Chapter 64 THE UNDERGROUND (1)

Chapter 64 THE UNDERGROUND (1)
Aurora slipped back into the dining room with the same graceful calm she had worn since she entered the DeLuca mansion. Her heartbeat was steadying now, even though the image of that sealed metal door still pulsed sharp and dangerous at the back of her mind.

Nicholas stood as she approached.

"You took a while, love" he said gently, pulling out her chair for her.

Aurora offered a small, apologetic smile. "Ah yes… I got confused with the doors"

Nicholas chuckled. "Sorry about that. This house is quite big"

Before Aurora could respond, Antonio reappeared from the hallway... silent, composed, his presence heavy enough to fill the room. 

He walked behind Aurora and patted her back lightly, his touch almost fatherly… yet it made her muscles stiffen.

"Hope you’re familiar with this place now?" he asked.

Aurora turned, meeting those eyes with an easy smile. "Yes. Like Nicholas said, this place is quite big"

Nicholas stepped beside her, adjusting his collar. "Father, I’m taking Aurora out now. Is there anything you want me to help you get?"

Antonio waved a hand, dismissive and amused. "I’m good, son. Carry on with your bride-to-be"

Nicholas flushed at the teasing, a soft smile breaking across his face. Aurora lowered her gaze just enough to play the part but inside, her mind remained cold steel.

Nicholas offered his hand, she placed hers lightly in his.

As they walked out of the dining room together, Antonio remained behind, watching her with an expression that revealed nothing… but felt like everything.

Nicholas led Aurora down the front steps, the bright late morning sun warming the marble beneath their feet. The DeLuca mansion glowed in soft daylight, its gardens vibrant and perfectly trimmed. A sleek black Mercedes was parked in the driveway, its surface gleaming under the sun.

He opened the passenger door for her. Aurora slipped inside, her gown settling around her legs. Nicholas circled the car, sliding into the driver’s seat as the engine hummed to life.

The large gates opened and the car rolled out of the estate, sunlight pouring through the windows.

Nicholas glanced at her with a soft smile.
"Guess where I'm taking you?"

Aurora let out a small laugh. "Umm... I really have no idea"

"You will see soon, and I promise you that you will love it. It’s somewhere cozy for just me and you" He winked.

Aurora returned a shy smile, though her thoughts were far from shy.

A few seconds passed before she spoke again.
"You know... everyone has a favorite number out of all. Mine is 9, followed by 5, 3 and then 1. What’s yours?"

Nicholas chuckled. "Interesting. I love number 1 a lot because I always want to be first in everything. I love number 7 too. It’s my special number and that’s the day I was born"

Aurora nodded slowly, studying him. "Wow. What of your dad’s?"

"Oh, my dad?" Nicholas laughed lightly. "He’s a boring man. I actually have no idea"

Aurora smiled politely, turning her face toward the window as the city passed by in golden daylight.

But inside, her mind was already piecing things together.

'Number 1. Number 7. Two digits. Two steps closer'

She relaxed against the seat, eyes half-lidded.

Nicholas glanced at her again, a playful smile tugging at his lips. Without warning, he reached over and gently took her hand in his.

Aurora froze for a heartbeat, then subtly shifted her position, pulling her hand back just enough so it was no longer in his grasp.

"Oh, sorry," she said lightly, her tone casual and airy. "I just have a bit of sunscreen on my hands. Don’t want it on the steering wheel"

Nicholas raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth twitching in amusement. "Sunscreen, huh? Clever excuse"

Aurora offered a faint smile, letting her hand rest elegantly on her lap instead. "I like to keep things clean" she added smoothly, her gaze returning to the passing cityscape, giving nothing away.

Nicholas let out a soft laugh, shaking his head, but didn’t try to take her hand again... for now. 

The car slowed as Nicholas turned to a quiet, winding road lined with tall trees. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the asphalt. Aurora leaned back in her seat, taking in the peaceful scenery.

"Almost there," Nicholas said with a grin, his eyes on the road. "Hope you’re ready for this"

Aurora raised an eyebrow, curious. "For what exactly? You’ve been teasing me all morning"

"You’ll see soon" he replied, his smile widening. "It’s somewhere cozy, just for us"

A few minutes later, the car rounded a bend and the view opened up. A serene lake stretched before them, the water glinting under the late morning sun. A small wooden dock jutted into the water, and the soft rustle of reeds framed the scene. A neatly arranged picnic blanket with cushions and a basket rested near the shore.

Aurora’s eyes widened slightly, taking in the idyllic setting. "Wow… this is beautiful"

Nicholas parked the car, turned to her, and winked. "I promised you’d love it"

Aurora gave a faint, appreciative smile, stepping out to the soft grass. The warmth of the sun and the gentle lapping of the water added a surprising calm to the morning.

Nicholas held the car door open, and as she passed, he reached for her hand again. Aurora moved it lightly, offering the same casual excuse about sunscreen, but this time, a small, amused sparkle danced in her eyes.

"Come on," he said, gesturing toward the picnic.
"Let’s enjoy the morning while we can"

Aurora followed, her mind both alert and intrigued. The lake, the sun, and the soft breeze were a perfect cover for the game she was playing, and Nicholas seemed oblivious to the full extent of her mission.

•••

EVENING, A PARK

Maya sat on a worn wooden bench near the edge of the park, her posture relaxed but alert. One hand rested loosely on her knee, the other brushing through her hair as she adjusted the small earpiece in her ear. The ambient noise of the city faded, muted by the device, leaving her fully focused. She was waiting for someone.

The sound of soft footsteps on the gravel made her glance up. Axel slid to the bench beside her, face partially hidden under a cap.

"What did he say?" Axel asked quietly, leaning back, his gaze cautious.

Maya exhaled slowly, shaking her head. "He wasn’t enthusiastic about it. I’ll keep convincing him"

Axel’s eyes narrowed. "I knew that bastard wouldn’t agree. Don’t worry. I’ll work on my own if I have to"

Maya leaned forward slightly, her tone sharp. "Drop your pride. I’ll talk to him. The situation concerns you too"

He smirked, shrugging. "Alright. Fine. What’s the latest update?"

"His wife is at the Deluca’s doing her part" Maya said, eyes scanning the area as if expecting someone else to appear.

Axel raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "About the wife… is she trustable?"

"Of course"

Axel leaned closer, lowering his voice. "Isn’t she Vincenzo Bellanti’s second daughter?"

Maya nodded. "Yeah"

"And… is she… sexy?" Axel teased, a playful grin tugging at his lips.

Maya let out a sharp smack on his arm. "You idiot!"

Axel chuckled, rubbing his arm where she hit him. "Relax. Just asking"

Maya shook her head, smirking despite herself. "Focus, Axel. This isn’t about appearances. She’s playing her part perfectly. That’s what matters"

Axel leaned back again, his grin fading into a more serious expression. "Got it. Let’s just hope she doesn’t slip up. One mistake, and everything falls apart"

Maya adjusted her earpiece again, eyes narrowing. "She won’t. I trust her"

They rose from the bench, stretching slightly before starting to walk along the gravel path.

As they rounded a bend, two small kids suddenly darted in front of them, holding colorful posters with excited grins.

"Excuse us, mister, miss! Look at this!" one of the children called, holding the poster up high.

Maya bent down slightly, taking it in. Axel leaned closer to get a better look.

The poster was bright, adorned with hearts and swirls, and read: "You’re invited to the Grand Lovers’ Evening! Come with your partner and share the magic!"

The second child piped up eagerly, "Yeah! You have to come with your lover!"

Before either Maya or Axel could respond, the kids giggled and ran off down the path, leaving the poster fluttering slightly in the breeze.

Maya straightened, her lips curving into a small, knowing smile as she glanced at Axel who seems lost in thought.