LIAM'S POV
Skyview manor-9pm
The elevator doors slid open,and I stepped into the opulent foyer of my penthouse apartment.
The city skyline view stretched out before me,A breathtaking view that never failed to impress me.
The soft hum of the air conditioning and the faint scent of mint lingers in the air.
The living room furnished with low-slung sofas in neutral tones,complimented by polished metal finishes.
A statement piece and a stunning crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling creating dappled lights across the walls.
My aesthetic has always been rooted in minimalism.
As I walked into the room,the dim lighting and sleek decor seemed to fade into the background,and all I could think about was her.
Who was she?,what was it about her that has captivated me so?,the brief,intense exchange had left a lasting mark on my mind,and I couldn't shake off the feeling that our encounter was more than just a chance meeting.
I headed to the mini bar set up at corner of my living room,I poured myself a glass of wine,my gaze drifting out the window as my thoughts lingered on the mysterious woman,the more I thought about her,the more I was determined to learn more.
I reached for my phone and dialed Ethan's number,Ethan has been my best friend since childhood,a bond that had endured through laughter and life's up's and down's.
"Hey man,what's up?",He answered on the first ring.
"I need your help with something",I said getting straight to the point,"I met this woman tonight and I'm trying to figure out who she is."
"What's the story?",Ethan asked,curious.
"She crashed into my car in the parking lot and we had a….let's say,an interesting exchange",I explained."I couldn't get her out of my head and I need to know more about her."
"I'll see what I can do",Ethan said.
"Give me the details you have."
AURORA'S POV
Dawn's Refuge,9:AM.
I woke up in my bedroom,feeling a little disoriented.
I had been at the hospital with mom the previous day and had only come home to rest a little past 12 midnight.
My bedroom is a mosaic of colors,from sunshine yellow walls to turquoise accents.
It is tastefully furnished with plush area rug,a stylish bed adorned with colorful throw pillows,a comfortable reading nook and a vanity with various magazines scattered atop.
Adjacent to my bedroom is my walk-in closet filled with rows of designer clothes,shoes,Jewelries and accessories.
With soft led lights illuminating the garments and a large mirror surrounded by twinkling string lights and my delicate perfume collection on a nearby shelf.
A framed heartwarming picture of me,mom and Annabelle rested on a nearby console table,beside the ottoman.
I dashed into the bathroom for a relaxing bath,pushing last night's event to the back of my mind.
Emerging clad in a plush pink robe,I headed to my walk in closet to select my outfit for the day.
I chose a tailored champagne colored suit and skirt,with my flowing blond hair,paired with my signature jewelry pieces and sleek shoes,finishing my ensemble with a matching designer bag.
I made a mental note to call Annabelle once I'm settled in the office.
I headed to the kitchen to brew a cup of coffee before heading to the office determined to find a solution to my company's financial struggles.
"Good morning ,Aurora,"my personal assistant,Lisa,greeted me."I've been working on setting up a meeting with the owner of Apexion company,as you requested."
"Great,Lisa,"I said."We need to secure that project to save our company.Have you been able to get in touch with them?".
"Yes,I've sent them an email,and they are willing to meet with us,"Lisa replied."The meeting is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon."
I nodded,feeling a sense of hope."Let's make sure we're prepared.I want to make a good impression and show them what we are capable of."
LIAM'S POV
Nightshade estate-7:00PM
I sat across from my father in the luxurious dining room of my family's estate,the soft glow of the chandelier casting a warm ambiance.
With walls adorned in rich,dark wood with intricate moldings,and the long,polished table gleamed under the soft glow of the chandelier.
High-backed chairs surrounded the table,padded in deep jewel tones velvet that seemed to whisper luxury.
The room was illuminated by additional wall lights casting a warm,inviting glow over the space.Porcelain and silver glasses sparkled on the table,complimented by elegant silverware dishes that added a touch of sophistication.
My father,Malcolm,leaned forward,his eyes serious.
"Liam,it's time you settled down and took the reins of the company completely."He said, His voice firm but laced with a hint of expectation,"You are thirty now;it's past time you get married and started a family."
I raised an eyebrow,my expression skeptical. "Marriage?,I'm not sure I'm ready for that level of commitment,Father. I can handle the company without a wife.'
Father's expression turned stern"Nonsense!,Liam.A man in your position needs a partner,someone to support you and carry on the family legacy.Besides,it's high time you produce an heir."
My stepmother,Calista,chimed in,smiling sweetly."Oh Liam,Malcolm's right,You need someone to be by your side as you lead the company to even greater heights."
I glared at her coldly."I think I can manage without a caretaker,Calista."
"Marriage will bring you stability and purpose Liam",Calista said,still smiling sweetly.
My response was laced with sarcasm."How lovely,Because nothing says 'stability' like marrying someone who only cares about the family's wealth and influence."
Calista's smile wavered,but she recovered quickly. "That's not fair, Liam. I'm just trying to help."
My father intervened,his voice firm. "Enough, Liam. Your stepmother is right. You need to think about the future and legacy of the company."
I leaned back in my chair, my eyes locked on father's. "I'll consider it father,But don't expect me to rush into anything."
As we finished dinner,Calista tried to make small talk but I made sure my responses were curt and dismissive.
"So, Liam, have you met anyone special lately?, Calista asked, her voice dripping with insincerity.
My response was brief. "No."
With that I stood up, nodded curtly and left the dinning room,Leaving my father and Calista to exchange a knowing glance.
AURORA'S POV
Dawn's refuge,The day of the meeting.
I sat down on the edge of my bed, staring at my reflection in the mirror as I tied my hair back into a sleek ponytail.
Just then, Annabelle entered the room , concern etched on her face.
"Hey sis, how are you holding up?" Annabelle asked, sitting down beside me.
I took a deep breath. "I'm okay, I guess. Still trying to process everything. You are the one who had to deal with mom's diagnosis firsthand at the hospital yesterday."
Annabelle nodded sympathetically. " Yeah, it was tough seeing her like that but I know we'll get through this together, okay?"
I smiled weakly, "Thanks belle, I don't know what I'd do without you."
Annabelle's expression suddenly turned encouraging. "You're doing great, Rara. And I know you are going to crush that meeting This afternoon, I just know it."
My eyes lit up with determination, "Thanks belle,I need to get going soon." I said.
Belle replied "Okay, Rara, Break a leg!"
She said and I smiled at her confidently.
I bid Annabelle farewell and headed to my office, As I prepared for my meeting, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Annabelle's words of encouragement still lingered in my mind but I knew I had to be prepared for anything.
Just as I was about to leave, I received a call from an unknown number. The voice on the other end was low and menacing: "Aurora, you are playing with fire. Be careful who you trust."
With that, the line went dead, leaving me shaken and wondering who is behind the sinister warning.
I stood frozen, my mind racing with questions.
Who was this person? And what did they want? The mysterious call sent a chill down my spine, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that my life was about to change forever.