CHAPTER 17

“I couldn't believe it when I heard from Jewel. Did you really meet because of Jewel?” Joan curiously asked, as she wanted to know more about this issue.
“Yes, we did. She invited me to her party and when I came Lucian didn't really like me. He thought I was here to seduce him or take advantage of his daughter,” Aurora explained and chuckled when she remembered how crazy Lucian was before.
“It's just normal. All women around him always want something from him. It's one of the reasons why he never remarried until today,” Joan found Aurora’s explanation funny but was glad that she was open and truthful.
“It must be difficult for him,” Aurora felt a little tiny bit of pity for the man because of the trouble he faces daily.
“It is and I came here to look at you and ask you a few questions,” Joan smiled faintly at Aurora with a serious expression on her face.
“Please go ahead,' Aurora said getting ready to say whatever comes to her mind, she was trained to hide her emotions from young and didn’t believe she will not be able to conquer this old woman.
“Do you love my son?” Joan asked the most difficult question one can be asked.
“Do you want me to tell you the truth or flatter you?” she asked instead of answering as this question was a bit tricky.
“I always prefer the truth,” Joan replied enjoying how different Aurora was.
“To be honest I don't know how I feel for your son. I like him and hate him at the same time. It's complicated,” Aurora sighed as she thought of her true feelings towards Lucian. It was a very difficult for her but she hoped Joan will not bother her with the question anymore.
“It's the first time someone had given me such an answer. Why would you hate him?” Joan was surprised with the answer and she wanted to get to the bottom of it.
“Your son is quite a catch, Joan but he sometimes he can be a jerk,” at this stage, Aurora was just saying it all. There was no need to hide it, Joan wanted the truth and this was the truth.
“That I know dear but still I'm glad he decided to get married. Now we can finally have some peace. My other question was; why are you marrying him? What is really your angle and motive?” Joan still didn’t understand why Aurora agreed.
That was a touchy question but she needed to give the woman an answer she could be satisfied with without revealing her true intentions.
“I'm not marrying him for the money even though he has a lot. I have enough to support me from the beginning. I can say I'm marrying him because I like Jewel and like being around your son too even when he is much older than me,” she answered truthfully as she was with Lucian for other purposes which she couldn’t tell anyone at the moment.
“Age isn't anything at all. What matters is peace and harmony. You should click. It's good to know you like them both. Jewel just couldn't stop talking about you. It's refreshing to see her like that,” Joan was very happy with Aurora and couldn’t stop praising her.
“I'm glad to hear I left such a huge impression on her. It's very rare to hear that,” Aurora humbly spoke.
“You did which is why I wanted to see you sooner. So, are you prepared for the wedding?”
“Lucian told me that you will handle it. I have no knowledge about weddings, so …….”
“I will help you. It will be your big day so be prepared,” Joan was happy to lend a hand.
“I guess I will trouble you with everything. Anything is fine for me though. Just do whatever you think is good. I trust your judgment,” Aurora flattered the old woman.
“I am touched hearing that. I will host the biggest and grand wedding ever for you,” Joan already had a picture in mind and she couldn’t wait to see it in real life.
“Thank you very much,” she said smiling and Joan looked at her oddly.
“Is something wrong?” Aurora asked seeing the strange flash in Joan’s eyes.
“No, it's nothing,” Joan lied and chuckled to cover it up.
“Are you sure?” Aurora asked still worried that Joan may be under some cold spell.
“For a moment, you looked like someone I knew but that is impossible. I have something else to do. Let's meet another day for tea and dinner,” Joan said sadness visible in her eyes, standing up.
Aurora stood up with her and escorted Joan out to where her car was.
“Have a safe journey, Joan. I will visit you soon,” Aurora said.
“I will look forward to it. I have a wedding to prepare so I will be busy for a while,” Joan said with a smile on her face.
Aurora watched as Joan left the compound and she felt her tears coming. She felt very familiar with her as if she had known her the whole life. Her head kept on repeating what Joan said about her looking familiar and it made her even more emotional. Feeling too emotional she took a walk around the mansion to clear her head.

***
The wedding invitation cards had been sent out, the wedding was in a week thanks to his effective mother. He sat in his office looking at the luxurious copy on his desk.
His mother had changed ever since her meeting with Aurora and he was wondering what really happened back then. He even asked Aurora and she told him what had happened and yet nothing seemed fishy.
Aurora wasn't embarrassed to tell him just how older he was and the fact that she hates and likes him. Her honesty was one of the qualities he liked about her. Most of the women did all their best to flatter her and yet she was the opposite.
“Sir, your mother is here,” Victor informed Lucian on the phone.
“Send her in,” he said.