Between a Fall

so active during the Wellesleys' anniversary party you'd think it was her own family's celebration. And after years

ood karma. But here she was, about to faceplant thanks t

Anything else to escape the herbal sap her housekeeper always pulled out f

ce at the right time-or was it the right place at the wrong time? Either way, sp

she th

rora exhaled in relief. "Good save, Elvis. And thank y-" she began, assuming her driver had

fr

, slipping an arm around her waist and pulling her close. Her hands instinctively la

ed, and a small black stud gleamed in his left ear. Dressed in baggy trousers and a matching jacket

so eager to fall off their feet to

d, but her eyes gliste

tance, coughed awkwardly before speaking. "Good evening,

ed, wisely avoiding the emoti

his neck, awkward but gentle as he helped steady Auro

didn't

ame from years of experience-he'd done this more often for her than he'd unlaced his o

nswer, he reached into a green shopping bag and pulled out a pair of whit

Aurora. She sniffled, tr

p at her and s

cally, her lips curvin

her feet, and he frowned. "You've got s

d-aids and gently applied them to each

s is the part where you invite me in for tea or coffee

d burst into tears. Without hesitation, she flung her

nstinctively, wrapping around her, holding her like he used to. For a long moment,

ack of her head, fingers stroking her auburn hair. His other arm stayed fi

ting presence again. But here she was-in his arms-on what was alre

ack gently, noticing the lingering tears in her eyes. He

w. No more crying," he teased softly,

atures were puffed from tears, eyes red-rimmed, but she still

, Aurora blinked up at him. "You remember. Thank you, Senior

debt someday," Ethan

r failed to collect in the p

er toward the door, support

, the door opened to reveal Mrs.

rilled by the sigh

** *

s, and the Qu

p with Aurora, and although Ethan's surprisingly wa

ing with her hands firmly planted on her hips. Her face, still puffy from a long day, wore a st

wing as she took in the band-aids on Aurora's heels. Her foot be

me, quickly ducked behind Ethan, pe

unspoken exasperation. Ethan now understood-Mrs. Jenkins, Aurora's housekeeper and nanny, had clearly war

a mind to let Mrs. Jenkins go ahead with the tongue-lashing, but remember

ence and a glimpse of your beautiful smile, the charm of the even

he housekeeper said with a fond smile, for she

itely. Who else would've made sure those death traps ended

he wouldn't have to convince her stubborn charge to

an, dear boy, it's so good to see you! And Aurora, darling,

ong with the world?" she wondered int

you see to it that she freshens up and soaks her feet in hot water? At least twenty minutes, please. Then apply this and this." He handed her the shopping bag from earlier, which containe

ased. "Of course, dear. Right aw

and and followed her nanny upstairs as the obedient

apron from the kitchen. "I'll start on some

wn from upstairs. "I abso

nner before the party because despite the fact that she never has a proper bite du

rked up her appetite, somethings ne

d but clearly amused. As he cooked, the sound of sizzling vegetables and s

The walls were a soft, creamy white, and the minimalist furniture was off

fridge was stocked with fresh vegetables, meats, and exotic spices-thanks to Mrs. Jenk

up in a loose ponytail, and she wore soft fleece PJs with a fun grap

ed at the sight before her. Two bowls of steaming handmade Chinese noo

bsolute best!" she exclaimed, grabbing h

closed her eyes, savoring the flavor. "Remind me to call Aunty Wendy and thank her for

. "Part Asian,

with a dramatic eye roll. Ethan

Aunty Wendy to convince your parents to let you visit our hometown this holiday. But your m

idnap* him-I'd use my feminine charm to co

on his food while also watching Aurora

Princess. You'r

still full, and slowed her

memories. What they'd missed. Silly updates. Their words flowed

time. "You need to get some rest,

out her arms. Ethan froze in surprise but quickly

nd her bedroom, tucked her in, and squeezed o

al spot-and drifted off to sleep, wondering if

eeling refreshed and energized after a good night's sleep. He lies still for a moment, listening to the quiet sounds

fore. He finishes cooking ten minutes before her usual wake-up time, feeling a sense of satisfaction at being able to take c

s a note to it that reads: "Good morning, sleepyhead! - Senior" and grins, knowing that Au

security keypad. He recalls the password being an inside joke from the

to his surprise, and he exits, calling ou