"Listen, Aurora," Jake said, his voice low, firm, and raw with emotion. "You are my whole world. I can't live without you."
Tears welled up in Aurora's eyes as her lips trembled. "I can't live without you either, Jake," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I'm sorry for doubting you. I know what I did is unforgivable… but please, please forgive me."
Jake shook his head gently. "Hey… don't apologize to me. I'm also at fault. If I had just told you the truth earlier, none of this would've happened. I should have protected you from all this confusion, from all the hurt. You didn't deserve any of it." He stepped closer and held her face with both hands, looking deep into her eyes.
"Aurora… I know you love me. But I want to ask you again and this time, I want to hear it without fear, without guilt. Do you love me?"
"Yes," she said breathlessly. "I do. I do, Jake I love you very much. With everything I am."
His gaze deepened.
"Are you willing to give me anything I ask of you? "Yes," she nodded without hesitation. "I promise. Anything." Jake inhaled slowly and looked away for a second before meeting her eyes again. "It's okay," he said softly, almost uncertainly. "Because… I know you won't be able to give me what I truly want." Aurora's heart dropped. "Hey tell me. What is it?"
Jake hesitated for a moment. Then, in a low voice filled with restraint, he said, "I want us to make love tonight." A stunned silence filled the room. Aurora blinked."Urhm…"
Jake quickly took a step back, raising his hands in surrender. "As I said it's okay. I know you're not ready. And I never want you to feel like I'm only with you for that. That's not what this is. I can wait I'll wait as long as it takes."
"Jake…" Aurora took a shaky breath. "Are you sure? "Yes," he nodded, reaching for her hand and pulling her into a warm embrace. "I love you, Aurora. Nothing will ever change that."Aurora stepped back slightly, just enough to look into his eyes. She searched them—hoping, doubting, falling deeper. In one swift move, Jake yanked her closer again, wrapping his arms tightly around her, eliminating every inch of space between them.
Aurora's toes curled at the sudden rush of heat.And then—he kissed her.Hard.
His lips crushed hers with desperation and passion, hunger and longing all tangled together. It was wild. Untamed. His kiss stole the breath from her lungs, and she surrendered willingly.
She kissed him back, greedily, like a woman starved of affection. She had missed this his taste, his scent, the way he made her forget the world. His mouth devoured hers, his tongue exploring every corner as if trying to memorize her soul.She moaned softly into his mouth, her arms wrapping around his neck.
When they finally pulled away, breathless, Aurora's lips were swollen, her face flushed. Her heart pounded so violently she could hear it in her ears. Jake chuckled, running his thumb across her lower lip. "You'll be the death of me."
She smiled shyly, eyes still glassy. "Jake… are you leaving for work?" He sighed and nodded. "Yes. But I'll be back early. I promise. "Okay," she whispered. "Take care of yourself."
"Wait let me help you onto the bed first."
Jake scooped her up effortlessly in bridal style and laid her gently on the mattress like she was made of porcelain. "Get some rest," he said, brushing strands of hair away from her forehead. "And if you don't feel well, don't hesitate to call me. I'll drop everything and come running. Okay?"
"I will," she promised softly.
He kissed her forehead, lingering for a heartbeat longer than necessary. "Bye, my love. Take care."Aurora smiled faintly. "You too."Jake turned and walked out, leaving behind the scent of his cologne and the warmth of his embrace.
Later that Morning…
Aurora drifted into a deep slumber, her body finally giving in to exhaustion. But an hour later, she jolted awake restless, her chest tight, breath shallow.She sat up, confused and panicked.
"Why am I feeling this way?" she whispered, pressing a palm to her heart.To her surprise, tears were already streaking down her cheeks."It's like… someone dear to me is in trouble."She couldn't shake the uneasiness. Something was off. Deeply off.Grabbing her phone with trembling hands, she dialed Jake's number, praying he'd answer.
Brooks Mansion
Sadash, ever composed and quiet, was dusting the living room shelves. Cleaning was far from her job description she was Aurora's personal caretaker but she liked staying busy. It helped her think. Helped her worry less.
Even if it wasn't her duty, she helped the other maids without question. The silence of the grand mansion only made her feel more restless.Aurora was still at Jake's place. And Sadash… she simply didn't like having nothing to do. Her hands worked faster, more anxiously, as if she too felt the sudden shift in the air.Something didn't feel right.