Wheel You Marry Me?

CHAPTER 27.

"Hey Jeffrey. How have you been?" I asked, stepping into the house and closing the door behind me.

"Hey... I'm fine." He gave me a quick once-over. "Hmm... looking beautiful."

I smiled politely and sank onto the couch beside him. "Um... can I ask you something?"

He popped open a bag of chips and nodded. "Yeah, shoot."

I sighed. "Can you come to dinner with me at the Tylers' tomorrow night?"

He paused mid-chew, eyeing me like I'd just told him we were moving to Mars. "Why?"

"I think... we should get to know them," I offered carefully.

He scoffed. "Aurora, those people are murderers, and you want to get to know them? Unbelievable."

"It's just dinner, Jeff," I replied, exhaling slowly. "After that, we come back home. That's it."

He didn't say anything for a while. Then, without looking at me, he muttered, "I don't know, Aurora. I really don't."

We ended up watching a movie. Jeffrey ordered pizza for dinner, but my thoughts weren't on the screen or the food. They were on tomorrow night, on Eleanor's icy glares, Tyler's unsettling calm, and Theodore's bloodied hands. What was I walking into?

Later, I curled up in bed with my favourite podcast playing in my ears, hoping sleep would silence the storm in my head.

The Next Day

The smell of pancakes filled the air. I was trying to calm myself by doing something normal—something that reminded me of home.

"Morning, sis. Hmm... smells good in here," Jeffrey said as he walked into the kitchen.

"Good morning to you too. Breakfast will be served soon." I plated the last pancake with a smile.

We sat and ate in comfortable silence until he quietly said, "You know, I wish she could be here with us."

I froze, then placed my hand gently on his. "Me too, sweetie."

After breakfast, Jeffrey cleaned the dishes while I got ready for a meeting with my manager. I'd landed a gig at a new club, and for a moment, excitement replaced anxiety.

On my way back home, I stopped by the mall to pick out a dress for the dinner. I was surprised by how many fans approached me for pictures and autographs. For a moment, I felt like I belonged somewhere.

At home, Jeffrey was playing video games.

"We are going to that dinner, right?" I asked him as casually as I could.

He sighed, not taking his eyes off the screen. "I can't let you walk into that place alone. I'll go—with you. To protect you."

I smiled. "Aww, that's really sweet of you, Jeff. Nothing's going to happen. But thank you."

That Night

I wore a sleek, off-shoulder black dress and pink heels. "Jeff! I'm done. Hurry up, we're going to be late!" I called out.

He eventually emerged in a crisp button-down and black slacks. Looking sharp. We took an Uber, and half an hour later, we stood in front of the massive Tyler estate.

"Wow, this house is... huge," Jeffrey muttered.

"Yeah. Intimidating, huh?" I replied.

Mildred greeted us and led us into the living room. The mansion had that eerie stillness—like it was holding its breath.