Chapter 3 :One Night to Decide

Aurora couldn't breathe.

They're... after me?"

Alexander gave a single nod.

Twenty minutes ago, my security team was able to spy on a conversation.

They've figured out that Richard can't afford the rent.

So they'll take advantage of the last leverage he has.

Aurora's hands trembled.

"Me."

"Yes."

The room became so quiet that it was like it was a tomb.

Richard jumped up, his chair scraping the hardwood floor.

"This is my fault."

His tone was filled with remorse.

I knew I should've known Daniel was going to betray me.

If only I had been responsible for you.

Aurora quickly ran to him and seized his hands.

"Dad, stop."

"No."

Tears were in his eyes.

I have ruined your future.

She embraced him in her arms.

Beware, you haven't ruined anything.

Together, we'll make it through.

Alexander quietly observed them.

His chest tightened.

He dreamed about holding Aurora when she cried, for years.

Now all she had to do was be only a few feet away...

But he couldn't even console her.

He wasn't the man she wanted, so she didn't want him.

He was just a man who was making a deal that couldn't be done.

After a long silence, Alexander spoke.

"Can't stay here tonight..".

Aurora took him in.

"What do you mean?"

"Suspect vehicles have already been spotted around my area by my security guard."

Richard frowned.

Do you think that the house will be attacked?

"I don't think."

Alexander's voice was calm but firm.

"I know."

Ethan Cole stepped into the study at the last minute.

He appeared extremely solemn.

"Sir."

Alexander turned.

"What is it?"

We have confirmed three Black SUVs parked 2 blocks away.

A shiver of dread ran down Aurora's spine.

The two of them are observing the house.

Ethan nodded.

"They've been in the same spot for more than an hour.

Richard ran his right hand through his hair.

"My God..."

Alexander made his decision immediately.

"Ethan."

"Yes, sir."

"Prepare the convoy."

Aurora blinked.

"Convoy?"

"So you're going with me."

Her eyes widened.

"What?"

You will be staying at Kingsley Manor.

"No."

She answered right away.

Alexander wasn't surprised.

Thank you for your concern.

But I'm not going to live in your house.

It's not safe here.

"I don't care."

Richard just could not seem to look at the two of them without helplessly.

"Aurora..."

She shook her head.

I don't intend to marry him.

I've got no boyfriend.

I'm not letting anyone think-

Alexander interrupted gently.

"Don't be living with me."

She frowned.

"What?"

"You will be accommodated in the east wing."

Granny lives there.

"You'll have your own staff."

"Your own security."

You don't have to see me if you don't want to!

Aurora hesitated.

That's not what she had in mind.

Alexander continued.

"This has nothing to do with the marriage."

This is for you to stay alive.

His words lingered in the room.

As Aurora was about to react-

CRASH!

The glass in the living room shattered with a loud noise.

Everyone froze.

There was a frightened shriek from below.

The housekeeper.

Ethan quickly pulled out his suit and reached inside.

"Get down!"

Another crash reverberated through the house.

Richard grabbed Aurora by the shoulders and pulled her behind him.

Alexander traveled even faster.

He leapt in front of him, blocking Aurora with his body.

She stared at his broad back.

He hadn't hesitated.

For no more than one moment.

Ethan placed his finger in the little earbud under his hair.

Movement at the east entrance.

Still another voice boomed through the device.

"Two unidentified males."

Alexander's expression darkened.

"They are testing whether or not it is secure."

Ethan nodded.

"You have our team surrounding you."

On the outside, there were the sounds of tires screeching on the road.

Moments later...

Silence.

One of the bodyguards went into the study.

"Mr. Kingsley."

Alexander gave him a glance.

"They fled."

"No injuries."

Alexander exhaled slowly.

"Good."

A small envelope was handed to him by the guard.

"They left this."

Alexander opened it.

There were only one white card inside.

His jaw tightened.

Aurora saw that his expression had changed all of a sudden.

"What is it?"

Alexander remained silent.

Richard stepped closer.

His face went as white as a sheet.

"What does it say?"

Alexander gave the card to Aurora.

She trembled with excitement as she read the bold black ink words.

**YOU HAVE 24 HOURS.**

**PAY...**

OR WE TAKE YOUR DAUGHTER.

She gave out a frightened gasp.

Richard sat down in the closest chair.

"Oh, God..."

The blood rushed out of Aurora's face.

It was no threat this time.

It was a countdown.

Alexander gently took the card from her trembling hands.

His voice was low.

Controlled.

Dangerously calm.

"They've gone and won their turn."

The first time, he gazed him deeply in the eye.

"Tonight is yours.

She swallowed hard.

One night... For what?

Alexander drew in a long breath.

To determine if you'll believe in me.

He was never distracted from his line of sight.

"Tomorrow morning..."

"So off you go, Aurora Whitmore, in this house.."

"...or you're fired, as my wife."

Her heart was beating so fast that she felt it could jump out of her chest.

Twenty-four hours.

One impossible choice.

Marry her pup's old man called Uncle Alex...

Or else... you'll be the price that her father will pay.

She gazed at Alexander.

For the first time in her life, . . . .

She knew that she did not really know the man in front of her.