AMANDORA - ONE-SHOT FICTION

Fiction 5

Fiction 5: MIDNIGHT RAIN

Dedicated to Myself<3

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The crowd buzzed with anticipation as they awaited the arrival of Aurora Palacios, the newest CEO of the Golden Palacios Mining.

For years, Aurora had envisioned this moment—not just as a title, but as an opportunity to prove herself to her family and to those who had doubted her potential. She knew the weight of her family's legacy rested on her shoulders, and she was determined to rise to the occasion.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, let us all welcome... the youngest heiress of the Palacios Clan, Ms. Aurora Palacios!" the host's voice boomed through the venue, cutting through the murmurs of the guests.

As Aurora stepped onto the stage, a hush fell over the crowd. The applause erupted, filling the air with a thunderous appreciation that made her heart race. Clad in a stunning red dress that hugged her figure perfectly, she radiated confidence and grace.

At just 20 years old, she embodied the dreams and aspirations of a new generation of Palacios's Clan and the collective gasps of admiration echoed her impact.

Aurora relished the moment—the glint of pride in her family's eyes, the admiration reflected in the faces of those around her.

She had worked tirelessly to chase her dreams, dedicating her youth to studying the industry, learning from mentors, and preparing for this very moment.

The compliments flowed like a sweet melody, each word a note in her symphony of success. But as the applause faded, Aurora felt a shift within her. This wasn't just about the fame she had longed for; it was about the responsibility that came with it.

But amidst the celebration, one face stood out to her—the familiar, warm smile of Amando. As their eyes locked, a pang of nostalgia strucked her heart.

Is proud of me?

Is he happy for me?

Her mind raced with questions that felt heavy in her chest. The doubts lingered for just a moment until she saw the admiration in his eyes, the way he clapped for her, a silent cheerleader who had always believed in her potential

But...

No one knew the truth behind her success—the countless failures, the tears shed over missed opportunities, the moments of despair.

Amando had been there through it all: when she failed a subject in class, when the college entrance exam slipped through her fingers, and when she had faced defeat in the board exam.

He had been her rock, always encouraging her to try again, yet now he was standing at a distance, as if separated by an invisible barrier.

But...

Why couldn't he be by her side during her moment of glory?

Why couldn't she announce to the world that it was Amando who had molded her, who had been her guiding star through the darkest times?

As the ceremony progressed, the voices around her faded into a dull hum, and the overwhelming feeling of longing for him became unbearable. The chaos of applause felt like an echo as she searched for him in the crowd.

Suddenly, the ceremony concluded, and a wave of excitement surged throughout the venue. Aurora could no longer ignore the urge to find him.

She excused herself from the well-wishers, her heart pounding with anticipation as she made her way through the crowd, scanning for the familiar face that had seen her at her worst.

Finally, she spotted him standing at the back, his eyes filled with pride yet tinged with something deeper—an understanding that transcended the surface. Aurora rushed towards Amando, her heart racing.

As she approached him, it felt like a reunion of two souls who had fought the same battles against life's relentless challenges.

"Hi." they greeted each other simultaneously, their voices breaking through the stillness of the night.

The chaos around them suddenly became quiet as they stared into each other's eyes like it was just the two of them, an unspoken connection bridging the gap between their hearts.

"Amando, I—" Aurora started, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

"Hihintayin kita." his voice was steady and sincere, a promise that echoed in the silence.
"Maghihintay ako, Aurora."

"Amando..." it was barely a whisper, a pang of guilt tightening her chest.

She didn't want to give him false hopes, not when she was still starting through the storm of responsibilities and expectations that loomed over her.

"Sa ngayon, gusto kong gawin mo lahat ng gusto mo. Dito lang ako, hindi kita iiwan."

Aurora burst into tears, her heart breaking under the pressure of her unfulfilled dreams and duties. She felt awful for not being able to embrace the love that was standing right in front of her.

"Hindi ako mawawala sa tabi mo. Palagi at araw-araw kitang susuportahan."

He gently wiped her tears using his thumb. He cupped her face compelling her to meet his gaze. He kissed her forehead for assurance that he won't leave her no matter what happen.

"Hintayin mo 'ko." she managed to say between her sobs.

"Pangako..." he declared, sealing their promise with a pinky swear, just as they had done countless times before.

Aurora felt a giggle escape her lips, a lovely moment of lightness amid her sorrow, as she intertwined her pinky with his, sealing their promises.

In that moment, she made a vow not only to Amando but also to herself. Once she finally fulfilled her duties and freed herself from the burdens of her past, she would prioritize her happiness.

She would embrace the love that awaited her, and perhaps then, she would let Amando into her world completely.

As they stood together, the chaos of the outside world faded away, leaving only the promise of a brighter future—one filled with love, patience, and unwavering support. For now, they would wait, and they would endure the storm... together.

Fiction 5: MIDNIGHT RAIN