-AURORA WRIGHT-

Silence…

Total silence and I'm pretty sure it's deep enough to hear a pin drop.

I sat right across him. The youngest politician in New York City - Orion Valois and I keep fondling with my fingers.

I really don't know what I feel but I'm pretty sure it's not fear. No.. scratch that word totally.. I'm not scared of meeting him but I'm nervous.

Nervous because I think he might find my offer hilarious and turn me down. But, I'm not leaving..not while I've made it this far.

“To what do I owe this sudden visit, Aurora?” His voice pulled me back to reality.

I adjusted on my seat, swallowed and let my mind speak for itself.

“I'm sorry for showing up uninvited, Minister but…”

“Just call me Orion. I know we aren't so close but we aren't strangers” He interrupted.

“Fine then. I'll just go straight to the point. I need your help. As a matter of fact, I'm here to make an offer”

He squinted his eyes and accessed me thoroughly before saying.

“I heard you're getting married in few days. Why are you asking for my help?”

“You owe my father. He helped you during your trying times as a teenager and you made a promise to him to repay the favor one day and now, he's dead and I need your help..” I said plainly.

“Its your father I owe, Aurora, not you…and..”

“I want us to get married…” I interrupted him and he looked fazed.

He looked at me as if I've suddenly grown two horns. I know this is weird but it's the only thing I could come up with.

“What did you just say?”

“I want us to get married. I know my wedding is in few days but I don't care. I need someone by my side” I said dryly, without mixing words.

His gaze lingered on my face for a few seconds and then, he said..

“You really are a clown, Aurora. Do you think I'm some sort of a joke to you?”

I grabbed my bag and stood up because I was already feeling hot from his intense gaze.

Somehow, I didn't like the way his gaze lingered on me… It's piercing right through my eyes and I almost feel as if he's staring directly at my soul.

“I know this came as a shock to you but I'm damn serious Orion. I need us to get married right away. Just think of this as a way of fulfilling the promise you made to my dad. I'm his daughter after all..”

He didn't say a word and I continued.

“I'll give you sometime to think about it. I'll be back tomorrow and I expect a positive answer from you. Have a nice day Mr. Orion Valois”

I left his office but I was unsure if I made the right approach. He called me a clown.. I probably look that way to him.

Orion and I aren't close… we aren't exactly friends. But, he's the only one I could think of.

If I want a better way to go against the Slade family, Orion is perfect to give me the push.

I had dinner alone and it made me sad because dinner used to be lively with Father around.

We would chat and talk about random things and now, there is no such fun moment.

I can't even call the police and have Ethan and his mother arrested for having father's medication switched leading to his death.

I lost my appetite and I left the dining room and went up straight to my room. I laid down on my bed and picked up the picture frame of Dad and I.

Tears rolled down my eyes as I recalled how lively Dad always is. He's a good man and trust just everybody.

Out of everyone else, Dad is the only one who never makes fun of my plus size nature.

I didn't get the chance to meet my mother because she died while giving birth to me and as such, it has just been Dad and I.

My cellphone rang and when I checked it's screen and realized it's Ethan calling, I grabbed it and turned it off.

He has been calling nonstop and I keep ignoring his calls.

Just seeing his name makes my heart boil in anger and I wish I can just do something. And that's why I need Orion Valois.

______________

The first thing I did in the morning was to get ready and leave for the Government office - Orion's office in particular.

I had no issues with the receptionist because she immediately let me in. He probably most have informed her that I would be coming.

I placed a gentle knock on the door and wait for his response.

“Come in” His deep, yet resonant and calm voice came through the door.

I grabbed the door knob and walked in.

He was seated on his swivel chair, going through a document. I watched him keenly… The sun shone brightly on him, making his handsomeness too obvious.

There's something about Orion Valois I can't picture. The look on his face whenever he stares at me.

I just can't understand. He's reserved and keeps himself on a lie profile despite being part of the government officials.

A lot of girls must be flocking over him,. wanting to gain his attention and somehow, it made me curious the kind of person he is.

“Are you just going to stand there and stare at me?”

His voice broke into my thoughts.

I moved closer and placed the basket I was holding on his desk and sat.

“I wasn't staring at you, I just didn't want to disturb you. I figured you were busy” I lied.. well, it isn't entirely a lie.

His gaze moved to the basket and then back at me and I spoke up before he could ask.

“I brought you food. It's delicious and I hope you like it” I put on a smile.

He raised a brow.

“Is this some kind of a bribe? Because, if it is.. then it's not going to work”

I scoffed inwardly. How arrogant.

“it's not a bribe and …”

“Still, don't try to force things Aurora. I won't accept your offer. I won't help you out with whatever thing you want to do. Your wedding is in few days and I advise you stick to your fiance.. don't put me in the game”

I gripped the edge of my bag and bites my inner cheeks as disappointed washed over me. Not just disappointed but the fact that the one person I thought would help just turned me down.

Without thinking twice, I stood up and banged on his desk, anger evident on my face.

“Why? You can't get married to me because I'm fat? Because you are a top politician and you can't be seen with someone as fat as I am? You will probably be ashamed too right?...”

“Aurora..” My name rolled out of his lips but that didn't calm my anger. Tears brimmed at the corner of my eyes.

“I can't even do a single thing when those I think would become a family only wants to betray me. And my best friend keeps having a secret affair with my fiance. And all I want is a simple revenge to make the Slade family pay because to them, I am nothing but a big fat fool whom they're trying to leach off..”

I paused and sniffed. Oh! How I hate myself for crying in front of him.

“But, I was even a bigger fool to think you can help me. You know what, just forget I was ever here. It's okay if you don't want to help, I'll simply find a different alternative”

I turned to leave.

Just as I grabbed the door knob, I turned back to him.

“And the breakfast wasn't a bribe. You can eat that when you feel like or throw it away”

I stepped out immediately, sad and heartbroken.

-ORION VALOIS-

Never have I ever thought that Aurora Wright would one day come to me for help. We aren't exactly close but I owe her father a lot.

And just the previous day, she makes an offer which I find super hilarious.

She's getting married in few days, why would she want me to get married to her? I keep asking myself.

From what I know, she has always been engaged to Ethan Slade and she has always been happy about it and I simply cannot give into her request.

But, her words hit me so deep. I could see the hurt in her eyes and it seems she's trying to hold back so much.

What has the Slade family done to her? Why does she seek revenge so much?

Though, I declined but my heart says a different thing. I was the only one she could think off and yet I turned her down without seeing right through her.

I felt like giving myself a tight punch on my face.

Without a second thought, I rushed out of my office and found her almost stepping into the elevator.

With a speed I didn't know I had, I grabbed her wrist as soon as I got closer.

She gave me a puzzled look, obviously startled.

I grabbed her shoulders and pulled her close… Our faces just few inches away. Her pretty dark green eyes stared directly at mine.

“Let's get married Aurora Wright. If the Slade family has done something to hurt you, I'll help you get revenge.. Anything you want Aurora, I'll do it for you!”

I saw her eyes grow wide in shock but I mean every single word I just said.