Wheel You Marry Me?

CHAPTER 30.

"You can't just leave, Jeffrey. What about school? What about me? You're all I have left," I pleaded, my voice breaking as tears welled up in my eyes. "You're my only family now. Please... don't leave me."

He paused for a moment, his hands frozen above his suitcase. His eyes softened with pity, but he didn't say a word. Instead, he turned back and zipped up his bag.

"You promised to go on tour with me," I said in a last attempt, my voice trembling. "My first tour starts tomorrow. We were supposed to celebrate this moment together."

Jeffrey looked at me and forced a sad smile. "I wish you all the best, Aurora."

Those words shattered me. No hug. No goodbye. Just that.

Heartbroken, I turned around and dragged myself back to my room. I cried into my pillow until sleep finally took me.

The next morning, his room was empty. Jeffrey was gone. Just like that without a note, without a call. I tried reaching out, but all my calls went to voicemail.

Please, God... keep him safe.

Later that day, I met my manager and performed at the same club where I'd gotten my very first gig. The nostalgia nearly overwhelmed me. Tomorrow, I would hit the road for my month-long tour. I should've been excited, this was everything I'd worked for. But the sadness inside me, the hole Jeffrey left, refused to go away.

"Hey sweetie," Skylar greeted with a warm smile as she stepped into my room.

"Hey, I thought you'd left already," I said, hugging her.

She grinned. "Nope. I wanted to spend a little more time with you before you go."

"Aww, that's sweet of you," I said, hugging her tighter.

"I'm sorry about Jeffrey," she said softly. "But he's a grown man. He'll figure things out. You just focus on shining like you always do."

I nodded, my smile weak but grateful. "I hope you're right."

She pulled away from the hug. "Now, come on. Let's go to the coffee shop. There's something I want to show you."

Suspicious but curious, I followed her.

When we got to the coffee shop, I gasped. The place was buzzing with energy—balloons, music, friends.

"Sky, what's going on?" I asked, turning to her.

She grinned mischievously. "I'm throwing you a send-off party, silly! You're going to be gone for a whole month."

Emotion rushed through me. "Oh Sky... You didn't have to. But thank you. This means the world."

She pulled me into another hug. "Now, come on! Time to party. Let's get you a drink."

I looked around and saw something I never thought I'd witness: Scott, Douglas, and Ryan—all together. Peacefully. Even smiling.

Skylar handed me a fruity drink and ushered me over to the guys' booth.

"Hey Aurora, long time no see," Scott said with a surprising warmth.

"Hi... Scott," I replied. It felt strange hearing him say my name without the usual sarcasm.

Beside him sat a stunning woman with long, flowing blonde hair and a glowing smile.

"Hi, I'm Dominique. Scott's girlfriend."

"Hello, Dominique. It's lovely to meet you."

Douglas greeted me next, then Ryan pulled me close, planted a soft kiss on my lips, and whispered, "Hello, beautiful."

I blushed. We weren't usually this open with PDA, especially around his friends, but it felt... right.

The group chatted casually. To my surprise, Dominique was funny and laid-back—someone you couldn't help but like. And Scott? He was... different. Calmer. Softer. I hadn't heard him curse or throw shade once.

"Are you even listening to me?" Scott asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Oh! Sorry. What were you saying?"

He chuckled. "I said, congratulations on your tour. I listened to your album—and believe me, Dominique plays it every single morning."

I smiled, heart swelling. "Thank you. That really means a lot."

Before I could say more, Skylar popped up. "I didn't host this party just for you guys to sit around! Let's dance!"

And just like that, the music turned up and we all got to our feet. Ryan took my hand and we swayed to the beat, laughing and letting the rhythm carry our worries away. Skylar danced with Douglas, Scott with Dominique. It felt like everything was finally falling into place.

As we moved, Ryan leaned in and asked, "Can I ask you something?"

I nodded.

"Yesterday, at my house... when my mum asked you about your intentions for me... you said you love me. Did you mean it?"

I looked into his eyes, took a deep breath, and said, "Yes. I meant every word. I love you, Ryan."

His face lit up. His eyes sparkled. Then he kissed me—deeply, passionately, like he'd been waiting forever.

"I love you too, Aurora. So much," he whispered against my lips.

The night carried on with laughter, games, and karaoke. They made me sing my entire album. I didn't mind. I felt loved. Celebrated.

Later, I stepped outside to catch a breath of fresh air. The wind was cool against my cheeks. Suddenly, I heard footsteps.

"Hey," Dominique said softly.

"Hey," I replied, smiling.

We stood in silence for a moment.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

I nodded. "Yeah. Just... thinking. This tour is a big step."

"You'll kill it out there. Honestly, I'm so glad I met you. I'm a huge fan—and I didn't expect you to be this down to earth. No offense."

I laughed. "None taken. I try."

She pulled out a cigarette. "Do you smoke?"

"Nope."

She lit it, took a puff, then added, "I met Scott in college."

"Really? I didn't know you guys studied together."

"Oh, no—he teaches at my college. He's a psychology lecturer. Really good at it, too."

"Wow. I had no idea Scott was a lecturer."

"People change," she said, smiling thoughtfully. She flicked the cigarette away, popped a mint gum, and said, "Anyway, I'm heading back in. Please don't tell Scott I smoke."

I laughed. "Your secret's safe with me."

As she disappeared inside, I looked up at the stars and smiled.

Even with Jeffrey gone, even with the chaos behind me, there was something beautiful about the night. I had music. I had love. I had friendship. And for the first time in a long time...

I felt ready.