My eyes scanned the grand ballroom, moving past waiters balancing trays of champagne and guests in glittering gowns, searching for the woman who could still take my breath away Aurora. And there she was.
Talking to Angel, her laugh soft and radiant. God, she looked heavenly in that emerald gown. I was about to make my way to her when my gaze locked with someone I'd spent years avoiding. Jeffery Wilson.My heart sank for a split second. It still hurt how things ended. But I composed myself quickly and smiled as he walked over, arms open wide.
"Jeffery," I said, embracing him. "How've you been, bro?" "I'm good. Real good. You?" he asked, pulling back to scan me with those same sharp eyes."Doing great, man."
On the other side of the room…
"Urhmm Angel, I'll catch up with you later I need to find Mark," Aurora smiled, already scanning the space. "Sure," Angel replied. "Once again, you look gorgeous tonight."
"Thanks. I owe it all to Maxwell," she winked.
Aurora playfully narrowed her eyes. "You look a bit… full. Have you gained weight?"
Angel squinted. "What?"
"I'm kidding! Jeez," Aurora laughed. "Go. I'll see you in a bit."
Aurora rolled her eyes and turned toward the hallway when she caught sight of Scorpion Mark's security detail trailing close behind.
"Scorpion, I know you're following me. Where's your boss?" "Sorry, Ma'am. Just doing my duty. He's by the bar," he said with a polite nod. "Well, could you at least give me some space? You're suffocating me."
"I'll keep a distance, Ma'am," he replied, stepping back slightly. "Certainly. You have to." Aurora huffed and made her way toward the bar.
Mark's P.O.V.
Jeff and I were deep in conversation mostly casual stuff when I saw her approach, that gorgeous smile lighting up her face. She looked like a vision, and for a second, time paused. "Good evening, gentlemen," she said sweetly.
Jeffery turned, and his grin widened. "Well, well. The honor is mine finally meeting the famous Aurora Brooks." Aurora laughed lightly. "Hey, I'm not that popular. I've seen you in magazines, though. Just never paid much attention." He extended a hand. "Jeffery Wilson. A pleasure."
She took it without hesitation. "Nice to meet you. But let me correct you it's no longer Aurora Brooks. It's Hazel Aurora Wilson Riverson now."
Jeffery's eyebrows shot up. "You're a Riverson? Related to Dr. William?"
"Yes. Turns out… he's my real father." Jeffery let out a low whistle. "Whoever's married to you is one lucky guy." "Oh?" Aurora raised an eyebrow. "And how are you so sure I'm married?"
"You're wearing a wedding ring. I pay attention." "Smart," she teased. I stepped in, taking her hand. "Jeffery, meet my wife."
Jeffery's eyes widened. "When… and how? Leo's married too, and now you? Guess I'm the last one standing." "You should join the club," I said. "Don't worry," Jeffery grinned. "I'm rolling with Leo's wife's best friend. We're keeping things casual. By the way Leo says hi. Congratulations on the wedding if there was one?"
"There was," Aunt Stacy was invited. "My mom? She didn't mention it. Typical."
Jeffery glanced at his watch. "Anyway, I've got a flight to London in two hours. I'll drop off my gift with Maxwell before heading out. It was great seeing you both."
"It was nice meeting you too," Aurora smiled as he pecked her cheek and turned to leave.
We watched him walk away. "Is he your relative?" she asked. "Yeah."
"You've never told me much about your family," Aurora said gently. "You really want to know?" I asked coldly. "Well, it's not your business. Remember, our contract clearly states no digging into my past. You know I have a sister, and that's all you need."
She frowned. "What's with the sudden attitude? Why are you being so cold toward me? I'm your wife. I deserve your respect."
"Respect, huh?" I scoffed, voice sharp. "We're in public, Aurora. Let's end this before it becomes a spectacle." "No. We're talking now." Really?" I raised a brow. "Do you respect me as your husband? I see you still wear his ring. You've got nerve telling me about respect." Her face paled.
"My love means nothing to you. My ring means nothing. Confessing to you was a mistake. You wear a dead man's ring on your finger and expect me to pretend?"
"Mark! Language!" she whispered harshly.
"Enough," I muttered, jaw tight. "We're done here."
Tears welled up in her eyes, one slipping down her cheek just as Maxwell strode toward us, completely oblivious to the tension. "Mark!" Max called out, excitement lighting up his face. "You're not gonna believe this." "What is it, Max? You sound like you just won the lottery." "You've been nominated, my man."
I blinked. "Wait. Are you serious?"
"As serious as your tux. International Business Tycoon of the Year." Aurora and I both froze. "No way," I said, eyes wide. "Is it… what I think it is?"
"Of course," Max grinned, throwing an arm around my shoulder. Aurora's lips parted in stunned silence, her gaze flicking between us."I'm proud of you, man," Max added.
"Thanks, bro. I appreciate it."
But even as I smiled, a bitter taste lingered in my mouth. Because standing next to me was the woman I loved and I wasn't even sure where we stood anymore.