Aunt Nora

Nora has known Eros Apostasia since childhood; he is the son of her best friend. When Ero was little, he was an obedient, shy, and kind boy who called her Aunt Nora. As time passed, Ero changed, and Nora saw him less and less. Most of the time, she only heard stories from his mother, Ginny, about how talented her son was and how devoted he was to his studies.

A few years later, Eros Apostasia founded his own IT company and became one of the richest people in the city.

The years go by and Ero’s life rises, while Nora’s situation worsens. Her marriage, which once seemed perfect—her husband, a wealthy broker and father of her twins—turns into a disaster. After failing in the stock market, he falls into huge debts and owes money to dangerous people.

In desperation, Nora asks Ginny for help, and she directs her to Ero.

Nora hasn’t seen him for years and isn’t sure if he will even meet her. Still, she decides to go to his office and asks the receptionist for a meeting with Mr. Apostasia. After a short phone call, she is allowed in.

Inside the spacious office, Eros Apostasia sits behind a luxurious desk. He stands up, walks toward her, and hugs her.

“Oh, Aunt Nora, hello. It’s been a long time. Mom said you might come. Please, sit down.”

He points to a leather couch.

As she sits, Nora realizes how much he has changed—the sweet boy has become a confident, charming, and undeniably handsome man.

“Ero, thank you for seeing me,” she says quietly. “I’m ****.

“My husband has dragged our family into terrible debt, and I don’t know what to do. Maybe you could help us… perhaps in exchange for some favor.”

She looks at him with pleading hope, realizing that desperation has **** her to ask for help—and perhaps place herself under his power.

Ero sits silently, contemplating his next move. Aunt Nora is 14 years older than him, at 40, and still the stunner she was in her twenties. She wears a demure cardigan over a shiny pale green satin slip dress with pink lace trim that stops just below her knees.

Her auburn hair is pulled back into a messy ponytail, adorned with a big white satin bow—one of the fashion trends of the day—making her look much younger than 40. The years have been kind to her, and when she smiles, dimples form in her cheeks.

He remembers her fondly, knowing she was good to him when his dad died and loved him just as much, if not more, than his mother, taking care of him when his mom had to go back to work to provide.

“Aunt Nora,” he smiles winningly, “of course I’ll help you.

“I’m so sorry it’s going poorly for you. Tell me, where do you and Marty stand? Do you still love him, even after all of this?”

Nora’s eyes widen slightly at his question, a flicker of pain crossing her face before she composes herself. She takes a deep breath, smoothing her hands over the silky fabric of her dress.

“Oh, Ero, it’s complicated. I... I did love him, once upon a time. We had such dreams, such plans. And then the twins came along, and they were the light of my life.”

Her voice wavers slightly as she continues.

“But these past few years, watching him gamble away our future and putting our family at risk... It’s been devastating. I feel like I barely recognize the man I married anymore.”

She looks down at her hands, twisting them nervously in her lap.

“Part of me still cares for him, still wants to believe there’s some shred of the man I fell in love with left inside him. But now?”

She pauses, blinking back tears before continuing.

“I hardly recognize the man he’s become. His choices, the risks he took, the pain he’s brought upon our family... it’s like he’s a stranger to me.”

“Well, what do you hope to accomplish here?”

Ero’s voice is steady.

“I’m up for helping you and the kids, but I can’t stand Marty. He’s a small, petty man, and he is beneath you. Oh, Aunt Nora, I love you and the twins, and I can’t stand to see you all go without. Consider the debt paid.”

He leans forward, his expression earnest.

“And please consider letting Marty go. He needs to find his own way without drowning you all with him.”

Nora’s eyes widen in shock at his bold declaration, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She opens her mouth to speak, but no words come out initially. After a moment, she finds her voice again, though it trembles slightly.

“Ero, I... I don’t know what to say. Your offer is incredibly generous, beyond anything I could have hoped for. To have the debt lifted, to know that the twins won’t suffer for their father’s mistakes…”

She stands up abruptly, pacing to the window and staring out at the city skyline, her reflection showing the turmoil in her expression.

“But Marty... he’s still their father. Despite everything, I hate the idea of the twins growing up without knowing him, even if he’s made terrible choices.”

She turns back to face Ero, her green eyes shimmering with unshed tears. He hugs her and reassures her, rubbing her back.

“Aunt Nora, it will be okay. I’ll take care of you. Is that all you needed?”

Nora’s heart swells with emotion at his heartfelt words, tears finally spilling down her cheeks. She rushes over to him, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace, burying her face against his chest.

“Oh, Ero... my darling boy. How can I ever thank you enough for this? For your kindness, your generosity, your unwavering support?”

She pulls back slightly to look up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude and something deeper, more intense.

Ero smiles.

“You’re right Aunt Nora; we are family. No matter what happens with Marty, I will always be here for you, just like you were always there for me growing up.”

Nora reaches up to cup his face tenderly, her thumb brushing away a stray tear from her cheek.

“Oh Ero, my sweet boy...”

She stands up abruptly, pulling him into a tight embrace. Her body molds against his as she buries her face in his neck, her sobs muffled against his skin.

“Thank you, thank you... For everything. For being here, for offering to help, for... for loving me. I don’t deserve such devotion.”

Nora clings to him desperately, her body trembling with the **** of her emotions. She nuzzles into the crook of his neck, inhaling his comforting scent as she tries to compose herself.

“Ero, my darling... you don’t understand. This isn’t just about the money or the debt. It’s about... it’s about you. About us.”

She pulls back slightly to gaze up at him, her green eyes dark with an intensity that sends a shiver down his spine.

“I’ve watched you grow from that sweet, shy boy into this incredible man. Strong, successful, so full of compassion. And through it all, you’ve never forgotten me, never stopped caring.”

Her hand slides up to tangle in his hair, tugging lightly.

“Tell me, Ero... is this all there is between us?”

To be continued in chapter 2...