Chapter 80
Standing so close, I shut my eyes and tugged Aurora's head gently toward me, letting her forehead rest against mine. We swayed together to the soft music playing in the background—her arms wrapped around my waist, mine looped around her neck.
I blinked when she suddenly pulled me even closer. My breath hitched, and I buried my face against her shoulder.
"Ro?" I murmured, but she didn't respond. Instead, she rested her head atop mine as we continued to sway.
I didn't know what came over us—why we decided to dance right there in our bedroom—but the dim lighting made everything feel tender and romantic. The quiet melody filled the space like a heartbeat.
When the music ended, we stopped moving, yet neither of us stepped back. We just stood there, holding each other, listening to the sound of our breaths intertwining.
"I love you," Aurora whispered as she loosened her embrace. Straightening, she gave me that familiar grin.
Cupping her cheeks, I smiled back. "And I love you even more." I rose on my toes and brushed a kiss against her lips. "Now, why don't you go change? I'll check on Dione."
She hummed softly and nodded.
I left the room and made my way to Dione's. After knocking once, I peeked inside. She was already fast asleep—her blanket kicked halfway off, one leg wrapped around her bolster.
A small smile tugged at my lips as I walked over and tucked her back in. She stirred, mumbling a sleepy sound, but didn't wake. Sitting at the edge of her bed, I leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"Good night, sweetheart. Sweet dreams," I whispered, brushing a hand through her hair.
She murmured something incoherent and clutched the bolster tighter. I chuckled softly, shaking my head before standing and quietly slipping out. Closing her door behind me, I headed back to the master bedroom.
When I entered, Aurora was unfastening her vest. I closed the door and crossed to her, gently prying her hands away so I could finish unbuttoning it myself.
She tilted her head, smiling. "Is Dione asleep already?"
I nodded. "She is." I slid her vest off her shoulders, folded it neatly, and set it atop her suit jacket. "She must be exhausted after everything today."
Smiling, I reached for her tie and gave it a playful tug, pulling her down toward me. A giggle escaped when her eyes widened in surprise. Wrapping my arms around her shoulders, I whispered, "Just so you know, I'm so proud of you."
Her face flushed, and though she tried not to smile, she couldn't help it. I cupped her cheeks, brushing my thumb against her skin. "You make me proud every single time, Ro," I murmured before leaning in to kiss her softly. "I can't help it—I'm in awe of you."
Her throat bobbed as she swallowed hard. "Sloey..." she breathed, her voice breaking slightly.
I grinned. "How about we shower together?" I teased, winking.
Her eyes widened, and I almost burst out laughing at her reaction. She scoffed and pulled me closer instead, her lips trailing down my neck to my shoulder blade.
"I won't turn down that offer, honey," she murmured against my skin.
A soft laugh escaped me as I met her gaze. "I love you," I whispered, tugging her into another kiss.
"I love you more," she mumbled between our kisses, her hands sliding to my waist as mine wrapped around her neck. We stumbled a little, laughing breathlessly as our kisses deepened.
My hands went to her necktie, loosening it free. Aurora unzipped my dress, tugging it down until the fabric pooled soundlessly on the floor. I unfastened her shirt next, peeling it away and tossing it aside.
Aurora bent down, deepening the kiss. Her hands freed me as she stripped off her trousers. I pulled back, gasping for air, our chests rising and falling in sync. My gaze drifted down, fingertips tracing the faint lines of her abs. I swallowed hard at the sight.
"Sol." She caught my wrist, her grip firm enough to make me blink. "Not there."
I lifted my head, lips parting, but before I could speak, she cupped my face and claimed my mouth again.
I gasped, meeting her hunger with my own. We stumbled into the shower, the water cascading over our bodies as she drew me closer. Her tongue slid into my mouth, tangling with mine in a rhythm that burned.
Her lips trailed down my jawline to my neck, teeth grazing my skin, and I couldn't help but arch into her touch.
"Ro," I rasped, tugging on her hair as her mouth found my breast. I looked down at her, breath catching at how warm her mouth was.
Her hand slipped down to tug at my panties. I helped her, stepping out of them. Aurora's lips moved lower—past my chest, my abdomen—until she was on her knees before me. My breath hitched as her mouth pressed a kiss against my core, pulling a gasp from me.
The water streamed over my skin. I braced one hand against the glass partition while my other brushed the droplets from her face.
Her eyes locked on mine as she devoured me. She lifted one of my thighs over her shoulder, her mouth finding my clit. I swallowed hard, my throat tight. Her tongue teased, circled, and I couldn't stop the moans spilling from my lips.
"Oh, fuck," I hissed, my hand twisting in her hair as I ground against her mouth. Her warmth made my head spin. "Damn it, Ro... you're hitting every spot."
Her tongue worked me relentlessly, and when I glanced down, I caught sight of her hand stroking herself.
The sight alone sent heat rushing through me.
Aurora stood, our eyes meeting again as she kept stroking her hardened length.
Instinctively, I reached for her, wrapping my hand around her shaft, feeling how hard she was.
"I want you inside me," I breathed. "Put it inside me, Ro."
She turned me around, pressing me against the slick glass. "Spread your legs wider," she murmured.
I obeyed, bending forward, palms flat against the glass.
"That's it," she said, voice low. I sucked in a breath as I felt her slide inside me. A sharp groan escaped as she began to move—slow at first, then harder, deeper. Her hands gripped my waist as she claimed me, each thrust making my breath catch.
Her rhythm grew rougher, the sound of skin and water filling the air. My body straightened as she pressed closer behind me. She caught my wrists in one hand, pinning them above me, while the other wrapped around my abdomen, dragging me tighter against her.
My breath fogged the glass. My chest rose and fell, my legs trembling under the pressure of her rhythm. "Damn, Sol," she hissed, pressing a kiss to my shoulder before biting down, drawing a low groan from me.
My release built, pulsing deep inside me.
Aurora hit that perfect spot over and over until my knees nearly gave out.
My breathing grew ragged as she pulled me upright, letting me lean into her.
I tilted my head back against her shoulder as she thrust harder, as if intent on ruining every last piece of me.
My lips parted in a desperate gasp.
Aurora caught my chin, turning my face toward hers, and kissed me—wild, consuming, drowning out every thought except her.
I reached back blindly, tangling my fingers in her hair, needing something to hold onto as I fell apart in her arms.
A groan escaped me as my core tightened around her, the pressure coiling until release rippled through me—warmth spilling out, my legs trembling beneath the weight of it.
Aurora didn't stop. She kept moving, her rhythm steady until I felt her own heat flood inside me.
We both panted, foreheads nearly touching, leaning against the fogged glass. Her arm circled my waist, hand pressed against my stomach as if holding me together.
"You okay, Sloey?" she murmured, pressing soft kisses against my neck as she finally pulled out.
I could only hum and nod, my voice lost somewhere between exhaustion and contentment.
She washed me gently, her touch unhurried.
She bathed me, dressed me, and carried me to bed as if I were made of something fragile.
The mattress dipped beneath us, and she drew me into her arms. Wrapped in the blankets, we sank into silence—just warmth, skin, and the faint rhythm of our breathing.
I didn't know how long it was before I drifted off. The next thing I felt was movement beside me, a subtle shift that stirred me awake.
"Ro...?" I mumbled, still half-dreaming, reaching for her. My fingers brushed against her arm—she was trembling. "Ro," I whispered again, opening my eyes as I shook her lightly.
She groaned softly, burying her face against my chest, her breath warm against my skin.
I blinked down at her, worry tugging at my voice. "Ro, are you alright? You're shivering."
"Yes," she murmured, inching closer as if she could hide inside me. Her arms tightened around my waist. "Go back to sleep, Sloey."
I sighed, brushing her damp hair back before tucking the blanket more securely around her. Pressing a kiss to the crown of her head, I whispered, "I love you, Ro."
She didn't respond—only snuggled closer, as though even this closeness wasn't enough.
I smiled faintly to myself, humming a familiar tune as I rubbed her back in slow, soothing circles.
Gradually, I felt her body relax, her trembling easing until all that remained was her quiet breathing against my heart.
?·???°???°???·?
Tapping my pen on the desk, I hummed softly as I flipped to another page of the document I was reviewing. My phone chimed, and I reached for it. It was a message from Dione, who had just returned to her boarding school.
I smiled and typed a quick reply before my finger hovered over Aurora's message box. A sigh escaped me when I saw there were still no updates from her. She'd been away on her business trip for days and hadn't responded to any of my messages—hadn't even called back.
Biting the inside of my cheek, I hovered over the video call icon. The other line rang, and I waited for her to answer, but it ended without anyone picking up. I groaned and dialed again.
This time, the screen lit up with Aurora's face. "Sloey," she greeted.
Clearing my throat, I straightened in my chair.
"Ro," I said softly, studying her face. She looked exhausted—drained, even.
What was going on with this business trip of hers?
"I thought I should check in. You haven't answered any of my messages.
" My voice dipped, disappointment seeping through.
We hadn't fought before she left; in fact, she'd insisted on dropping Dione off at school herself before flying out.
Everything had been fine. So why had she gone silent?
"Are you still on your business trip? Where are you right now?" I asked. She hadn't told me when she was coming back, and her flight details were sent almost last minute.
"I'm out of town, Sol," she said, glancing at something beyond her phone. Out of town? Not Switzerland, then? "Meetings, contracts, things that need handling—it's keeping me busy."
I frowned, tilting my head. "Is that all? What's that sound in the background? And you sound off. Are you feeling okay?"
Aurora chuckled softly. "Sloey, I'm fine, really. Just thinking through a few decisions, reasoning things out for the company. Nothing you need to worry about."
I rubbed my forehead, sighing. "Honey, you don't sound fine at all. Are you sure it's just work?" Her voice was hoarse—tired—and something about it felt off, though I couldn't place what.
She nodded faintly. "I promise, Sol. I'm fine. Focus on your day. I'll be back before you know it."
Clicking my tongue, I frowned at the screen. "Then at least respond when I message you. Don't leave me on read, you're making me worry."
Maybe I was overthinking. Maybe following her would be unreasonable. But part of me wanted to. Just to see where she really was.
"Alright, alright," Aurora said with a faint smile. "I'm sorry. I just got busy, you know." Her eyes looked tired, even through the screen. "Anyway, once I'm done here, I'll head to Paris. I'll drop by Dione's boarding school. I kinda miss our daughter."
I nodded slowly. "Alright. Make sure you book your visit so the dorm knows you're coming." I softened my voice, offering a small smile. "I miss you. Take care, alright? I love you."
"I love you more," she murmured before ending the call.
A sharp exhale left my lips as I set my phone down on the desk. I leaned back, shutting my eyes for a moment—only to hear a knock on the door.
"Come in," I called, eyes still closed.
"Sis."
Soeren's voice made me open one eye. He stood there for a moment before pulling out the chair across from my desk, sighing heavily.
I straightened, studying his expression. "What's wrong, Soeren?"
He loosened his tie and placed a manila envelope on my desk. "I've gathered something about the motorworks," he began.
Leaning forward, I nodded. "Tell me about it."
"First things first," Soeren said, glancing up at me. "Have you checked the recording on your phone—from your car's dashboard?"
I frowned and shook my head. "No, I completely forgot to recheck it. Why?"
He shifted uneasily in his seat. "Did anyone try to borrow your car before you went to Oxford? Like... for some errands, maybe?"
My brow furrowed deeper. "No, no one borrowed my car. What's going on, Soeren? Why can't you just tell me straight? What's in there?" I reached for the envelope, but a knock on the door cut me off.
Both of us turned toward the door—Margot stepped in. Soeren quickly snatched the envelope away and stood, his movements abrupt, almost defensive.
I blinked at him, baffled by his reaction. Rising from my seat, I turned to Margot.
"Hey, hi. Sorry," she said, rubbing the back of her neck. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything?"
Soeren shook his head too quickly. "No, not at all, Ms. Verne. I was just about to leave." He turned toward me. "Sis, I'm heading out first."
"But—" I started, but he was already halfway out the door, giving Margot a polite nod before disappearing into the hallway.
Margot and I stared after him before our eyes met again. She scoffed lightly. "What's up with your brother?"
I shrugged, stepping out from behind my desk. "Beats me," I muttered, still eyeing the door. What was that about? And why did he react like that when he saw her?
"Anyway," I said, rubbing my temple as I walked toward the couch. "You really should tell me when you're dropping by. A little courtesy wouldn't hurt." I rolled my eyes but smiled as I sank onto the cushions.
"Sorry," she said, settling beside me. "I just got excited and forgot to message you."
I hummed, crossing my arms and legs. "Alright. So, what's with the good mood?"
She shrugged, smiling faintly. "Just having a good day." Then she tilted her head, her tone shifting. "I didn't know you had a daughter. You never told me."
My brow arched. "I don't exactly go around parading that Aurora and I have a child," I said flatly. "I've kept my daughter away from the public eye—and from being scrutinized for who her parents are."
Margot sighed, leaning back. "But we're friends, Sloane. We've known each other for years. For what it's worth, we've been through a lot."
"I know," I admitted. "But you need to understand something, Margot. I did what I thought was best for my daughter. Friendship doesn't give anyone the right to compromise her safety."
Her expression hardened. "Wait." She pointed at me. "Are you seriously saying that if you told me about your daughter, her safety would be compromised? What—do you think I'd put her in danger just because you confided in me?"
I blinked, taken aback.
Then a bitter laugh slipped from my lips.
"I can't believe you're twisting it that way.
" I shook my head. "You are my friend, yes—but my daughter is mine.
I have every right to decide who knows about her.
So no, it's not my fault for keeping it private.
I just don't understand why you're acting like I betrayed you. "
Margot's voice dropped, tinged with frustration. "Maybe because you know damn well that I like you—"
"Exactly.
" I cut her off, standing abruptly. "That's exactly why.
You've made your feelings clear, and I've respected that—but I've also made my boundaries clear, Margot.
We've talked about this over and over again, and you still don't seem to understand.
And now you're dragging my daughter into this? "
She looked up at me.
"That's not what I meant." She rose to her feet, her tone firm but trembling underneath.
"If I'm really your friend, then why wasn't I enough for you to trust me with something like that?
I could've helped, you know." She reached out, but I instinctively stepped back.
"That's exactly why I didn't tell anyone," I said, swallowing hard.
"My daughter and I don't need anyone else beyond her family.
Dione doesn't need someone who isn't her mother.
I didn't tell the public about her because I wanted Aurora to be the one who knew first."
Margot let out a short, disbelieving laugh. "So that's it? All this—marrying your ex—because of the daughter you two share?"
"Yes," I said firmly. "That's exactly the reason. Because Aurora and I have a daughter together. Because our daughter wanted me to marry her other mother."
She laughed again, but this time it sounded hollow. "I don't get it. I've trusted you like a real sister, told you things I've never told anyone—and you couldn't even trust me back? Am I really that unworthy of your confidence?"
I closed my eyes, exhaling slowly.
"Because I didn't want you to hope for something, Margot.
I didn't tell you because I didn't want my daughter to be confused.
You and Aurora share such similar features—can you imagine what that would do to a child?
And beyond that..." I met her gaze. "I didn't want you trying to take Aurora's place once you found out. "
Her shoulders slumped.
"I'm not trying to replace anyone, Sloane.
You know that." Her voice wavered as she lowered her head.
"It's just... I feel disappointed. I thought, after almost a decade of friendship—after everything we've been through—you'd trust me more than this.
" She let out a quiet, bitter laugh. "Maybe it's my fault for loving someone like you.
For adoring someone who can't even trust me enough to tell me the truth. "
A knot formed in my throat as she turned away. I didn't call out to her. I didn't chase after her. Some things were better left to settle in silence—she needed to process this on her own.
Because, beyond being her friend, I was a mother. And as a mother, I refused to compromise my child's safety for anyone's feelings. Not with the kind of world I was managing—where enemies hid behind every contract and every smile.
And I knew, deep down, Margot wouldn't understand that. At least not yet.