Favor of Destiny

Chapitre 4 : Echoes

Reine

Aurora's gentle insistence to step outside for some fresh air led us to a quiet garden area at the back of the mansion. The soft hum of the fountains and the fragrant blooms created a stark contrast to the storm of emotions roiling inside me. Aurora's presence was a soothing balm, her calm demeanor a stark counterpoint to my turmoil.

As we settled onto a bench beneath a sprawling oak tree, Aurora began to speak, her voice soft but filled with a deep resonance that seemed to convey a lifetime of experiences. "Reine, I know you're struggling right now, and I want to help you understand why things are the way they are."

I turned to her, eyes still red from my earlier outburst, but my curiosity piqued despite my anger. "Why is this happening, Aurora? Why is Adam so insistent on this marriage he doesn't even know me?" 

Aurora took a deep breath, her gaze drifting to the manicured lawn in front of us. "It's not just about Adam and you, Reine. There's a history here, one that goes back a year and half. I was... taken against my will. Kidnapped, actually."

I stared at her, shocked by the revelation. "I know Aurora you and Noah were a trend back then even tho am sure it wasn't the truth? But you're here now, safe. How did that have anything to do with me and Adam?"

Aurora nodded, her expression turning solemn. "Yes, I'm safe now. But it wasn't always like that. Noah and me were in the same dungeon back then . It was Leo who helped us both. He was instrumental in getting me out of that situation. He made a lot of enemies to ensure Noah and I were safe."

My heart ached at the thought of her ordeal. "And Adam? Why does he have to be so... harsh?"

Aurora's eyes met mine with a mix of empathy and sadness. "Leo asked Adam for a favor. A big favor. He needed Adam's help to protect his sister and keep her safe. Adam agreed because he owed Leo a debt of gratitude—Leo had saved his brother. Adam never planned on getting married. He never considered it; it was always going to be a matter of duty, not desire."

I listened intently, my anger simmering down as I absorbed her words. "So, Adam is just... stuck in this situation like I am? because Leo want's to save me ? from what for God's sake"

Aurora nodded, her gaze compassionate. "I don't know I swear, all I know that Adam is in the same situation as you ,he's not handling it well either. His anger, his frustration—it's all part of the pressure he's under. Adam's doing his best to honor a promise, even if it's tearing him apart inside."

I frowned, a pang of understanding hitting me. "I never thought about marriage, not after seeing how my parents' marriage failed Aurora. I've seen how love can be twisted into something painful and destructive."

Aurora's face softened, a smile touching her lips. "I understand that, Reine. My own family was far from perfect. But Noah and I, despite everything, have managed to build something beautiful together. It's not always easy, but we've found a way to make it work. You and Adam—your situation isn't ideal, but it doesn't mean it has to be a disaster."

I looked at Aurora, her words sinking in. "You and Noah... you've managed to find happiness despite everything? so behind closed doors he looks at you the same he does in front of us ?"

Aurora's eyes sparkled with a mix of pride and affection. "Yes. We've had our struggles, our share of pain, but we've worked through it. We've learned that love isn't always about perfection. It's about finding a way to be together despite the imperfections."

Her story resonated with me, bringing a new perspective to my situation. I was still angry, still desperate to escape the confines of my new reality, but I began to see Adam's struggle in a different light. It wasn't just about me; it was about two people trapped by circumstances beyond their control, trying to navigate a path they never chose.