Chapter 2 Between a Fall and a catch

**Chapter 2 : Between a Fall and a Catch**

It had been a tiring day for Aurora Wynter, packed with activity from the moment she woke up at 7 a.m. She had been so active during the Wellesleys' anniversary party you'd think it was her own family's celebration. And after years of longing, her greatest dream had finally come true-starting tonight, she was officially Landon Wellesley's fiancée.

You'd think such good news would come with a streak of good karma. But here she was, about to faceplant thanks to a sore ankle and a stubborn shoe. Absolutely terrific.

As she stumbled forward, all Aurora could wish for was an invisible injury. Anything else to escape the herbal sap her housekeeper always pulled out for every cut or bruise-a remedy that stung more than the wounds themselves.

Was she clumsy? Not exactly. She just had a knack for ending up in the wrong place at the right time-or was it the right place at the wrong time? Either way, sprains and light bruises were her unofficial companions. Tonight was no exception.

Or so she thought.

A firm grip suddenly stopped her fall, steadying her just before she kissed the pavement. Aurora exhaled in relief. "Good save, Elvis. And thank y-" she began, assuming her driver had rescued her. But the rest of the sentence got lodged in her throat when she finally looked up.

She froze.

Still regaining her footing, she swayed backward again-but her rescuer acted quickly, slipping an arm around her waist and pulling her close. Her hands instinctively landed on his chest, and she found herself leaning against him, staring up in disbelief.

He was tall, with piercing black eyes that sparkled with amusement. His dark hair was slightly tousled, and a small black stud gleamed in his left ear. Dressed in baggy trousers and a matching jacket over a white t-shirt, topped off with spotless Nike Air Forces, he exuded an effortless, stylish cool.

"Didn't know soon-to-be brides were so eager to fall off their feet today," he said with a teasing smirk.

Aurora's cheeks flushed, but her eyes glistened instead of replying.

The driver, who had been observing from a respectful distance, coughed awkwardly before speaking. "Good evening, Mr. Blackwood. I'll take my leave now, Miss. Goodnight."

With a polite nod, he retreated, wisely avoiding the emotional storm brewing before him.

Ethan Blackwood-because of course it was him-scratched his neck, awkward but gentle as he helped steady Aurora on her feet. "Let's get you comfortable, shall we?"

Aurora didn't protest.

Ethan dropped to one knee and removed her heels with the kind of practiced ease that came from years of experience-he'd done this more often for her than he'd unlaced his own shoes. Aurora winced slightly as he gently massaged each foot, working out the kinks.

"Feeling better?" he asked, focused on her feet. Without waiting for an answer, he reached into a green shopping bag and pulled out a pair of white flip-flops, slipping them onto her feet with the same careful attention.

A surge of relief flooded Aurora. She sniffled, trying to regain composure.

Ethan looked up at her and smiled. "Better?"

Aurora nodded energetically, her lips curving into a grateful smile.

Then Ethan's gaze dropped to the back of her feet, and he frowned. "You've got some nasty blisters. Don't do this again."

Without waiting, he pulled out two band-aids and gently applied them to each heel, clearly displeased by the sight.

Once done, he stood and gave her a crooked smile. "This is the part where you invite me in for tea or coffee. It's tradition for the great Wynter family, isn't it?"

Overwhelmed, Aurora looked up at his familiar face and burst into tears. Without hesitation, she flung her arms around him. "Senior, you're finally back home!"

Ethan stiffened slightly, a dull ache tightening in his chest. But his arms moved instinctively, wrapping around her, holding her like he used to. For a long moment, the world faded away, the quiet breeze from the garden the only sound between them.

Aurora buried her face in his chest, and Ethan's hand gently cradled the back of her head, fingers stroking her auburn hair. His other arm stayed firm around her waist, the warmth of his embrace both grounding and nostalgic.

Up until now, Aurora had thought she'd never experience his comforting presence again. But here she was-in his arms-on what was already the best day of her life. The cherry on a very delicious cake.

Eventually, the cold wind made her shiver. Ethan pulled back gently, noticing the lingering tears in her eyes. He wiped them away with his thumbs and gave her a warm smile.

"There, there. You're all grown up now. No more crying," he teased softly, placing his jacket over her shoulders.

Aurora pouted, though a small smile tugged at her lips. Her features were puffed from tears, eyes red-rimmed, but she still looked like a delicate porcelain doll-heartachingly endearing.

Noting the color and softness of the slippers he'd given her, Aurora blinked up at him. "You remember. Thank you, Senior," she said, beaming like a spoiled kitten. "I owe you one."

"I'll collect on that debt someday," Ethan replied with a wink.

Aurora laughed. "You've never failed to collect in the past. Just put it on my tab."

Ethan chuckled and helped her toward the door, supporting her gently as she limped.

Just as they reached the entrance, the door opened to reveal Mrs. Jenkins, the elderly housekeeper.

She didn't look thrilled by the sight in front of her.

** ** ** ** ** **

**Tea, Noodles, and the Quiet Between**

The chills from the cold night had finally caught up with Aurora, and although Ethan's surprisingly warm coat helped, she still craved the comfort of home.

She was about to enter in her door code when the door swung open, revealing an aged woman standing with her hands firmly planted on her hips. Her face, still puffy from a long day, wore a stern expression-a potent mix of concern and disapproval, with the latter outweighing the former.

Her gaze flicked from Aurora to Ethan and back again, eyes narrowing as she took in the band-aids on Aurora's heels. Her foot began to tap impatiently on the floor, a clear sign of disapproval.

Aurora, sensing the reprimand to come, quickly ducked behind Ethan, peeking out with a sheepish expression.

"Young Miss, what have you learned about wearing six-inch heels?" The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken exasperation. Ethan now understood-Mrs. Jenkins, Aurora's housekeeper and nanny, had clearly warned her against the impractical footwear. Warnings that Aurora, in her usual fashion, had probably ignored.

"God help me," Ethan sighed, massaging the bridge of his nose. He had half a mind to let Mrs. Jenkins go ahead with the tongue-lashing, but remembering they were still outside, and Aurora might catch a cold, he intervened.

"Isn't it such a lovely night, Mrs. Jenkins? I mean, with my presence and a glimpse of your beautiful smile, the charm of the evening just tripled, wouldn't you say?" Ethan flashed a charming grin.

"Still as mischievous as ever, Master Ethan," the housekeeper said with a fond smile, for she could never ignore him once he opened his mouth

Ethan leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, "Most definitely. Who else would've made sure those death traps ended up in the garbage without our dear little one realizing it?"

Mrs. Jenkins burst into a hearty laugh, realizing she wouldn't have to convince her stubborn charge to toss the shoes-Ethan had already taken care of it.

With that, her demeanor warmed, and she stepped aside. "Ethan, dear boy, it's so good to see you! And Aurora, darling, despite your scrapes, I'm glad you're home safe and sound."

Aurora blinked, startled. "What is wrong with the world?" she wondered internally, but she didn't get an answer.

Ethan gently tugged her hand as they stepped inside. "Good evening, Mrs. Jenkins. While I'd love to sit and chat, I think we both agree Aurora needs a bit more than just band-aids. Could you see to it that she freshens up and soaks her feet in hot water? At least twenty minutes, please. Then apply this and this." He handed her the shopping bag from earlier, which contained a tube of foot cream and a container of essential oil. "And please don't let her out of your sight until it's done. If she's left alone, she'll rush, and the damage could be permanent."

Mrs. Jenkins nodded, clearly pleased. "Of course, dear. Right away. Now come along, little Miss."

Aurora, still puzzled, gave up on trying to understand and followed her nanny upstairs as the obedient lady she was most of the times-emphasis on the most.

As the ladies disappeared, Ethan grabbed an apron from the kitchen. "I'll start on some tea-and maybe whip up some dinner," he called.

Aurora's voice floated down from upstairs. "I absolutely love you, Senior!"

Mrs. Jenkins smiled knowingly, recalling how Aurora had told her not to prepare dinner before the party because despite the fact that she never has a proper bite during an event she'd be too tired to eat. Clearly, Ethan's return had changed that.

"I guess Master Ethan's presence worked up her appetite, somethings never change." Mrs. Jenkins murmured.

Downstairs, Ethan chuckled in response to Aurora's declaration, unsurprised but clearly amused. As he cooked, the sound of sizzling vegetables and simmering broth filled the villa, mingling with the scent of Chinese spices.

Aurora's home was chic and modern, yet it radiated her bubbly personality. The walls were a soft, creamy white, and the minimalist furniture was offset by colorful artwork, plush pillows, and vases filled with fresh flowers.

The kitchen, where Ethan was now in full chef mode, was pristine and well-equipped. The fridge was stocked with fresh vegetables, meats, and exotic spices-thanks to Mrs. Jenkins. On one shelf sat two fully decorated cakes, a testament to Aurora's love of baking.

About an hour later, Aurora descended the stairs. Her hair was pulled up in a loose ponytail, and she wore soft fleece PJs with a fun graphic print. Her feet were snug in the cozy slippers Ethan had given her.

She skipped into the kitchen, her ponytail swaying, and her eyes widened at the sight before her. Two bowls of steaming handmade Chinese noodles sat on the counter, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Aurora beamed. "Oh, Senior, you're the absolute best!" she exclaimed, grabbing her chopsticks and digging in with gusto.

"Mmmm, I've missed these so much! Noodles are *definitely* perfect for a reunion." She closed her eyes, savoring the flavor. "Remind me to call Aunty Wendy and thank her for birthing you. I swear, I don't know what I'd do without my very own personal Asian chef."

Ethan chuckled. "Part Asian," he corrected.

"Potato, potahto," she replied with a dramatic eye roll. Ethan raised his hands in surrender.

"I'm glad you're enjoying them. And I know you're just buttering me up to ask your dearest Aunty Wendy to convince your parents to let you visit our hometown this holiday. But your mom's answer will still be no-she doesn't want you kidnapping some poor guy off the street."

"You're all no fun. Besides, I wouldn't *kidnap* him-I'd use my feminine charm to convince him to come back to the UK with me."

Ethan didn't reply, choosing to focus on his food while also watching Aurora slurp noodles with too much enthusiasm.

"Hey, slow down, Princess. You're going to choke."

Aurora grinned, her mouth still full, and slowed her pace, savoring the noodles.

As they ate, they talked about everything and nothing. Childhood memories. What they'd missed. Silly updates. Their words flowed easily-no sob stories, no tension. Just a reunion long overdue.

Eventually, Ethan glanced at the time. "You need to get some rest, Princess. You've had a big day."

Aurora nodded, a yawn escaping. Sleepily, she held out her arms. Ethan froze in surprise but quickly collected himself, then lifted her princess-style.

Thanks to her half-mumbled directions, he found her bedroom, tucked her in, and squeezed out a gentle goodnight before exiting quietly.

Downstairs, Ethan settled on the couch-his usual spot-and drifted off to sleep, wondering if she also let her fiancé carry her to bed too.

After a surprisingly restful night that initially began with several tosses and turns, Ethan wakes up before dawn, feeling refreshed and energized after a good night's sleep. He lies still for a moment, listening to the quiet sounds of the condo coming to life. Then, he throws off the covers and heads to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for Aurora.

As he cracks eggs into a bowl and whips up a fluffy omelette, he can't help but think about their warm reunion the night before. He finishes cooking ten minutes before her usual wake-up time, feeling a sense of satisfaction at being able to take care of her but then the image of the diamond ring Aurora had on yesterday creeps in, casting a shadow on those warm thoughts.

So he takes a deep breath and places the breakfast tray on the coffee table. He then sticks a note to it that reads: "Good morning, sleepyhead! - Senior" and grins, knowing that Aurora will appreciate the note and realize she hadn't dreamed up the previous night's events.

Grabbing his jacket, Ethan heads out, punching in the password on the security keypad. He recalls the password being an inside joke from their past, and Ethan wonders if she's changed it by now as he enters it.

The keypad beeps, and the door clicks open to his surprise, and he exits, calling out in a low tone, "Take care, little one."