Chapter 60
1248words
After the revelation yesterday, she had been feeling restless throughout. She tried calling Ryan last night but he must still be mad at her because he didn't answer any of her calls, she debated on sending him a text instead, however the news wasn't something to be disclosed over a text message.
Throughout the day, she refused to smile not even when she went shopping for her engagement gown. It turned out that her mother had actually fitted her for a dress beforehand, this only made Aurora more aware of how little say she had in her own life.
Her eyes swept of the ton gathered, catching glimpses of a few of the dancers at the ballet academy.
"Now, what is the future bride doing up here and looking all gloom?"
She didn't bother to turn, the voice was overly familiar. Aurora simply sighed, feeling the strong urge to run him through a knife.
"I'm searching for my groom," She answered in a bored manner and Evan scoffed, gesturing with his hand at a corner,
"Over there," He said, "Your prince charming."
True enough, Matt was standing at the corner, a flute of champagne in his hand. Just like her, he too looked absolutely miserable as if this was the last place he wanted to be in that moment.
Aurora related with the sentiment.
"Come to think of it," Evan piped up again and this time, she turned to look at him, "The news of your engagement came as a shocker to me, well I wasn't surprised that it was to curly head over there. I just reckoned your mother would've given you a few years at least, maybe after you take over daddy's company like the heir you're meant to be."
She frowned, her head slowly tilting to the side, "You don't sound too happy."
He cocked his brow, "About what?"
She scoffed, shifting to face him totally, "You're not pleased that I'm going to be the one inheriting daddy's properties," She drawled the word 'daddy' in a jeering tone.
Aurora didn't expect but a flash of irritation flashed in his orbs. She was right, he was just doing this for revenge either.
She shook her head, taking a step forward, "A simple warning, revenge is only going to take you so far," She leaned forward to whisper in his ear, "Don't forget, you're a Rochester now. If we go down, don't you fucking think I won't drag you with us."
Aurora straightened, throwing him her signature bright smile. It was hard not to be terrified by the dark look that had completely overshadowed his face. She walked away, keeping her shoulders set and her head tilted high, even if she felt like a trembling storm inside.
The rest of the night went well, she and Matt exchanged rings then they had to share a painfully awkward kiss. Although, she'd have to give it to him, Matt was a good kisser but it still didn't feel right.
Rather than butterflies, she felt disgust.
She'd barely escaped the clutches of Mason and Natasha who were busy grilling her for information. They accused her of being a snitch and hitching behind their backs, Natasha was simply happy that she was going to become a chief bridesmaid, a once in a lifetime opportunity seeing that she was an only child. Mason however wanted to know how they started dating and when he proposed.
Even Eva and her clique were in attendance, the vice-chancelor and his preppy wife too. He had actually given the opening speech, commending her on her effort of being the top student of the academy. Aurora knew instantly that it was her mother who had sent the invite to the school.
When she couldn't take the overwhelming number of people who wanted to congratulate and speak to her anymore, she fled to the open balcony, shutting the glass slides behind her. She was grateful that the noise sounded dull from her and took the moment to finally breathe.
"You look gorgeous in white."
She nearly jumped out of her skin, swiveling to the source of the voice. Her eyes went wide when they fell on him and her heart stuttered,
"R-Ryan?"
He moved closer, the glow of the moonlight casting an ethereal look to him. Her breath seized and he smiled,
"But-" She shook her head, "What are you doing here-I mean how did you even get inside?"
He gently took her hand, swiping his thumb back and forth on her skin and she shivered at his touch, "I couldn't stay away."
His gaze flickered to meet hers and the vulnerability in them made her melt.
"Oh, Ryan," She cupped his face causing him to instinctively lean into her palm, "I never wanted you to."
Aurora moved first, her lips pressed against his and almost instantly, that spark ignited, inviting the tingles and butterflies she missed dearly. His hand found the back of her head, pressing her mouth further and she mewled softly.
They parted after a moment, both of them panting softly. His heavy-lidded stare burned through her entire body and she shifted closer,
"I missed you," She admitted shamelessly and his lips curled upwards.
"Me too."
They stayed like that, foreheads pressed against each other and their breaths mingling in the air between them. Ryan cupped her face again, pulling her to look at him,
"What are we doing, flower?" He asked, dark eyes searching eyes desperately. He was looking for an answer but she didn't have one.
"I-I," She stuttered helplessly, shaking her head, "I don't know, Ryan. I don't know but I don't want you to leave. I don't want this to end."
He blew out a breath, his thumb catching her lips and pressed against the moist flesh, "Me neither. You've screwed me beyond imagination, flower."
Although, the way he said it sounded like a joke, she detected a hint of pain and it caused her heart to clench.
He had no idea what he'd done to her either.
She snuggled closer into his warmth, enjoying the electric feeling that his touch brought. Ryan in turn wrapped his arms around her, placing his chin on top her head.
"We'll figure it out," She murmured, "One way or the other, we'll figure it out."
He didn't respond and she thought he didn't hear her so she pulled back to stare at him but the sound of the door wriggling made her jump back in fear.
She faced him with wide eyes, he took looked caught off guard, "Hide," She hissed and he nodded, darting between the two large pillars in the corner.
Aurora turned towards the door and inhaled sharply, calming her racing heart. The slide pulled open instantly, revealing a messy head of coffee brown curls,
"Ah, there you are," Matt sighed, smiling at her, "I've been looking everywhere for you."
She pretended to act surprised, "Oh, why is that?" Her gaze flickered towards the pillar where Ryan had squeezed himself into.
He stopped beside her and wrapped an arm around her waist, "It's time for our toast, come on."
As they walked out the balcony, Aurora shot another look at the pillars and crossed her fingers that he would be fine.
