Thank you so much for reading! All constructive comments and gems are appreciated. I can’t interact here. If you would like to join in the conversation you can find me on the socials, the clock app is where I frequent and the Fbook is where I post publishing updates. Miss. L. Writes. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including re-posting, photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact Miss L Writes.
20 - AuroraAmelia smiles and looks as nervous as she probably really is as we wander among the open racks. She’s running her hands over the different soft fabrics.“Are you sure you've never done this before? How did you know what to ask for?” Amelia asks over her shoulder.“I have been here a couple times with friends. I never drink here. First of all the champagne is nota great brand and will leave you with a raging headache. And some of the more shady attendants try to get wealthy women a little drunk so they just keep adding things to their orders. It’s actually a really good marketing tool. The problem is, these types of clients come in often and change their minds so many times that not many of the upsells stick. If attendants thought through the upsell and maybe went for less items that might cost a bit more…” I shrug, “and fit what the bride really wants, the sale is more likely to stick.”“You should do trainings for them and really become a consultant. You are amazing
21 - Aurora“We need to tell my dad.”“What? Why? Isn’t the idea to not tell your parents until it’s too late for them to stop anything?” We sit on my couch with laptops and papers spread all over my living room.“Yeah, but that is more for my mom’s sake. She doesn’t really understand what is going on, or at least that is what she is pretending to do. She is really good at sticking her head in the sand, only resurfacing when the problem has been handled.” She rolls her eyes at me. “She’s not a bad person, just lazy by design. Her and my dad were matched up kind of like what they are doing to me. They are lucky though and I think they eventually fell in love, or something like it. But, my dad needs to know in case sh*t hits the fan and we need help. You also asked to see the marriage contracts. He ocan get those for us, be our go-between.”“I mean, if you’re sure. I just don’t want this to turn into a battle or for him to try and change your mind.”“He won’t say anything, because it’s a
22 - Aurora“What if he knows what I look like, then sees you and he calls the whole thing off and shuts down my family’s whole operation?” Mia asks. She has been asking some version of this question since her dad took the amendments back to the groom’s family and we haven’t heard a thing from anyone. I think it has helped having her panic, because I have had to remain calm to keep talking her off the crazy train. I love that her worry isn’t for herself, but her family and their employees. She is so mature for her age.“Remember, we asked to meet him beforehand so we could have a moment. Your mom thought that was the greatest idea.”“Yeah, she was hoping to get reveal pictures, right up until you told her she couldn’t be there, along with everyone else who wants to meddle.” Her eyes lit up at the memory. She called her parents on a video call and I stayed just off screen. We were hoping to find out about the contract changes, but with no answers. I came up with the meet idea on the
23 - NathanI am getting ready with Brandon and Sam. We have done everything together, including taking over family businesses and sending Brandon down the aisle a few years ago.Sam is a little salty because he can’t go and meet my mystery bride, but he’s faking his enthusiasm well. I was told my bride made a stipulation that I could only bring one groomsman to the first look and like the adults that we are, they played rock, paper, scissors for the honor. When I found out that the one person rule applied to everyone, including her parents and my grandfather and uncle, I was happy. My bride at least has shown a sense of intelligence. I’m not sure if we have met and the first time should not be at the end of the aisle. It crossed my mind that Sullivan is keeping her identity a secret because it’s likely that I do know her and don’t like her. But this last minute request tells me otherwise. No girl attached to my grandfather would care about meeting me first, and most certainly would
24 - Nathan“What the hell?” The question ghosts out of my mouth. I am frozen in shock and my heart dropped into my stomach, but not in a bad way. I have been looking for her for 2 years and I find her looking like a knockout in this wedding dress and no one else in sight. “Is this a joke?”“Are you supposed to be getting married today?” She asks in a calm business-like voice. I nod, still confused. “Do you know who you were supposed to marry?” Her sassy tone irritates me. She’s not happy to see me the same way I am to see her. I lock in my feelings. Clearly, our time together was not as memorable to her as it was to me.I take a deep breath and shake my head. “My grandfather arranged this whole thing. The only thing he mentioned was that she would be eighteen, and I know you are definitely not eighteen. Care to explain?” I let my cool business negotiation voice take over. She’s a part of this and nothing makes sense. My instinct is to trust no one.“I didn’t think it was right for
25 - NathanWhen the photographer tells us she has all that she needs Aurora pulls away from me quickly not making eye contact. Maybe the moment I thought we shared was just for me. She focuses on the photographers camera when she speaks next. “How do we want to do this, because I’m sure your grandfather is going to have a lot to say and so will Mia’s mother.” She grimaces, finally looking up at me. “I know it was risky to make her my bridesmaid, but right now she needs to be protected from all of this. She needs to be near me until it all blows over.”“Wait, she’s here?! Now you know someone is going to try and force her and I to marry right?” I run my fingers through my hair as my heart drops again and this time it isn’t a good feeling. My grandfather with try and force the situation to his benefit, which is Mia as my wife. He wants to control her, that much is a given with this situation.“I thought you had a mind of your own and could choose for yourself?” She bites back, she’s eas
26 AuroraWe stepped up to the limo and Nathan handed me in helping me with my dress. Mia looks completely confused when we all pile in together.Once we are all comfortable and acquainted we use the 30 minute drive to get each other caught up on my break up with Gabriel, how Mia and I met and the plan Mia and I came up with to get her out of getting married.“So how are we going to play this out when we get there?” Brandon asks. “I don’t feel like your grandfather cares either way, really. He just wanted you to get married and have a kid in a hurry.” He looks at Nathan. “I think he liked the idea of having someone young to mentor and guide a bit, but that was probably an added benefit for him pairing you to someone as young as Mia. No offense Mia.” He adds as an afterthought.“We expected some kind of drama no matter what. I should be the only one to walk down the aisle, my veil was designed to obscure quite a bit and hopefully all of the focus will be on me until I get to you all a
27 - Aurora I stuff down my frustrations and put on my best smile. I have to go through with this now more than ever. I won’t let Mia anywhere near Sullivan Westfield or his son. Mis squeezes my hand. I’m not sure if she heard or understood what was being discussed, but we are here together. Mia helps me get my veil in place before the limo door is opened. We climb out and I refuse to look at or make contact with Nathan, my emotions are all over the place and I need space. As we are let in the back door, Nathan nods to a person I can only assume is an employee of sorts.“Will you please take my fiance to her place and keep everyone away from her until after the ceremony. Mia, I will have you stay with Brandon. He can keep you hidden better” With no further instructions, I am lead away with no companion.The woman in front of me must have done her research because she seems to know every secret passage and hallway. We see no one on our way to the back of the church and she has me pl
34 - NathanI walk away, leaving my grandfather pretending to ignore me. I know what Aurora can do. I wonder if he even remembers her or realizes who she is? She’s the reason our merchandising sector has done so well. She’s been the liaison running all of Lady Corleone’s overseas suppliers and warehouses. I wonder what they are doing without her? Mallory is dumber than a box of rocks and won’t be able to run a thing without Aurora. I freeze on my way back up to our bedrooms. I think I know how to make this better. The question is will she give me a chance? She thinks I want Keanna here. She thinks I am no better than Sullivan and Preston. I decide to leave her alone and talk to Jessie first. I need more information and something tells me my wife’s personal assistant is leaving out important details. I relax in my office seat as I pull out my phone.“Hey, Boss.”“How is she?”“You’re asking, so you already know the answer to that question.”“Don’t play with me Jessie. Keanna is gone
33 - NathanI don’t think I have ever considered homicide before, but Sullivan, Preston and whoever the f*ck they have downstairs have crossed a line. The only reason I’m able to walk away is because Aurora didn’t say she was leaving. She said she needs space and that she signed up for this, whatever ‘this’ means. And a f*cking fertility doctor? Not a chance. If we have a kids it’s going to be the old fashioned way. I have not waited for this woman for two years, just to have Sullivan and Preston f*ck it up. I need Brandon and Sam to get to the bottom of whatever it is they are after with this marriage.I walk by the kitchen where Toni is busy working away, the only one in the room. I continue to my grandfather and uncle’s wing of the manor. They’re not in the sitting room or offices, but I hardly expected that. Neither use the offices over here if they can help it, preferring to set themselves up in the main office, my office, to make themselves feel important. The billiards room, lib
32 - AuroraLeaning against the door I let the angry tears fall. I don’t know what I expected or why this is bothering me so much. I know I signed up for an arranged marriage to a stanger. I should have figured a guy who needs to be set up with a wife has the need for a reason. I slide down the door taking deeps breaths. I need a plan, that is the only thing keeping me from completely losing my sh*t over someone who doesn’t deserve it. What is my next move? I don’t have anyone to call. Mia is safe and I won’t bring her into this any further than she already has been. And she needs to stay as far away from Sullivan Westfield as I can manage. There is literally no one else. My parents can’t help me and they wouldn’t since I cut them off. Gabriel is useless and even if we had split amicably he wouldn’t lift a finger to help me. I am stuck here with no job. I have no idea where my phone and laptop are, I realize as I scan the room with fresh eyes.This room was designed for a woman, for Na
31 - AuroraI woke up in the softest bed I have ever been in. It took me a minute to figure out I wasn’t at home and then another to remember why I wasn’t at home. I looked around and Nathan was nowhere in the bedroom. So I took a moment to look around before I went and explored his house to find him.The queen sized bed is so comfortable and I am surrounded by pillows. It’s like its own island in the middle of this room with light sheer curtains hanging from the four posts. Definitely a feminie touch, I make a mental note to ask about it.Everything is in soft whites and creams, very modern and clean. There are pops of burgundy or a dark red in places. It’s hard to tell with the muted light from the windows. I slide out of bed to keep exploring and realize I am in an oversized t-shirt. When did I change? The plush off white carpet is so soft on my bare feet, I could lay on the floor and fall back to sleep. I find my way to the en suite bathroom that is huge and decide to tak
30 - Aurora“Don’t worry, I might give her back to you, eventually.” Denise snickers as she marches us straight through the house to a back deck that overlooks a large yard leading to a lake.“Oh wow! This is so beautiful.” The view is gorgeous. Lush green lawn and a glassy lake large enough to look very peaceful, but I can still see the other bank. The houses are also close enough to have comfortable neighbors, but not so close that you lose the effect of being alone. I find myself walking to the edge of the deck and holding the railing and just listening to the sounds of nature around me.“Do you like it?” I hear a husky voice in my ear as arms wrap around my waist.I nod, not wanting to break the silence.“Would you like something like this?” He asks after a few moments of standing here with me.“I’ve never really thought about it. I have always lived in a condo in the city because that’s where my job was and I traveled so much that it didn't seem practical to have something li
29 - NathanI am ready to kill my best friend. I had not planned on telling her I have been looking for her obsessively like a lovesick puppy since the day she disappeared…ever. He and Sam are the only ones I told about that night and I didn’t give them all the details, just enough to help them understand how special she is. She is like no one I have ever met before. She treated me like a person not a bank account and had no idea who Nathan Westfield the celebrity or brand name was. Even after the merger with Lady C’s company we never had any contact. But I was able to see how she worked and what she’s able to accomplish with that mind of hers. I know she was dedicated to that tool of a boyfriend and gave him far more time than he deserved, but she worked on projects for our combined enterprises and should have had brief run-ins in some capacity with me, but nothing. No matter how much time I forced myself to be in proximity with Lady C and Mallory inside their company I never saw Aur
28 - AuroraOnce I get half way, I change my focus to Nathan, who has a smile on his face. It’s subtle, but all for me. I’m glad he can’t see my face. I’m still conflicted about the idea of what Mia was meant for today, and that the only reason any plans have changed are because of my involvement. His eyes never once wandered from me, like I was the only person in the room. I use that focus to propel me forward.As I got to the front, both Mia and Brandon turned front before the focus changed from me to everyone at the altar.As I get to Nathan, he steps forward and offers me his arm to help me up the stairs to the top, before reaching for my veil. I stop him with a hand, anyone here who has any idea what’s going on, won’t think it stange that I keep my face covered. I want the reveal to be at the last possible second.He leans in and whispers, “You are so beautiful.” I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. I don’t know when someone, that isn’t my father, has said that last
27 - Aurora I stuff down my frustrations and put on my best smile. I have to go through with this now more than ever. I won’t let Mia anywhere near Sullivan Westfield or his son. Mis squeezes my hand. I’m not sure if she heard or understood what was being discussed, but we are here together. Mia helps me get my veil in place before the limo door is opened. We climb out and I refuse to look at or make contact with Nathan, my emotions are all over the place and I need space. As we are let in the back door, Nathan nods to a person I can only assume is an employee of sorts.“Will you please take my fiance to her place and keep everyone away from her until after the ceremony. Mia, I will have you stay with Brandon. He can keep you hidden better” With no further instructions, I am lead away with no companion.The woman in front of me must have done her research because she seems to know every secret passage and hallway. We see no one on our way to the back of the church and she has me pl
26 AuroraWe stepped up to the limo and Nathan handed me in helping me with my dress. Mia looks completely confused when we all pile in together.Once we are all comfortable and acquainted we use the 30 minute drive to get each other caught up on my break up with Gabriel, how Mia and I met and the plan Mia and I came up with to get her out of getting married.“So how are we going to play this out when we get there?” Brandon asks. “I don’t feel like your grandfather cares either way, really. He just wanted you to get married and have a kid in a hurry.” He looks at Nathan. “I think he liked the idea of having someone young to mentor and guide a bit, but that was probably an added benefit for him pairing you to someone as young as Mia. No offense Mia.” He adds as an afterthought.“We expected some kind of drama no matter what. I should be the only one to walk down the aisle, my veil was designed to obscure quite a bit and hopefully all of the focus will be on me until I get to you all a