1 Her Return

"Hello?"

Aurora stood outside the plane, the brisk wind tousling her caramel brown hair as she pressed her phone to her ear.

"Aurora!" the excitement in the caller's voice was carried through the line, and Aurora instinctively pulled the phone from her ear for a moment.

"Celestine, I've just landed. Yeah, still at the airport," she informed her cousin. "I'll be waiting near the entrance."

"Alright. I'm on my way!" Celestine enunciated.

"Cool, I can't wait to see you, couz." With that, she ended the call, a satisfied smile plastering on her face.

Taking a moment to soak in the surroundings, her eyes wandered over the vast sky and the building that sprawled out before her.

"It's been five years," Aurora muttered. A deep sigh escaped her lips as a feeling of nostalgia and anticipation swirled within her.

"I never thought I'd return to Golden Arc City," she mused, a small smile lingering on her lips.

Before she could fully immerse herself in the moment, a small voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Mum, this is where grandma grew up, right?" a young girl asked, tugging on her left index finger.

Aurora tilted her head, meeting her daughter's curious gaze. However, before she could respond, a similar tug on her right hand diverted her attention.

A young boy with a striking resemblance to her daughter, eager and full of excitement, chimed in, "Mom, mom, are we going to see grandma and visit all the places you played in as a child?"

Aurora nodded, placing a gentle finger on her lips to hush her son. "Yes, sweetheart. But let's keep it a surprise for now. Your aunty will be here any minute, and then we can start our tour together."

Heeding his mother's words, he nodded, but someone wasn't satisfied as he hopped on one foot.

"Aqua, stop interfering," the young girl scolded her brother. "Mum was about to give me an answer."

Aurora's lips curled up, revealing a charming smile as she leaned in and pecked her daughter's cheek.

"Aqua, be kind to your twin."

"Okay, mum. Sorry, Aura," the little boy apologised.

Giving a nod of approval, Aurora guided both of them out of the airport.

*******

Reclining in the plush back seat of the Range Rover Jeep, a young man fixed his eyes on the road scrolling by. The leather interior cradled him in luxury, yet his gaze reflected a distant intensity.

For a moment, he was lost in the rhythmic motion of the vehicle until he peeled his eyes away from the passing scenery, shifting his attention to the gleam of his golden watch, revealing the precision of time. "Hmm."

No sooner had he let out a deep breath when his phone chimed, signalling an incoming call. With a swift motion, he retrieved it from his pocket and stared at the screen.

The name of his top bodyguard, Ace, was displayed on the screen. Axel swiped to answer, and without waiting a moment, he spoke, "Ace, what's going on?"

"My apologies for the disturbance, Boss, but you won't believe it."

"Go straight to the point."

"She's returned, sir." Sensing the momentary silence, he continued, "Ms. Reign just appeared at the airport."

At once, Axel's eyes flew open, reflecting his shock clearly. "You said?"

"She's here in the city," Ace relayed, his voice filled with urgency.

Axel's initial shock was plastered on his face, his brows furrowing before a subtle smile crept onto his lips as he muttered softly. "Finally."

"Sir?"

Axel shook his head and continued, "Aurora, are you sure she is the one?"

Ace affirmed, "Positive. I just spotted her as she entered a black Volvo at the airport with her luggage. It looks like she's back for good."

Axel's heart raced, emotions surfacing after years of separation. "Where is she headed?"

"We have no idea, but we are keeping a tight trail on her currently."

"Good. Continue. Send Lucas your location. I'll head over immediately."

"Got it, boss," Ace replied, and the call ended.

Axel leaned back, several thoughts and emotions rushing through him.

Suddenly, he lifted his head a bit, his eyes meeting his driver's through the mirror. "You heard. Drive, Lucas."

Shifting his gaze to the passenger seat in front, Axel went ahead to dish out his order.

"Zeke, cancel my appointment with Mr. Cason."

"But sir…" He did not get to complete his words when Axel sent a cold glare his way. "Yes sir. I'll inform Classic Ports immediately."

"Good."

With that, he settled back in his chair, letting his thoughts seep in. 

For five years, she had eluded him after she ran away on their wedding day, and for those years, he hoped and searched. Her unexpected return succeeded in stirring a whirlwind of feelings as a rare vulnerability glistened in his eyes.

As the Range Rover glided in the direction Ace sent, Axel couldn't shake the shock and excitement of Aurora's sudden reappearance.

The thought of seeing her again after so long sent a surge of adrenaline through him but then his mood was dampened once more.

'Would she run away again?' Axel pondered inwardly, but as quickly as his doubts came, he dissed it. 'No. Even if she tried, I won't let her ever escape again.'

********

On the other hand, as soon as Aurora arrived at her father's house, her demeanour changed drastically as she stared at the portrait placed behind the several flowers in front of it.

Incense burned into the air as those who were dear to her mother paid their respect.

"Come. Your father is expecting you," Celestine whispered into her right ear, breaking her train of thoughts.

"Hmm. Celest," Aurora muttered, "what happened exactly?"

"I have no idea. She was sick and before she got to the hospital, she died."

Aurora's gaze trailed off. She did not know if losing her made her mother's health frail and led to her untimely demise.

Sensing her feelings, Celestine added, "I'll look after the twins. You need to be free to grieve and also see your old man." Aurora turned to face her. She could see the distant look in those eyes and knew she was still shaken by the news.

"Between you and I, he missed you."

I honestly doubt that.

Still, Aurora gave a nod, and without speaking, she handed her children over to her cousin and headed for the door leading to the passage, only for her feet to halt in front of one of the doors when she heard voices whispering in hushed tone.

Her ears perked up by the one word she did not think she'd hear so soon—poison.

"Poison?" one of the ladies whispered in shock. 

"Yes, hush it. You do not want anyone hearing you," the second lady scolded. 

"But… why isn't Mr. Reign doing anything about it? Isn't the police investigating this?"

"I do not know," the other lady whispered back. "But I believe he wants things to look okay on the outside."

Aurora blurred out their words, her eyes were filled with both confusion and panic. If her mother was poisoned and her father said nothing about it, did that mean he knew who was behind it?

She shook her head. Even if that was the situation, shouldn't he really be doing something? Why didn't he let her know?

She whipped her head in the direction she was coming from, her gaze lost but filled with so much worry.

'I only returned and now there's this. Even Celestine doesn't know. What has been going on in my absence?' 

No sooner had she voiced that in her mind, than the sound of footsteps broke her from her reverie and before she could look up, she heard a familiar voice call out.

"I've waited for this day."