Chapter 6 006

AURELIA

"What day is your graduation?"

My eyes flicked upwards at my father's question as we ate dinner. My fork slowly hit the glass plate, making a clink.

Graduation?

I remembered that my graduation was just two weeks from now.

"On Friday, 12 pm," I replied.

I'd forgotten about all of these; my life had practically rewound two years, and this time, I was preparing for graduation. That meant my arts award had been a month or two back. I should have contacted Mr. Ford, who wanted to speak to me about my art, shouldn't I?

"Hopefully, after graduation, you will be smart enough to know that the arts have nothing to do with this family," my father said. I always knew he was against it; this question had also popped up in my past life. The seemingly peaceful dinner had turned into an uproar in an instant.

He didn't seem to understand that business was not my forte, and while I could handle a little bit of food nutrition-letting it go only because I would have competed against Mireya in my past life-, I was happier with food tasting and adjustments. However, now, I plan to give my all when it comes to wrenching the company out of Mireya's hands.

"Yes, while I pursue arts in my free time, I would love to work at the company full-time, until I can hold the reins."

Mireya's fork hit her plate loudly, while my mom stared at me, mouth agape.

"I thought you wanted nothing to do with the company?" Mom asked.

"I did," my lips flattened, "however, I realized I was wrong, and you were right. I should be serious and work at the company."

Whatever made them sleep at night was what I was going to say to make them give me a chance at the company. However, that didn't mean I was happy with them. They had joined in making my past life miserable.

"That's good," my father nodded his head, a contented smile brightening his face. "I'm so happy you finally wisened up, Aurelia. Just act like your sister from now on, Mireya will teach you everything you need to know."

"Thank you sis!" I glanced at Mireya.

She forced a smile, her fingers tightening around the fork.

"Tomorrow, Aurelia, you should come to the boutique with me. I would get some dresses perfect for your first day at work," mom said, placing a piece of beef on my plate.

I knew my parents and what made them switch easily, it was nothing more than business.

"Aure, I don't think you should work at the company. Isn't art your passion?" Mireya asked in my room after dinner. I looked up from my phone and stared at her,

"It is," I nodded. "And since it's a talent, it's easier for me than most. But I want to try something new and working at the company sounds like a nice idea."

I watched as her brows furrowed. "You never wanted to work at the company-"

"People change, Mireya. I thought you would be happy for me, we would be spending more time together for a while. Think of my period there as a sisters' hangout."

"How many days do you plan on spending?" Her ears perked up the moment she heard the word period.

"I don't know. Depends on how fast I learn and how soon mom and dad retire so I can take over," I said flatly.

"You...want to take over the company? You haven't even started working yet," she said sharply.

"Exactly. Why are you so tense?" I scoffed, grabbing my head phones from the bed as I stood up. "I'm going for a run, see ya."

I let out a breath the moment I stepped out of the house. Staying in the room with Mireya would have killed me at any moment, so how did she pretend for that long? From the moment she got into our house? Pretense was suffocating, and watching her act so nice simply made me angry. I couldn't wait to take back the things that belonged to me and watch the calm composure snap out of her.

My legs hit the floor as I ran past the gate, running at the side of the estate. A shadow fell beside me and before I could turn, the owner came. Theron Draix.

What? My legs stopped suddenly and before I could fall, his hands wrapped around me, holding me steady.

"Are you okay?" His eyes stared at me, full with worry.

Fake.

I steadied myself, pushing him away.

Irritation clouded my face, "What are you doing here?"

In my memories, I'd never run into Theron jogging, ever. He wasn't even home during weekdays, except for Friday evenings. This was a Wednesday.

"Jogging, you?"

"You are clearly not blind," I threw the words out of my lips venomously. He should see clearly that I wanted nothing to do with him. "Did Mireya send you here?"

"Mireya?" His eyes narrowed. "No."

"You are a liar," I scoffed. "I see she couldn't wait to cry to you, right?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about-"

His words had barely dropped, when we heard a vibration, from his joggers. Right, joggers. Seeing Theron Draix in clothes other than suits and ties was...crazy. However, I hated him and I hoped he could see that and just leave me the heck alone. This time I was focused on the girl I called my family.

"Pick her call, lover boy, and leave me alone," I said flatly and continued my race, away from him.

"Did we have a fight?" Theron resurfaced.

"No."

"Then why are you breaking up with me?" he held my arm, halting me.

For a second, we stared at each other in utter silence. And just for that second, something flashed in Theron's eyes. Pain?

"Are you-"

"Aurelia!" A voice cut me off from my words and I turned, just in time to see a bike stop in front of me. Its owner pulled off the helmet from his head and a smile crossed his face.

I blinked, and then, recognition set in.

"Tony?"