Wheel You Marry Me?

CHAPTER 16.

It's been three weeks since I signed the contract with Sandy Barton and returned it to her. Ever since then, my life has taken a new turn. I've officially started recording music, something I'd only dreamed about before. Being inside a studio for the first time was a surreal experience: the dim lights, the soft hum of equipment, the way my voice echoed through the mic. I loved every second of it. Every recording session felt like a step closer to something bigger.

I even managed to get my own apartment. It's nothing fancy, but it's warm, it's mine, and for now, it's enough.

Still, something's been weighing on my heart—Jeffrey. I've sent him countless emails, and he hadn't replied to a single one. The silence was painful. But today, I decided to try calling him again.

To my surprise, he picked up.

"Hey, Aurora," he answered, his voice distant but familiar.

"Jeff!" I breathed, a wave of emotion hitting me. "How have you been? I really missed you."

"Er... I've been good," he replied.

"That's great," I said, then added more softly, "You never replied to my messages."

"Uh... I'm sorry, Aurora. I had exams."

I let out a small sigh of relief. For a moment, I thought he was still giving me the silent treatment.

"Oh... I get it. I hope they went well?" I asked, trying to keep my voice light.

"Yeah."

Then, silence.

He exhaled and said, "I need to go for practice... and congratulations on your record deal."

He hung up before I could respond.

So he had read my emails.

Even though our conversation was brief and awkward, I finally felt a little peace settle in my chest. At least he was okay.

I was supposed to meet Skylar for brunch, so I quickly showered, got dressed, and headed out. But just a few blocks from the café, I bumped into someone I hadn't hoped to see, Eleanor Tyler.

"You!" she said with a tight, insincere smile. "I see you're back. Welcome, my dearest."

There was venom under her sugar-coated words. "Eleanor, I'm sorry I bumped into you," I replied, keeping my tone calm.

She looked me over with disgust, then sneered, "The death of your mother brought him back, you know. Now he can't focus on his business. All he does is cry like a bitch."

What?

"What are you talking about?" I asked, my heart suddenly racing.

She laughed bitterly. "Oh, you really don't know, do you? Your precious mother never told you?"

I shook my head.

She leaned in. "Your poor dead mother stole my husband from me."

My blood ran cold.

"No way. I don't believe you!" I snapped.

"Believe it or not," she spat, "your mother was a thief and a whore."

I didn't even think. My hand flew up and slapped her across the face.

"Bitch! How dare you slap me?" she shrieked, lunging toward me.

Before she could do more, Skylar appeared like a guardian angel.

"What's going on here?" she asked sharply.