Aurora

"I don't think it's a good idea" I spoke and heard my friend sigh on the other side of the phone. 

"Aurora, you need to enjoy your life. When did we last go out together for a girl's night out? I know that you are married but we both know that your husband does not care about the things concerning you. So let yourself lose and go easy on yourself, you can't spend your entire life in event planning" A lump formed in my throat as I listened to her words. She was right. There was no point in putting effort into someone who didn't even care. 

Even though this was a marriage of convenience I gave my best efforts. Stood up to my father's expectations who didn't even care to listen to my opinion and set my marriage with Armando Russo who was the son of his business rival. I know he doesn't like me, not that I have mutual feelings but I decided to give us a chance but all that went in vain.

He doesn't even acknowledge my existence. 

"Okay. I will see you at eight" I spoke and hung up the call, looking myself in the mirror. A tear rolled down my cheek unknowingly as I stared at my reflection. I was supposed to act strong but with each passing day, it was becoming impossible. After I questioned his decision, my father's harsh words were still fresh in the corners of my mind. 

"You are getting married to Armando Russo, I have given my word Aurora" My father spoke as he passed me an intense glare. My gaze fell onto my mother who was sitting behind him on the luxurious sofa, her eyes expressing empathy but she refused to speak for me. I again looked at my father who had the same intense expression on his face, waiting for me to accept his command just the way I have been doing since childhood. 

"But father, there must be another way. I-I don't want to get married and-" The gasp of my mother echoed the hall when my face turned to the left side. The stinging feeling on my right cheek was so powerful that it blurred the surroundings in front of me. 

My father just slapped me. 

My throat turned dry and tears flowed from my eyes as he spoke, his voice laced with aggression. If anything Lucio Vero hated from the core of his heart was nothing but disobedience. Pride blinded him to the point that his eyes refused to see the pain of his family. And even I didn't realise when the word 'dad' changed into 'father' as I grew up. I didn't dare to meet his eyes and breathed heavily while the ache in my chest increased with each passing minute. 

"Do you understand how serious the situation is? We can lose everything if you don't marry Armando Russo! So get yourself together and stop being naive" His words spit venom as I kept my head low. This was not the first time when my father raised his hand to me. There have been many instances, such as the time when he came to know that I had a boyfriend when I was in high school. 

"Do you understand me Aurora?" He asked sternly as I stood straight and nodded, still not meeting his eyes. "Words" he spoke in a commanding tone as I felt his heated gaze on me. 

"Y-Yes father" 

I chuckled bitterly at the memory and wiped off the tears from my cheek. It's okay Aurora, just forget everything for tonight and enjoy yourself. 

My eyes squinted at the loud music as I entered the luxurious club. The vibe was very intimidating and it was making me nervous at the same time. I looked at Alice and Meera who were already swaying their bodies to the beat of the music, making me smile at them. At least they were enjoying unlike me who was pretending to. 

"You guys! Let's grab some drinks and sit somewhere" Alice shouted behind the loud music. We settled ourselves in one of the sitting areas with our drinks as we discussed what was going on in our lives lately. I was just hearing their conversations most of the time since I had nothing to share. The whole world knows what was my life like now. I wouldn't be surprised if a stranger had more knowledge about my life than me. I sipped my drink and closed my eyes, feeling the burning sensation down my throat that made me satisfied for some unknown reason.  

I didn't realise when we ended up on the floor and I had to admit that coming here was one of the best decisions I could have made. I closed my eyes and swayed my body to the beat of the music, letting myself lose after so long. The responsibilities, my marriage, Armando, everything vanished into the air as I just focused on myself. But this little moment of mine didn't last long when it got interrupted by someone whom I wasn't expecting to see. 

Armando Russo, my husband. 

My body froze and my eyes widened as I stared into his dark grey eyes which were gazing at me intensely. The heat of his touch on my back gave me shivers, and I didn't know I could be affected by the one whom I loathe. But there was some tension in the air as we stared into each other's eyes. My surroundings went blurry and the music didn't reach my ears as they were replaced by the sound of his heavy breathing, which was more melodic. 

What is happening to me? 

"What are you doing here?" His voice brought me out of my thoughts. Why does he care? What gave him the right to question me when he didn't even consider me as his wife? Aggression filled my veins as I looked straight into his eyes and replied without any hesitation. 

"Enjoying my night. Do you have any issues?" He looked at me amused that took me by surprise. I was expecting him to be angry but I guess I was wrong. He tilted his head and licked his lips as he spoke, and the way his eyes roamed all around my face didn't go unnoticed by me. The feeling went straight between my legs and I hated myself for feeling this way for a guy who spends his nights with other women while his wife has to bear this heavy title of a 'Russo' and is expected to follow the rules all the time. Just why I can't live my life the way I want? Is it too much to ask for? 

"Well, I am not apologetic for interrupting your lovely moment little dove, however, your actions could harm the image of the Russos. I don't think that I have to remind you that you are my wife" And again, the blood in my veins boiled as he reminded me of the bitter reality that I was bound to live in. The way his lips turned into a mischievous smirk triggered me. He knew he'd hit a nerve, well guess what. I will not back down this time. If he was not expected to follow rules then so was I. I don't care about his so-called Russo image. 

"I don't think I owe you any explanation, Mr Russo. Stop acting like you care for me. I am here to enjoy my time and it would be nice if you leave me alone" I retorted while attempting to get out of his hold on my waist. 

But what he did next took me by surprise. I was swirled around by him as his muscular front touched my back while his face got closer to my right ear. I was not sure why he was acting in such a way but I hated to admit that his actions were giving me butterflies all over my stomach. I shouldn't be this weak and not let him have his way with me when I know how he cheats on me with endless women every night. The rumours I heard before our marriage had an intense effect on me. Maybe this is why he was present in this club to satisfy himself. 

"What if I don't? What are you going to do little dove?" He whispered near my ear as his soft lips brushed against my skin sending me shivers down my spine. The way he was calling me by this nickname and the way his rough yet delicate touches on my skin made me weak, and I feared letting my guard down. I can't be this weak! So I said what came into my mind even though I knew he didn't care about me but about his legacy. 

"You sure you have the heart to listen to what will I do?" I spat in anger and suddenly turned around, taking him by surprise and inched closer to his face. I didn't know how I got the courage to meet his dark grey eyes, maybe it was the alcohol and the building frustration inside of me, but I continued without giving any second thought. "I will hit on the first guy that comes in my way and let him have the honour to enjoy my company. Now that will ruin your name since I am your wife, won't it? The paparazzi will get insane. Great Armando Russo couldn't even make his wife happy" I smirked and walked back while dancing and gave him a challenging look.

The reaction that I got from him was something I couldn't expect. I thought he would probably roll his eyes or degrade me or do something else, but the way that playful smirk vanished from his face and got replaced with a serious expression made me nervous. I didn't know what he was thinking, but it wasn't giving me a good feeling. I could feel the eyes of my friends who were as shocked as me but since he was my husband they didn't decide to interfere which I was glad about. This whole situation was awkward enough. 

"Don't blame me after" he muttered through gritted teeth followed by some curses as he marched towards me with an intense look on his face. His jaws were clenched and his eyes were dark as he didn't let me process his next move. My eyes widened when he lifted me on his shoulder, taking me by surprise. 

Oh My God!

"Are you serious? Put me down!" I retorted but he ignored my struggles and walked out of the club, not caring about the way we got glances from people. This is so embarrassing and infuriating! Who he thinks he is? Wasn't my dad enough to assert control over me? My eyes filled with tears as he put me down and pinned me against the car. 

"Get in the car Aurora" He spoke in a dominating voice but I held my chin high and glared into his eyes with nothing but hurt and hatred.

No 

My inner voice yelled but words didn't come out of my mouth. I won't let him win. 

"I won't repeat little dove. Get. In. The. Car" He emphasised each word through gritted teeth but I was done being the obedient girl who was expected to sacrifice her happiness every time. I am just done. 

Air got sucked out of my lungs when he smashed his lips on mine, making my whole numb. This was our first kiss, we didn't even share one in our wedding. I clearly remember the way he kissed the corner of my mouth, avoiding the full kiss on the lips. But now, feeling his soft lips moulded perfectly against mine made me feel euphoric. The kiss was rough, maybe his way of punishing me for my ravenous behaviour out there, but the pleasure that I was feeling between my legs was beyond imagination. 

"Fuck" He cursed between the kiss as his hands firmly gripped my jaw, keeping me in place while he continued to devour my lips as if he has been starving for so long. I was on the verge of giving in when my head suddenly spun followed by an immense pain that shook me completely. My body began to lose its grip as the feeling intensified. I don't think I was that drunk to pass out like this, but now it was getting impossible for me to remain conscious. 

"Aurora?" 

Armando's voice was the last thing that I heard as everything turned black. 

[TO BE CONTINUED]