Page 50 of Breaking the Annulment

The sound of running water greeted her as she stepped into the bedroom. Michalis was in the shower, the faint steam curling out from beneath the bathroom door. Aurelia let out a shaky breath, leaning against the dresser as she tried to collect herself.

She moved to the vanity, pulling out her makeup and jewelry. The act of getting ready—of focusing on small, mundane details—helped to ground her, though the twisting knot in her chest remained. She didn’t hear the bathroom door open until Michalis spoke.

“You’re quiet,” he said, his voice smooth but tinged with something she couldn’t place. “Did you get what you needed in town?”

She glanced at him in the mirror. He was shirtless, a towel slung low on his hips, water still glistening on his chest. He watched her with sharp, piercing eyes, his gaze lingering on her face.

Overcome with emotion, tears sprang to her eyes. All she could do was nod.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his tone softening.

“Nothing,” she swallowed past her emotion, turning back to the mirror. “I’m just nervous about the party, I guess.”

Michalis stepped closer, his reflection looming behind hers. “Is that all?” he asked, his voice low, skeptical. “Just nerves?”

“Yes,” she said, her hands faltering slightly as she adjusted her earrings. “That’s all.”

He didn’t press further, although she could feel him watching her, his silence speaking volumes as he got dressed. She forced herself to focus on her reflection, refusing to meet his eyes.

The soft glow of the vanity light cast Aurelia’s reflection in warm tones as she stood and adjusted one of the delicate straps of her champagne gown. The fitted bodice clung to her curves, the fabric shimmering with every subtle movement, and the scattered crystals glinted like stars against the silky material. She smoothed the skirt over her hips, the gentle flare pooling around her feet like liquid gold. The gown was breathtaking, but as she gazed at herself in the mirror, her thoughts strayed elsewhere.

She replayed her plan over and over, each detail carefully rehearsed.For the baby.Still, the thought of leaving Michalis, of running from the man she loved, made her chest ache.

She pinned her hair in a sleek chignon, leaving a few soft tendrils to frame her face. Her reflection in the mirror stared back with wide, stormy eyes.You can do this.

Her hand drifted instinctively to her abdomen, her fingers brushing lightly against the fabric as though seeking reassurance. The memory of the doctor’s words replayed in her mind:“You’re about eight weeks along.”

A mix of emotions churned within her—fear, uncertainty, and an almost overwhelming protectiveness. She hadn’t told Michalis yet. She didn’t even know how to start.

“You look stunning,” Michalis said, his deep voice breaking through her thoughts. She looked up in the mirror to find him standing a few steps behind her, watching her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.

He looked devastating in his tailored black tuxedo, the crisp white shirt beneath, still open at the collar. His dark hair was slightly damp from his shower, and the faintest hint of cologne lingered in the air between them. The electric blue of his eyes glowed with quiet intensity as they raked over her.

“You’re stunning,” he said, his voice low and smooth.

She flushed under his gaze, warmth blooming in her chest. “So are you.”

His slow grin stole the very breath from her lungs.

“You’re staring,” she added lightly.

“I’m admiring,” he corrected, stepping closer behind her. His hands came to rest lightly on her arms, his touch firm and possessive. “It suits you.”

She hesitated, her fingers faltering over the clasp of her bracelet. “It’s the one you liked when the fashion reps came to the house.”

“I remember,” he said simply. His thumbs brushed against her bare skin, sending a ripple of warmth down her arms. “You were made for this.”

Aurelia rolled her eyes, though her cheeks warmed under his praise.

His expression faltered, a rare vulnerability flickering in his eyes. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice quieter now, more measured.

“I’m fine,” she said quickly, pulling away and stepping out of his reach. “Just nervous about the party.”

Michalis didn’t move, his gaze steady as he watched her. “That’s not it,” he said softly. “Are you feeling all right?” he asked, his tone soft with concern. “You seemed… off before you left.”

Aurelia busied herself with clasping her bracelet, refusing to meet his eyes. “It’s nothing, Michalis. I’m fine. To be honest, I just needed some air.”

“Air,” he echoed, his lips curling into a humorless smile. “You’ve been ‘needing air’ a lot lately. Enough to drive yourself into town by yourself.” He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “What aren’t you telling me, Aurelia?”

---