Chapter Fifty-Five
Chapter Fifty-Five
Aurora’s POV
I woke up to silence and the cold side of the bed. I reached across instinctively, my hand touching only the sheets, and I sat up slowly, looking around.
The villa was still, the curtains drawn, and not a sound came from anywhere.
I slipped into my robe and walked through the rooms, calling his name quietly, but no answer came.
The kitchen was empty, the living room spotless, and the balcony doors closed. He wasn’t here. My chest tightened as I leaned on the counter, my mind rushing a thousand miles per hour.
Where could he have gone?
It didn’t take long for my thoughts to spiral. Maybe he had gone back to Vanessa.
Honestly, I wouldn't blame him, she looked so perfect sitting on his laps, it was almost like they were co-stars in a movie. She had everything I didn’t. Flawless skin, a body straight out of a magazine, tall and elegant like she belonged in his world. And here I was with wide hips, soft skin covered in stretch marks, a body carved by motherhood.
I sat down at the dining table and stared at the floor, my eyes burning, and that was when the decision hit me. I couldn’t stay here anymore. Not even another second.
I went back to the room, pulled out my suitcase, and began packing. My hands trembled as I folded dresses and stuffed shoes into the bag, but I didn’t stop. I booked the earliest flight out of Miami right from my phone, barely noticing how my screen blurred from the tears I was fighting.
When I finally zipped the suitcase shut, I pulled out my phone and sent a quick text.
"I’m leaving Miami. Thank you for everything you did for me. —Aurora"
It was to Ceaser. He was the only person I’d spoken to in this city besides Conan, and right now, I just needed to let him know.
Dragging my bag outside, I sat on the step to wait for the cab I’d ordered. My phone buzzed before it arrived, Ceaser’s name flashing on the screen.
I picked up quickly. “Hello?”
“I’m downstairs,” his voice said, casual but firm.
“What? Why?” I asked, standing up and peering over the rail. Sure enough, his car was parked by the entrance, and he was leaning against it.
“You texted me. You’re leaving. I figured you shouldn’t be alone. Let me drop you at the airport.”
“I… I already called a cab,” I said softly.
“Cancel it. Come down,” he replied, not giving me room to argue.
I hesitated, but eventually, I dragged my suitcase down the stairs. He opened the trunk, placed my bag inside, and walked over to the passenger door.
“You don’t have to—” I started.
“I want to,” he cut me off, pulling the door open. “Get in.”
I sighed, sliding into the seat. The ride to the airport was quiet at first until he finally spoke.
“You don’t look okay.”
“I’m not,” I admitted, my voice small.
He gave a short nod, keeping his eyes on the road. “For what it’s worth, whoever hurt you doesn’t deserve you.”
I turned my head to look out the window. “Thanks.”
When we got to the airport, he helped me with my bag and walked me as far as security would allow. Then he stopped and faced me.
“Take care of yourself, Aurora,” he said sincerely.
“I will. And thank you, Ceaser. For helping me.”
He pulled me into a quick hug before stepping back. “Anytime.”
I gave him a small smile and walked toward security, not daring to look back.
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
By the time I got to Jennifer’s house, my eyes were swollen from crying during the flight. She opened the door, immediately noticing my face, and pulled me inside.
“What happened?” she demanded, sitting me down on her couch.
I broke then, the words tumbling out between sobs. I told her everything, from walking in on Conan with that woman to leaving the villa and Ceaser picking me up.
Jennifer’s face hardened, her voice rising. “That bastard! After everything? He kissed another woman while you were right there? I swear, Aurora, if I ever see him—”
“Jennifer,” I cut her off, wiping my face. “Please don’t. I don’t even know what to think anymore.”
She shook her head, pacing in front of me. “I can’t believe this. He doesn’t deserve you, not one bit.”
I sniffled, hugging a cushion to my chest. But then I realized something. In my explanation, I had mentioned Ceaser’s name a little too many times.
Jennifer stopped pacing, her eyes narrowing. “Wait. Who’s Ceaser?”
I froze. “He’s just… someone I met. At the market.”
Jennifer raised an eyebrow. “Just someone? Because the way you’re saying his name doesn’t sound like just someone.”
I sighed. “He was kind to me, Jen. That’s it. He listened to me, and he understood everything I was going through. He helped me when I didn’t have anyone else to call.”
“And he drove you to the airport?” she asked, arms folded.
“Yes. But that’s all. He offered to let me stay the night, and I said no. I came back here instead.”
Jennifer’s frown softened, but her tone stayed serious. “Aurora, I’m glad he helped you, but you need to be careful. You’re vulnerable right now, and it’s easy to confuse kindness with something else. The last thing you need is to get caught up in an affair.”
I sat up straighter. “I’m not going to cheat on Conan. No matter what he did, I still… I still like him. I still want to be faithful to him.”
Jennifer sighed, sitting beside me and rubbing my arm. “I just don’t want you to get hurt even more.”
“I know,” I whispered.
There was a long pause before Jennifer suddenly clapped her hands together. “Alright. Enough sadness. Let me cook for you. How about Chinese fried rice? You love that.”
I blinked, staring at her. “No. Please don’t cook anything.”
She laughed, pretending to be offended. “Why not? I’m a good cook.”
“You’ll poison me,” I shot back, half laughing through my tears.
Jennifer’s eyes widened. “Wow. That’s harsh.”
“I’m serious, Jen. Remember the last time you tried to fry plantain? It turned into charcoal.”
She burst out laughing, throwing a pillow at me. “Okay, fine. Then you cook.”
“Gladly,” I said, getting up.
Jennifer’s eyes lit up as she followed me into the kitchen. “See? I knew if I pretended to offer, you’d do it. I was just baiting you.”
I rolled my eyes, shaking my head, but for the first time that day, I actually smiled.