NOVEL NEXT Chapter 12: Three Loud Bangs
Aurora glanced at the slanted bronze sculpture and felt a deep pull towards it. Her interest was piqued.
She wanted to check the possibility of straightening the object, but with Liam waiting for her, she reluctantly followed him out.
Xander indeed had an impressive fruit garden which was daily tended to. There were different species of fruits Aurora had never seen or heard of. And she got to learn some of their names and take a tour thanks to the gardener and Liam by her side.
"Mr. Scott is keen on a healthy lifestyle hence, the reason for the different varieties of fruits," the gardener explained, proud of his job.
"That's a good concept." Aurora nodded in agreement.
Interestingly, she got to pluck some of the ripe fruits herself with Xander watching from a distance, totally fascinated by her.
"Did you have fun today?" Xander asked as they walked back towards the house with Liam following behind them, Aurora's fruit basket, in his possession.
Aurora's face lit up with a smile, "Yes, I did." Releasing a deep breath, she continued, "I haven't had fun outside of my best friend's company so, thank you for today."
The possibility of Aurora having fun at home with Olivia and Stella present was zero to none. With them always looking for ways to dampen her mood daily, she didn't have the mental stability to be at peace. Therefore, it was only with Abigail that she found rest.
"As long as you are willing, you will never get bored with me," Xander assured her.
Back in the house, Aurora freshened up in the master bedroom she shared with Xander and came back to the living area.
Xander's domestic staff were introduced to her formally, and she got to fill out the paperwork that would help them serve her better and meet her needs. That way, she would be getting maximum satisfaction.
Afterwards, the doctor Xander mentioned arrived to check Aurora's vitals, and everything was perfect and running.
A professional tailor came by to take Aurora and Xander's measurements for their wedding outfits which will be made in Italy. And over dinner, Aurora and Xander had a video call with their wedding planner and finalized everything regarding their ceremony, down to the decorations.
"It's just us and the priest, why the elaborate arrangements?" Aurora asked Xander after the call.
"I want to create special memories with you," he revealed, looking into her eyes.
Aurora blinked shyly and turned to face her food the next second. "Why don't you live in the Scott residence with the rest of your family?" She inquired, dapping the serviette at the corner of her lips.
The smile on Xander's face reached his eyes as he watched her. "There is always drama in a room with many people. And I like me some peace."
His response made Aurora understand that one thing was common in families, whether they be big or small, rich or poor. Drama.
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The next morning, the popular controversial blogger posted a new article that set tongues wagging again.
"BREAKING SCANDAL ROCKS WING CITY!
PLAYBOY MILLIONAIRE'S LIFE HANGS IN BALANCE
In a shocking turn of events, notorious playboy Victor was involved in a near-fatal car crash last night, leaving him clinging to life. Eyewitnesses describe the mangled wreckage as a miracle survival story. But the real bombshell? Police confirm Victor was behind the wheel, intoxicated.
Another scandal unfolds as Victor fights for his life at First City Private Hospital. Aurora Swift has fled her family home, heartbroken and betrayed. Why? Her younger sister, Olivia Scott, is set to tie the knot with Aurora's ex-boyfriend, Owen Scott - son of basketball legend and DANTE Group affiliate.
WEDDING BELLS & BROKEN HEARTS
Olivia and Owen were spotted yesterday at Today's Woman exotic bridal shop, finalizing wedding plans. Meanwhile, Aurora is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered heart. The once-inseparable sisters are now worlds apart, torn by love, loyalty, and deceit.
Stay glued to our blog for exclusive updates on this salacious scandal. Will Victor survive? Can Aurora overcome her heartbreak? And what secrets lie beneath Olivia and Owen's whirlwind romance?
THE DRAMA HAS JUST BEGUN..."
~Tea Time.
---
Adam repeatedly pointed at the newspaper headline, asking, "How did this person know Aurora has moved out? Who in this house, is spreading details about our family to outsiders?!"
"Dad, I'm very sure Aurora has a hand in this just to get some attention for herself," Olivia said confidently.
From the side, Stella exhaled deeply, feigning disappointment. "Adam, Aurora is turning our family into a laughing stock, and you need to do something about it immediately."
As soon as she said that, Adam's gaze darkened. "How did you conclude Aurora is behind this? Do you think she is shameless like some people?!"
The mother and daughter pair shut their mouths immediately seeing as their plans were already backfiring.
On the other hand, Aurora sat in Xander's private jet, staring eye-wide at the blog post, en route to Italy.
"Since when were Olivia and I once inseparable? Who said I ran away from home because I was heartbroken and betrayed?"
Aurora was deeply offended by the misinterpretation of her character by the blogger and craved to give her a piece of advice.
"What are you furious about?" Xander asked, smoothening her brows.
"Just some crazy post," Aurora answered as she put her tablet away.
A glint flashed in Xander's eyes. It was his first time seeing her that annoyed. "Don't waste your precious time on that. We are landing in twenty minutes."
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As soon as Aurora and Xander landed in Venice, they checked into the private villa they rented for their stay and wedding, before getting started with their wedding photos.
Next, they met with their wedding planner and tried on their wedding outfits before going to the open space in the yard to see the decorations just as Aurora had opted.
"Everything is so beautiful," Aurora said to the wedding planner, confirming her satisfaction and approval.
"I'm glad you like it," the wedding planner smiled and briefed them about tomorrow's ceremony before they left to go have dinner.
---
Xander cut through his Italian dish, Vitello Tonnato, with his cutlery, his gaze, never leaving Aurora.
"How are you liking the arrangements so far?"
Aurora lifted her gaze. It took her a few moments to fully grasp his question. "You offer the best services, making me want to leave everything in your hands."
"I'm glad you trust me," he smirked, pointing a fork in her direction.
Aurora shook her head, forcing back a smile. "Don't get too cocky."
"Too late," he beamed. Lowering his tone, he added, "My cock is already hard for you."
Aurora choked on her food, and Xander promptly handed her a napkin, chuckling in delight. But as she took it, three loud banging sounds of gunshots pierced through their ears, instantly ruining the lighthearted atmosphere.
Aurora cowered as Xander protected her in his embrace, the light in his eyes, dimming.