In Dublin, Aurora Sullivan, a 32-year-old Australian law student, crosses paths with Cillian Murphy, a renowned actor. Their blooming romance faces a stern test as their troubled pasts resurface, and secrets unfold. Will their love conquer the shado...
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Aurora spent the first half of her day in a particular gruelling lecture, scrolling through Pinterest on her laptop, dreamily thinking about the night before. Never had she thought moving across the world would bring her love, yet here she was, giddily thinking about it.
Ella sat lazily next to her, arms back behind her head as if she was sleeping. Aurora had filled her in about her date from the previous night, which caused Ella to shriek in excitement.
"You went on a date with Cillian Murphy!?!" She had exclaimed, which caused Aurora to hurriedly press her hands to the other girl's mouth.
Aurora found herself going back and replaying the kiss from the night before, and how it made her knees crumble. She got flustered just thinking about it, she had never felt the connection with anyone else as she had with him.
Finally, her class ended, and she eagerly ran out the door, making her way to her car.
Aurora picked up her phone to call Cillian, but just before she could press the button, his contact came flashing across the screen. She accepted with a chuckle.
"Hey, I was literally just about to call you." She breathed, and Cillian laughed.
"Coincidence?"
"Yeah, I suppose. Listen, I just finished my classes for the day, do you want to hang out?" She tried not to sound too hopeful, but she was really bored and wanted to see him again.
"That sounds good, I've got one more meeting for the day, then I'll come pick you up around 4, ok?" He murmured into the phone, and Aurora smiled.
"Where we going?"
"You'll see. Dress warmly." He grinned as he spoke through the phone, and she chuckled amusedly before saying goodbye and hanging up.
Aurora drove home, taking a warm shower before getting dressed.
Aurora let her hair stay out, wearing some high waisted jeans and a t shirt, paired with a puffer jacket and white, crocheted beanie.
She sat on her couch for a couple of hours, scribbling away at her notes, trying to get all the info down pact.
The jitters of her upcoming exams were making her jumpy, which meant she was unprepared. She made herself a Milo, a chocolate malt drink she had to import from Australia, with warm milk and 3 marshmallows.
When she tasted the familiar flavours on her tongue, her mind was instantly transported back to her family home in Australia, sitting around the fireplace in winter with her siblings while playing Mario kart.
At 3:45, someone knocked on her door. Aurora jumped at the noise, before walking to open the door.
In the doorway, Cillian stood holding a pair of ice skates.
"Hope you like skating." He smiled and Aurora laughed.
"I was not expecting that, but yes, yes I do enjoy it." Aurora blushed and kissed his cheek gently.
She locked the door behind her, moving beside him in long strides.
He took her hand in his, the warm flush of his palm flourishing through her hands.
Aurora tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear with her other hand, blushing.
They reached his car, and he opened the door for her. She dramatically bowed, before sliding into the passenger seat.
The nice glow of the sunset reflected off the car, as it sped down the streets of scenic Dublin. The convertible's cover was down, meaning the gentle breeze ran through her hair.
After around 15 minutes, they pulled up outside an ice-skating arena.
Cillian led her inside with a sly smile, paying for both of their entries.
She muttered a small thanks, putting on her skates.
"Ready?" She held her hand out, and he gratefully accepted.
Aurora stepped onto the ice, gliding slowly as she let out a long-held breath.
She stumbled a little bit, and he held her up.
"You do know how to skate?" Cillian asked with eyebrows raised.
"Yes!" She huffed before rolling her eyes. She tried to go again, only for her to almost fall on her bottom.
"Are you sure?" He laughed as he picked her up again. Aurora smiled in defeat.
"I used to be really good, but it's been like 15 years." She explained, and he shrugged.
"Fair enough."
She began skating again, desperately holding onto the side railing, as he skated backwards, laughing at her.
Slowly, but surely, she became more confident on the ice, letting go of the side as she glided by herself.
Cillian held his hand out for her to take once again, which she took as they skated along together gracefully.
"I think I can do a twirl." Aurora laughed as she let go, attempting a small twirl.
She made it almost the whole way, but when she tried to stop, she lost her balance, falling once again.
This time, he wasn't there to catch her, and she fell onto her back.
She laid there for a moment, processing what has happened. She sat up, and a concerned looking Cillian quickly skated up to her.
"Are you alright? That was quite a fall." He asked, picking her up. Aurora blinked before smiling and nodding.
"Just a bit chilly." She laughed bashfully.
"There's a reason I quit this."
"I can see that." He chuckled, wrapping his arm around her shoulder, holding her close as they skated around the rink.
They skated a bit more for a couple of hours, before they decided to retreat to Aurora's apartment.
She invited him in and opened a bottle of Chardonnay.
Cillian sat jauntily on the stool, while she leaned on the kitchen counter. The window was cracked open to let in the comfortable breeze, which was perfect as Aurora was flushed.
