Chapter 5: The Woman In The Masion

The car with the bulletproof glass windows raced along the streets of New York City.

Aura was sitting, rigid, in the leather seat, gazing out the tinted window.

Her hands were clasped tightly in her lap.

She hadn't spoken to anyone since she left Whitmore Villa.

Alexander listened intently, opposite her.

He understood.

Within 24 hours Aurora lost her home, her peaceful life and her certainty of her future.

She needed space.

Not explanations.

Not apologies.

Just space.

Ethan Cole broke the silence in the driver's seat.

In five minutes we'll be here, sir.

Alexander gave a brief nod.

"Has Grandmother been notified?

"Yes."

She would not take no for an answer for waiting until Miss Whitmore herself.

Aurora looked away.

"Miss Whitmore."

Not "Mrs. Kingsley in the future.

That surprised her.

She had thought that all around her would regard her as if she had already accepted Alexander's proposal.

Instead...

They hadn't spoken of marriage since they had departed from the villa.

As if Alexander knew not to.

Twenty minutes later...

The limousine came to a halt in front of two massive wrought-iron gates.

Aurora looked outside.

Her eyes widened.

The gates were almost twenty feet high with an elegant silver crest that had the initials **K**. inscribed.

In front of them was the biggest private estate she'd ever seen.

Kingsley Manor.

The mansion seemed more like a palace than a house.

The circular driveway was lined with beautiful fountains.

Acres of finely manicured gardens.

Millions of dollars of luxury cars lay under a glass garage.

The manor itself was of white stone, with tall oak trees, and stood proudly.

Without conscious thought, Aurora whispered,

".Are people really living here?"

Ethan smiled.

There's just one extremely busy billionaire.

Alexander gave him a glance.

Ethan immediately cleared his throat.

"Well, sometimes his old granny as well."

It was the first time since yesterday...

Aurora almost smiled.

The convoy came to a stop.

Alexander was the first to step forward, before Aurora could reach for the door handle.

He walked all around the car.

Opened his/her own door.

Then stretched his hand out.

She stared at it.

You don't really have to continue to do that.

"What?"

"Opening doors."

"It's unnecessary."

Alexander's lips twitched into the tiniest smile.

"If a woman walks beside you...," my grandfather told me.

"All of the doors you open are open."

Aurora hesitated.

He then took her hand.

Her fingers were surprised by the heat of his fingers.

Strong.

Gentle.

Steady.

Before they arrived at the front doors, they were already open.

The old lady wore a lovely outfit of cream and was out in the street.

Her silver hair was combed into a neat and elegant bun.

She was a very dignified person for her years.

When she saw Aurora...

Her face softened.

"So..."

She smiled warmly.

"You're finally here."

Aurora blinked.

"Mrs. Kingsley..."

"Nonsense."

The older woman walked forward and into a soft hug with Aurora.

"I'm Eleanor."

Can call me Grandma.

Aurora froze.

Grandma?

She looked dazefully at Alexander.

He was as surprised as he could be.

Apparently...

His Grandmother didn't warn him about that greeting either!

Eleanor pulled her back and put her hand in front of Aurora's face in a loving manner.

"My goodness."

You're just as beautiful as Alex said.

Silence.

Alexander's eyes widened.

Slowly, Aurora shifted her gaze towards him.

"You described me?"

Alexander rubbed his back of his neck.

"I..."

It was the first time Aurora had ever seen him...

Embarrassed.

He turned his head away, evidently making an effort not to laugh.

Eleanor chuckled.

"Alexander, don't be so scared.

I heard of you talking about this girl for years.

Aurora's heart skipped.

Years?

She gazed into Alexander's eyes again.

She was completely ignored.

Interesting.

Very interesting.

Eleanor put her arm with Aurora's.

"Come."

I'll take you to your room.

Aurora was astounded as they made their way into the mansion.

The chandeliers were made of crystals hanging from the ceiling.

The walls were adorned with original paintings.

Every hallway was filled with fresh flowers.

Everything was elegant.

Yet strangely...

Nothing felt cold.

It felt...

Lived in.

Loved.

A real home city.

Eleanor saw Aurora looking at a portrait of a family in the house above the large stairs.

It depicted Alexander as a youth next to his grandparents.

He looked happier.

Less guarded.

You've changed, Aurora whispered, but then realized she'd spoken out loud.

Alexander looked where she was looking and saw the portrait.

"Life does things like that."

The response he gave her was sad, she could see that, but she didn't understand why.

Eleanor took Aurora's hand in hers.

Some are responsible for so long...

"...and they lose their ability to smile."

Aurora looked at Alexander.

Just for a moment.

Their eyes met.

She wondered...

What was the most recent time he has felt completely happy?

Before she could ask-

There was a loud voice of a woman who was sharp.

"Alexander."

Everyone turned.

A tall, beautiful blonde girl came down the stairs, self-assured and wearing a designer gown.

She stopped when she saw Aurora.

Her smile disappeared.

She scanned his face up and down and her eyes turned cold before she focused her attention back on to Alexander.

"So..."

Her lips twisted into a derisive smile.

"This is the girl."

Alexander's face instantly tightened.

"Vivian."

The woman put her hands on her chest.

The other day I left New York on a business trip to...

I come back and tell you you have brought your best friend's little girl home...

She gave out a harrumphing laugh.

"If I'm not mistaken, I should tell you Congratulations."

".or phone the tabloids?"

It wasn't long before Aurora noticed a sudden shift in the atmosphere.

Kingsley Manor was cold, exactly as it had been when her mother was born.Moments ago the warmth that had filled Kingsley Manor was gone.

Alexander instinctively went in front of Aurora.

"Watch your words."

Vivian's eyes narrowed.

"Oh?"

"Already protecting your little wife?"

Aurora's cheeks flushed.

"We're not-"

Vivian cut her off.

I didn't say anything to you.

Alexander's voice went icy cold.

You will speak to her in a respectful manner.

Vivian looked at him in amazement.

Then slowly smiled.

"I see."

Thus the rumors have been confirmed.

She turned her gaze to Aurora.

"Knowing him, what kind of man is he you live with?

Aurora frowned.

"What do you mean?"

Vivian took one purposeful step forward.

Her voice was calm.

Cruel.

"Did Alexander say to you.."

".why he had never gotten married for so many years?"

Alexander's jaw tightened.

"Vivian."

However, she ignored him.

Her gaze never strayed from Aurora's.

"Or did he conveniently leave out the one woman who almost became his wife?"