Tales Of Love

Santiago had his work brought home for him and he was in his study when his phone rang. He sighed audibly, his grandfather was calling him. He was probably going to ask him to return to Florence City as soon as possible.

“Grandfather,” He said as soon as he answered the phone. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier that your Aurora and kids are in St Petersburg?” old man Axel blurted out.

Santiago was taken aback. He squinted and wondered how soon his grandfather had found out the reason behind his prolonged stay in St Petersburg.

Grey Logan! He must have told his lover. There’s no secret hidden in the heart that love, true love cannot unlock. He must have told Mira and the latter informed his mother and grandfather.

“But you know now, grandfather, I can’t return without my woman and kids,” Santiago declared.

“I never realized that the lass was actually having my great grandkids in her belly while in prison. Do all you have to do and bring those Axel’s kids home together with their mother” Old man Axel instructed.

Santiago listened expressionlessly. It’s easier said than done. Before he could think of something else to say , he heard next. “Santiago, have you seen Aurora? Has she forgiven you? Tell her I have accepted her as my daughter-in-law. I like to meet my adorable grand kids. Bring them to me as soon as possible” Palmer was sounding ecstatic.

Santiago pinched the space between his eyes and felt speechless. His mother had asked him questions and without waiting to get his answers, she had instructed and voiced her wishes as well.

“You have decided to accept her because she’s a Rowan now right?, what if she chooses not to be mum?” Santiago threw a question at his mother.

“Do all you can to make her marry you. And yes she’s a Rowan now. You know our Axel family only needs, reputable woman to birth the heirs. And secondly, because she’s the only woman you love” Palmer retorted.

There’s only one sentence that captivated him in his mother’s response, Aurora was indeed the only woman that he loves. And he intends to love her alone for the rest of his life.

It was past noon, when Aurora opened her eyes. She felt fagged out. The room was intensely bright and the sun rays penetrated through the drape making her eyes blind. She robbed her eyes and yawned but sat up abruptly.

She remembered last night that she felt being placed on a bed. She felt drugged on her way to the restroom. She became dizzy accompanied by a splitting headache. Someone led her to the room and who was that fellow who led away?

She raised the quilt and found herself naked. She placed her hand on her mouth as she opened her mouth agape. History had repeated itself. Someone had taken advantage of her and this time, it’s not Santiago.

She dragged herself into the bathroom and felt a familiar scent.

It’s the scent of Santiago. The toiletries are replicas of what Santiago usually used back then at Florence City. Without considering any possibility, she took her bath hurriedly and came out of the bathroom. She saw a towel on the rack and took it. As soon as she held it, it gave out a powerful body scent,

Gush, why is she hallucinating? Everything in this room was identical to Santiago’s belongings that she knew back then. She had become obsessed with Santiago that it’s now affecting her sense of reasoning.

Santiago was in Australia and this place might be a hotel. Who took advantage of her? She’s now an influential woman and anything amiss can ruin her reputation and her family.

She needed to be out of here as soon as she could. But she couldn’t find her dress. It was then it dawned on her that this might not be a hotel but someone’s bedroom.

Had Kushner Nick brought her to his house and messed her up?

She looked around to find the location of a wardrobe, she can’t possibly walk out of this room with a towel. But as she looked, her eyes rested on a picture, a picture she remembered.

She remembered that year when she followed Santiago to a business dinner. She was dressed in such a breathtaking dress that Santiago made her take a photo. Without letting her know, Santiago had enlarged it into a portrait and placed it in his bedroom.

Looking at the picture, she remembered and then sighed, this was indeed Santiago’s bedroom. Only he had this picture and the familiar scent she had been perceiving were real, not hallucination nor her imagination.

She stood transfixed looking at the picture when she heard the door open. She turned and came face to face with Santiago.

She stood spell-bound. Before her stood her man, her lover and the father of her kids. But he was the one that sent her to prison, that said horrible words about her, that failed to trust her when she needed him the most. It gave a feeling of a boon and a bane.

Santiago stood admiring her alluring looks. She tied his towel across her chest, her hair was still dripping water. He stared at her from her hair to the tip of her toes. Soon he took his eyes off her body and came closer, shutting the door behind him.

He stood a few inches away from Aurora then looked away. Guilt enveloped him and subsequently didn’t want to meet her stare. He seemed tongue-tied not knowing what to say to Aurora.