Chapter 20
Spring in Switzerland always comes later than in New York.[]
Aurelia leaned against the balcony railing at Delphine’s balcony, watching the mountain snow slowly melt, sunlight filtering through the sky–gentle but not harsh. Lucien was chasing around with Delphine’s son on the lawn, their laughter drifting over like wind, brushing against that soft, hollow place in her heart.]
She was free. Completely free.[]
“Aur.” Delphine pushed through the door, holding a black silk dress, all excited. “You’re going to tonight’s party. Lots of men, lots of drinks, and maybe the kind of life you’ll actually want.”
Aurelia didn’t turn around. “I’m not interested in men.“[]
“Stop lying to yourself,” Delphine walked over and draped the dress over her arm. “You’re not uninterested in men–you’re just disappointed in love. And parties aren’t for falling in love, they’re for showing you there are other types of guys besides Cassian out there, okay?”
“I know there are worse ones too.” She glanced back with cool amusement in her eyes.
Delphine laughed. “At least get hurt by a different breed. Stop dwelling on assholes.“[]”
Aurelia was quiet for a moment, looking down at the dress in her hands, then smiled slightly. “My name’s Sally Winslow now, right?“]]
“That’s right, Miss Sally.” Delphine lightly tapped her forehead. “Seven tonight. Don’t be late.“]
That evening, the party was blazing with lights and buzzing with conversation.]]
Aurelia wore the black dress, leaning against the corner bar, champagne
barstool.
flute
in
one hand, the other casually resting on the edge of a
intense, his presence
“Drinking alone?” A deep male voice came from her left.]
She glanced over to see a tall man standing beside her, wearing a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, his gaze steady–with that controlled, predatory edge.[]
“Doesn’t look like you’re waiting for anyone,” he added.[]
Aurelia looked at him briefly. “I’m not. Just find some quiet in the middle of chaos.“]
“Alexander Whitlock.” He introduced himself, raising his glass toward her.
She responded politely: “Aurelia Westvale.“]]
He raised an eyebrow slightly. “Westvale? I heard you have an orphanage in Switzerland.“[]
“I take on cases occasionally. Most of
my
time goes
my
kid.”
Alexander paused. “You’re married?“]]
“No.” She took a sip of her drink, matter–of–factly. “But I have a son.”
He nodded, didn’t press further. But his gaze lingered on her face with more seriousness.]
Wille’s Temptations.
તે વિસ્તારનું પ્રમાણ કેટલ
Chapter 20
She turned to him, her voice light but direct: “You’re not here to hit on me.“]
Westvalechuckled softly. “You don’t seem like the type who gets hit on.”
“0
“So what do you want?“]]
“You know a beautiful woman is attractive to men.” His answer was calm. “When a guy’s got troubles, who wouldn’t want to have a few drinks with a beautiful woman?“]
“What’s wrong?” She slowly set down her glass. “Relationship issues?“]
“Hmm…” Alexander looked at her, his expression steady. “Not sure.“[]
Aurelia didn’t respond, just watched him. After a moment, her lips curved slightly: “So what are you really after tonight?“]
He looked down at her, his voice low“Relax beauty. Let’s just have a few drinks. And you will remember me later.”
