I was about to drift off to sleep when my phone rang. I glanced at the screen and saw Auntie Hikari's name. She's Yue's mom.
"Aurora, Yue has been hospitalized." Auntie Hikari's voice was shaky. Panic surged through me.
"Why? What happened?"
"She felt a sharp pain in her chest while she was sleeping. The doctors say she's fine now, but she was really scared."
Without thinking, I jumped out of bed and rushed to Ezekiel's room. "Ezekiel, we need to go to the hospital. Yue's in trouble."
He looked up from his paperwork, his expression instantly serious. Without a word, he stood and grabbed his keys. "I'll drive."
It wasn't until we were halfway to the hospital that I realized I was still in my pajamas. I glanced down at my rumpled clothes and messy hair, feeling a flush of embarrassment but also too worried to care much.
When we arrived, I rushed to Yue's room. Her eyes widened in shock when she saw me. "Auri, what are you doing here?"
"I heard you were in the hospital. I had to come," I answered, breathless with worry. "What happened?"
Yue sighed, her expression both puzzled and tired. "I was sleeping when I suddenly felt this sharp pain in my chest, like someone had stabbed me. But the doctors say there's nothing wrong with me. No complications, nothing. They think it might have been a panic attack or something."
I looked at her closely, trying to gauge if she was hiding her true condition. "Are you sure you're alright?"
She nodded. "I promise, I'm fine. It was just a scare."
I took a deep breath, relieved but still concerned. "Good. I was so worried."
Yue's eyes then flicked to Ezekiel, who was standing by the door. A blush crept up her cheeks. "I thought you might have brought Silas."
"No, Ezekiel came with me."
Yue's gaze lingered on Ezekiel for a moment longer before she quickly looked away, clearly flustered. "Thank you for coming, Ezekiel."
"Just doing my job." He nodded politely.
Auntie Hikari stepped in, her face lined with worry. "Thank you for coming, Aurora. It means a lot."
I squeezed Yue's hand. "Of course. I'd do anything for Yue."
Yue was trying to stifle a yawn.
"Get some rest, okay? We'll be here if you need anything."
She nodded and gave me a tired but grateful smile. "Thanks, Auri. You're the best."
Around two in the morning, Ezekiel convinced me that we should go home before my grandfather wakes up. Yue was already asleep and would be discharged tomorrow. When we arrived home, I lay in bed right away.
My body was exhausted, but my mind refused to rest. I tossed and turned, trying to get comfortable. Just as I was about to drift off a strange sensation washed over me, as if I were being pulled away from reality. The room around me began to blur. Suddenly, I found myself in a different place.
I opened my eyes to the sound of voices conversing and laughing. Am I dreaming again?
I scanned my surroundings. We were in a large dining hall. Three grand chandeliers illuminated the space with a golden glow. A long polished mahogany table stretched before me, adorned with elaborate floral arrangements and exquisite silverware. The room was filled with people dressed in luxurious gowns and suits. Their jewelry sparkling under the light. Though I couldn't see their faces, their voices and body seemed familiar. It looked like they were celebrating something.
An old man approached me, a cane in his hand and an old woman beside him. "My dear," he said warmly, his voice resonating with a fatherly affection.
"Papa?" I responded instinctively, though I had no idea who he was.
"Are you ready for your upcoming wedding?"
Wedding? Confusion swirling in my mind.
The woman beside him spoke, who I assumed to be my mother. "You'll be the most beautiful bride in our town, my child."
I was bewildered. Who was I getting married to, and why didn't I know anything about this?
Then a man in a white, expensive suit approached me. He seemed to be my fiancé. But as I listened to him, my confusion deepened. His voice was familiar yet different. He didn't sound like Silas.
I shook my head, trying to make sense of this dream, which felt more real and more confusing with each passing moment. Is this man my fiancé? Am I getting married to a different person and not to the one with Silas' voice and name? The thought sent a wave of uncertainty through me.
I woke up to the sound of a knock at my door. I want to fall back asleep and return to the strange, vivid dream. There were so many questions left unanswered. Why was I getting married to someone different from the man I'd been spending time with in my dreams?
"Miss Aurora?" Silas' voice came from outside the door.
I sighed and got up. I glanced at myself in the vanity mirror to make sure I looked halfway presentable. My hair was a bit tousled, but it would have to do. I opened the door to find Silas standing there, looking as impeccable as ever. He's holding a tray with my favorite breakfast.
"Good morning, miss." His blue eyes meeting mine.
"Good morning, Silas."
I stepped aside to let him in. Silas placed the tray on the small table near the window. "I brought you breakfast. Your grandfather thought you might like to have it here today."
I smiled. "Thank you, Silas. Grandpa always seem to know exactly what I need."
As I sat down to eat, Silas stood nearby. His posture straight and attentive. The aroma of freshly baked croissants, eggs, and fruit wafted up, making my stomach growl. I took a bite and sighed contentedly.
"This is delicious."
"I'm glad you like it. Is there anything else you need?"
I shook my head. "No, this is perfect." I paused, looking at Silas curiously. "Do you ever sleep, Silas? You always seem so alert and awake."
His lips twitched into a small smile. "I assure you, miss, I do get my rest. I just make sure to be available whenever you or the chairman need me."
"That's impressive." I took another bite of my croissant. "I can't imagine keeping up with such a demanding schedule."
"It's all about routine and discipline," he explained. "And, of course, ensuring that I am well-prepared for any situation."
I suddenly thought about the mysterious man in my dreams. "Silas, have you ever had dreams that felt... incredibly real?"
"Everyone has vivid dreams from time to time, miss. Is there a particular dream that has been bothering you?"
I shook my head quickly. I don't want to reveal too much. "No, nothing specific. Just curious."
"If you ever need to talk about anything, I'm here," his tone gentle and reassuring.
"Thank you," I smiled, appreciating his kindness. "I might take you up on that someday."
As I continued my breakfast, I couldn't help but steal glances at Silas. There was something about him that felt familiar, yet mysterious. The more I observed him, the more questions I had.
My eyes kept drifting to my butler's hands on the steering wheel as we drove to school. They were surprisingly refined and elegant. A stark contrast to what I'd expect from someone in his role.
I must have been staring too long without realizing it, because he suddenly glanced at me through the rearview mirror. A knowing smile played on his lips.
"Something on your mind?" He asked. I was caught off guard, my cheeks flushing as I looked away quickly.
"I... um, I just noticed your hands," I stammered. "They're not what I expected from a butler." He chuckled softly.
"Ah, I see. They're a bit refined for the job, aren't they?" I nodded, trying to regain my composure.
"Yes, I suppose so. It's just… unusual." He met my eyes in the mirror again, his expression both amused and teasing.
"Sometimes, appearances can be deceiving. There's often more to a person than meets the eye." His words left me intrigued and slightly embarrassed, unsure of whether he was teasing me or hinting at something more.
As we arrived at the school, Silas stepped out of the car and walked around to open the door for me. I was about to step out when he gently took my arm.
"Allow me," he said.
I looked up at him as he adjusted the ribbon tie of my uniform, straightening it with careful precision. "Oh, I didn't realize it was out of place."
He smiled at me. "Just a small detail. I wanted to make sure everything is perfect before you go."
I blinked, clearly flustered. "Thank you."
"It's all part of making sure you're prepared for the day." When he finished fixing my ribbon, I stepped out of the car.
"Thank you again. I'll see you later, Silas." I could feel my ears burning. What's wrong with me?
"Have a wonderful day at school. I'll be here when you need me." The smile remained on his lips, making it impossible for me to ignore the flutter of something unexpected in my chest.