Aurora stood in front of her full-length mirror, hands gently cradling her swollen bump. Her long silk robe clung to her curves, the morning light streaming through the windows giving her an almost angelic glow. Nine months. Nine months of carrying a life their life. And still, she wasn't with her husband.
Her fingers moved in slow, circular motions over the rise of her belly. "You're almost here," she whispered, smiling faintly, her voice trembling. "You'll get to see this crazy world… and maybe even him."
Just then, her phone rang.Aurora froze.
Unknown Number. Her breath caught in her throat. She didn't need a name. Her heart recognized the caller before her mind even caught up. It had become a pattern these silent calls. He never spoke. Never said a word. Just silence. But she always knew.
Her thumb hovered over the green button before she answered, slowly bringing the phone to her ear.
"Mark?" Her voice was quiet, tentative.
Nothing.
Her heart thudded painfully in her chest. "Why do you keep doing this?" she whispered. "Why can't you just say something?" Still, only silence.
And then—click. He hung up.
She stared at the screen, her chest tightening. The same ache again. The same ache every time. It wasn't the silence that hurt most it was knowing that he was still holding on, still watching, still loving her from afar… but not enough to fight the demons between them.
Aurora lowered the phone and slowly sat on the edge of her bed. Her mind wandered back to the night it all fell apart. Mark had meant to kill Jake. Even if he didn't deliver the final blow, the intention had been there. He had pulled the trigger. And that was the wound she couldn't ignore.
She placed her hand over her belly again. "But he didn't kill him," she murmured. "Charles did." So why couldn't she let go?
A gentle knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. "Come in," she called. Prudence stepped in, smiling warmly. "Ready to go, ma'am ?" Aurora nodded faintly. "Almost."
Prudence walked over and helped her into her maternity dress, a soft lavender piece that flowed around her bump like a gentle wave. She adjusted the sleeves, then combed through Aurora's hair. "You look beautiful. He's going to regret every second of letting you go."
Aurora gave a weak smile. "He didn't let me go. I left." Well, maybe it's time to stop running," Prudence said gently.
Aurora said nothing.
Downstairs, William stood near the staircase, dressed in a grey suit, impatiently checking his watch. The moment he saw his daughter descending the steps, he moved toward her, all the coldness in his eyes melting into concern.
"There's my star," he said softly, holding her hand to steady her. "Are you sure you're okay to go today? "I'm fine, Dad. The doctor just wants to check on the baby's position again. I'm full term now."
William nodded, his protectiveness almost overwhelming. "Gianna's already waiting outside. Security's doubled. We're not taking any chances." As they walked out of the house, surrounded by guards, Aurora caught a glimpse of the garden. A bouquet of fresh roses sat on the stone bench by the fountain deep red, her new favorite.
She stopped walking. Who put that there?" she asked. Gianna turned. "It was there when I came out this morning." Aurora walked slowly to it, her hands trembling as she picked up the envelope tucked inside. No name. Just a short message: "I'll wait forever if I have to. —M"
She pressed the card to her chest, eyes closing. Her throat tightened, the baby kicked. William watched her, frowning. "Aurora? "I'm ready," she said quickly, brushing a tear away.
As they got into the car, Aurora leaned back and rubbed her stomach again. "You feel that, little one? That's love… painful, complicated, and messy. But love all the same." She looked out the window, eyes distant.
And somewhere far from New York, Mark stared at a photo of her on his phone, fingers trembling as he zoomed in on her bump.
"You're still mine," he whispered. "Both of you."