CHAPTER 3
"Where the hell are my work clothes? They should have been washed, ironed, and hanging in my wardrobe by now. You know that," Thomas bellowed at Aurora, his anger palpable as he closed in on her personal space. Before she could explain that she had already completed the task he demanded, he lashed out and delivered a stinging slap across her face.
Aurora crumpled to the floor from the force of the blow, cradling her burning left cheek with her hand. She could already feel the telltale signs of the heat and tingling, warning her of the bruise that would inevitably follow.
"I d-did, Uncle T-Thomas. It is o-on the c-couch in y-your room," she stuttered out, trying to hold back tears.
"Are you calling me a liar?" he hissed, leaning down and invading her personal space. His breath reeked of strong coffee, making her flinch. Aurora looked up from the floor, her hand still pressed to her throbbing cheek, and saw his face twisted with anger. One raised eyebrow and crossed arms conveyed his disbelief that she would question him.
"N-no, Uncle T-Thomas, I will g-go find it f-for you n-now, sorry, sir," she mumbled as she struggled to get up, her face contorted in pain.
"You know how crucial this meeting is, right? Do you even understand how important William Knight is? He's coming to my home, and whatever he wants, it's monumental. I'm not even ready! You want to sabotage this by making me late!" he hissed, his frustration and anxiety simmering beneath his words.
"N-no...I-I "
In a fit of rage, he kicked her legs from under her, and she had no time to react. Before she could blink, her forehead collided with the wall opposite her, leaving her with a throbbing headache and an even worse bruise. Fortunately, it was on the other side of her face, sparing her left cheek from a double blow.
"N-no, Uncle T-Thomas, I-I......"
"Never question me again, or you'll get more than just a smack across the face," he sneered, his threats leaving a chilling effect in the room. Without another word, he turned and briskly walked toward the staircase. However, he paused for one last menacing look back at Aurora.
"If I'm not prepared before William arrives, and it reflects poorly on my hospitality and punctuality, you better find a place to hide, because the consequences won't be good." With that ominous warning, he jogged up the stairs, leaving Aurora to contemplate the impending dread of his return.
Aurora rushed to Thomas's bedroom, and the ironed clothes were exactly where she had left them. With trembling hands, she grabbed the suit and sprinted back down to the study. She knocked before entering.
"U-uncle T-Thomas, your s-suit," she stammered, holding it out.
He snatched the suit from her hands and scrutinized her. "For heaven's sake, cover that bruise. We don't want William to notice anything wrong, now, do we?"
Aurora nodded, her eyes filled with apprehension.
"Words! I want words."
"N-no, U-uncle T-Thomas. I'll c-cover it n-now," she replied and swiftly retreated to the kitchen. Her hands shook as she opened a small box with her belongings and retrieved an old foundation that Margo had given her for emergencies. She carefully applied the foundation over her bruise, wincing as pain radiated each time she touched her cheek. Wiping away her tears, she knew she had no time to dwell on her pain. She had a guest to prepare for.
William's heart pounded in his chest as he stood outside Thomas's grand house, the memories of the past flooding back with intensity. It had been ten long years since he had last seen Aurora, his childhood friend who had left this world so abruptly. Today, he would finally come face to face with her again.
As the door swung open, William's eyes locked onto Aurora, who stood in the doorway with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty.
Aurora possessed a breathtaking beauty that seemed almost otherworldly. Her features were exquisite, with long, silky hair flowing down her back in golden waves. Her flawless, pale skin added to her enchanting allure, and her eyes, a deep, soulful blue, held a wisdom beyond her years. She was petite and delicate, exuding an air of innocence and grace.
As William looked at her, he couldn't help but be reminded of her mother's beauty. He saw the potential for a perfect match between Aurora and his son, Xavier. They both had a similar elegance and charm that would complement each other wonderfully.
However, the warmth in her eyes were missing, they seemed guarded and distant. Her demeanor timid and reserved. It was clear that time had taken its toll on her, but she still possessed a delicate beauty that tugged at William's heartstrings.
"Aurora," William whispered, his voice barely audible, filled with a mixture of longing and regret. "It feels like an eternity since we last met."
Aurora's lips twitched into a hesitant smile, her voice tinged with a hint of confusion.
"I-I'm s-sorry, Sir. I d-didn't rec-recognize you," she replied timidly, her eyes downcast.
William's heart softened at her response. He understood that his absence had created a void in her memory, and he was determined to bridge that gap.
"It's your Uncle William," he gently reminded her, his voice carrying a touch of warmth. "I was your father Marco's best friend. We shared countless memories together."
Recognition flickered in Aurora's eyes, accompanied by a delicate blush that adorned her cheeks. "U-uncle W-William. Pl-please forgive m-me for not r-remembering," she stammered, her voice trembling with worry that she had disappointed him.
William reached out and gently took her hand, his touch reassuring and comforting. "There's nothing to forgive, my dear," he reassured her, his voice laced with sincerity. "Time has a way of playing tricks on our memories.
What matters now is that we have this opportunity to reconnect."
Aurora's eyes sparkled with a mixture of relief and gratitude as she slowly nodded.
In that moment, William made a silent promise to himself to be a presence in Aurora's life, to fill the void that his absence had created. He would make up for lost time and become the uncle she deserved.
After a few moments of silence, William gently broke the ice, "Aren't you going to invite me in?"
"O-oh, I-I'm s-sorry. Please c-come in," Aurora stammered, flustered by the sudden request.
They entered a cozy sitting room, and William took a seat, patting the spot next to him, inviting Aurora to join him. She hesitated for a moment, looking around nervously.
"What's wrong? Come, sit with me," William reassured her.
Aurora managed a small smile and nodded, finally taking a seat beside him. Her anxiety began to ease as she settled into the comfortable atmosphere.
"These are for you," William said kindly, presenting the bouquet of flowers. "Your father always told me how much you loved flowers."
Aurora's eyes widened with astonishment as she gazed at the beautiful bouquet. "T-Thank you s-so much, M-Mr. Knight," she replied, a genuine smile spreading across her face.
"Mr. Knight, don't you think that's a bit formal? You used to call me Uncle Wilum because you couldn't say William," he chuckled, reminiscing about her nickname for him.
The sound of her giggles was like a sweet melody that filled the room, casting a lightness in the air. It was as if, for a brief moment, the weight of his guilt for the past years had been lifted, and the innocence and joy of their shared memories resurfaced.
William's eyes sparkled with delight as he watched Aurora's laughter. He couldn't help but be captivated by the enchanting sound, as it brought back a flood of cherished moments from their time together.
"Ah, Aurora," he said, a smile playing on his lips. "It's good to hear your laughter again. It brings back so many fond memories."
Aurora's laughter subsided, and she looked at William with a warmth.
Her voice held a tinge of vulnerability, as if she feared that this unexpected visit might be fleeting, just like the memories of their past.
"I-It b-been a l-long time. W-Why d-didn't y-you visit m-me?" she stuttered, her words laced with a mix of longing and vulnerability.
William's expression turned earnest as he reached out to hold Aurora's hands gently.
"My dear Aurora, I know I have been absent from your life for far too long. But please believe me when I say that you have always been present in my mind"
Aurora's eyes searched his face, searching for sincerity in his words. She wanted to believe him, to trust that he had truly cared for her, even in his absence.
"I have come here today because I believe that you deserve a better life, Aurora," William continued, his voice filled with determination. "I have a proposal, one that I believe will not only bring you happiness but also ensure a bright future for both our families."
Before he could share his decision regarding the alliance with Aurora, an abrupt sound cut through the air, causing William to pause in his tracks. Thomas, wearing a smug expression, looked between the two of them, his eyes filled with a mix of superiority and disdain. Aurora's heart skipped a beat as she stood up quickly, her palms becoming clammy at the sight of her uncle's disapproving gaze.
Ah, William, when did you arrive?" Thomas said with a hint of malice, his words dripping with insincerity. He turned his attention to Aurora, his tone laced with condescension. "And why, my dear, did you fail to inform me of our guest's arrival?"
Aurora's voice caught in her throat as she tried to find an explanation, but Thomas raised his hand dismissively, cutting her off before she could speak.
"U-Un...."
"It doesn't matter now," he said curtly.
"Run along and fetch some tea, Aurora. William and I have matters to discuss."
Aurora's heart sank at the dismissive tone, but she nodded silently, her eyes downcast, and quickly made her way out of the room to prepare the tea. The weight of Thomas's disapproval hung heavily in the air, and she couldn't help but wonder what awaited her upon her return.
William's gaze followed Aurora's retreating figure, a flicker of concern crossing his face. He knew Thomas's intentions all too well and understood the challenges that lay ahead. However, his determination to forge this alliance remained unwavering, and he braced himself for the difficult negotiation that awaited him.
With a deep breath, William turned his attention back to Thomas, his eyes meeting the piercing gaze of his old acquaintance. It was time to face the daunting task of convincing Thomas that the union between Xavier and Aurora was the only path forward, despite his greed and desire for personal gain.