Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fourteen

AURORA —

As Miguel excused himself from the room, leaving Enzo and me alone, I couldn't help but feel a surge of nerves. It was just the two of us now, and I knew that this conversation would shape the course of our arranged marriage.

Enzo leaned back in his chair, studying me intently. I could see a mix of curiosity and skepticism in his eyes. "So, Aurora, tell me more about yourself. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?"

I hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. "Well, I've always had a passion for photography. I love capturing moments and emotions through the lens of a camera. It's a way for me to express myself and see the beauty in the world."

Enzo raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by my answer. "That's interesting. I've always found photography to be a powerful form of art. Do you have any favorite photographers?"

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I nodded. "Yes, Ansel Adams is one of my favorites. His black and white landscapes are absolutely breathtaking. I also admire Annie Leibovitz for her iconic celebrity portraits."

Enzo's eyes sparkled with a newfound interest. "I must admit, you have good taste. Perhaps we can go to an art exhibit together sometime and appreciate the works of these photographers."

I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. Maybe we did have some common ground after all. "That sounds wonderful, Enzo. I would love that."

For the next hour, we dove deeper into our personal interests and hobbies. I learned that Enzo had a passion for classic cars and enjoyed restoring them in his spare time. He showed me some pictures of his prized collection, and I found myself genuinely intrigued by his knowledge and expertise.

As we talked, I started to see a different side of Enzo. He wasn't just the stoic and distant businessman I had envisioned him to be. He had a warmth and a genuine passion for the things he loved. It was a side of him that I hadn't expected, and it made me hopeful for our future together.

But amidst the newfound connection, I couldn't shake the underlying tension of our arranged marriage. The fact remained that we hadn't chosen each other. It was a decision made by our fathers, and I couldn't ignore the sense of unease that lingered within me.

"Do you ever wonder what our lives would have been like if we had met under different circumstances?" I blurted out, unable to contain my thoughts any longer.

Enzo's expression softened, his eyes filled with a flicker of sadness. "Sometimes. But we can't dwell on what-ifs, Aurora. We have to make the best of the situation we're in."

I nodded, knowing that he was right. We couldn't change the past, but we could shape our future together. "You're right, Enzo. We can't change what's already happened, but we can choose how we move forward."

Enzo reached across the table, his hand gently resting on mine. "I want us to be partners in this, Aurora. I want to build a foundation of trust and respect between us."

His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this arranged marriage could turn into something more than just a business transaction.

"I want that too, Enzo," I replied softly, giving his hand a light squeeze. "Let's make a promise to each other. No matter what happens, we'll always be honest and open with one another."

With his words of assurance, I knew nothing can ever come between this bond, this was finally my chance to get what I want without Isabella ruining everything for me, she has done more than enough damage to me by making dad lose everything he had but I guess everything turned for the worst so I could be with Enzo, dad was right about him. People always called ruthless and mysterious but he was nothing like that, he was just an ordinary guy like everyone else.

After staying a little longer in his office I decided to leave and maybe take a stroll around the company. I stood in front of the elevator waiting for it to open when someone familiar came out of the elevator, even though I could only see the back of the person it felt so much like Isabella, the perfume and the walking step everything was just too similar. I decided to follow this strange lady but when I got to the other side of the room she was nowhere to be found. I stood there for minutes and walked around searching for her but couldn't find her and just when I was about to leave the premises I could swear I heard Isabella's voice, why would she ever come back to my life and why would she be in this company of all places, she can't just walk into my life again I have to confirm if she is the one or not.

I opened the door to the room where I heard her voice and it was crowded with workers busy with different jobs. I couldn't make out who was who but I could still hear the voice and this time it was more like a giggle. I felt my heart beating fast, Isabella shouldn't be back she can't come back, she can't……if she comes back into my life things would just become worse than it already is.

Dad was already regretting his decision to send her away and now she wants to come back. I won't let that happen. I heard the voice one more time and was able to trace the voice to two women talking to themselves at a far end of the room, I hurriedly walked up to them and after praying and hoping she is not the one I tapped the stranger.