Aurora’s POV
It’s my birthday, another reminder that I was getting older and my life was filled with lies that could destroy everything good I had with Matteo. I stayed put on the bed and stretched out, my mind whirling with several thoughts.
The door made a creaking sound and pushed open causing my eyes to flash open. Matteo’s lips were stretched in a smile as he advanced towards me with a tray in one hand and his other hand at his back.
“Happy birthday, my queen.” He greeted me and planted a light kiss on my lips.
“You remembered?” I asked, my brows rising in astonishment.
“I almost did but Giselle mentioned it last night so I decided to do something special for you. Giselle and I made breakfast, and here it is.” He said and dropped the tray on the bed then produced a bouquet of fresh red roses which he hid behind him.
I brought it close to my nose, the scent exhilarating and relaxing.
“This is so beautiful, Matteo. What have I done to deserve you?” My voice shook and my eyes turned misty as I swelled with joy within. I never expected to find love with the man I’d borne so much hate for.
“You have done nothing but love me unconditionally even though I’m still trying to accept how I feel about you.” He said and planted a kiss on my cheeks. “I’ve ordered a dress for you, you’ll wear it for the birthday surprise I have for you.” He stated.
“You do nothing but surprise me, Matteo, when is it going to end?” I said with happiness ringing in my tone.
“If I ever get you out of my head then I’ll stop surprising you, but you know that it’s very impossible.” He chuckled.
“Have your breakfast, darling.” He said, then kissed my stomach, caressing it softly while I bit back a moan.
He just knew where to touch and how to touch me. “I can’t wait for him to start kicking so that I can place my ear on your stomach and listen to it.” He said wistfully.
“How do you know that it’s going to be a boy?” I asked and he shrugged.
“It’s called Capo instinct.” He got up from the bed, “I have to go out so I’ll see you later. Look nice for me, please.” He pleaded sweetly as I smiled, blowing him kisses.
I rushed my breakfast, suddenly eager to leave the room and have a fun-filled day. Matteo had found a way to lighten up my mood without me asking.
Sofia sat on the couch of the living room by the time I met her, her eyes were sad and her shoulders drooped. I could imagine how she felt after the public disgrace that her fiance brought to her.
Matteo dealt with the issue by lashing out at Danilo for not being able to handle his issues privately while Sofia broke up the wedding saying that she never wanted to be married at all.
I’d make the same decision if I was in her shoes.
“Hi,” I greeted and she stared at me with a small smile.
“Happy birthday,” She said quietly, her voice shaking with sadness.
I wrapped my arms around her for a comforting hug and slowly she relaxed in my arms, releasing every pent up emotion. I felt her shudder and she began to sniff. My hands massaged her scalp, hoping that she would feel relieved.
“It will be fine, Sofia. You’ll get over it.” I said to comfort her.
“How..” Her voice cracked. “I’ve been in love with that man for a long time even though something felt wrong. I ignored the signs and scolded myself from imagining things that wouldn’t happen. Little did I know that they were already happening.” She sobbed.
“Things will never be alright, Aurora.”
“Don’t say that, sweetheart. Time heals all wounds and it will heal yours too.” I advised as she leaned on my shoulders.
She nodded, a little less convinced but I didn’t care. What mattered was that I was there for her.
“I wish that I had an elder sister you know. It would be so much fun, of course you know that I’m an only child. Mother would have had another one if not for the constant miscarriages she had. My late father was very wicked and with what Danilo did, I see both of them the same way.” She spat while I shook my head sadly.
“You can’t compare the both of them. I don’t want to get you pissed but I know that Danilo loves you and there’s a reason why he did that.” I said in Danilo’s defense.
She picked up her phone which was beside her and my eyes gazed at the missed calls glaring on her screen.
“He has been calling incessantly, but I don’t want to speak to him.” She said nonchalantly.
I sighed and held her hands. “Give him a chance and listen to what he has to say. If you still don’t want to be with him then it’s your choice.”
She wiped off the tears in her eyes vehemently. “Why do I feel that you are preparing me for something?”
I swallowed, as I thought of the best to announce that Danilo was sitting in his car and waiting for her. “Promise me that you won’t be mad,” I implored.
She smiled, “How can I be mad at you? You are like the elder sister that I never had.”
“Danilo is outside.” I blurted.
Her eyes widened as she jerked away from the chair. “Why did you bring him here? I don’t want to see that man,” She protested and I stood up, pulling her close to me.
“Just listen to what he has to say then you make your decision. That’s all I want from you.” I pleaded and then she looked at me, her eyes telling me all that I needed to know.
I quickly asked him to come in through a text message.