The glass shattered with a sharp, high-pitched crash followed by a myriad of tinkling fragments, reverberating through the room as Dream's scream tore through the noise.
"Arrghhh! Can't she stay hidden?!" she hollered.
At first, she had been composed as though nothing in this world could make her break a sweat but within seconds her calm demeanour was shattered following the broken glass.
Dream's chest rose and fell with each successive rapid breath she took, her mind screaming several thoughts at her as to what must have transpired.
Her eyes darted in their socket looking slightly hollow all of a sudden. And seeing her in that light made the Black Dragon's brows crease.
He tried to understand her, understand why a woman if her calibre who could win the hearts of men was hell bent one man who didn't give a damn aboyut her.
Little did he know that for Dream, she felt she had gotten rid of Aurora and it was only a matter of time before he came rushing to her, finally acknowledgeing her love for him.
Sadly, five years passed in the blink of an eye. While she wasn't getting any younger, time was still very much on his side and she was tired of waiting!
I mean, how many years did one need to notice one's feelings, huh?
A few heartbeats later Dream whipped her gaze in Black Dragon's direction. For a moment it felt like she contemplated something before speaking. "I know what you will do."
He corked a brow at her questioningly, wondering what sinister plan her brain must have cooked upo by now.
"Keep tailing her," she commanded earning a nod from the stoic man.
But that wasn't it. Swiftly all the worried look in her eyes and face returned to normal, masked behind her perfect makeup and facade.
And what triggered his interest was the bewitching smiel on her face as her eyes glinted with mischief.
"I drove her out once, I can do it again. Any stumbling block on my way shall, and will be cut off."
*******
Aurora did not want to leave her father hanging. As soon as she had her children settled the next day, leaving them in her cousin's care, she ventured back to the house to meet her father.
"You're here. Finally."
The moment she heard that voice, Aurora was transported to the very day she last heard him speak.
'You will not bring disgrace to this family! You are to marry Axel Jayden tomorrow. Stick that into your thick skull.'
She shut her eyes, trying her best to drown out the words—his words when she heard him call out once more.
"Come in."
She did not bother with how he knew she was the one, knowing he had a knack for watching the security footage when he was lost in thoughts.
Slowly, Aurora lifted her eyes to meet the door as though she could see the person within.
Even though Aurora blinked severally before composing herself and exhaling—a breath she had no idea she was holding in, she felt a thick lump lodged in her throat.
The door pushed open slowly, welcoming her into the dimly lit room, her eyes immediately glancing around, taking in the familiar environment.
The second living room exuded an air of elegance, adorned with muted tones and sombre decor. Soft ambient light filtered through sheer curtains, casting a gentle glow across the space.
At the side, dark wooden furniture accented the room, complemented by plush, charcoal-hued rugs that softened the tiled floors.
In the centre of the room, a couch stood, its deep ebony upholstery a stark contrast against the room's neutral palette.
Seated upon the couch, Aurora's father, a man in his late fifties, exuded an aura of quiet grief.
His once vibrant and warm eyes now held a haunting emptiness, devoid of any trace of humour, smiles, or even visible pain. Rather, lines etched with sorrow adorned his weathered face.
Draped in an all-black ensemble, his attire spoke volumes of mourning.
Coming to a stop in front of his chair, she offered her curtsey. Her father's countenance remained unchanged. Regardless, she called out to him. "Father."
A couple of seconds later, Aurora straightened her back and looked at him. "I'm home."
"After running for 5 years. Even the prodigal son was better," he spat bitterly.
His words had hit like a big rock to her chest. How could he?
She did not give him the pleasure of seeing how much his words hurt. Aurora's lips pulled back, her smile spilling into her eyes. "How have you been? I'm glad you are in good health."
He scrutinized her with a keen eye. After what seemed like forever, he finally spoke, "I've done better since you left."
Regardless her smile remained unchanged. Finally, he gave up after trying so hard and not getting any negative response from her.
"Take your seat."
"Thank you." She took her seat on the sofa at the left side of the parlour.
"I am sorry about mother. I cannot begin to imagine the pain you must be feeling right now," Aurora began, hoping this could gear their conversation to something better. "I…"
"Exactly, you cannot know, Aurora. So stop giving such fake sympathy." His words were laced with poison. Her brows shot up. How could he say that when the person who died was her mother too?
"Father." He lifted his palm, preventing her from uttering another word. Being the obedient daughter, she bit back the urge to speak more and gave him the room.
"You can never know how it feels to lose your own." Tears stung her eyes. Still, she straightened her back. He regarded her. His heart was unmoved by the sadness in her eyes.
Scoffing, he peeled his gaze from her, darting them to the curtains as he tilted his head back a little, his eyes lost in space.
"How can you possibly know when you proved you did not care? I told Mira but she wouldn't listen, believing in your stupid bond."
To say she felt uneasy with his words was an understatement. Aurora clenched her fist on her lap. He was being mean.
"You can never know my pain." He released a deep sigh and brought his attention to her. "After all you are not our real child."