Page 35 of Code of Heart

By the time she left, she owed Estrella at least two boxes of replacement tissues. The process had been excruciating as it pulled at wounds never given the chance to heal. Yet, Aurelia walked away with a clearer sense of herself: her strength, resilience, and even the unhealthy ways she bent to please others.

Later, as she sat on the dock with her feet swirling in the lagoon’s warm waters, she found herself daydreaming about a future, a family, a partner who could see and accept her as she was…

Unaware that her match was closer than either of them realized.

CHAPTER 16

Aurelia

Aurelia stared at the thick envelope Estrella had couriered to her home that morning. She had glanced at it a dozen times throughout the day but couldn’t bring herself to open it.

Until now.

Its contents were so much more than pieces of paper; it was her future. Once opened, there would be no going back. A stack of bricks would have weighed her down less than what was inside: the comprehensive profile of her match and a consent form to move forward with the wedding.

After one last moment of procrastination, she closed her eyes and tore it open. She peeked with one eye and pulled out the folder, her hands unsteady.

Baby steps.

She settled onto the couch in her living area and began to read. Estrella had also emailed a copy that she had actively avoided. Skimming through the profile, Aurelia noted striking similarities between them, like how they were both only children with no surviving family, both passionate about helping others and volunteering. It was hard not to be intrigued.

Then her eyes landed on one line:Enjoys heavy and death metal music, often attends live concerts.

Aurelia froze, nose wrinkling in disapproval. Death metal was unbearably loud, chaotic, and full of screeching that tried to pass as singing. The complete opposite of her upbeat playlists. “It’s not a deal-breaker,” she muttered unconvincingly.

As she continued reading, other details jumped out from the page that softened her skepticism. He was exceptionally loyal tofriends, loved cooking, had a steady sense of responsibility, and was financially stable.

She smiled despite her worries.She could work with this.

With a deep breath and a prayer to all the gods in the universe for strength, she picked up her phone and sent a text message to Estrella.

Aurelia:I've reviewed the file. Let’s go ahead with this mystery man before I chicken out and change my mind.

The next day, Aurelia sat in Eleanor’s study, her signed copy of the prenuptial agreement resting on the desk. Charles had walked her through it thoroughly, addressing each clause and giving her time to ask questions. The names and final signatures would be added on the day of the wedding.

The inheritance clause brought relief, knowing she didn’t have to explain everything yet. Though it could raise suspicions about her financial status from her future spouse, she may not be ready to answer either.

She only hoped this wasn’t a huge mistake.

Later, as Aurelia drove home from work, Estrella called asking for wedding preferences.Her anxiety nearly drove her off the road.

“Aurelia, darling, I have several questions I need answered to narrow down your wedding preferences…starting with what kind of ceremony do you see for yourself?”

“Uh…what? I—I haven’t really thought about it...ever.”

“Oh! Alright…No worries,” Estrella said gently. “Let’s start simple. Big or small?”

Am I seriously doing this right now?

“Small. Very small. Courthouse, even! Just…simple. Bare minimum. No big crowd.” Her grip on the steering wheel could have cracked walnut shells. “Honestly, whatever you think is best for the other details is fine with me; I’m not very picky.” Aurelia couldn’t keep the panic from her voice.

Always in tune with her emotions, Estrella replied, "Understood. Leave the rest to me, darling. You focus on being ready to sayI do.”

Aurelia shuddered in relief; glad she didn’t have to think about marrying a stranger the rest of the drive home.

That relief lasted until she received a follow-up text that evening.

Estrella:Your wedding is scheduled for Friday at 3:00 PM at the Joia City Courthouse. Please arrive by 2:30 PM. Further details will follow.