I'm sorry I'm only posting the first chapter now. I thought I'd done it, but I only realized now that I hadn't published it. I'd put it in draft. Sorry again.
One beautiful sunny day, on a beautiful and modest terrace, Aurora was relaxing on her deckchair, gazing at the sky. Her mother appeared with someone by her side who wasn't visible at the time because of the sun beating down on her face.
"Hello, Mom."
"Hello, darling, look who's here for you?"
She straightened up and took off her glasses before smiling.
"Hi, beautiful, how are you? It's been a long time since I've seen you this happy."
"Sandy. I'm so happy to see you."
She stood up and hugged her tenderly. Sandy had been her best friend and like a sister to her for ten years now. They've known each other for ten years now and have always supported each other through life's challenges, despite the distance between countries.
"I didn't know you were coming to see me, otherwise I wouldn't have welcomed you like this."
"It's okay, I understand. You're enjoying life, and that's what I like about you."
"I'd like to invite you to spend the day with the girls, but I imagine you're not here without a reason."
"Indeed, I need to talk to you."
She regained her serious expression and glanced at her bodyguard behind her friend before leading him into her private room.
"I'm listening, darling."
"Personal news first."
"Then hurry up."
"Jasper is walking again, and your cousin has gotten together with him, and I mean got together..."
"They're engaged."
"Next."
- He's now the most famous billionaire in his city, and of course, his accident also affects her.
- Next.
- I need you.
- Now you're interesting me. What's the matter?
- I need you to promote my book. Right now, I'm, how can I put this... my last book wasn't a great success since my affair with...
- I get it. Don't say any more. Mom, I think it's time for me to go back to California. Sandy needs me, and from what I've heard, I have a lot of things to do.
- Are you going now?
- Yes, tomorrow morning. Do you want to come with us?
The next morning, Aurora opened her eyes with apprehension. Going back to the city of her misfortunes didn't exactly thrill her, but since it was for her friend, she was ready to take this step into the past. Even if it was with a heavy heart.
Suddenly, his door opened quietly and Sandy came in without warning to throw a pillow in his face.
- Just to let you know, I was already awake.
- Oh yeah? So what are you still doing in bed? The plane leaves in three hours, and you know how long the formalities are.
- Not when you're a VIP and a famous person.
- Oh yeah, by the way, you still haven't told me what you do with your life. How did you get so rich?
- Very direct question. Well, I'm a doctor, and in my spare time, I'm a writer.
- You're a novelist? Really? Name some of your successes.
- I thought we had a plane to catch in what... (she quickly checked her watch before smiling at him.) 2:45.
- Very well, but I'm not leaving you. You have to tell me more.
A few hours later, sitting in their respective seats, Sandy handed him her tablet displaying the statistics for her novel.
- So that means we're both authors.
- Exactly. Have you been getting any reviews of your book lately that have nothing to do with the story of the novel?
- Yes. There are plenty of people who, just by reading the novel, thought back to my scandal with my married man. It's as if just because I behaved like a slut, everyone would reject me before reading what I write.
- Don't say that, you know it's not true. Don't worry, I'll get you back up. We should rest, because as soon as we land, the good stuff starts.
- By the way, did your doctor give you the OK to travel while pregnant?
- Shut up and sleep. I'm my own doctor.
- I'm sorry to force you to go back to your past like this. But you're the only person I thought of when I started to break down.
- You know I'm always here for you. And your daughter, does she know you're going to California for work?
- Yes. She's in college and doing very well. Her father assured me he'd take care of her while I'm gone.
- Do you two still talk despite this?
- Yes, at least, for our daughter, yes.
- The basics, you know.
- Right. But we're divorced.
Aurora sighed and squeezed her friend's hand in reassurance.
- I'm really
I'm sorry for you.
"Thanks, but I'm telling you, you have more problems than me. In California."
"I know, don't even mention it. That's why I want us to sleep."
After a short silence, Sandy turned slightly to face her friend and looked at her stomach.
"Who's the father?"
"You already know that."