Passion's Pitfalls

Chapter 3

Aurelia took a deep breath with a wide grin wrapped over her face as she enters her former workplace. She'd worked there for years, but she was very proud of her new job, and she wanted to make sure they knew she was moving on to something bigger and better. She walked in, head held high, and made her way to her old boss's office. Mr.martins.He looked a little surprised, but he quickly recovered when she told him the good news. "Well, congratulations!" he said, a smile spreading across his face. "I'm happy for you, and I know you're going to be great in your new position. You were always a hard worker, and you were a real asset to our team. 'm going to miss you, but I know you're going to do great things." The other workers gathered around, clapping and offering their well-wishes. Aurelia felt a rush of pride and gratitude. She knew she'd made the right decision, and she was excited for what the future held.

Back at her apartment, she scrubbed the kitchen counters and swept the floors, she felt a sense of peace and satisfaction. She'd lived in this apartment for a long time, and it had served her well. But it was time to move on, for now. She looked around, admiring the space and all the memories it held. Then she locked the door and turned the key in the lock, ready to move out.

She walked out into the sunlight, her heart full of hope and anticipation. Aurelia took a deep breath, savoring the scent of spring in the air. She turned and headed to get a taxi, She thought about her new job, and the freedom it would give her. She thought about her new room, and the chance to start fresh. And she thought about the future, -Tristan and all the possibilities it held.

The ride to the Prestons' was a smooth one, Aurelia was nervous and at the same time excited to savor herself in her new environment. Aurelia stepped into the grand foyer of the house. She looked around, admiring the elegant furnishings and the gleaming floors. The hallway stairs were made of smooth, glass tiles, each one carefully laid in a geometric pattern. They were cold to the touch, and they glistened in the light. Aurelia was careful to place each foot precisely, afraid that even the slightest misstep would cause the glass to break.

Then she hear footsteps coming down the hallway, and she raise her head to see Tristan approaching. He looked even more handsome than she remembered, with his dark hair and piercing eyes. Her eyes widened as she noticed Tristan's shirtless state. He was wearing only a pair of sweatpants, and his chest was glistening with moisture. She wondered if he had just come from the pool, or if he had been working out. He looked so different from the last time she had seen him, There was something raw and vulnerable about him, and she felt herself being drawn in. She couldn't look away from him, and her heart was racing. His chest was lean and muscular, with well-defined abs and pecs. His shoulders were broad, and his arms were strong and toned. There was not an ounce of fat on him, and he looked like he could have been an Olympic athlete. His skin was tanned and smooth, with a light dusting of hair across his chest. He was the picture of perfect health, and his body seemed to radiate energy. Aurelia felt a little light-headed as she took him in, and she had to remind herself to breathe.

"Hi-ii" she found her voice. Tristan just kept walking, as if he hadn't heard her. She felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. Was he ignoring her on purpose? Or had he really not hear her?
She stood there, feeling confused and hurt.
She turned to walk down the hall, her head spinning with questions. Had she done something wrong? Or was he just preoccupied with something else? She tried to push the thoughts from her mind, but they kept coming back.

As Aurelia entered her room, she was struck by the lavishness of the decor. The furnitures were elegant and polished, and the carpet was plush and soft. The room was bathed in light from the large windows, which overlooked the grounds of the estate.
It was a beautiful room, but it felt cold and empty. It was nothing like the cozy, inviting apartment she'd left behind.