Unavailable for love

Aurora passed the magazine to Alice, who was sitting beside her. "Take a look at this."

Alice flipped through the pages, admiring the photos. "You look incredible, Aurora. Pregnancy agrees with you - you've always been a stunner."

Just then, Aurora's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her expression transforming from calm to shock.

Alice noticed the change and asked, "What's going on? You look like you've seen a ghost! Show me."

Aurora handed over her phone, and Alice gasped. "Oh my God, what is this?!"

The phone displayed a photo of Blade Johnson, Aurora's husband, in a compromising position with another woman.

Aurora's eyes refused to accept the evidence. "This can't be real. It must be photoshopped or something. Blade would never cheat on me - he's not capable of it."

Alice's expression was sceptical. "Aurora, it's right there in front of you. How can you deny it?"

Aurora shook her head, trying to process the shocking revelation.

Alice's eyes flashed with scepticism, her long-held doubts about Blade resurfacing. She wisely kept her thoughts to herself, knowing Aurora would not welcome her reservations. But when a new message appeared, Alice spoke up, her voice measured. "Aurora, you've got another message. It is not a photo but, I can read it aloud if you'd rather not."

Aurora nodded weakly, her eyes still shut, and Alice continued, "It says to meet at Eagle's Sight Hotel, Room 306, to uncover the truth about Blade."

Aurora's eyes snapped open, her face set in determination. Alice swiftly intervened, her grip on Aurora's arm gentle but firm. "Wait, Aurora. Don't jump to conclusions. This could be a cruel prank. Your health and the baby's well-being are at stake. Let me investigate instead. I'll get to the bottom of this and report back." Alice's calm logic aimed to temper Aurora's rising anxiety.

Aurora ran her hand through her hair, her voice laced with desperation. "I need to get to the bottom of this, Alice. I have been receiving anonymous messages for weeks, each one chipping away at my sanity. I love Blade, I truly do, but I cannot shake off these doubts. I have tried to trace the sender but, they're ghosting me. I feel like I'm losing my grip on reality." Tears began to stream down her face as she continued, "I have to go to that hotel, Alice. I have to know if it's true."

Alice sighed; her concern evident. "What if it is a trap, Aurora? What if someone's setting you up?"

Aurora's determination remained unwavering. "I'll know when I get there."

Alice let out a resigned sigh, familiar with her friend's unyielding nature. She knew Aurora's mind was made up, so she relented, "Fine, I'll accompany you, dear Aurora. I will ensure my bodyguards are prepared and, we'll have the area secured. I won't let any harm come to you, my stubborn friend."

***

They arrived the spot in two hours. The eagle sights hotel was a luxurious landmark in the city, catering exclusively to the affluent, sophisticated, and influential. Nestled among other high-end hotels, restaurants, and fashion boutiques, it offered a plethora of options for the discerning billionaire clientele.

Alice took the lead, claiming they were there to book a room - specifically room 307, conveniently located near room 306. They ascended to their destination via the elevator and found themselves outside room 307, directly opposite room 306.

Without hesitation, Aurora burst into room 306, Alice close behind. However, they found the room empty. Aurora hastily searched the bathroom and dressing room, only to find them vacant as well.

She returned to Alice, her voice filled with relief, "I guess it was a prank, Alice." Her tone conveyed her gratitude at not finding her husband, Blade, in a compromising situation.

Alice's attention was drawn to a mysterious note on the table, her silence punctuated only by the soft rustle of paper as she picked it up. The message was terse, yet intriguing: "Binoculars on the couch. Look ahead."

Her eyes scanned the room, landing on the couch, where she found the binoculars. Returning to the note, she hesitated briefly before raising the binoculars to her eyes. Room 306's glass walls offered a stunning view, but what Alice saw was far from enjoyable.

The view was crystal clear and, what she saw made her heart race and her breath catch. Room 306's glass walls offered a stunning panorama, but Alice's gaze was fixed on a shocking scene unfolding at Hotel Reward, just a short distance away. Aurora's husband, Blade was wrapped in a passionate embrace with someone else on the balcony. Alice's voice was laced with urgency as she called out to Aurora, "You need to see this, now."

Aurora stepped closer, her hand reaching out to snatch the binoculars from Alice's grasp. She pressed them to her eyes, her breathing becoming laboured due to the sight. But before she could succumb to her emotions, Alice swiftly retrieved the binoculars, urging, "Hey, calm down, girl!

Aurora's words tumbled out in a frantic scream: "Blade is cheating on me, Alice! With Claudia, of all people! My friend, whom I helped get back on her feet! She's repaying me by sleeping with my husband, Blade Johnson!"

Alice tried to placate her, "Aurora, please calm down, think of your baby!"

But Aurora's anger and hurt would not be contained. "Don't dare tell me to calm down! I will not be silenced. I'm going to confront them right now and, nothing will stop me!" With that, she stormed out of the room, Alice hot on her heels.

If only Aurora would temper her pace, she might have avoided drawing attention from the hotel patrons, who could not help but wonder what was amiss. But as they exited the hotel, Alice grasped her friend's arm, imploring, "Aurora, please calm down."

Aurora's response was defiant, "I can't! I won't!" She shook off Alice's grip, her eyes blazing with determination. "Let them all wonder, let them all talk! I don't care about anyone's opinions or judgments!" With that, she strode purposefully towards Hotel Reward, leaving Alice to follow in her wake.

***

Claudia strode into the bathroom, her phone at the ready. She dialled a number and waited for an answer. "I need an update," she said, her voice firm.

The person on the other end replied, "Ma'am, the first part of the plan has been successful. Aurora is now aware of your relationship with her husband."

Claudia's face lit up with a satisfied smile as she ran her fingers through her hair. "Excellent work. Proceed to the next stage. Today, I'll unleash chaos on that naive Aurora." She ended the call, confidence exuding from her every step as she walked out of the bathroom.

Blade Johnson, her lover, lay on the bed, awaiting her return. "You know, Claudia, I would have preferred the balcony," he said, a hint of mischief in his voice.

Claudia chuckled knowingly, "Blade, my dear, we can't risk being caught on camera. As a respected figure in this state, you're well aware of the paparazzi's reputation for sensationalism. They'll stop at nothing to get a juicy scoop, and we can't afford to give them any ammunition. I changed the location for your own good, but don't worry, we'll still have a wonderful time."

With that, she dropped her robe, revealing her alluring figure.

Soon, they were in a tangle.

Claudia's fingers danced across Blade's chest, her eyes locked on the clock. Any moment now.

The silence was oppressive, heavy with anticipation.

Claudia's heart pounded, her senses heightened.

Footsteps echoed outside, growing louder.

Closer.

Claudia's breath caught.

The doorknob trembled.

Her eyes locked on

to Blade's.

"Wait," she whispered.

Blade's gaze questioned.

The doorknob rotated, slowly.

Claudia's smile grew.

"Get ready," she breathed

Blade's eyes narrowed, " what the hell is going on?"

The door creaked.