Chapter 78
My gaze locked on the documents in front of me as Soeren stood before the board, presenting the financial review. Nodding along to his words, I kept shuffling through the papers to check for inconsistencies in the report.
I paused when my phone vibrated on the table. Setting the portfolio down, I reached for it and unlocked the screen. It was a reminder to fetch Dione from her tennis practice. Rubbing my temple, I quietly sighed and hovered over Aurora's contact.
Honey, can you fetch Dione from her tennis practice? It'll end in an hour. I'm packed with meetings and can't pick her up.
I typed the message and hit send. As if that weren't enough, I pushed my chair back and quietly stepped out of the boardroom. Closing the door behind me, I dialed Aurora's number. Pressing the phone to my ear, I heard the line ring once before she answered.
"Sol?" Aurora's voice came through.
"Ro," I replied, lowering my voice and covering my mouth with my free hand as I glanced behind me, wary that someone might be listening. "Did you get my message?"
A hum sounded on the other end. "I did."
"Good." I exhaled softly. "Please fetch our daughter, okay? Don't forget. This meeting's running longer than I thought—I won't make it." I rubbed my temple again, a dull headache already pounding in my head.
"You know you don't have to remind me every time. She's mine too, Sol," she said. "Focus on your meeting. I'll handle Dione."
I couldn't help but smile. Aurora was always hands-on with anything related to Dione. "Thanks, darling." My gaze landed on the glass wall of the boardroom, and I let out another weary sigh. "I have to go. Bye! Love you!"
I ended the call before she could respond, noticing that the presentation had moved on to revenue.
Opening the door, I strode back to my seat and sat up straight, trying to refocus on the meeting. A series of discussions followed the review, stretching for another thirty minutes before everything finally wrapped up.
As I walked back toward my office, I noticed someone near the lobby. Tilting my head, I smiled and waved at Margot, who had spotted me as well. She stood up, waving back as she walked over.
"Hey," she greeted with a bright smile. "Hope I'm not disturbing the CEO?"
Shaking my head, I turned to open my office door. "No, not at all. I just finished the financial review," I said with a shrug, gesturing for her to come in.
Margot stepped inside, and I closed the door behind us. "Then I guess I came at the perfect time," she said, lifting a paper bag. "I brought some food. I happened to be nearby, so I thought I'd drop by."
A soft laugh escaped me as I walked toward my desk and set my things down. "You really didn't have to, but I appreciate it."
Margot sat comfortably on the couch, placing the paper bag on the center table. I joined her, sitting beside her with a curious look. "Seriously, Margot, what brings you here?"
She glanced at me, then reached into the paper bag, pulling out a small box and two cups of coffee.
She handed me one of each. "Just visiting," she said with a chuckle.
"We haven't seen each other in a while, and I'm getting bored going back and forth between meetings.
" She unwrapped a straw, pierced it into my cup, and then did the same for hers.
Crossing one leg over the other, I shifted to face her. "You say that like you haven't been drowning in meetings for years," I teased, shaking my head as I picked up my coffee. "Thanks for this, though. You're spoiling me too much."
She shrugged, taking a sip. "You're my friend—and someone I like, too. Besides, you deserve to be spoiled once in a while. I hope you don't mind me doing that. I mean... I know you're married, but I just want to treat you sometimes."
I looked at her, my hand holding the straw as I slowly swirled the coffee. "I don't mind," I said, because I really didn't. Sometimes, I spoiled her too. "It's just that... aren't you focusing too much on me instead of finding someone you truly deserve?"
Tilting her head, Margot perched her elbow on the backrest of the couch, resting her temple against her knuckle. "Should I?" she asked, raising a brow. "Right now, I don't find anyone interesting."
I nodded but didn't say anything. I simply looked at her, studying her expression. Aurora had once asked me if I would have chosen Margot had I not had Dione. The thought still made my stomach tighten, because, truthfully, I had never thought about any other option.
"Sloane?" Margot's voice pulled me back. I blinked, shaking my head slightly.
"H-huh?"
She scoffed, setting her cup down on the table. "You've been staring at me. Do you want to ask something?"
"Now that you mention it," I began, tilting my head. "Have you ever thought about being in a relationship with someone who already has a child? I mean, what's your take on that—being with someone who's single but has a kid?"
Margot raised a brow, chuckling. "What's this about?"
"Just a random thought," I said, trying to sound casual.
"Hmm...
being in a relationship with someone who has a child?
" she mused, groaning softly as she threw her head back against the couch.
"I haven't really thought about it much.
I don't imagine myself being responsible for someone else's child.
I mean, there are a lot of things to consider.
Aside from winning the mother's heart, I'd also have to win the child's heart.
What if I love the mother, and she loves me, but her child doesn't like me?
That wouldn't be fair, right? Forcing them to like me would just be.
.. I don't know, harsh? Maybe even cruel?
" She laughed softly and let out a deep sigh.
"Well, you have a point," I said, resting my chin on the backrest of the couch as I looked at her. "We rarely talk about things like this. I almost forgot how serious you can be." I chuckled.
Margot straightened up, grinning. "Well, being serious isn't really my thing. I already deal with enough serious matters at work. I don't want my life to be all about that."
She reached for the small box, untied the ribbon, and opened it to reveal a slice of blueberry cheesecake. She held it out toward me.
"Your future someone will be really lucky to have you, you know that?" I said, smiling as I sat up straighter.
She smiled faintly. "It's just a shame it won't be you, right?"
My body stiffened. I turned to her sharply, blinking. "Margot."
She raised both hands, laughing. "I'm just kidding. Don't get so worked up. I know where I stand. I'm not forcing you to like me or anything."
I let out a deep sigh and shook my head. "It would be best if you stopped those feelings for me, Margot. You're my friend, and as much as I care for you like a sister, I don't want our friendship to get tainted by something like this."
A soft hum escaped her as she nodded, smiling gently.
"I understand. Just... let me feel what I feel for now, Sloane.
Until the day I wake up and realize I don't love you anymore.
That won't be a big deal, right? We can still be friends while I try to sort out my feelings? "
I gave her a faint smile and reached out, patting her head gently. "I understand. Take your time, Margot."
"Thanks, Sloane," she said, returning my smile.
We talked for a few more minutes before Margot finally excused herself, saying she had an investor meeting.
When she left, the office fell into quiet stillness again.
I turned back to the reports on my desk—preliminary figures for the upcoming acquisition next quarter—but my focus didn't last long.
Soeren's advice earlier that week came back to me: check the recordings from the dashcam. The same dashcam from the car that had been completely wrecked in Oxford.
I reached for my phone, unlocked it, and opened the dashcam app. Scrolling through the saved files, I found the recordings from before our trip. One by one, I ran through them, skipping and fast-forwarding as my eyes scanned the footage.
Something caught my attention—a flicker on one of the frames. I frowned, zooming in on the screen. My brows furrowed as I leaned closer.
"Sis."
I nearly dropped my phone. "Holy cow, Soeren!" I hissed, clutching my chest. "Can't you knock first before coming in?!"
Soeren blinked, confused. "But I did knock," he said with a shrug. "Why are you still here? It's past nine already." He checked his watch, frowning at me.
"What—?" I looked at my phone, then at him, then back again. My eyes widened when I saw the time. "Oh, crap," I muttered, rushing to close the folder on my desk. I gathered my things in a hurry, shoving everything into my handbag.
"Are you alright?" Soeren asked, watching me with a worried look. "You've been... I don't know, just not yourself lately."
Running a hand through my hair, I gave a weak laugh. "Just stress, maybe." I slung my bag over my shoulder. "Aren't you heading home yet?"
"Millie called to say you were still in your office, so I dropped by," he said, draping an arm around my shoulder as we walked toward the door. "By the way, did you and Aurora take Dione out yesterday?"
I glanced at him as we stepped into the hallway, locking my office behind me. "What do you mean?" I asked slowly. "I mean... yeah, we went to the beach."
He hummed, helping Millie gather her things as we met her by the elevator. "News is circulating already," he said, holding Millie's hand as the three of us stepped inside.
"News?" I echoed.
Soeren pressed the panel. "People are starting to speculate if the two of you have a love child or something."
I swallowed hard, staring at the elevator doors. "I'll talk with Aurora about it," I murmured, exhaling deeply. "I can't decide this alone. I need to know what my wife wants."
"It's surprising to hear you say that," Soeren teased. "You used to insist it was your decision, since Dione's your daughter alone."
I managed a small smile. "Things change, Soeren. You know that."
When the elevator doors opened, we walked together toward the parking lot. They accompanied me to my car. I nodded at them gratefully. "Thanks for walking me out. Drive safe, both of you," I said, before sliding into the driver's seat.
I honked lightly as they waved and walked away.
Then I exhaled, my fingers drumming against the steering wheel.
Am I really ready to tell the world that Aurora and I have a daughter?
The thought weighed heavily on me.
I'd hidden Dione from the public eye for so long.
Pulling into the garage, I turned off the ignition and stepped out. The night air was thick; mosquitoes buzzed around the light.
"Ouch!" I slapped my chest when one bit me. A mosquito smeared on my palm. "Great," I muttered, rubbing the spot. "That's definitely going to leave a mark."
Grabbing my handbag, I closed the car door and walked up to the porch. Scanning my card key, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The faint light from the living room caught my eye—and so did the sight before me. Aurora and Dione were on the couch, arms wrapped around each other.
"What are you two still doing up?" I asked, glancing at my watch. I looked at Dione. "Dione, sweetheart, it's past your bedtime."
Dione pulled away from Aurora, her face serious as she stood. "Mommy," she said softly, pointing toward Aurora. "Pops is my real parent, right? She's one of my parents, right? You're telling me the truth?"
I froze, my eyes darting between the two of them. "What's going on?"
My gaze darted to Aurora, who rubbed the back of her neck and gave a half-shrug. "Well... the media got wind of it. They're asking if Dione is my daughter with you—a love child—or if Margot somehow got involved after our breakup."
My jaw literally dropped. What the fuck is going on? I hadn't been involved with anyone else.
"What?" I whispered, rushing toward Dione and cupping her face. "Hey, young lady, are you doubting your mother?" I asked, trying to sound playful as I pinched her cheeks.
Letting out a deep sigh, I sat beside Aurora and gestured for Dione to sit on my lap. "Listen, I know it sounds complicated, but your pops here"—I motioned to Aurora—"is your parent. Along with me. Okay?"
Dione crossed her arms. "No other parents, Mommy? Because if it's not Pops, then I don't want them." She pouted.
Groaning, I clicked my tongue. "I told you—and I'll keep telling you—it's your Pops. No one else, okay? Now go on and sleep, you little troublemaker." I tickled her waist, and she burst into laughter, her face flushed.
Still giggling, Dione grabbed my hands. "That's a promise, Mommy, right? Pops is my parent, and so are you." She smiled and brushed off her clothes. "Well then... I'm going to bed. Goodnight, Mommy." She cupped my cheeks and pressed a kiss to my lips.
"Goodnight, sweetheart." I patted her back.
She turned to Aurora next. "Goodnight, Pops!"
Aurora smiled faintly, waving. "Goodnight, sweetie."
As Dione dashed toward the hallway, I exhaled and turned to Aurora. "You don't seriously think Margot got me pregnant, do you?"
Aurora gave me a tight smile. "I'd be lying if I said no. But yeah... I'm having doubts. You didn't even tell me she's intersex, too."
I scoffed. "Are you serious, Ro?" I ran my fingers through my hair, my frustration flaring. "Why would I tell you that? It's not mine to share. Margot's gender identity is her private business. I'd never out someone just to ease your suspicions."
Aurora shrugged helplessly. "Maybe because I'm your wife? A heads-up wouldn't have hurt—especially now that people are asking whether Dione is my daughter... or Margot's."
I bit the inside of my cheek, leaning forward with my elbows on my knees. "You're actually doubting that Dione is your daughter?" I snapped, straightening to face her. "What about the ultrasound you saw? That was before we even broke up, Ro!"
My voice rose without meaning to, but I couldn't stop it.
Aurora clicked her tongue. "You can't blame me, Sol. You lied to me about the embezzlement. It's not hard to think you could lie about this, too."
Her words stung like a slap.
I laughed bitterly, blinking hard to keep myself steady.
"I can't believe you," I said, standing with my hands on my hips.
"One thing I know for sure—" I raised a finger "—is that I didn't let anyone else touch me.
Not Margot. Not anyone. Only you. And only you got me pregnant. "
Aurora rubbed her face and sighed, standing up. "Okay, I'm sorry," she muttered, reaching for me. "It's just... I needed to hear it from you, Sol. I'm sorry for doubting."
I stared straight into her eyes. "You know what? Get a DNA and paternity test for you and Dione. That way, you can prove it to yourself. Maybe you even doubt the documents I gave you. So for your peace of mind—go ahead. Get the test."
Aurora exhaled sharply. "Sol, come on, that's not necessary." She tried to pull me closer, but I shoved her back. Her gaze dropped to my chest, lingering too long.
I frowned, following her stare, and noticed the small red mark. Tracing it with my finger, I rolled my eyes. "For goodness' sake, Ro. That's a mosquito bite!" I hissed, turning away and storming off, leaving her alone in the living room.
Did she really think I'd let someone else touch me? If she only knew—after twelve years—I never stopped loving her. Would she still think that way?
?·???°???°???·?
When I stepped out of the bathroom, dressed in my lingerie, Aurora was already sitting on the bed with her legs stretched out, reading a book. She closed it the moment she saw me. I met her gaze briefly before looking away, quietly walking toward the bed.
I sat on the other side, lying down sideways and pulling the blanket up to cover my entire body and face.
"Sol," Aurora's voice broke the silence, but I didn't answer.
I shut my eyes, pretending to be asleep, when I felt the mattress dip behind me. My pulse quickened as the blanket was gently pulled away from my face, followed by a warmth that pressed against my back.
Her lips brushed my shoulder—soft, tentative kisses that trailed up to my neck. A shiver ran down my spine. I stayed still, but my heart pounded against my ribs.
"Sol, please don't be mad," Aurora murmured between kisses, her arms winding around me. "Sloey... wifey... honey..." Her voice softened on each word, until suddenly she tugged me closer, rolling me to face her.
"What the heck!" I hissed, blinking as my vision adjusted to her face, so close to mine that I could feel her breath.
"Are you still mad?" she asked quietly, her tone laced with regret. Her thumb brushed along my cheek. "I'm sorry, Sol. I didn't mean to sound like I doubted you—and I'm sorry if I made you feel that way."
Heaving a sigh, I rested my hand on her shoulder. "I've never been with anyone else, Ro," I whispered, just loud enough for her to hear. "Dione is yours. She's ours."
Even if she insisted on getting a DNA or paternity test, I knew what the results would say. Dione was hers. Always had been.
Aurora hummed softly, nodding before pulling me closer, wrapping me in her arms. She pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Okay... I'm sorry. Maybe I just don't want anyone else to have what's supposed to be mine. I'm sorry—it won't happen again."
I clicked my tongue, saying nothing.
Instead, I wrapped my arms around her, rubbing gentle circles on her back.
I shut my eyes, inhaling her familiar scent—calm, grounding.
Her lips pressed against my shoulder blade, leaving soft kisses that trailed heat down my spine.
Then her hand slid down my thigh, pulling it over her waist, her palm tracing along my skin.
"Ro..." I gasped softly, my fingers digging into her back as her touch grew bolder. I buried my face against her chest.
"What's wrong?" she asked, pulling back slightly, though her hand still lingered on my thigh.
My face burned.
"It's just..." I sighed, hiding my face against her again.
"Can we just sleep tonight? I know you want to be intimate, but my head's been aching since earlier.
Sorry." I hated how small my voice sounded, like I was apologizing for something I didn't need to.
Aurora chuckled quietly, tugging me closer. "Why would you apologize for that? If you don't want to, or you're not in the mood, just say it. I'd never force you to do something you don't want." She pressed a kiss to the top of my head.
I relaxed against her, wrapping my leg around her waist. Aurora's hand moved to my temple, massaging it gently with just enough pressure to ease the throbbing behind my eyes.
She began humming softly, her other hand tracing slow circles on my back, as if lulling me to sleep.
"I love you, Ro," I mumbled groggily as sleep crept in.
I must've been out for a while when I felt movement beside me—soft rustling, followed by a faint mumbling. My brow furrowed as I blinked awake.
The night lamp cast a dim glow across the room. Aurora's back was to me. I was about to shift closer when I heard her voice.
"Sol, no! You're lying. Tell me you're lying!"
Her voice was hoarse, her head shaking violently. My stomach clenched.
"Aurora," I called, sitting up and reaching for her shoulder.
"Sol, please! Don't leave me!" she groaned. Her face was twisted in distress, her brow furrowed, her eyes shut tight. She was sobbing—but there were no tears.
I cupped her cheeks, gently tapping them. "Ro!" I hissed, shaking her lightly.
Gasping, Aurora's eyes flew open. Her chest heaved as she stared at me, disoriented. "Sol," she whispered, clutching my hand. Her gaze darted around the room, as if trying to anchor herself back to reality.
"What the hell..." I exhaled, brushing her damp cheek. "Did you just have a nightmare?" I asked, my voice soft but strained as I took in the sweat clinging to her skin.
"Sloey..." she murmured again, eyes fluttering shut as she gripped my hand tighter.
"I'm here," I reassured her. "You're drenched in sweat, Ro. Let me get you something clean to wear, alright?"
She nodded faintly, loosening her hold. I slipped away to the wardrobe, pulling out a fresh sweatshirt. But before I could turn back, I heard a soft rustle behind me—then the faint creak of the mattress.
When I peeked out, the bed was empty.
"Ro?" I called, frowning. That's when I caught the quiet sound of running water from the bathroom.
I walked over, the sweatshirt in one hand, and knocked lightly on the door. "Ro? You okay?"
"Yes," came her muffled voice.
I sighed, leaning my forehead briefly against the door. The minutes dragged on, far too long for a simple rinse. I was just about to knock again when the door finally opened.
My breath caught. She looked pale—too pale. The glow she'd had for months was gone, replaced by a ghostly pallor that made my chest tighten. I reached out instinctively, taking her hand.
"Sit," I said firmly, guiding her toward the bed. She didn't resist. I eased her down on the edge and set the sweatshirt beside her before grabbing a towel to dab the sweat from her face.
Aurora looked at me as if trying to memorize my features—her lips curved into a weak smile before she averted her eyes.
"Are you feeling alright?" I asked quietly, tugging at the hem of her damp sweatshirt. When she didn't stop me, I pulled it off carefully—then froze.
Dark marks covered her abdomen. Faint, uneven bruises, blooming over her pale skin.
"What the hell..." The words slipped out under my breath. Aurora flinched, instinctively trying to hide herself, but I was quicker. I knelt in front of her, my fingertips grazing the bruised skin as my pulse roared in my ears.
"Where did you get these?" My voice came out tight, almost a whisper. I lifted my eyes to hers. "Ro, did you get into a fight? Who did this to you?"
Knowing her, it didn't make sense. Aurora wasn't the type to start fights. She was athletic, sure—competitive even—but violence? That wasn't her.
So why did she have these bruises? And why did it feel like I was only just noticing the pattern?
Aurora said nothing. Her shoulders hunched, her head bowed, her lips pressed into a thin line.
I reached out, tilting her chin up until her eyes met mine. "Ro," I pressed gently but firmly. "Tell me who hurt you. I'm your wife." My voice cracked with restrained panic. "Was it Margot? Someone else? Who?"
Her silence sliced through me like glass. My thoughts spun wildly, trying to piece it together—Margot? A stranger?
Cupping her face, I tried to read her expression, but there was nothing.
She just looked at me before scoffing softly, prying my hands from her face—only to hold them instead.
Shaking her head, she muttered, "Just...
got hurt during my exercise. It's nothing serious. It'll go away."
My eyes stayed locked on hers, weighing whether she was telling the truth or simply making excuses. I let out a deep sigh. "You should take extra precautions while exercising, honey."
Standing up, I gently pulled my hands free from her grip and picked up the new sweatshirt.
I helped her slip into it, my fingers brushing against her skin before I leaned in to press a quick kiss on her lips.
Then I gathered her used sweatshirt and tossed it into the laundry basket.
"Sol," she called softly. I turned back toward her and walked to the bed, sitting beside her, waiting for her to speak.
She gave me a faint smile and reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I let her, silent, until she leaned in and brushed a light, gentle kiss against my lips before pulling back. "You shouldn't have married me," she whispered, laughing bitterly.
Her words froze me. My brows furrowed. "Why would you say that?"
My heart ached at her words. I swallowed hard, waiting for her to explain.
"Because..." she laughed again, the sound fragile and cracking, her hands pressing into the mattress as she tilted her head toward the ceiling. "I've always been insecure. Selfish. And you... you never deserved someone like that. Someone like me."
I stared at her. It had always been her—always. So why did she keep pushing me away, especially now, when everything between us was finally falling into place?
"If it's not you I deserve," I murmured, "then who else?"
Was she still jealous of Margot?
But I had made it clear—Margot meant nothing like that to me.
I was married to Aurora. She was my other half, the mother of our daughter.
Margot was only a friend. But Aurora... she was mine.
My anchor. The missing piece that made me whole.
She met my gaze, and I couldn't help but smile, even as my chest tightened with the urge to cry—to beg her not to leave. Because if she ever tried to go again, I wouldn't let her.
"People make mistakes," I continued when I realized she wouldn't speak.
"People make regretful choices. In the end, they're still just people.
No one's perfect—not even you." I tilted my head slightly.
"That's why I don't understand why you keep saying I don't deserve you.
I chose you. And if I'm wrong, then that's on me. "
Leaning in, I brushed my thumb along her cheek before kissing her softly. "You're my wife," I whispered against her lips. "I'm married to you, no matter what."
That truth wouldn't change. I wouldn't let her slip away again. She wasn't allowed to leave. She was mine—and mine alone.
Aurora pulled me closer, answering my kiss as she eased me down onto the bed, straddling me. Her lips were warm and wet as they slid down my jawline to my neck—claiming me, the way she always did. Because no one could ever own me. No one but her.