NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: Making A Scene
~Vintage Cella~
MONDAY.
Aurora walked into the company, polished in a tailored lavender business suit, her hair sleekly ponytailed and lips painted bold red. A black structured handbag and stilettoes complimented her outfit perfectly. Despite her poised appearance, worry lines creased her forehead.
Abigail's disapproval from the night before still weighed on her mind.
Abigail thought she had lost her mind for agreeing to a marriage with her ex-boyfriend's uncle– a man she barely knew. Following a discussion about Xander, Abigail had urged caution before departing to bed.
When Aurora woke up this morning, Abigail had already gone for a run. Worried that her best friend was still mad at her, she sent her a text before leaving her place.
A deep sigh escaped Aurora's lips as the elevator stopped at the executive floor of the building.
She headed straight to the meeting room, where an emergency gathering was already underway, chaired by her father. As she entered, the people in the room stood to greet her warmly.
"Good morning, Ms. Scott."
"Good morning." She returned the courtesy and took the first seat to the right of the head chair, reserved for Adam.
Minutes later, Adam arrived with Olivia in tow, and the room stood to acknowledge his presence.
Aurora scoffed, noticing Olivia's calculated move of positioning herself to share the attention and respect accorded to their father.
Olivia was an attention seeker. She would do anything to keep people's eyes on her.
"Please, take your seats," Adam instructed, as Olivia settled to his left, directly across from Aurora.
Adam's gaze swept the room as he began, "This emergency meeting concerns a critical challenge. Aurora and Olivia, as marketing directors, will create and present proposals for two new luxury products that embody our brand's essence within two weeks."
Aurora and Olivia exchanged weighted glances. This competition is set to ignite a fierce battle between them, driven by their deep-seated animosity.
"Following approval, production will commence," Adam continued. "However, we'll evaluate the products' market value and performance within three months of launch. The director with the top-performing product will be promoted to COO of Vintage Cella."
Aurora's brow furrowed, pondering over their father's motives for pitting them against each other while a calculating glint flashed in Olivia's narrowed gaze. She was determined to win this fight.
Adam passed on more information regarding the task and concluded the meeting.
---
A few minutes later, Aurora summoned her team to brainstorm ideas for the new product.
"We need something innovative that complements our core offerings. Anyone has any idea?" She asked, her eyes moving from one person to the other.
After 20 minutes of discussion, Aurora was unsatisfied with their ideas and directly adjourned the meeting.
"Go home and think of an inspiring idea. This meeting continues tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Olivia's team fared no better. Frustrated, Olivia lashed out, "Are you all incapable of creative thoughts?"
Her fierce gaze darted across the room, taking in everyone's expression. "You are all highly paid to think, not stare blankly!"
"What's the point of your hefty salaries if you can't deliver results?" She spat, storming off.
---
Aurora returned to her office, mentally drained. She struggled to focus on routine tasks with her mind preoccupied with the sudden project.
During lunch break, Xander checked in with a text, providing a welcome distraction. "Hey, how's your day going?"
Aurora quickly texted back. "Fine, and yours?"
As Xander replied, Aurora's thoughts shifted to their wedding and immediately, she made a request.
"I think we might need to move back our wedding. I've got an important project with a tight deadline."
Xander's curiosity was piqued, "What's the task?"
"It's a high-stakes competition against my sister to develop and pitch a new product idea within two weeks. And a promotion is at stake here." Aurora explained.
Xander's call came in the next moment.
"Hey!" Xander's smooth tone reached her ears. "I understand the importance of this project. But I still think that taking a break will spark some innovative ideas. Which better time than our wedding?"
He tried to convince her, "Italy, our wedding destination, is a wine production hub and can provide inspiration. We can also visit France, known for its quality wine, to explore more creative ideas."
Aurora felt that he had a valid point after listening for a while. Which better place to brainstorm than the countries known for their best wines?
She quickly agreed to his suggestions. "I will apply for a few days' leave tomorrow."
"When are you moving to my place?" Xander inquired later.
"Wednesday," she replied.
Since Xander wanted their marriage to be kept secret for a while, the apartment she rented could help hold off the prying eyes of her stepmother.
"Do you need help?" he asked.
"No, thank you. I got it!"
---
Aurora felt a sense of relief after her call with Xander. Later that day, she joined her family for dinner before seeking out her father in his study.
"I'm taking a four-day leave starting Wednesday. I'll return to work on next Tuesday," she announced.
Adam's brows furrowed, lines appearing on his forehead. "Is now really the best time?"
Aurora understood his concern and reassured him, "I will work on the project on my break."
Adam sighed, relaxing into his chair. He accepted her decision knowing he couldn't deny her leave.
"One more thing" Aurora paused, meeting his gaze. "I've found a new place and I'm moving out tomorrow morning."
Surprised, Adam's expression darkened. "Why–."
"Where do you think you're running to?" Just then, Stella burst into the room, cutting off their conversation, her eyes darting from Aurora to Adam. "This house is spacious enough for everyone. Why does she need to move away where we can't keep an eye on her?"
"What sort of wild behaviour is this?" Adam glared at her.
Stella didn't care about his anger and continued, "Aurora definitely has other motives. Adam, don't let her leave!"
In a flash, Aurora's gaze turned stern. "I am 28 and capable of making my own decisions. Do I look like a child who needs supervision? Also, you don't have any right to point accusing fingers at me."
Stella's face crumpled. Immediately, she turned to Adam, tears welling up in her eyes. "She disrespects me like this in front of you. Does she not see me as her mother? How can she question my worth? "Is this the behaviour you condone for her to live outside with?"