Page 10 of Farmer's Elegant Bride

Aurora

My heart feels like it’s been shattered into a million pieces as I read and reread Aurora’s letter. Each word cuts deeper than the last.

A deep sadness washes over me, threatening to consume me whole. I feel lost and alone, as if a part of me has been ripped away with her departure. How could she leave me like this? Doesn’t she know how much I love her?

Chapter Nine

Aurora

The airport terminal is a bustling hive of activity, filled with the constant hum of chatter and the rhythmic clatter of rolling suitcases against the tiled floor as they move from one gate to the other.

I sit alone in a hard plastic chair, my suitcase tucked between my legs as I wait for my flight to be called. My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I fumble to answer it, my heart sinking as I see Emily’s name flashing on the screen.

“Hey, Em,” I say, trying to hide the sadness in my voice.

“I take it that you took my advice?” comes Emily’s harsh voice.

“Yeah, I’m at the airport.”

“That’s good.” I hear the smile in her voice. “Going there was a bad decision anyway.”

“I just... I don’t know, Em. I thought I was doing the right thing by coming here, but now I’m not so sure.”

“And that’s because it was the wrong thing.”

There’s a moment of silence on the other end of the line, and then Emily speaks again, her tone softer this time. “Aurora, listen to me,” she says gently. “You deserve better than some farmer in the middle of nowhere. You deserve someone who can give you everything you’ve ever wanted.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions inside me. “But what if he was everything I wanted?” I whisper, the doubt creeping into my voice.

“Aurora, you can’t build a future with someone who doesn’t even have a stable job,” she says firmly. “Trust me, you’re better off without him.”

“He does have a stable job; he’s a farmer,” I reply, my voice firm this time.

“Trust me, you will be miserable living with that guy because you’re not sure he feels the same way about you.”

I swallow hard, pushing down the lump forming in my throat. “I guess you’re right,” I murmur, the words tasting bitter. As I end the call, I can’t help but wonder why Emily suddenly cares. Why is she so adamant about me returning?

I lean against the hard plastic seat, the airport’s hustle and bustle fading into the background as I try to make sense of Emily’s sudden concern. It’s not like her to be so invested in my decisions.

But maybe she’s right; maybe going back home is for the best. But a part of me can’t shake the feeling that I’m walking away from something special, something that could’ve been the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

With a heavy sigh, I tuck my phone back into my purse and glance up at the departure board, watching as the list of flights flickers and changes. My heart skips a beat as I hear my name being called out, a familiar voice cutting through the noise of the bustling airport.

I don’t need to turn to know who it is; the sound of his voice alone is enough to send a shiver down my spine. When I finally do look up, Levi stands before me, his presence commanding yet gentle. He’s still dressed in his work clothes, his hair tousled, and his eyes filled with hurt. For a moment, we just stare, silently taking each other in.

“Levi,” I breathe, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Aurora,” he replies, his voice tinged with relief.

I feel the weight of his gaze on me, searching my face as if trying to decipher the thoughts swirling in my mind. “Wh... what are you doing here?” I finally manage to say, my voice trembling slightly.

He takes a step closer and pulls me to his chest, his large arms enveloping me in a warm, tight hug. A rush of emotions floods through me.

“I love you, Aurora,” he whispers into my hair, his voice soft and filled with emotion. “Please don’t leave. You don’t have to be strong. Let me be strong for both of us.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I bury my face against his chest, breathing in the familiar scent of his cologne mingled with the earthy aroma of the outdoors. In his arms, I feel safe and loved. What made me think leaving was a good idea?

“I don’t want to leave,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. “But I was scared, Levi. Scared of not being enough.”

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