Chapter 2After I Came Home

The next morning.

I sat hunched over my computer.

Eventually, I went downstairs to get something to eat.

My mother was in the living room, watching television.

Suddenly, a breaking news banner flashed across the screen.

#Major Announcement: Blackwood Enterprises confirms the engagement of Mr. Donovan Blackwood and Miss Victoria Prescott, with a ceremony to be held mid-next month.#

I froze.

An island engagement?

A long-forgotten memory surfaced. I had once clung to Donovan’s arm, begging him.

"An island is so romantic. When we get engaged, can we have the ceremony there? Please?"

His expression was a mask of cold annoyance.

"Aurora, can you stop being a child?"

"I'm working."

Seeing his displeasure, I had immediately backed down, sitting obediently by his side. "Okay, okay, I'll be quiet. You work."

The memory faded.

I snapped back to the present.

My mother saw me and jumped.

"Rory, what are you doing downstairs?"

"Are you going out? Where? I'll come with you."

She was already signaling for a servant to get her purse, fumbling for the remote to turn off the TV.

Watching her tense, frantic movements, I understood.

She was terrified I would revert to my old self, clinging to Donovan like a stubborn shadow.

But, Mom, I won't.

Never again.

"I'm not going out. Just getting something to eat."

"What?"

I had already grabbed a carton of milk and was heading back upstairs.

As I reached the landing, my mother's voice, full of surprise, called out.

"Rory, you..."

I took a steadying breath.

"It's okay, Mom. You can watch your show. I have work to do."