07:

-AURORA WRIGHT-

“Ms Aurora.. Ms Aurora!!”

The sudden banging on my door woke me up. I could hear the voice of my maid, panicking as though the house had suddenly caught fire.

I got off the bed, rushed to the door and pulled it open.

“What is it? What is going on?”

“There is a problem ma'am…” Before she could complete her statement, Ethan showed up, shoved me aside and stepped into my room.

What is he doing in my room? Didn't we end things last night? Why is he suddenly here?

“What are you doing here, Ethan? Why are you suddenly in my house?”

He looked at me and laughed… “Your house? Are you kidding me right now? Did you forget, your good for nothing father willed all of his properties and shares to me?”

I blinked.. how did I forget the most crucial part of this misfortune?

Thinking about it now.. that's the mistake my father made. He did all of that for my sake but trusting Ethan was a great mistake.

“You are worse than the devil, Ethan. How did I fail to see this part of you?”

“You were a blind fat bitch, Aurora.. Crazy about someone who doesn't feel a thing for you. You made a grave mistake calling off the engagement, now you are left with nothing..”

I balled my fist, moved closer to him and shot him daggers.

“I hate you, Ethan…”

“Leave my house, Aurora… your stay here is over”

“You should be grateful my father was generous to trust you. Whatever you have now, is all thanks to my father..”

“Oh.. please, spare me the sermons and fucking leave my house!!” He yelled at my face.

I didn't feel the need to argue. I just didn't want to argue because what is the point? All of these, I just have to endure until I can fully execute my plan.

But, where do I go from here? I have nowhere else to go.

I made to walk past him but he grabbed my wrist.

“What do you think you are doing?”

“Trying to get my stuff and leave”

“You aren't going to beg uh? I'll give you one more chance, Aurora… Go down on your knees and apologize”

I didn't know where I got the courage from, but I smirked and said.

“In your fucking dreams Ethan.. to hell with you” I gritted out.

“Well then, I'll throw you out”

He began to pull me out.. His grip around my wrist was so tight that it hurt.

Down the stairs, he kept pulling me even when I struggled. Getting to the last stairs, he pushed me so roughly that I tripped and almost fell to the ground but someone caught me.

I looked up to find a stranger.. he made me stand properly but his hands never left mine.

He looked at Ethan, then back at me, and smiled.

“Let's go Aurora… Orion is waiting for you”

I raised a brow but it clicked immediately.

“This isn't over Ethan.. I promise you”

With a final glance, I left with the stranger in just my pajamas. At this point, it's better to trust a stranger than family.

_____________

The stranger just kept driving me everywhere. I figured he was taking me to Orion. I have said a word and he hasn't asked me a single thing yet.

I'm just sad.. deep in thoughts and angry. I am finally without nothing. So what if this stranger didn't show up just in time… or what if I hadn't made this deal with Orion as soon as I did.. it would have been a more devastating experience for me.

I looked up when the car screeched to a halt… I realized we're in front of a mansion. Beautiful and more magnificent.

“You should go in, Aurora… Orion is waiting for you”

I looked at the stranger.

“Who are you and how did you show up right in time for…”

“I'm Damian, Orion's cousin… Any other thing, Orion is in the best position to answer. You should go”

I stepped out of the car and he drove off. I made my way in.

Orion was in his living room. As soon as he saw me, he trailed his eyes all over me and it made me really embarrassed.

“I was kicked out.. I literally have nothing to my name now” I said, averting my gaze.

He walked slowly towards me and didn't stop until he was just a few meters away.

“Your cousin? How did your cousin know where to find me?” I asked.

“You can simply say that I am your knight in charming armour..”

Was that a joke?

“The least you can do is smile if you don't want to laugh”

I rolled my eyes.

“I'm too broken to smile or laugh Orion”

“I understand. Betrayed by the ones you call family and the man you love…”

“I want revenge Orion…that's all I want”

His gaze lingered on my face for a while and then he said..

“Revenge… you can't just get revenge by getting married to me Aurora. We might get married, but that does not harm the Slade family. You can't just expect revenge to happen on its own”

“I know.. but I'm ready to do anything. Just anything at all..”

I was determined to do just anything…I have never been so determined to do anything in my entire life like I am now.

“Do you have a plan?”

Sadly, I shook my head negatively.

“Unfortunately, I don't. I honestly can't think straight at the moment”

“First we have to get married like you said..”

“I know.. and I'm fully ready for that Orion”

“But then again.. you have to let go of something. Without that, you won't be able to get the proper revenge you seek”

“Tell me.. what do I have to do?”

“Stop being the big fat burden they see you as. Get a new identity, Aurora Wright…become a new version of yourself. And I'll handle everything”

I didn't say a word but if that's all it takes, I'm willing to do it. For years, I have endured countless bullies.

People body shame me just because I'm plus size.

Big fat pig, big fat cow… All sorts of despicable names and I hate it.

It's time to get rid of it.

“I'll do it” I said with a tone of finality.