A Love Unseen

The scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers wafted through the air, enveloping Aurora Wynter in the serene atmosphere of Regina Pembly's estate gardens. Regina and her classmates from junior high school were no ordinary teenagers, but young ladies from prestigious families, each with roots so deep in high society they could summon the world with a whisper.

Basically a bunch of divas whose idea of leisure is blowing millions and trash-talking each other with fancy words over tea, Aurora groaned internally, wishing she could be anywhere but here. If it weren't for her grandfather's insistence that she "get out of the house more," she wouldn't have been caught dead among these perfectly manicured wolves.

Shaking the thought from her head-literally-Aurora redirected her focus to the afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the garden. Its heat was gentle, tempered by the shade of ancient oak trees arching overhead.

The garden, rumored to be one of the most ethereal in all of England, was living up to its reputation. It looked and felt like something from a fairytale. Aurora took a deep breath, feeling the softness of the grass beneath her feet through her branded flats. The rustle of leaves in the breeze, the fragrant flowers, the chirping birds-everything was just right.

Well... almost perfect. If only she could tune out the girls chattering endlessly about a book they clearly hadn't read.

Half-heartedly, Aurora listened to the discussion unfolding around her. Her gaze drifted across the group. The ladies of the book club sat in coordinated postures, their faces animated with faux engagement as they shared their thoughts on the fairly decent-yet outrageously overpriced-novel.

Among them, one teenager stood out: *Lilah Redmond, the group's de facto leader. Known for her beauty and calm authority, Lilah's words always carried weight. She was probably the only one who actually *did the reading.

At just fifteen, Lilah was more poised and mature than the rest, earning her admiration from everyone in their social circle. She was everything Aurora wasn't-a girl who commanded the room with a single glance. Aurora, by contrast, was soft-spoken and would rather eat her own thoughts than voice them out loud.

"...I think she's weak," one of the girls said after a pause in conversation, her voice dripping with disdain. "She lets people walk all over her. Pathetic."

Aurora blinked, startled. Despite herself, her eyes briefly met Lilah's from across the circle-a fleeting glance that left her feeling even smaller than she already did.

Lilah's expression remained serene, but there was a glint in her eyes. A glimmer of superiority. Aurora quickly lowered her head, redirecting her gaze to the flowers at her side.

"It's never wise to let people take advantage of you," Lilah said, her voice composed and deliberate.

The words hung in the air, charged with subtle judgment. Aurora felt a chill run down her spine. The conversation was shifting-this wasn't just about the book anymore. This was a jab. And Aurora had no doubt who it was aimed at.

As the discussion continued, Aurora stayed quiet, her eyes flitting from one girl to the next as they offered their opinions.

"I think she's relatable," said another girl, her voice softer. "We've all felt powerless at some point."

Aurora nodded faintly to herself. Exactly. She could relate to those moments-when you felt like no one saw you, when your words didn't matter. Just like now, she thought, her shoulders slumping.

Lilah stirred her tea gently. "That's exactly my point," she said. "We can't let those moments define us. We have to learn to stand up for ourselves, to assert power and dominance. Because if we don't, it doesn't matter if you're a pampered princess-you'll still be no different from... an ordinary loser."

Pampered princess... ordinary loser?

An awkward silence followed-so thick it could be cut with a knife. Everyone knew who she meant. But no one said a word. Not even Aurora.

She clenched her fists, nails pressing into her palms. A wave of self-doubt washed over her. Has she been letting others define her? Yes. Has she been too passive? Definitely. Was she ever going to speak up?

Definitely not.

Aurora sighed, keeping her head down. Around her, the girls slowly moved on from the tension, chattering and gathering their things as the tea party came to an end. Cliques reformed, polite giggles resumed, and Lilah remained the centerpiece of it all-surrounded by admiration and sunlight.

Aurora felt herself shrinking. The walls, once floral and bright, seemed to close in. The garden lost its glow. Her eyes darted to the stares, the whispers, the pity.

"They all hate me, don't they?" she thought, curling into herself. She wrapped her arms around her knees and buried her face in them.

Then-

"Aurora."

The voice was distant. Soft. But... male?

She lifted her head, startled. No men had been invited to the tea party. She scanned the garden-just girls in pastel dresses, sipping what remained of their tea.

"Aurora, can you hear me?"

The voice grew louder. Insistent. The laughter around her faded. Her surroundings dulled at the edges. Confused, she squinted into the blur.

"Rory, you need to wake up. Otherwise, we'll have to call the doctor."

Wake up? she thought, panic setting in. What's happening?

A sudden headache struck her hard, like a whip crack behind her eyes. The garden wavered, colors bleeding into each other. The sunlight dimmed.

And then-

Darkness.

_________

Blinking twice, Aurora's eyes finally open, adjusting to the glaring lights in the room. Her gaze meets the concerned faces of her parents first.

"Mom? Dad?" she whispers.

Her mother smiles warmly in response. "We're right here, sweetie. Are you feeling okay?"

Aurora nods, taking a deep breath. "Yes, I'm fine."

Two more voices chime in almost immediately after, laced with concern. "Are you sure you're fine, dear? We could call the doctor over..."

"I don't need a doctor, Auntie, Uncle. I'm perfectly fine. You don't need to worry," Aurora chuckles, amused at how nervous they are.

"You can't blame us, dear. You fainting like that in the middle of the hall gave all of us a scare. As a matter of fact, my poker-faced son didn't look so good either-and that alone shows how alarming the situation was," the middle-aged woman adds, her hands on her hips.

At the mention of her son, Aurora sits up straighter on the couch, but before she can rise, she feels a gentle tug on her hand. Turning to her right, she sees Landon squatting beside her.

"Are you alright, Rory?" he asks, his eyes filled with concern.

"Huh?" she responds dumbly, caught off guard.

"I asked if you're feeling alright?" he repeats, the worry lines on his forehead deepening.

"He's worried about me," Aurora thinks in disbelief, her heart fluttering. The person in question-Landon Wellesley-is not just a dear friend but the only person she's ever truly loved. He rarely shows emotion, known for his aloof demeanor and quiet strength, and yet here he is, kneeling beside her, eyes filled with concern.

Aurora smiles sweetly, blinking back tears. "Yes."

"Good. Let's get you on your feet then. I'll help you up slowly, okay?" Landon says, and once she nods, he takes both of her hands in his and helps her stand, making sure she's steady before letting go.

"Are you sure you don't need a doctor, dear?" Axel Wynter, her father, asks again, eyeing his daughter's petite yet lovely frame.

"I'm perfectly fine, Dad, really... I can even do this," Aurora says cheerfully and begins to twirl playfully-only to lose her balance and stumble straight into a firm chest.

She steadies herself with one hand on her forehead, only to meet Landon's subtle glare. He flicks her nose gently, and her face turns an interesting shade of crimson.

"Stay still, Rory," he says with a faint smirk, "otherwise you'll pass out again-and this time it won't be because of my proposal."

"Oh." Aurora covers her face in embarrassment, which earns a round of chuckles from their loved ones and nearby guests who had gathered out of concern.

She steps out of Landon's arms and finally takes in her surroundings. The grand hall glows with opulence-elegant decor, a gentle hum of conversation, and the soft strains of classical music in the background. A moderately sized stage stands prominently with a floral backdrop that reads "50th Anniversary."

The buffet tables along the walls are laden with delicacies: desserts, entrées, and sparkling drinks-a glorious spread that would be mostly untouched by their diet-conscious, high-society guests.

Pushing aside that mildly depressing thought, Aurora chooses to focus on something-or rather, someone-who never fails to lift her mood: Landon Wellesley.

At twenty-seven, he stands tall, exuding an air of confident sophistication. His piercing blue eyes gleam with quiet intensity, perfectly matched by the tailored navy-blue suit that hugs his lean yet powerful frame. His dark hair is styled impeccably, a touch of polished elegance completing his entire look. He is, and will always be, her dream man.

"Seen enough yet?" Landon raises a brow.

Aurora grins sheepishly. "Never."

He clears his throat to mask the smile tugging at his lips. His voice is low and husky. "I take it you're perfectly fine now... so can I finally get a response to my question?"

"What question?" Aurora blinks, confused.

She hasn't noticed the increasing number of guests turning their attention toward them, drawn by the earlier commotion and their whispered curiosity about the Wynters' heiress fainting.

"I asked if you will marry me," Landon says, voice firm and unwavering.

The room falls silent. All eyes turn to Aurora.

Her heart skips a beat as she gazes at Landon, her mind reeling under the weight of his words.

You know when good news is like a surprise party in your brain? It's like-BAM! Your heart's racing, your mind's blown, and suddenly, you're somewhere way past cloud nine.

Well, being emotionally overwhelmed is when all that good energy gets jammed up in your body and your system's like, "Peace out, I need a nap." Like when your crush asks you out, and you just stand there frozen, thinking, Is this real life? And then the excitement starts to sound like angels singing that one hymn you've only ever heard at funerals.

Aurora "Rory" Wynter was exactly there.

She stared at Landon like he was a mythical creature-unreal, intimidating, and completely breathtaking. It made no sense, but then again, neither did the fact that he had just proposed.

The longer she looked at his perfect face, the more emotions rushed in: excitement, happiness, disbelief, and a wild flutter of nerves. No wonder I passed out, she thought. How's a girl supposed to survive when he drops a line like that-with an intense glow like he's the angel himself?

She forced herself to calm down and locked eyes with him again, noting the soft flicker of expectation in his usually unreadable expression.

"In case you were wondering, I'd appreciate an answer this time before you lose consciousness again," Landon teased, his lips quirking slightly as he pulled a small ring box from his pocket and sank to one knee.

Aurora laughed breathlessly, her heart full and unsteady. This was real. As she gazed into his eyes, memories poured in-late-night conversations, silent support during her low points, the laughter, the long waits, the hope.

And in those famously aloof blue eyes, she finally saw more than warmth built on friendship. She saw a subtle promise. Not fireworks, not fantasy. But something steady. Something she'd waited years for.

With a beaming smile, she extended her left hand and nodded vigorously. "Yes, Landon. Yes, I'll marry you!"

The room erupted in applause and cheers as Landon slipped the ring onto her finger. Joy surged in Aurora's chest, and Landon leaned in to place a soft, polite kiss on her cheek.

Their parents and grandfathers rushed forward, beaming with pride.

"Congratulations, dear!" exclaimed Catherine Wynter, who had been buzzing with excitement since learning of Landon's plan. She grabbed her daughter's hand. "We're so thrilled about the union... Congratulations, baby."

Landon's grandfather, a stern but kind-eyed man who had doted on Aurora since the first time she called him Grandpa, stepped forward. "Landon, promise us you'll love and treat Aurora well."

There was a barely perceptible beat. Landon's expression stiffened for a split second before settling into a neutral smile. "I'll do my very best," he said, his voice calm and deliberate.

A brief silence followed before the room exploded again into more applause.

Julian Wynter, Aurora's father, clapped Landon on the back, managing a small smile. "That's all any of us can ask for... Just don't hurt her."

His wife shot him a warning scowl, while Aurora gave him a grateful glance. Both women knew he hadn't exactly been Landon's biggest fan, but he loved Aurora enough to step aside for her happiness.

Her grandfather, on the other hand, remained silent. His sharp, shrewd gaze was fixed on Landon, jaw set tight. He didn't say a word, but the look he gave promised hell if anything were to happen to his granddaughter.

The celebration carried on well into the evening. Friends, business partners, and acquaintances came forward to offer congratulations. Laughter and the clinking of glasses filled the hall. Aurora floated from dance to dance, a vision in a peach-colored gown that shimmered with every turn. The delicate lace, the intricate beadwork, the way her silky auburn hair swirled-it was like something out of a fairy tale.

Looking at her now, no one would have guessed she was once a timid flower who rarely left the house. Everything had changed after she met Landon. She had wanted to grow-for him. And although it had taken longer than she'd hoped, here she was now, dancing in his arms, a ring on her finger.

The hours flew by in a blur of warm smiles and familiar faces. Before long, the clock struck midnight, and the party began to wind down. Her parents were among the first to leave, followed by Landon's family.

As the last guests trickled out, Landon approached. "I can drive you home, if you'd like."

Aurora smiled. "Thank you, Landon, but my driver's already here. You should go home and get some rest. You've had a long day."

He looked reluctant but nodded. "You're right. I'll see you tomorrow."

She nodded again, her smile soft. He leaned in, brushed her cheek with a kiss, and left.

Once alone, Aurora gathered her things and stepped out of the ballroom. Her heels pinched with every step, and she longed to rip them off-but she kept going, back straight, stride graceful. If her mom ever caught her barefoot on a red carpet, she'd kill her. Then kill her dad for not stopping it.

"No way I'm dying the day after my engagement," she muttered, trying to laugh off the pain.

"Goodnight, Miss Wynter," the receptionist called. Aurora waved and replied politely, "Goodnight."

An hour later, the car pulled up in front of her villa. Aurora stepped out with the help of her driver.

"Are you alright, Miss Wynter?" he asked.

"I'm fine," she lied with a smile, already half-dreaming of her bed.

She took a deep breath and started toward the door. After five steps, her heel snagged on the pavement. She pitched forward with a gasp-

"Son of a-" she began, but before she could hit the ground, someone caught her arm and steadied her.

"Thank you," she exhaled, looking up with relief, expecting to see her driver.

But the face that met hers was not his.

Her eyes widened in surprise.

**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."

Landon Wellesley stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office, gazing out at the city skyline. His mind wandered, thoughts drifting to the upcoming wedding and Aurora, his fiancée. He couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment, as if he was going through the motions, and that worried him to some extent.

This wasn't just any woman; it was Aurora, a dear friend who had always been there for him despite his repeated attempts to push her away. From ensuring he didn't overwork to supervising his meals and even running to his apartment in the dead of night whenever his housekeeper required her help when he had a relapse and had shut everyone out, she had always been there, silently looking after him without asking for anything in return. But here he was, thinking about that woman when he should have been thinking of Aurora: the future he'd chosen.

After a long day of back-to-back meetings, his office had become a revolving door of suits and briefcases, all seeking his signature or approval. Yet, despite the chaos, he felt strangely energized.

As he glanced at his watch, he realized it was already 4:30pm. His stomach growled, reminding him he hadn't eaten all day. He walked over to his sleek, mahogany desk, where his computer and a few neatly arranged files sat. A small, silver pen holder and a framed photo of Aurora and him sat beside a crystal paperweight.

He reclined in his chair, running a hand through his hair, and pressed the intercom button. "Emily, could you please order me some dinner? I don't think I'll be heading home tonight."

Just as he was about to send the message, the door to his office opened, and Emily walked in. "You have a visitor... It's Miss Wynter," she reported, to which he sighed as exhaustion suddenly washed over him once he thought of how he was going to explain his emotional withdrawal for the past month. "Send her in."

Shortly afterward, the door opened, Aurora walked in, carrying a bag of takeout from his favorite Italian restaurant, Bella Vita. "I thought you might be hungry at this time, so I brought dinner, hoping we could eat together if you don't mind," she said, her bright smile unwavering despite Landon's reserved demeanor, which only made him feel more guilty. Sometimes he couldn't help but wish she was not so understanding and would actually throw a tantrum, but he knew better than anyone that Aurora Wynter would never.

Landon gave her a small, appreciative smile. "You didn't have to, Rory." He gestured to the bag. "But thank you." That earned him a brighter smile, so she handed him the bag, and he headed to the comfortable long couch by the side, where he began to unpack the containers. "I figured you could use a break and have a healthy meal at the same time... otherwise, you may fall sick from overworking yourself," she added while she grabbed the cutlery needed from his bottom drawer before joining him on the couch.

"Thanks," Landon said, his eyes meeting hers. "I'm sorry for being a jerk this past month. Ever since the engagement party, I've been... distant, and I..." He trailed off, and Aurora's smile faltered for a moment before she quickly recovered. "It's fine, Landon," she said, giving him a small encouraging smile and placing a hand on his arm. "I know this must be hard for you, but I'm glad you're giving us a chance. That alone is more than I could ask for."

Landon nodded, deciding to focus on their surprisingly generous spread on the small table. Aurora was about to begin dishing out their meal when his phone buzzed with an incoming message. He glanced at the screen, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Something wrong?" Aurora asked, noticing the glare directed at his phone.

"Not really, but a pest is headed this way," Landon responded, massaging his temple, for he felt a headache coming as his glass door opened for what felt like the zillionth time. The visitor's arrival was met with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. Aurora's eyes widened as she took in Ethan Blackwood's presence, while Landon's expression remained aloof.

Landon reclined deeper into his chair, choosing to get comfortable for whatever his lunatic of a friend had in store for him. Crossing his leg, he asked with a poker face, "What brings you here?"

Ethan flashed a disarming smile. "Just thought I'd drop by and say hello." He placed his hands in his pockets, strolling towards them with a relaxed, charismatic air.

Aurora's eyes darted between the two men, a nervous laugh escaping her lips, as she wished she were anywhere but here. After all, this would be the first time she would be assuming the status of Landon's fiancée before Ethan, and she didn't know how he'd react to her keeping it from him for the past month.

"Senior, you're here," Aurora said, trying to sound casual. Ethan's gaze flicked to Aurora, his smile softening. He became playful, his tone teasing. "Why, should I not be here? Did I interrupt something?" Aurora's cheeks flushed deeper, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Of course, you can visit, Senior," she said, pushing back a loose strand of hair behind her ear, exposing how red her cheeks had gotten. Her words tumbled out in a rush and she bit her lower lip shyly. Ethan chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Good, cuz that's exactly what I think."

Aurora looked between Landon and Ethan, pondering why Landon looked so calm at his sudden appearance. As far as she could remember, Landon had said nothing noteworthy happened recently when she asked but then again Landon wouldn't really deem Ethan's return as noteworthy.

Since she was unable to come to a conclusion thus causing her curiosity to get the better of her, she decided to ask instead of mulling over it.

"It seems like you already knew Senior was back," Aurora said, raising an eyebrow. Landon's expression remained neutral. "Yes, he called me before boarding the plane." Aurora's face fell, her brow furrowed in a mixture of confusion and annoyance.

Why did he tell Landon about his return before telling her? "I'm supposed to be his favorite, so why did I learn about it so late?" she thought to herself, feeling a pang of petty jealousy. "If I knew, I wouldn't have let him into my door," she whispered under her breath.

Unfortunately for her, Ethan heard it. He chuckled to himself, a knowing glint in his eye. "What did you say little one?" he asked, pretending not to have heard. Aurora's eyes widened, realizing she'd spoken out loud, her face flushing deeper.

"Oh, no, nothing," she said quickly. Ethan smiled to himself, knowing exactly what she said. He reached out, ruffled her hair gently with a playful gesture, then plopped down on the couch, bouncing slightly as he settled between Landon and Aurora.

Aurora's frown returned and deepened, her arms refolding across her chest. A pout made its way to her lips, and it took all her willpower not to harumph like a toddler. Ethan's expression remained neutral as he pretended not to notice his intrusion between the new couple."What?"

Aurora didn't respond, her silence speaking volumes, while Landon ignored his presence altogether. "Let's eat, I'm starving," Ethan said, undeterred, thus he earned a sigh from Aurora, whose arms were still crossed.

"Fine," she said and began to open the dishes, the aroma of food filling the air. She then started serving the food, carefully portioning out small servings of Landon's favorite dish - grilled veal with roasted vegetables, comprising of zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. She had bought just enough for the two of them, not expecting Ethan to join them, so she hoped the amount she brought would suffice.

As she dished out the food, she made sure to give Landon a generous serving, while Ethan's plate had slightly less. Her own plate had the smallest portion of all, as she tried to make do with the limited food she had brought.

Time passed by quietly as Aurora grabbed another set of cutlery from Landon's desk she then turned to face them once she was done, a smile on her lips. "All set," she said, but her voice trailed off as she took in the sight of the two men sitting next to each other. This was going to be a long meal.