Aurora Never Lies

Synopsis

On our seventh anniversary, Nathan Cross broke up with me, as usual. It was the fourth time. At Skyline, Midgard's top private club, the floor-to-ceiling windows framed the dazzling night view of Cedar Park. I stood in the middle of the crowd, holding a glass of white wine that was nearly drained. "To Elena, the future Chief Brand Officer!" someone raised a glass and cheered. Nathan stood behind me, his slender fingers plucking the commemorative badge from my trench coat. It was a worn silver badge we had custom-made for our fourth anniversary. He leaned close to my ear, his voice low and magnetic. "Happy breakup, Elena. Same old rule. See you in a month" The private room erupted in the familiar roar of cheers. Someone said, "Nathan's free again!" Another chimed in, "What do you bet? Will they get back together or finally call it quits this time?" The electronic music blared deafeningly. Under the crystal chandeliers, everyone celebrated wildly this annual spectacle they had watched four times already. Only I sat quietly in the corner, watching Nathan walk straight toward the woman with chestnut hair, Victoria Blake. She wore a red dress, like a flame, standing out sharply against the crowd. Nathan put his arm around her waist and led her to the dance floor, not even glancing back at me. I pressed a hand to my throbbing stomach. I had pulled an all-nighter finishing a proposal last night, and my stomachache had flared up again. This time, Nathan, the game was over. I wouldn't wait for you anymore.