short time.
"Alright, we'll get you proper riding gear," Aurora said, raising her hand for a high-five. Dione met it eagerly. "Now," Aurora added with a soft smile, "let's head to shore and have some snacks."
She stepped off the deck and extended her hand toward me. And of course, I took it.
I stood beside her as she helped Dione out. Dione laughed as she started walking away from us, while I waited for Aurora.
She reached for my waist and pulled me closer to her as we walked side by side. Dione waved at us. "Mommy! Pops!" she called out, running ahead.
A groan escaped me. "This kid," I mumbled, rubbing my temple. When I looked ahead, I froze upon noticing some paparazzi. I swallowed hard, tugging at Aurora's shirt. "Ro... why are there paparazzi?"
Aurora didn't seem to notice at first, but when she followed my gaze, she stopped and let out a soft sigh. She guided me away. "The public will learn the truth one day, Sloey," she whispered as her hand rubbed against my skin. "We can't keep her hidden forever."
"I should've known there'd be paparazzi here," I muttered under my breath as Dione waited for us.
We walked toward her and stopped in front.
I couldn't help but glance over my shoulder where the paparazzi were.
Their cameras didn't linger on us for long, but a few were still pointed in our direction.
Aurora stood firm, as if trying to shield us. "Come on, don't mind them. Let's just enjoy this family time," she insisted, reaching for my hand and pulling me closer while she ushered Dione toward the private cabana she had rented.
"Maybe we should hire someone—a bodyguard—to protect Dione. I mean, we can't keep her at home all the time. She needs to be safe."
My mind couldn't help but spiral into what-ifs.
Aurora pulled me closer. "Of course, I'll hire someone. Don't worry about it."
I let out a sigh. Aurora whispered something, but I couldn't make it out clearly. As we reached the cabana, I exhaled sharply while Dione remained completely unaware of what had just happened.
"Still thinking about the paparazzi?" Aurora's voice startled me, and my hand clutched at my chest.
Biting the inside of my cheek, I swallowed hard. "Promise me one thing," I said.
She tilted her head, subtly nodding.
"Whatever happens, no matter what, you're going to protect our daughter. We are going to protect her."
Aurora smiled at me, cupping my cheeks as she pressed soft kisses to my lips. "You don't need to remind me of that, Sol. I will protect our daughter—and you as well. No matter what."