Chapter 15
Meanwhile, Aurora’s homecoming was far from a pleasant scene. Stepping into the house that Naomi and Scott had stolen in her past life felt surreal after so long away.
Elias. Evelyn, and Naomi crowded the entra
entrance, waiting for her re
return.
Naomi rushed forward first, grabbing her hands with practiced sisterly concern. “Tell us everything
“About what?” Aurora kept her face neutral, allowing the unwanted contact.
+
Naomi’s eyes narrowed. The Parkers, of course. Was it really Maverick who saved you? Don’t be naïve. He’s the prime suspect. This has to be some kind of trap.
Evelyn moved to Aurora’s other side, boxing her in. “Don’t let them push you around, dear. Your father will protect you, even if we lose everything. We won’t allow Maverick to hurt you.”
As Aurora maintained her icy silence, Naomi switched tactics, playing the caring sister. “You must be starving. I’ll have the kitchen bring up your favorites.
“Have you eaten. Dad?” Aurora,asked, settling at the table and ignoring Naomi’s performance.
Dark circles under his eyes betrayed his sleepless night. “Never mind me. What’s the Parker family’s position on this marriage? What does Maverick really want?” he asked.
“I’m marrying him, she stated firmly. “My earlier rebellion was stupid. He nearly died saving me. I won’t hurt him again.”“
Disbelief painted their faces. The man who should hate them most had suddenly become hers
er savior and suitor. Something didn’t add up
Evelyn leaned in, clutching Aurora’s hand. Think this through carefully. What if it’s all an elaborate revenge plot? He could be planning to destroy usall-
Naomi appeared with a plate of spaghetti, her thoughts churning beneath her concerned expression. The idea of Maverick playing hero seemed ridiculous–revenge had to be his only motive.
“You can’t just agree blindly,” Naomi protested, setting down the plate. “You broke his heart once. He must hate us. He’ll make your life hell if you marry him.”
“The kidnapping investigation’s still open, isn’t it?” Aurora’s piercing gaze made Naomi falter.
‘Please, of the Parkers were behind this, you think they’d leave a trail?” Naomi recovered quickly. “Listen to reason. He wants revenge. nothing more. You don’t actually think he loves you?”
This marriage cannot happen, Naomi thought desperately
“Why are you so against it! Aurora’s innocent tone carried a dangerous edge.
t
That’s enough, Naomi Elias cut in, his face troubled
He then turned to his daughter. “Aurora, we just want you safe and happy. But if what Naomi’s saying is true…”
The last thing he wanted was for his daughter to be miserable, but crossing the Parkers would be suicide for the Sage family.
Aurora hesitated before finally speaking up. “Dad, you know how powerful the Parkers are. They kidnapped me just for trying to break off the engagement last time. If I try it again… Her voice trembled. “There’s no way out. They’ll come after me with everything they’ve got!”
Seeing Aurora actually bought the story about the Parkers kidnapping her, Naomi felt relieved. “We’ll protect you if you want out. You don’t have to sacrifice yourself.”
Elias felt the same way. His view was much simpler. All that mattered was his daughter’s happiness.
Aurora couldn’t help but feel satisfied watching Nagmi’s reaction. She was dying to see what Naomi would do next
“Then it’s settled – no marriage? Elias’s declaration rang
“No, Dad. I won’t let the family suffer for my mistakes again? Aurora’s voice cracked perfectly. “We can’t risk everything!”
“But you’re all I have, Aurora,” Elas said helplessly.
The reality hit him hard–there was no way to stand against the Parkers. If he wanted to protect his daughter, he’d have to sacrifice everything the Sages had bull. If he wanted to save the family business, his daughter would have no choice but to marry into the Parker family.
4:28 PM
Chapter 15
He realized he was trapped either way.
Elas stormed out of the house in frustration. Feeling awkward staying there with the girls, Evelyn decided to leave with him.
When only the two girls were left in the living room, Naomi pressed harder. “You barely know him. His motives could be anything”
“Our family’s future is at stake.” Aurora responded, letting vulnerability show. “Even if I know marrying into their family won’t end well, I can’t gamble with the Sages‘ future.”
“Your happiness matters more than anything! Can’t you see I’m worried?” Naomi continued.
“The trauma’s affecting my judgment, Aurora conteded wearily. “You make sense, but I’m out of options. Please, I need rest.”
Rage simmered beneath Naomi’s concerned mask as she left. She definitely wouldn’t allow Aurora to marry into the Parker family.
‘Aurora’s queenly act at the hospital was just for show. She is all bark and no bite. Just wait, the real fun is about to begin, Naomi thought
Yet thoughts of Maverick made her pulse race. That first glimpse of him, every woman’s fantasy, had branded itself on her soul
Alone at last, Aurora abandoned the untouched spaghetti and retreated to her room. After a moment’s hesitation, she dialed Maverick, who was still negotiating with his parents about the wedding
He stepped aside to take her call, his expression unreadable.
