Chapter 10

(Aurora’s POV)

The morning sunlight streamed through the thin curtains of my room, but I had been awake long before dawn. My stomach churned with nerves, and the restless night had left me exhausted. I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at my hands, which were trembling slightly.

A soft knock on the door broke my thoughts. My mother peeked in, her face a mixture of pride and worry. 

“Aurora, sweetheart, the car has arrived” I looked up, my eyes wide. 

“Already?” She nodded. 

“It’s waiting outside. Your father is checking everything. Come on, get ready”.

After getting ready slowly, I tried to halt time, but it was impossible, so I stepped out of the building with a heavy heart. My face was a mix of awe and discomfort as I looked at the car parked outside. It was a gleaming black Rolls-Royce, its polished surface reflecting the morning light like a mirror. A uniformed chauffeur stood by the open door, waiting patiently.

My father turned to me and said in his soft voice. 

“Aurora, it’s time” I nodded, my hands clutching the fabric of my simple yet elegant dress. 

The ride to the Skylar mansion was smooth and silent. I sat in the backseat with my parents, my hands clasped tightly in my lap. My mother reached over and gently squeezed my hand.

Dad, sensing my nerves, tried to lighten the mood. 

“Well, at least you’ll be riding in style from now on” He joked, gesturing to the opulent interior of the car.

My smile faltered, and I glanced out the window. The city streets blurred as the car sped toward my new life. My thoughts raced. ‘This is it… Everything changes today.’

After a few hours, the car came to a halt at the gates of the Skylar mansion. I craned my neck, my eyes enlarging at the sight of the vast area. The driveway was bordered with groomed bushes and fountains, leading to a huge mansion that seemed something out of a fairytale.

The chauffeur opened the door, and I stepped out hesitantly. My parents followed, equally awed by the grandeur.

The huge oak doors to the Skylar estate swung open, revealing the magnificent lobby beyond. The marble floors shone in the light of an intricate crystal chandelier, and the walls were covered with fine artwork and elegant furnishings. 

The grandeur of the mansion was overwhelming, and for a moment, I felt like I had stepped into another world entirely.

An elderly man with a dignified demeanor, led the way. 

“Mr. and Mrs. Morrison, Miss Aurora,” He said, his tone courteous.

“Mr. Skylar is waiting to receive you in the drawing room”.

I exchanged a glance with my father, who gave her a reassuring nod. We followed the man deeper into the house, our footsteps echoing softly against the marble.

Alexander Skylar stood near the fireplace, dressed impeccably in a dark suit. His expression softened the moment we entered, a welcoming smile spreading across his face.

“Welcome!” Alexander said, stepping forward with open arms. 

“This is a beautiful home, Mr. Skylar” After dad shook hands with Mr. Skylar, mom said in a warm voice but tinged with awe. 

“Thank you” He replied graciously. His eyes then shifted to me.

“Aurora, you look absolutely radiant. Today is a big day, and I want you to know that I deeply appreciate your courage and willingness to step into this role” He said gently.

“Thank you” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mr. Skylar then gestured toward the plush seating arranged in the center of the room. 

“Please, make yourselves comfortable. I’ve arranged some refreshments. It’s important to me that you feel at home here”.

As we sat, the servants reappeared with a tray of tea, coffee, and an assortment of delicate pastries. The conversation was polite, though a subtle tension lingered in the air.

Dad broke the silence, his tone earnest. 

“Mr. Skylar, we’re grateful for this opportunity. I hope Aurora will meet your expectations” He waved the comment away with a kind smile. 

“There are no expectations, Mr. Morrison. Aurora is already more than I could have hoped for. My sons will come to see that in time as well”.

My chest tightened at the mention of the Skylar sons, but I remained composed.

After a few minutes, Mr Skylar called the old man and instructed him to show me the room where I would get ready for the ceremony. Through his posture and professional demeanour, I understood that he is the head butler.

He then led me to an elegant hallway. We passed the gilded mirrors and ornate vases placed meticulously along the walls. I followed silently, my hands clasped tightly together as my mind raced with thoughts of the life awaiting me.

We stopped in front of a double door with intricate carvings. The butler turned to me, his voice calm and steady.

“This will be your room to prepare for the ceremony, Miss Aurora. Mr. Skylar personally selected it for you” I nodded nervously, my voice catching in my throat. 

“Thank you” I managed to say softly. With a slight bow, the butler pushed the doors open, revealing the room beyond.

I stepped inside, and my breath hitched. The room was breathtaking. The walls were painted in soft, creamy tones and the furniture was fit for royalty. A four-poster bed with flowing silk curtains stood in one corner, while a massive vanity table, already adorned with an array of luxurious cosmetics and jewelry, occupied another.

In the center of the room, a mannequin displayed my wedding dress. The gown was a vision of delicate lace and intricate embroidery. It looked like something straight out of a fairytale, yet it only made my heart beat faster.

I walked further into the room, my steps hesitant. I ran my fingers along the edge of the vanity table, my reflection staring back at me with wide, uncertain eyes.

“This is my life now” I whispered to myself, the words feeling foreign on my tongue.

The opulence of the room felt like a stark contrast to the simplicity I had grown up with, and it only amplified my nerves.

I sat on the velvet stool by the vanity, my hands trembling as I placed them in my lap. I closed my eyes, taking slow, deliberate breaths. ‘You’re doing this for your parents. For Mr. Skylar. You can handle this.’

But my resolve wavered as doubts crept into my mind. ‘Would I ever fit into this world? Could I endure this marriage, this new life?’

A soft knock at the door startled me. The butler’s voice came through, calm and reassuring. 

“Miss Aurora, the stylist will be here shortly to assist you. Please let me know if you need anything else” I swallowed hard and replied.

“Thank you. I’ll be fine”.

As the footsteps faded, I stood and walked to the window, looking out at the sprawling gardens below. For a moment, I allowed myself to feel the weight of my emotions…the fear, the uncertainty, and the faintest flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, this would all be worth it.

‘This is the beginning of a new chapter’.