Aurora's POV
I took a sip from my beer, the cool liquid soothing my frustration as I ranted to Jules about the nightmare of my dinner. I had to call her—she was the only one I needed right now. "How could my parents do this to their own daughter? And of all people, Damien fucking Cross. Wait... what if I run away to another country and you come with me? Epic, right?"
Jules chuckled but quickly shot down my idea. "Absolutely not. Besides, I'm sure Damien Cross doesn't want this either. He isn't that type."
I raised an eyebrow, suspicious. "Did you stalk him on the internet?"
Jules hesitated before answering, "Maybe. But he doesn't even have an account on any social media. The only thing you'll find are headlines like 'DAMIEN CROSS'S COMPANY MADE A PROFIT THIS MONTH OF 4 BILLION DOLLARS.' How shady is that?"
I gritted my teeth. "Screw him and his fucking company."
Jules leaned back, crossing her arms. "He can't be that bad."
I shot her a glare. "Are you on my side or his?"
She smirked. "I mean, he's hot, sooo... but don't worry, I still love you. Besides, he also pissed me off."
I sighed, frustration bubbling over. "I have to move into his house tomorrow. I can't believe my parents are selling me off to him."
Jules burst into laughter. "Don't worry, you still have a beautiful friend who cares about you."
Rolling my eyes, I stood up. "Bye. I'm going home. I'm exhausted."
I waved her goodbye, heading to my car. "To my mansion," I told my chauffeur, hoping a little luxury would ease the tension in my chest.
---
I stood outside, waiting for the black Ferrari that was supposed to pick me up. Twenty minutes passed, and no sign of it. My patience wore thin, and I was about to start yelling when I finally saw it approaching—slowly. As it got closer, I was about to let out the anger that had been building up all morning when I realized it wasn't him. It was his driver.
"Sorry for the delay, ma'am," the driver said, his tone polite but distant.
I didn't say a word, just climbed into the car in silence. The car sped off toward Damien's house, and I stared out the window, my mind racing.
The car finally stopped in front of an enormous mansion. I stepped out and walked up to the door, my eyes scanning the house in awe. It was massive. A butler came to greet me.
"You must be Aurora Valmont. Welcome to our home. I'll lead you to your room," he said.
"Thanks," I muttered, still processing the enormity of the place as we climbed the stairs. The house was gorgeous, almost too perfect.
When we reached my room, I frowned, confused. "Don't we sleep together?"
The butler's face remained impassive. "No, ma'am. Your fiancé's room is over there." He pointed to a door farther down the hall.
I nodded slowly. "Okay, thank you."
I entered the room, and it took my breath away. It was even more beautiful than my room back home. I unpacked my clothes, still in shock over the turn my life had taken, when I noticed a door on the far side of the room. My curiosity got the best of me, and I opened it to find a massive closet filled with designer shoes, bags, and clothes neatly arranged on shelves.
Before I could explore further, I heard a knock at the door. I opened it to see a different person standing there. He was dressed in a formal uniform, his expression serious.
"Sorry to disturb you, ma'am," he said. "Mr. Cross would like to see you in his room. Please ensure you look at least presentable."
He didn't wait for my response before turning and walking away, leaving me standing in the doorway, still processing everything.