2

Aurora's POV

"Avoid getting close to him."

Although Cassian's voice is even, there's something underneath it that I'm unable to identify.

I should leave. I should let him know that as soon as he removed me from his universe, he no longer had the authority to command me. However, a part of me continues to hold onto the hope that perhaps, just possibly, he is concerned.

So I put him to the test.

"Why?" I tilt my head and speak in a light, almost humorous tone. "Because you just realized I'm here?"

He clenches his jaw. "You shouldn't hang around with Julian West."

"That isn't a response."

Between us, his silence is rigid and uncompromising.

I take a step back and sigh. “Cassian, good night.”

I don't hold out for his answer. Through glistening chandeliers and refined grins, past a marriage that only exists on paper and a spouse who doesn't see me, I sneak back into the ballroom.

However, something is different tonight.

For the first time, I wonder if he would even notice if I simply disappeared from his life.

And I'm afraid of that thought.

---

Cassian's POV

Aurora's golden gown shimmers under the lights as I watch her fade into the crowd.

I'm still thinking about something Julian said.

Viero, there's a lot you don't know.

The way he said it bothers me. The way he gazed at her bothered me.

More than anything else, though, I dislike the way she stared back.

At one point, I didn't give a damn about who she talked to or spent time with. Before my father passed away, our marriage was only ever intended to be a transaction, a demand met.

So why am I suddenly bothered by it?

I push the idea away and look to Archer, who has been observing the conversation with a sneer of rage.

As he swirls the ice in his drink, Archer reflects, "You know, for a man without a wife, you seem pretty invested in where she spends her time."

I give him a glance. "Don't begin."

He laughs. Viero, I'm just saying. You might wish to discover your true feelings before someone else does.

I don't respond.

Since I'm not sure.

---

Aurora's POV

I departed early from the event.

The solitude is oppressive by the time I reach the penthouse. I take a foot off my heels and enter the large, deserted area that is meant to be our home. It doesn't feel like one, though.

It hasn't.

Although the glass walls provide a broad perspective of the city, I choose not to gaze at the skyline. The pristine side of the bed, the closet filled with suits that aren't his, and the icy absence of a man who never truly lived here are what I see instead.

I put my hands to my face while I sit on the side of the bed.

I believed I could handle this.

I reasoned that he would eventually notice me if I remained patient and continued to act like the ideal wife in the background.

But it felt different tonight.

Julian's remarks keep coming back to me.

Make sure he knows who you are.

However, what is the best way to remind someone of something they have never acknowledged before?

The silence is broken by a vibration. My mobile phone.

I look at the screen. Unknown figure.

I answer hesitantly. "Hello?"

"Aurora."

My breath catches. The voice is smooth like cut glass, crisp and familiar.

Emilia Holt.

Formerly Cassian's father's secretary. I was once told unequivocally by the woman that I was not wanted in the Viero family.

With caution, I say, "Mrs. Holt." "I didn't anticipate—"

"I have no time for small talk." She speaks quickly. "Come see me tomorrow. noon. La Belle Café.

I scowl. "Why?"

A pause. Lower it then: "Because you won't be returning from a decision your husband is about to make."

The line stops working.

My heart is racing as I look at the screen.

Cassian. A decision.

What on earth might she mean?

And why does it seem to me that I won't enjoy whatever it is?

---

Cassian's POV

"What's the deal?" I recline in my chair and pay close attention to the man across from me.

Bastian Holt clasps his hands together, his countenance unreadable. It's easy. Take Holt Industries over. Become the CEO. In return, we resolve the ongoing conflict between your business and the board, broaden your market, and boost your earnings by 30% over the course of the year.

I take a quick look at the contract. "And the catch?"

Bastian gives a small smile. "A fresh start."

I don't respond. I understand his meaning.

separation.

If I agree to this, my marriage to Aurora dissolves, peacefully and without scandal.

I tap the desk with my fingertips. "A merger would never have been approved by my father."

"Your dad passed away." Bastian leans a little forward. And Viero, you're drowning. The board is waiting for you to make a mistake. This will strengthen your stance. Distractions are over. No more commitments.

His meaning is obvious.

Aurora is gone.

I remained silent for quite a while.

Then I exhale, picking up the pen.

Because, after all, wasn't this the original plan?

A convenience marriage. A contract that never mattered.

An unseen wife I was never supposed to acknowledge.

What makes signing this seem like a mistake, then?

---

Aurora's POV

The following afternoon, I arrive at La Belle Café, which is quiet.

Emilia Holt has already taken a seat and is carefully stirring a cup of tea, as if she has far more control than she admits.

I clasp my hands in my lap as I sit across from her. "What's this about?"

She doesn’t look up. "Cassian has been given a deadline."

My stomach becomes constricted. "What sort of command?"

Emilia's eyes rise, piercing and evaluating. He's being offered a merger by Bastian Holt. However, he must give up anything that can be viewed as a burden in order to obtain it.

My chest starts to feel cold. "And the liability is me."

Emilia's head tilts. "You were and always were."

I won't let her see it, but the words cut. "What's the reason behind your telling me this?"

Her eyes flicker with anything like hesitation for the first time. "Because I remained faithful to the father of your husband." Not to him.

I let out a slow breath. "So, what are you expecting me to accomplish?"

She leans forward, dropping her voice. "Get out before he pushes you out."

I get a lump in my throat. "You believe I ought to give up?"

Emilia looks at me for a while. Then she lets out a sigh. "Aurora, I think you're a smart woman."

I swallow hard.

I'd like to think she's mistaken. that Cassian refused to sign our marriage as if it were a piece of paper.

However, after last night...

After being invisible for two years...

To him, isn't that precisely who I am?

Nothing.

I push back my chair, standing on wobbly legs.

I don’t recall saying goodbye. Leaving the café is not something I recall.

All I know is that when I step onto the pavement, my hands quivering, my heart thumping, I make a silent promise to myself.

If Cassian has already decided to delete me from his life…

Then I’ll make sure he regrets it.

---

Cassian's POV

The contract is signed by me.

With a sly smile, Bastian puts the documents in his briefcase. "A sensible choice."

My chest feels strangely constricted as I nod.

Bastian then gets up and stops at the door. His grin widens as he looks back. "And Viero, too?"

I raise my head.

With a tone that borders on amusement, he replies, "You might want to prepare yourself." "Because I have a feeling that your wife won't take this lightly."

He closes the door behind him.

And I'm experiencing an unfamiliar feeling for the first time in years.

A tiny bit of uncertainty.

And perhaps—just possibly—a trace of remorse.