Chapter 29
Aurora swallowed, and while adjusting Maverick’s tie, she leaned in and brushed a soft kiss at the corner of his lips.
That little kiss was all the invitation Maverick needed. He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss.
When he finally let go, his voice was low and rough. “Did you kiss Scott like that too?”
Aurora froze, caught off guard. Before she was transported here, she had been married to Scott, so of course, they’d shared moments like this. But she didn’t know how to answer.
Her hesitation only darkened Maverick’s expression. He repeated, his tone colder, “I asked if you kissed Scott like that too.”
He was torn, not knowing if he was torturing himself or something else. The thought that he might not be the first to kiss her this way gnawed at him, making him feel almost suffocated.
Aurora’s past, everything before she came to
to this world, was something he couldn’t hear to think about. His jealousy surged, taking over any rational thought he had left.
“Maybe I’ve been too soft on you. Maverick muttered, gripping her chin and forcing her to look at him. “Did you forget your role as Mrs. Parker?” Aurora, her checks bright red, clung to his neck, her voice barely a whisper. “You’re the one who said we should give each other space
“That changes tonight. Without waiting for her response, Maverick abruptly opened his car door and got out, adjusting his clothes Aurora, still reeling, touched her flushed face, wondering, ‘Are we seriously staying at Parker Manor tonight? And are we sharing a room there?” shivering at the thought, she grabbed the gifts she’d bought and hurried out of the car to catch up with Maverick.
Inside Parker Manor, she quickly noticed that Maverick’s taste for clean, elegant decor hadn’t just started with Cloud Island–he’d grown u The style here matched his perfectly.
up with it.
As they walked down the hallway, Maverick opened a door, and there was Ruth, waiting for them.
“Maverick, what took you so long?” Ruth asked, her eyes shifting to Aurora with a look of thinly veiled contempt. In her mind, a woman with a reputation like Aurora’s wasn’t worthy of her son,
“Got held up at the office. Where’s Dad?” Maverick asked.
“He’s upstairs” Ruth’s gaze was sharp as she glanced at Aurora
Aurora took a steadying breath and stepped forward, holding out the gift she’d chosen for Ruth. “I brought you a little something. I hope you like
The box was delicate, unmistakably a jewelry box.
Kath’s expression remained cold. “I don’t wear necklaces. Where did you get it?”
Aurora kept her polise simile. From the mall near Parker Group. It’s not a necklace. I thought this might suit you.”
Ruth made no move to take the gift, so Aurora opened the box herself, revealing a diamond–encrusted, leaf–shaped brooch that shimmered in the light
Ruth’s eyes lit up as she picked up the brooch for a closer look. “How did you know I liked brooches?”
Aurora didn’t know how to answer and glanced at Maverick for help, but he ignored her and said, “Til head upstairs”
“Go ahead” Ruth said coully. “T’d like a word with Aurora alone!”
Aurora swallowed and sat on the sofa nearby, trying to stay calm “What would you like to discuss, Ruth?”
“It’s nothing serious; no need to be so tense” Ruth eyed her critically, taking in her posture and manners.
Alemi Aumna still carried herself with the grace of someone from a respectabile family, which softened Ruth’s disapproval a bit, though she still
couldn’t understand Maverick’s insistence on marrying her.
Now that you’re Mrs.
Tve heard all about your past,” Ruth said bluntly. I wasn’t thrilled, but since Maverick wants you, I suppose I have no choice. Now Parker, you have certain responsibilities to uphold Understand?”
Not quite sure where this was leading, Aurora nodded carefully. “I won’t do anything to embarrass the Parker family. You have my word”
1/2
Chapter 29
“Words mean butle Ruth replied, her tone sharp. I want to see it in your actions. As Mrs. Parker, you’re expected to carry yourself with dignity. And that bodyguard of yours? You should stop seeing him. We don’t need any more rumors, do we?”
Auroras heart sank. She nodded, even though the thought of cutting ties with Scott unsented her. Without his help, she wasn’t sure she could get to the bottom of the kidnapping or prevent the looming threats she knew were coming.
While Maverick had promised to handle the investigation, he didn’t know how dangerous Scott could be. Aurora couldn’t shake the feeling that something could still go wrong.
But for now, she had no choice but to agree. She glanced up the s
to leave me here alone?
stairs, thinking. “Where’s Maverick? Is he
she really going t
Ruth caught her look, and her eyes darkened. “Don’t look for Maverick to step in here. I’m not here to make things difficult for you. His father called him back for something important, so he won’t be coming back down anytime soon.”
Aurora wa
was surprised Ruth had read her so easily. She forced a polite smile. I was just admiring the decor. The house is beautifully designed—it must have taken a lot of work.
“It was decorated years ago. Ruth replied her tone dismissive. “Nothing much has changed, so there’s not much to admire.”
With that, her eyes
drifted to the carpet stretching across the floor. Its intricate design was flawless; clearly, it was crafted by an expert.
“Oh, and that carpet was actually added just last year,” Ruth noted, her voice softening a bit, with a subtle smile that hinted at her pride. It was clear the had a panicular fondness for the piece.
“It’s stunning.” Aurora said, genuinely admiring it.
The moment of calm didn’t last long. A young woman appeared, dressed in a flowing white chiffon dress with a delicate yellow chain bag that made her look fresh and youthful. It was Tina Hacker.
She rushed over to Ruth, all smiles. “Ruth! It’s been ages! I can’t believe Maverick got married, and I didn’t even get an invite!”
Tina’s enthusiastic hug made Ruth laugh warmly. Then her gaze shifted to Aurora, her expression turning puzzled. “And who’s this? Wait! Isn’t that the dress I sent over from overseas a while back“”
Tina’s eyes moved to Aurora’s neck, where a red mark–a faint kiss mark–stood out. Her face darkened, anger flashing in her eyes as a wave of resentment washed over her.
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