Chapter 53 Eight Billion Reasons
Evelyn couldn't believe what she was seeing.
Parked beyond the soft glow of the runway lights was an enormous, gleaming private jet. Its silver body reflected the night sky like polished glass, faint golden lines tracing along its sleek length. The stairs were lowered, each step lit with a gentle glow, and a low hum from the engines vibrated through the tarmac.
The terminal around them was quiet, lit only by tall runway lights stretching into the dark.
For a moment, Evelyn forgot how to breathe.
This wasn’t just a private jet, it screamed royalty. And for a moment, it looked somewhat familiar.
“Evelyn.” Roman called again, a little more impatient, his voice carried by the wind.
Evelyn absent mindedly ran to him. She swallowed hard.
“Roman… you didn't tell me you're chartering a private jet for your trip.”
Roman just gave her a side eye as he kept on walking forward.
“Who says I'm hiring a private jet?”
He said, his voice almost drowned out by the wind.
Evelyn quickly jogged to him, to keep up with his long legs.
“You're not hiring…?” She whispered barely audibly. But Roman was able to get a whiff of what she said.
“Why should I hire a jet when we have one.” He said casually as he continued walking forward.
For a moment, Evelyn just stood there, before she kept walking slowly, her mouth open in surprise.
Roman's words kept echoing in her ear.
“Why should I hire a jet when we have one.”
“Have one..?” She whispered, trying to understand clearly what Roman had said.
A man in a dark uniform approached Roman through the wind, posture straight. He stopped in front of Roman, bowed slightly, and spoke in a low voice that was quickly swallowed by the roar of the engines.
Roman handed over the luggage without a word.
The man accepted it with both hands and turned toward the jet, walking briskly up the illuminated stairs.
Evelyn watched him go, her heart thudding.
So… he wasn’t joking.
Roman turned back to her, one brow lifting faintly. “Coming?”
She nodded immediately and hurried to his side.
Roman reached for her hand, lacing their fingers together. His palm was warm against the cold wind whipping around them.
As they walked closer, the jet felt even more overwhelming. Up close, its size was imposing, the smooth metal flawless, the lights reflecting softly along its body like it had been polished just for tonight.
At the foot of the stairs, a tall man stepped forward.
He was dressed in a crisp pilot’s uniform, his features sharp and foreign—light eyes, a strong nose, and a Russian accent.
“Mr. Sinclair,” he greeted with a respectful nod. “Everything is ready.”
Roman returned the nod. “Good.”
Then he turned slightly, drawing Evelyn closer. “This is my wife.”
The pilot’s expression softened immediately as he looked at her. “Ah,” he said with a warm smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Sinclair. You’re very beautiful.”
Evelyn flushed, caught off guard. “Thank you,” she said softly, smiling back.
He shook her hand politely. “I’m Captain Laurent. I’ll be flying you tonight. I wish you both a wonderful vacation—and congratulations on your marriage.”
“Thank you,” Evelyn replied again, her cheeks still warm.
“I’ll make sure the flight is smooth and memorable,” he added reassuringly.
He gestured toward the cabin, then turned slightly and introduced the crew standing nearby.
“If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
One of the attendants—a woman with a perfectly neat bun and a tailored uniform, offered a small, professional smile. “Good evening, Madam.”
The pilot stepped aside and motioned toward the stairs. “After you.”
Roman nodded in acknowledgment.
Evelyn murmured her thanks as Roman guided her forward, his hand never leaving hers.
And as she stepped onto the softly lit stairs, she was even more stunned by the inside.
The interior was breathtaking: cream leather seats, impossibly plush, lined the cabin. Dark wood panels gleamed under warm overhead lights, soft enough to make everything feel calm and inviting. A sleek bar stood to one side, crystal glasses arranged neatly, and large windows framed the endless sky like living paintings.
It wasn’t just a plane. It was a sanctuary in the air.
As Evelyn slowly turned, taking everything in, the realization of why she found this jet familiar, clicked in.
Years ago, before her college graduation, an ad had swept the world: Aurelius Aeronautics, a luxury aerospace conglomerate, had unveiled The Aurelion One—a one-of-a-kind aircraft. A palace in the sky, with private suites, soundproof cabins, and turbulence-free lounges. Only the ultra-elite could bid for it, and the opening price had been eight billion dollars.
There were some rumors about it being bought by some Saudi royalty. It was said the owner hadn’t even attended the auction in person, sending only a representative. Even the final bid price was never disclosed.
And now—standing inside this very jet, Evelyn felt her breath leave her body.
Slowly, she turned her head to Roman. She couldn't stop the trembling of her body.
“Roman…” she whispered.
“Yes?” he replied mildly.
Evelyn swallowed hard, her voice
barely steady.
“…this jet. You own The Aurelion One?”
Roman just shrugged “It seemed useful,” he said simply.
Evelyn just stared at him, she couldn't help but see him as a walking gold mine at that moment.
“It's ours now, by the way.” Roman said as he began unbuttoning his sleeves.
Evelyn almost choked on her saliva.
“No I—”
Before she could finish her words a voice cut her off.
“Boss lady!! Boss! You're finally here!” Leo popped out from a side door inside the jet.
Evelyn blinked. “Where'd you come from?”
She had been wandering where Roman’s quirky assistant had gone since he disappeared in the morning. Turns out he was here.
Leo smiled widely. “Oh, I've been arranging—”
Roman glanced at him, slightly irritated as he tugged the collar of his shirt.
“What are you doing here?” Roman narrowed his gaze. “Aren't you supposed to be in the co-pilot seat right now?”
“Yes but—”
“You know, I might just consider throwing you out of the nearest emergency exit. Understand?” Roman said calmly.
“Boss, I was just—” Leo immediately shut his mouth, seeing his boss stare.
“Yes sir!” He said as he ran off to the front.
Evelyn watched them both, feeling a little confused by their dynamic.
Roman felt a flicker of irritation at her lingering glance on Leo.
He pulled her toward the suite. “Come help me take off my shirt.”