Page 33 of Breaking the Annulment

Aurelia stoodin front of the wardrobe, running her fingers over the delicate fabrics hanging neatly inside. She’d barely believed it when the packages had started arriving yesterday—dresses, shoes, and accessories, all lavish and undeniably hers. She pulled out a sleeveless navy dress with a subtle sheen, holding it up against her body. It was simple but elegant, with a cinched waist and a hem that skimmed just above the knee.

In the adjoining bathroom, she took a quick shower, then carefully applied light makeup and styled her hair in loose waves that fell over her shoulders. The woman staring back at her inthe mirror looked poised, her lips painted a soft pink and her navy dress complementing her complexion. She couldn’t deny the thrill that coursed through her as she slipped on a pair of nude heels and clasped a gold bracelet around her wrist. Her ring, so heavy the day before, seemed a little lighter. Maybe, just maybe, she could get used to wearing it.

The sleek black car glided over the sunlit streets, the steady hum of the engine punctuating the comfortable silence. Aurelia sat beside Michalis, her hands clasped in her lap, her eyes fixed on the passing scenery. Every mile that put distance between her and the estate filled her with a quiet exhilaration.

Michalis leaned back in his seat, his arm stretched casually along the backrest. “You look stunning,” he said, his tone low but sincere.

Caught off guard, Aurelia turned to him, her cheeks heating under his steady gaze. “Thank you,” she said softly, her voice nearly drowned out by the engine.

His hand moved to rest on her thigh, a gentle but possessive touch that sent a ripple of awareness through her. She glanced at his hand but didn’t push it away.

“Do you trust me?” he asked suddenly, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers, as if searching for something.

His question hung heavily in the air between them, a palpable tension she couldn't escape. “I’m…not sure yet,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

A faint smile tugged at his lips, but he didn’t push her further. “Progress.”

The rest of the car ride was spent in companionable silence. When they arrived, Michalis helped her from the car, then escorted by three bodyguards. Aurelia had gotten so used to them, she barely even noticed.

The air inside La Serena was cool and fragrant, the subtle hum of conversation blending with the soft clinking ofglassware. Aurelia allowed Michalis to lead her through the restaurant, his hand firm and warm at the small of her back. Heads turned as they passed, diners’ gazes lingering on them, no doubt curious about who they were.

At their table near the back, Michalis pulled out her chair before settling into his own. The server arrived promptly with menus and water, but Aurelia barely glanced at hers, her attention snagged by the way Michalis leaned toward her, his focus wholly on her.

“You seem nervous,” he observed, his lips curving into a teasing smile.

“I’m not nervous,” she replied, lifting her chin. “Just…curious.”

“Curious?” he echoed, his voice rich with amusement. “About what?”

“About why you brought me here,” she said, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“I wanted to take my wife to lunch.” he said simply, his tone warm and genuine.

The server returned, balancing a tray of meticulously arranged dishes. The aroma of freshly grilled seafood, lemon, and herbs wafted between them as he set down the small plates. A vibrant salad of ripe tomatoes, cucumber, and feta glistened with olive oil, while tender pieces of lamb rested atop a bed of couscous. Aurelia’s mouth watered despite her nerves.

Michalis leaned back slightly, his sharp gaze softening as he watched her take in the spread. “Try the salad first,” he suggested, his voice warm but firm, the kind of tone that left little room for argument.

She reached for her fork, spearing a cherry tomato. The tangy burst of flavor surprised her, followed by the creamy richness of the feta. Without meaning to, she let out a quiet hum of approval.

Michalis’s lips curved into a small, satisfied smile. He reached across the table, adjusting her plate slightly so it sat at a better angle for her. “Good?” he asked, his eyes meeting hers.

“It’s…perfect,” she admitted, though her guard stayed firmly in place. “Better than I expected.”

“I told you you’d enjoy it,” he replied, his smile deepening as he turned his attention to his own plate. He cut into a slice of lamb with deliberate precision, his movements calm and assured. “Here. Try mine.”

Aurelia took the bite from his outstretched fork, her thoughts swimming in the quiet between them, her determination to remain on her guard slowly weakening. The food was exquisite, the flavors exploding in her mouth. The lamb was cooked to perfection, juicy and flavorful. Her eyes closed in bliss. The lamb was tender with a hint of smokiness that delighted her taste buds. The faint scent of wine lingered in the air, adding to the sensory experience. She opened her eyes, only to find his focused on her lips like they were a puzzle he meant to solve. Heat crept up her cheeks and she quickly swallowed the bite of lamb.

“W-what is next on your agenda after this?” she asked, hoping to distract him and herself from the tension that had settled between them.

He took a sip of his wine, his eyes never leaving hers. “After this?” He mused aloud, as if he hadn’t given it much thought before now. “I suppose I’ll continue my search for...” he trailed off, his words hanging in the air like a delicate spider's web.

“For what?” Aurelia pressured him, her curiosity piqued despite her better judgment. She knew she shouldn’t get involved with his secrets, but there was something about him that drew her in, like a moth to a flame.

He smiled almost sadly. “The answers to the universe, I suppose.”

Her eyes narrowed. That wasn’t what he’d been about to say, but she wasn’t sure she really wanted to know, so she let it go after a long moment, deciding the best thing she could do was focus on her food.

As she ate, however, thoughts of their complicated relationship kept intruding, preventing her from fully savoring eat bite. She wanted to relax, to enjoy the moment, but she knew her resolve was wavering dangerously. Michalis' presence filled her with a longing she couldn't deny.

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