Be Myself

One hour later...

Aura wandered through the vast and calming garden area. It was the perfect place for her to escape, if only for a moment. After walking a fair distance, Aura chose to sit in one of the chairs by the pool side, gazing at the beautiful pond in her eyes.

During this time, there was only silence, no conversation between Axel and Aura, as if they were trying to bury the incident that happened two nights ago. Axel stood near Aura, keeping watch. Meanwhile, Aura seemed absorbed in her own thoughts, ignoring Axel's presence. Even Aura seemed unaware that Axel was nearby.

Suddenly, Aura's phone rang, shattering the silence and startling her.

“Hello? Yes, Mom?"

Aura's smile widened upon hearing her mother's voice on the other end. It’s been more than three months since Aura hasn’t had the chance to meet her mother, communicating only through the phone due to being busy with concert preparations. It was no wonder she missed her mom so much.

Aura was particularly close to her mother, who was always there for her to share even the smallest concerns. Unfortunately, she couldn't confide in her this time. Aura didn't want to risk giving her mom a sudden heart attack if she found out what happened two nights ago, especially since the main suspect was always near Aura! Even having the duty to protect her! Yet, Axel is also the one who has ‘disrupted’ Aura!

For safety reasons, Aura only talked about simple things related to the concert and her daily life in Seoul. Nothing else. Besides, Aura didn't want to disappoint her parents, who had trusted her completely.

Axel couldn't help but be captivated by Aura's smile, realizing that she possessed natural beauty. He was convinced that today, Aura appeared as herself, yet it didn't diminish her beauty. Moreover, her melodic voice sounded so gentle and feminine.

Until one thing made Axel aware. Aura was speaking in Indonesian, the same language as Axel’s country of birth! Axel searched his memory, but in vain. He didn't keep up with the entertainment world, so he had no information about Aura! Frustrating!

After this, Axel had to find out everything about Aura. He was curious!

Eventually, Aura concluded her conversation with her mom. Her mood improved better after hearing mom Erika's voice.

"I want to go to a café," Aura said, just to let Axel know her destination. Not as a request for permission, because Aura had full control here! She is the boss!

"Alright, Miss." Aura casually enjoyed the snacks in front of her. She appeared indifferent, taking advantage of the quiet atmosphere to be herself without worrying about fans following her. It was different from being in a crowd, where Aura was always the center of attention wherever she went!

To be honest, Aura hated being watched, but she understood that it was one of the risks of being a public figure. Whether she liked it or not, she had to accept it, right?

If she doesn’t want that, she should work in a different field, not in the entertainment industry like this, where all public attention is always directed towards her.

And now, after enjoying the solitude, Aura decided to go home and now she is back in her house. She was about to enter when Axel's voice reached her ears.

"May I have a moment of your time, Miss?" Axel asked, causing Aura to furrow her brow in confusion. She hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded in agreement.

"Come in."

Axel followed Aura into the living room, sitting down with a hint of unease.

"What do you want to talk about?" Aura asked, her heart pounding, hoping Axel wouldn't bring up the incident of that night. Weren't they acting normal as if nothing happened? That was much better!

Unfortunately, Aura's hope was dashed as Axel's next words sent her heart racing even faster. Like being in a race.

"About what happened two nights ago, Miss. I..."

"Nothing happened that night!" Aura sharply interrupted, clearly not wanting to discuss the matter with anyone, especially not with Axel, the man who had slept with her. The man who took her virginity without permission! But Aura couldn't entirely blame Axel because she was also under the influence of alcohol!

After the unfortunate incident, many "what if" thoughts crossed Aura's mind.

What if she wasn't drunk at that time? The tragedy might not have occurred.

What if she hadn't disregarded Max's warnings? She wouldn't have ended up trapped.

What if she had been in control? Her virginity wouldn't have been taken by Axel so easily. And there are still many other ‘what if’ words.

But regretting what had happened was futile. There was no point! Honestly, even now, Aura couldn't understand how she ended up in the wrong room! Correction, more precisely, Aura didn't know how Axel's room key ended up in her jacket pocket! It remained a mystery to her. A mystery without answers!

"But..."

"There's nothing more to discuss. Just forget it," Aura interrupted for the second time and stood up, not wanting to prolong this conversation any further.

Axel, taken aback by Aura's response, fell silent for a moment. Aura was about to leave when his voice resurfaced, and his question sent shivers down Aura's spine.

"What if you're pregnant, Miss? I didn't use protection that night, and I cumming inside your womb!" Axel exclaimed quickly, expressing his concern since earlier. No, more precisely, since that night when Axel realized that he had made a mistake that could harm both himself and Aura!

Yes, Axel is worried that what they did a few nights ago will result in something called a baby! What if it came to that? Wouldn't it be a big problem? Especially Aura was a public figure, with all eyes on her without censorship!

Aura's body stiffened, feeling a chill upon hearing Axel's words. It turned out her concern was justified. The man indeed didn't use protection and released it inside her. Outrageous! Fortunately, Aura had promptly bought emergency contraceptive pills! If not, that man's seed would surely be developing in her womb. Terrifying!

"Miss?" Axel called out when he didn't hear any sound from Aura.

Aura turned around, glaring at Axel, silencing him with her laser-like gaze that could kill anyone who opposed her.

"If I'm pregnant, then I'll promptly terminate it! You don't need to worry about that!" Aura replied cruelly and turned away, leaving Axel still in shock with a rapidly pounding heart, stunned by Aura's unexpected response!