Fading Aurora

At midnight, the lights suddenly came on in the penthouse suite of the Avenwood Grand Hotel.

When Aurora Campbell pushed open the door, the air was thick with the chill that had crossed the Pacific, mingled with the sharp, commanding aroma of Dylan Ramirez's cigar.

Having been kept hidden within the contract, she hadn’t even had time to apply lipstick when the private car picked her up.

“Did you shower?” Dylan didn’t turn around; his long fingers continued to tap on the keyboard.

“As per the agreement, I’m not wearing any perfume.” Her voice was soft, and her silk nightgown clung to her trembling body like a second skin.

Dylan finally swivelled his chair around.

His bottomless eyes were like a scalpel, dissecting her inch by inch. “Come here.”

That single sentence tore apart all pretence of calm.

The chill in his voice made her breath catch.

Aurora didn't hesitate; she walked straight up to him.

The moment she drew near, Dylan pulled her into his embrace, clamping his hand down on her chin to force her to lift her face. The kiss was fierce and urgent—it wasn't a kiss at all, but an outpouring of raw emotion. His teeth clashed against her lips, causing her to groan in pain, but he didn’t stop. His tongue forced its way past her teeth, silencing every moan she tried to make.

Pinned against the cold wall, Aurora could feel the pressure in her back. His entire weight bore down on her, the heavy scent of smoke mingling with his familiar icy aura, nearly suffocating her. One hand slid down from her chin and roughly tore open the collar of her shirt. His fingertips were scorching hot as they traced down her skin.

He breathed against her lips, his voice low and hoarse. "Long time no see."

Aurora struggled to push him away, but he seized her wrists and pinned them firmly above her head. The straps of her nightdress slipped down and he lowered his head to bite her collarbone—not too hard, not too soft—yet it sent a shiver through her.

Dylan forced her legs apart with his knee; the sash of her robe had come undone at some point. Their skin pressed together, scorching hot; every touch carried an unmistakable desire. Aurora trembled all over, unsure whether it was from the cold or his unabashed aggression.

"Not here.." her last shred of reason protested.

“Is it up to you?” He paused, lifting his eyes to meet hers. In the dim light, his eyes, usually so cold, burned with a dark fire that set her heart racing.

Then, suddenly, he lifted her up and took a few steps into the bedroom. They sank together into the dishevelled sheets. His kisses fell again, more urgent than before. His hands roamed over every sensitive spot on her body, sending a chill down her spine with their skill.

“Five years,” he murmured, his voice muffled by her neck as he kissed and nibbled her earlobe. "Is there a single spot on your body I haven’t touched? Hmm?”

Aurora closed her eyes, her fingernails digging into his back.

The night was thick and heavy, and his scorching breath seared her neck like an inescapable verdict.

She saw the desire surging in his eyes as he unbuckled his belt. Once that veneer of restraint had been removed, all that remained was three months' worth of pent-up hunger.

When she woke up, the spot beside her pillow was empty, yet she could hear the sound of running water coming from the bathroom. Glancing in that direction, she saw a blurry, slender silhouette reflected in the frosted glass.

Aurora was slightly surprised; he never used to stay by her side until dawn, but he had made an exception today.

She forced herself to sit up, her limbs aching, and gazed towards the bathroom, where the water was still running.

The sound of water stopped abruptly.

The frosted glass door swung open with a clatter.

Dylan emerged with a towel loosely draped around his waist, water trickling down his toned abs and glistening in the morning light.

“Awake?” His voice was flat as he picked up a document from the bedside table. “Perfect. Take a look at this.'

The document landed on the sheets, kicking up a fine cloud of dust.

Relationship Termination Agreement.

Aurora stared at the title and suddenly found the whole situation rather amusing. Five years—it turned out that all it took to end it was a single piece of paper.

Dylan had already walked over to the wardrobe to pick out a shirt, his movements as smooth as if he were signing an ordinary contract.

A dull ache struck her chest suddenly and fiercely. The doctor had said her heart would last no more than three months, and she had planned to support him quietly through this final period.

“What if… I don’t agree?” She lifted her head, her eyes stinging but holding back the tears.

Dylan paused as he buttoned his shirt and finally turned to look at her directly.

His gaze was as cold and ruthless as if he were appraising an out-of-season luxury item.

“Aurora, don’t be ridiculous.” He picked up his wristwatch. "This house is yours, plus fifty million. That’s a lot.”

She suddenly burst out laughing, snatched the agreement, flipped to the last page and signed her name quickly.

The tip of the pen nearly tore through the paper.

"I don't want the money." She tossed the agreement back at him. "Just give me my freedom."

Dylan’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

"What do you want?" He put on his watch slowly.

"Like—" she said, jumping off the bed and looking up at him with a radiant smile as her bare feet touched the cold floor. "I can finally date others. I heard a new bar just opened in Westgate, full of hot guys.”

The air froze for a moment.

His fingers tightened slightly as he adjusted his cuffs; the watch strap made a faint metallic scraping sound.

“Whatever.” His voice was colder than before.

As the door closed, Aurora remained standing where she was. She crouched down slowly, clutching her aching chest and letting tears stream down her face freely.