DATE NIGHT PT. TWO

**AURORA'S POV**

"Let's play twenty questions." I suggest making him laugh.

"I will never decline this offer." He replies with a chuckle.

That's how we spend the next half an hour asking each other many questions. I don't think we have only asked twenty questions because then it wouldn't have taken so much time. I share about my hobbies, favorite things, my goals for the future. I am shocked to know that he loves to watch Twilight Saga as who could have thought the big bad billionaire is a fan of supernatural shows. However, the more shocking thing is that he can cook and not only that, today's dinner is also made by him.

This man is full of surprises. Maybe that's why I am so interested in him and can't help myself getting attached to him. Not only he has finally taken me on a date but also kept in mind what will make me feel better.

Finally, he brings the different dishes that he has prepared and starts serving them. First comes Bruschetta-Topped Crispy Baked Chicken for starters which is so delicious that I feel like I don't need anything else for dinner. But he has already planned everything.

So after the starters, he serves the main course which contains Beef Short Rib Ragu ans Ginger Snap Pea Slaw With Seared Salmon. By the flavor of the spices, I know that he is an expert when it comes to cooking.

By the end of the dinner, he surprises me with a delicious dessert that I never have before. He says the name of the sweet goodness is Peanut Butter Chocolate Cup Chia Pudding.

"Why don't you open your own restaurant and work there as the head chef?" I ask while taking another bite of the pudding.

"I don't like to cook for others, only certain persons have the privilege to taste my handmade food." He replies with a smirk.

"So, you are saying that I fall on that list too?" I enquire teasingly but inside I am feeling nervous to hear his answer.

"Actually, you are at the top of that list." I nearly chock on the pudding but control myself while taking a few sips of water.

"Can't you stop flirting with me?" I grumble.

"I am flirting, I am just stating the obvious. If it's not true then I would have taken you to a luxurious restaurant for the date." He answers casually.

"Well, who taught you to cook so well?" I ask out of curiosity.

"My late father." He replies.

"Then your mom didn't even need to cook at home." I joke but he only gives me a half-smile.

"Did I say something wrong?" I ask worriedly.

"No, you didn't say anything wrong. Dad loved to cook for mom and mom too liked to eat food made by dad. But one-day mom came to know that dad was having an affair with one of his co-workers. Dad apologized many times but mom didn't forgive him and they got divorced within a few days. Mom decided to leave Italy and settled in here." He says in a faraway tone as if he is remembering the old time. I put my hand on top of his hand making him look at me with a pain-filled smile.

"After a few years a news came that dad was in the hospital, he had cancer. Mom did not want to go but on my insistence, we went to Italy to meet dad. After going there we found out Dad's cancer had reached the last stage so there was no way we could save him. We stayed with him for the last few days of his life. But after his demise, we came to know that he was not having an affair. Rather he was framed by his co-worker so that he could not get a promotion. Mom was devastated after that so she decided to stay in there in our old house." I wipe the lone tear that falls from his eye.

"Sorry, I ruin the date." He whispers looking so vulnerable that all I want to do is hug him.

"You haven't ruined anything. In fact, I am honored to know such an essential phase of your life." I reply feeling my own voice cracking at the turmoil going inside me.

"People taunted my mother a lot because everyone thought that there was some fault in her, which led dad to have a relationship with someone else." He lets out.

"It doesn't matter whether the woman has made a mistake or not. Our society always misunderstands the woman. They think that if she is a woman, then she has to bear the burden of everything." I state and feel him squeeze my hand making me look at him.

"This society has harassed you too, right?" He asks but I don't know what to answer.

"I..ummm.." I fumble with my words.

"Aurora, you don't have to tell me anything right now. But yes, if ever it seems that I am trustworthy to know everything, only then you can tell me everything." He assures me before kissing the tips of my fingers.

"How do you understand my mind without me telling you anything?" I ask earning a chuckle from him.

"Your eyes tell me everything." He replies while smirking at me.

Suddenly, the wind starts blowing quite harshly making both of us startle. We were so into talking that we didn't realize that the sky has been covered with dark clouds which means it can start raining at any moment.

"Let's go inside." He suggests to which I nod my head in response.

Quickly after collecting the containers we come down from the terrace. He asks me to sit in the living room while he gets information about the sudden change in the weather. Soon he comes back into the living looking somehow hesitant.

"What did you find out?" I ask.

"There will be a heavy storm tonight and so the roads are being closed." He replies rubbing the back of his neck.

"Then how will I go back home?" I wonder aloud.

"Eve has taken Skittles with her so you can stay here for tonight." He suggests.

"But how can I stay here? I have no extra clothes to change out of this outfit." I tell him.

"There is nothing to worry about in this. I have some of Eve's clothes in here, you can wear whatever you want from them." He replies.

"Are you sure I can stay here?" I ask.

"Of course you can stay here. Now, come and let me show you the room." He replies and starts walking so with a sigh I follow him.

"You get fresh then come downstairs. I will be there waiting for you." He says after showing me the room.

"Thanks again for the help." I tell him in which he only smiles at my way.