Say I Do, Aurora.

Chapter 8 - Defiance

Aurora Blackwood

After what seemed like an eternity, I finally completed the rest of the work piled endlessly across my desk, taking up most of my week. I let out a heavy breath as I slump back into my chair, flicking my eyes over to the digital clock on the corner of my desk reading
'11:42pm'
I rub my temples to ease the headache bouncing around my skull. Collecting my things I walk out of my office greeting the ganitors that were only now beginning their shifts.

Entering the elevator my phone brightens up my hand. Looking at the screen I laugh.

A~ 'Enjoy work tomorrow without me! It's going to be hell without your favourite entertainment there'

Adrian never fails to lighten my mood, I relock my phone placing it back into my handbag before stepping out of the elevator to be met with Sohan's personal bodyguard waiting outside alone.

"Stephen? What are you doing here?"

He straightens up off of the side of the car and let's on a hearty smile, he must've been freezing waiting out here for me.

"Mr. Azure told me to escort you home."

I scoff in disbelief, that heartless being asked his own staff to guide me home? Now he's just insulting my intelligence.

"Thank you but I am quite capable of finding my way home alone."

I smile declining as politely as I could.
He clenches his jaw slightly, that's when it hit me. I was no longer heading back to my parents.

The word 'home' has never felt like a real concept in my world. Forever just four walls and a bed, there never was such a thing as family, the warmth of seeing your relatives.

This was a whole different feeling though, I was anxious. Atleast heading back to my parents I knew their routine, I knew what I was walking into, but no.

This time, I was going to the Azure's residence. Well, Sohan's property to be precise. I am not looking forward to what he might have in store for me.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to make your job difficult Stephen. I'll sit in the front."

Stephen chuckled slightly, opening my passenger door.

"Miss. Blackwood, you were not being difficult. I've dealt with much worse than a simple mistake."

A nervous laugh escaped my lips as he closes my door. Walking round to the driver's side, getting in and driving me to my potential hell for the next few months of my life.

Gripping my bag and staring out of the passenger window, thoughts crowd my mind. Questions even. What will the sleeping arrangements be?
Will it be decorative?
Will there be rules I have to abide by around him?
When will I next have privacy?
Space?

My breathing quickens slighty accidently notifying Stephen of my obvious nerves. I hear him sigh and begin to feel like more of a nuisance to him.

"Miss. Blackwood, if I may speak freely?"

His voice broke the silence, raspy but somewhat comforting in this never ending drive.

"Yes ofcourse."

"Mr. Azure isn't as intimidating as he seems, he just has a tendency to place work before life."

My head drops slightly. His words didn't comfort me, if anything. Confirmed my worries, I knew that we wouldn't get along but I hoped I could escape work at home atleast.

A small sigh breaks through again before he speaks once more,

"There are multiple suites throughout the penthouse, he has made sure you have your own independence during this change to ease you into the situation. Unfortunately I cannot say much more."