Chapter 3

(Aurora’s POV)

The morning sun streamed through the kitchen window, casting warm rays across the small, tidy room. The aroma of fresh coffee mingled with the scent of toast as I stepped into the kitchen, my parents already seated at the table. My mother was buttering bread while my father nursed his cup of coffee, looking pensive as usual.

“Good morning” I greeted softly, pulling out a chair.

“Morning, sweetheart” My mother replied with a smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. My father nodded. 

“Morning, Aurora. You’re up earlier than usual”.

I busied myself pouring a cup of coffee, my heart thudding in my chest. The decision I had made the night before weighed heavily on me, but I knew what I had to do. My parents’ unspoken worry hung in the air, though neither of them dared to bring up the subject of Mr. Skylar’s proposal.

Sitting down, I took a deep breath, gripping my cup tightly. 

“I’ve made a decision” My voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside me.

My parents froze, their eyes snapping to me. My mother put down the butter knife, her expression a mix of concern and hope. My father leaned forward slightly, his coffee forgotten.

“I’m ready,” I continued, my words deliberate, 

“To marry Mr. Skylar’s sons”.

The silence that followed was almost deafening. My father blinked, as if he hadn’t heard me correctly. My mother’s hand flew to her chest, and tears welled up in her eyes.

“Are you sure, Aurora?” She asked, her voice trembling. 

“You don’t have to do this for us…”

“I’ve thought about it” I interrupted gently. 

“I know why you want me to consider this. I understand the situation we’re in. If this is what it takes to help us, then I’m willing to do it” My father’s face lit up with a mixture of relief and joy. 

“Aurora, you have no idea how much this means to us,” He said, his voice thick with emotion. 

“I’ll call Mr. Skylar right away and let him know…”

“Wait!” I said firmly, holding up a hand to stop him. He froze mid-motion, his excitement dimming slightly as he looked at me.

“I’ll do it,” I said, my voice steady.

“But I need to meet Mr. Skylar first. There are some questions I need to ask him. I need to understand exactly what I’m agreeing to” My parents exchanged a glance. My mother looked hesitant, but my father gave a slow nod. 

“Of course,” He said. 

“That’s fair. I’ll set up a meeting with him”.

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. I gave my father a small smile, appreciating his understanding. My mother reached over and placed a hand on mine. 

“Thank you, Aurora”, She said, her voice filled with gratitude and love. 

“You’re doing so much for us” I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded.

 “I just want to make sure we’re doing the right thing…for all of us”.

The conversation settled into quiet relief. My parents seemed lighter, the weight of their burdens momentarily lifted. As I finished my coffee, I braced myself for what was to come.

And perhaps, in that meeting, I would also uncover the truth about the lives of the four brothers I was about to join.

Mr. Skylar invited me to his office in the afternoon for a meeting. I entered into Mr Skylar's magnificent office, hesitant but determined. The office looked impressive, with dark oak furniture and a luxurious couch, but the man seated behind the enormous desk caught my eye.

Mr. Alexander Skylar rose from his chair as I entered, his sharp gray suit perfectly tailored, exuding power and control. Despite his intimidating presence, his expression was warm, his eyes lighting up as he extended a hand.

“Aurora,” He said, his voice smooth and welcoming. 

“Thank you for coming. Please, sit” I nodded politely, shaking his hand briefly before settling into the plush chair across from him. 

I clasped my hands tightly in my lap, my mind buzzing with questions and unease. Mr. Skylar studied me for a moment, then smiled. 

“I’m truly glad you accepted the proposal. You’ve made an old man very happy” I didn’t return his smile. Instead, I sat stiffly, my face composed but gaze steady. 

“I didn’t come here to celebrate, Mr. Skylar,” I said firmly. 

“I came here for answers” His smile faltered slightly, but he gestured for me to continue. 

“Of course. Ask whatever you wish” I took a deep breath, my voice calm but unwavering. 

“Why do you want me to marry all four of your sons? Why not just one? Isn’t that what people usually expect?”

Mr. Skylar leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. 

“A fair question,” He began. 

“My sons… they’re not like most people. Each of them has grown into their own world, their own life” He leaned forward slightly, his voice softer now.

“They’ve drifted apart, Aurora. I’ve seen it over the years. What used to be a close-knit bond has eroded into distant coexistence. They need someone who can bridge that gap, someone who can bring them back together as a family”.

I frowned, my brows knitting together. 

“And you think I’m that person? Why me?” Mr. Skylar smiled gently. 

“Because I saw something in you that I’ve seen in no one else. At the company event, you weren’t just kind or polite…you were genuine. You carry strength and warmth, a quiet resilience. I believe you have the ability to see beyond my sons’ public personas, to reach the heart of who they truly are”.

My lips pressed into a thin line. 

“What about your reputation? What will people say when they find out I’m marrying all four of your sons? Are you really okay with that kind of scrutiny?”

Mr. Skylar chuckled softly, surprising me. 

“My dear, reputation is a fleeting thing. People will always talk, no matter what we do. But my concern isn’t about what society thinks…it’s about my family. I want to leave this world knowing my sons are not alone, that they have someone who will keep them grounded and connected. If this arrangement raises eyebrows, so be it. The happiness and unity of my family are worth far more than public opinion”.

I stared at him, my mind racing with his words. His confidence was unshakable, his conviction clear. Yet, I couldn’t ignore the weight of what he was asking.

“You’re putting a lot of faith in me,” I said quietly. 

“What if I can’t live up to your expectations? What if I fail?” Mr. Skylar’s eyes softened, and he reached out to rest his hand on mine briefly. 

“Aurora, you’ve already shown me you’re capable of more than you realize. The fact that you’re here, asking these questions, shows your strength and sense of responsibility. I have no doubt you’ll rise to the challenge, not because you have to, but because it’s who you are”.

I pulled my hand back slowly, my gaze dropping to my lap as I processed his words. The enormity of what he was asking loomed large, but his faith in me was undeniable.

“Thank you, Mr. Skylar. I’ll let you know my final decision soon” I walked out of his office, my heart still heavy but my path slightly clearer.

A father is placing his complete trust in me to bring his sons together… I knew the road ahead wouldn't be simple.