THE FIFTH PROMISE [ARRANGED MARRIAGE]
A Marriage I Never Agreed To
Sinclair Mansion. 7:15 PM.
ELEANOR SINCLAIR | FL'S MOM
Aurora?
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Hmm?
ELEANOR SINCLAIR | FL'S MOM
Your father wants everyone in the dining room.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
That's never good.
ETHAN SINCLAIR | FL'S YOUNGER BROTHER
(walking past with a bag of chips)
Family meeting?
Who's getting disowned today?
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Hopefully you.
ETHAN SINCLAIR | FL'S YOUNGER BROTHER
Wow.
ETHAN SINCLAIR | FL'S YOUNGER BROTHER
I haven't even sat down yet.
The siblings entered the dining room.
Edward Sinclair was already seated at the head of the table.
A thick brown envelope rested beside his hand.
No one spoke.
The atmosphere felt... strange.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Dad?
What's going on?
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
Sit.
Aurora frowned but obeyed.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Okay...
Now you're scaring me.
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
I have an announcement.
ETHAN SINCLAIR | FL'S YOUNGER BROTHER
Is it another business merger?
Please say yes.
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
No.
ETHAN SINCLAIR | FL'S YOUNGER BROTHER
Then I don't like where this is going.
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
Aurora.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Yes..
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
You're getting married.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Sorry?
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
Your wedding will take place in four weeks.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
...
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
You're joking.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Dad.
Tell me you're joking.
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
I don't joke about family matters.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Mom?
ELEANOR SINCLAIR | FL'S MOM
...
Eleanor lowered her eyes.
Aurora's smile slowly faded.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Wait...
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
You're serious?
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
Yes.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
To who?
Edward slid the brown envelope across the table.
Aurora hesitated before opening it.
Inside...
A photograph.
A man dressed in a black suit. Sharp jawline. Dark eyes. An unreadable expression. He looked directly at the camera. As if he already knew this moment would come.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
..
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Who is he?
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
Lucien Ashford.
ETHAN SINCLAIR | FL'S YOUNGER BROTHER
THE Lucien Ashford?
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
You know him?
ETHAN SINCLAIR | FL'S YOUNGER BROTHER
Everyone know him.
ETHAN SINCLAIR | FL'S YOUNGER BROTHER
He's the CEO of Ashford Holdings.
ETHAN SINCLAIR | FL'S YOUNGER BROTHER
He never attends interviews
ETHAN SINCLAIR | FL'S YOUNGER BROTHER
Never smiles in public.
ETHAN SINCLAIR | FL'S YOUNGER BROTHER
And apparently he fired a board member with just one sentence.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
That's supposed to impress me?
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
You'll be his wife.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
No.
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
The decision has already been made.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Then unmake it.
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
That's impossible.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Why?
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
Because both families have already signed the agreement.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Both families.
Not me.
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
You represent this family.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
I am your daughter.
Not your business contract.
Even Ethan stopped joking.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
I don't know this man.
I've never met him.
How am I supposed to marry someone whose voice I've never even heard?
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
You'll meet him tomorrow.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
I don't care if I meet him tonight.
My answer is no.
Aurora stood abruptly, her chair scraping loudly against the floor.
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
Sit down.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
No.
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
Aurora.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
I said no!
Her voice echoed through the dining room.
For the first time...
Edward's expression hardened.
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
Whether you accept it or not...
The wedding is happening.
Aurora stared at him, disbelief turning into anger.
Without another word, she turned and walked out.
The photograph still clutched tightly in her hand.
Upstairs.
Aurora threw the envelope onto her bed.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
(muttering)
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Lucien Ashford...
Who are you?
Unknown Number
-Tomorrow. 10:00 AM. Ashford Estate. Don't be late.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
- Who is this?
The message was read. No reply. A second notification appeared.
A photo. She opened it. It was a picture of herself.
Taken...
Just minutes ago.
Standing at her bedroom window.
The Man Behind the Name
8:07 PM
Aurora's bedroom.
Aurora stared at the photo on her screen.
It was definitely her.
Standing at the window.
The angle...
It wasn't taken from inside the house.
It was taken from outside.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
What the...
She rushed to the curtains and pulled them open.
Nothing.
Just darkness.
The garden lights flickered against the wind.
No one.
Or so it seemed.
Her phone vibrated again.
Unknown Number:
Close the curtains.
Aurora froze.
Without thinking, she looked back outside.
Still no one.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
- Who are you?
Unknown Number:
Someone trying to keep you alive.
...
The typing bubble appeared.
Then disappeared.
No more messages.
Aurora's bedroom door swung open.
MIA CARTER | FL'S FRIEND
WHY AREN'T YOU ANSWERING MY CALLS?!
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Mia?!
How did you get in?
MIA CARTER | FL'S FRIEND
Your brother let me in.
He said, and I quote,
"Good luck. She's about to explode."
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Sounds like him.
MIA CARTER | FL'S FRIEND
Okay.
Talk.
Why did you suddenly text me,
"I think my life is over."
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Because...
Aurora tossed the photo of Lucien onto the bed.
MIA CARTER | FL'S FRIEND
...
No.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Yes.
MIA CARTER | FL'S FRIEND
NO.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
YES.
MIA CARTER | FL'S FRIEND
Is that...
MIA CARTER | FL'S FRIEND
Lucien ashford?
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Apparently my future husband.
MIA CARTER | FL'S FRIEND
...
Give me five minutes.
I'm a journalist.
This is literally my job.
Mia pulled out her tablet and started typing furiously.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Please tell me he's secretly normal.
MIA CARTER | FL'S FRIEND
Hmm...
Let's see...
Youngest CEO in the country.
Never photographed smiling.
MIA CARTER | FL'S FRIEND
Lives in Ashford Estate.
Rarely attends public events.
Donated millions to children's hospitals anonymously.
Refused the "Businessman of the Year" award.
MIA CARTER | FL'S FRIEND
Owns...
Why does one person need four houses?
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Keep going.
MIA CARTER | FL'S FRIEND
Rumors say he's engaged.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Excuse me?
MIA CARTER | FL'S FRIEND
Wait...
No.
Never confirmed.
MIA CARTER | FL'S FRIEND
Another rumor says he's impossible to work with.
MIA CARTER | FL'S FRIEND
Another says he fired his own uncle.
MIA CARTER | FL'S FRIEND
Another says...
He hasn't dated anyone publicly in over five years.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Great.
I'm marrying a mystery.
MIA CARTER | FL'S FRIEND
Actually...
You're marrying Google with a jawline.
Aurora couldn't help laughing.
ETHAN BROOKS | ML'S FRIEND
Your grandmother has lost her mind.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
Probably.
ETHAN BROOKS | ML'S FRIEND
You're just going to accept this?
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
I already did.
ETHAN BROOKS | ML'S FRIEND
That's it?
No anger?
No rebellion?
No dramatic speech?
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
No.
ETHAN BROOKS | ML'S FRIEND
You're impossible.
Lucien continued reviewing documents without looking up.
ETHAN BROOKS | ML'S FRIEND
Do you even know what she looks like?
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
No.
ETHAN BROOKS | ML'S FRIEND
Don't you want to?
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
It changes nothing.
ETHAN BROOKS | ML'S FRIEND
Lucien...
You're getting married.
Not hiring an accountant.
Lucien finally looked up.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
Find out everything about Aurora Sinclair.
ETHAN BROOKS | ML'S FRIEND
Already did.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
And?
ETHAN BROOKS | ML'S FRIEND
No scandals.
Architecture degree.
Volunteers every Saturday.
Loves coffee.
ETHAN BROOKS | ML'S FRIEND
No criminal record.
No debt.
No fake charities.
No secret fiancé.
ETHAN BROOKS | ML'S FRIEND
Honestly...
She's suspiciously perfect.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
Nobody is.
A knock echoed through the office.
VICTORIA ASHFORD | ML'S GRANDMOTHER
May I come in?
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
Always.
Victoria entered carrying a small velvet box.
She placed it on the desk.
VICTORIA ASHFORD | ML'S GRANDMOTHER
Your grandfather bought these rings forty years ago.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
...
VICTORIA ASHFORD | ML'S GRANDMOTHER
They were never used.
I think it's time.
Two platinum wedding bands.
Simple.
Elegant.
On the inside of one ring... Something was engraved.
He frowned.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
"The Fifth Promise."
Victoria's expression changed.
Just for a second.
Long enough for Lucien to notice.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
What does it mean?
VICTORIA ASHFORD | ML'S GRANDMOTHER
...
An old family tradition.
Nothing more.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
You're lying.
VICTORIA ASHFORD | ML'S GRANDMOTHER
Some questions are better left unanswered.
She turned and walked away.
Lucien looked down at the ring once more.
For the first time...
He felt something wasn't right.
The next morning.
9:54 AM
Outside Ashford Estate.
Aurora stepped out of the taxi.
She looked up.
The mansion was breathtaking.
And intimidating.
Iron gates.
Marble stairs.
Black roses lined the entrance.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Who plants black roses...?
The gates slowly opened.
As if expecting her.
A butler approached.
BUTLER
Miss Sinclair.
Welcome.
Mr. Ashford is waiting.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Lead the way.
The mansion was eerily quiet.
Every footstep echoed.
The butler stopped before two enormous oak doors.
Aurora took a deep breath.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Here goes nothing.
She pushed the doors open.
The office was spacious.
Floor to ceiling windows overlooked the gardens.
A man stood with his back to her.
One hand in his pocket.
The other holding a cup of coffee.
Without turning around...
He spoke.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
You're six minutes early.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Is that... a complaint?
He turned.
Their eyes met for the first time.
Neither smiled.
Neither looked away.
After a long silence...
Lucien spoke again.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
You don't want this marriage.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
No.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
Good.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
Neither do I.
One Rule
Ashford Estate
Lucien's Office
The room was silent.
Aurora crossed her arms.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
So...
Neither of us wants this marriage.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
Correct.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Great.
Then let's call it off.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
If it were that simple, you wouldn't be here.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
You could refuse.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
So could you.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
I did.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
So did I.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Then why are we still standing here?
Lucien looked at her for a moment.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
Because someone wants us married.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Our families.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
...
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
Maybe.
Aurora narrowed her eyes.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
"maybe?"
Before Lucien could answer...
BUTLER
Lady Victoria is waiting in the drawing room.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
Tell Grandmother we'll be there shortly.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
You were saying?
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
Nothing.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
You clearly know something.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
I know enough not to make assumptions.
Victoria Ashford sat gracefully on the sofa with a porcelain teacup in her hand.
Edward and Eleanor Sinclair were already there.
Aurora froze.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Dad?
You came?
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
This concerns both families.
VICTORIA ASHFORD | ML'S GRANDMOTHER
Please.
Sit.
Aurora sat beside her mother.
Lucien remained standing.
VICTORIA ASHFORD | ML'S GRANDMOTHER
Since you have officially met...
There are a few matters to discuss.
A butler placed a thick document on the coffee table.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
What's that?
VICTORIA ASHFORD | ML'S GRANDMOTHER
Your marriage agreement.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
There's actually a contract?
VICTORIA ASHFORD | ML'S GRANDMOTHER
Naturally.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Of course there is.
Victoria adjusted her glasses.
VICTORIA ASHFORD | ML'S GRANDMOTHER
The wedding will take place in exactly thirty days.
Until then, you will attend public events together.
VICTORIA ASHFORD | ML'S GRANDMOTHER
Family dinners.
Business galas.
Charity functions.
You will present yourselves as an engaged couple.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Even though we just met?
VICTORIA ASHFORD | ML'S GRANDMOTHER
Especially because you just met.
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
After the wedding, Aurora will move into Ashford Estate.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Excuse me?
Nobody asked me.
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
This is how it has been arranged.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Stop saying that word.
Arranged.
As if I'm furniture.
The room became quiet.
Lucien glanced at her.
For the first time...
There was the faintest hint of understanding in his eyes.
Victoria slid another paper toward them.
VICTORIA ASHFORD | ML'S GRANDMOTHER
There is only one rule.
Aurora picked it up.
At the top, in bold letters, it read:
RULE NUMBER ONE
Neither party may file for divorce during the first two years of marriage.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Two years?!
EDWARD SINCLAIR | FL'S DAD
That's standard.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Standard for who?
Royal families?
VICTORIA ASHFORD | ML'S GRANDMOTHER
There is one more condition.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
There's more?
VICTORIA ASHFORD | ML'S GRANDMOTHER
If either of you breaks the agreement...
VICTORIA ASHFORD | ML'S GRANDMOTHER
The marriage becomes void.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Perfect.
Then I'll break it.
VICTORIA ASHFORD | ML'S GRANDMOTHER
And both families will lose everything tied to the agreement.
Aurora's smile disappeared.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
...
What exactly is tied to this agreement?
Later...
The meeting finally ended.
Aurora stepped outside onto one of the estate's balconies, needing air.
The gardens stretched endlessly below.
She rested her hands on the railing.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
This can't be real...
A voice came from behind.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
You're thinking too loudly.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Is that your way of saying I look stressed?
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
Yes.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
You're terrible at comforting people.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
I've been told.
Aurora let out a small laugh.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
At least you're honest.
For a brief moment...
Neither of them spoke.
It wasn't awkward.
Just... quiet.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Can I ask you something?
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
Go ahead.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Did your grandmother tell you why we're getting married?
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
No.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Mine didn't either.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
...
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Doesn't that bother you?
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
Every day.
Before Aurora could reply...
A sharp sound echoed through the garden.
Something shattered beside them.
A flowerpot exploded into pieces.
Dirt scattered across the balcony floor.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
What was that?!
Lucien's expression changed instantly.
Calm.
Focused.
Dangerously alert.
He stepped in front of Aurora without hesitation.
Shielding her.
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
Get down.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
Wha...
LUCIEN ASHFORD | 28 | ML
NOW!
Another loud crack.
This time...
The glass door behind them shattered.
Guards rushed into the garden.
Voices echoed through the estate.
Guard: Protect Mr. Ashford!
Another Guard: Find the shooter!
Aurora's heart pounded.
Shooter?
She looked at Lucien.
He never took his eyes off the gardens.
As if he already knew...
This wasn't an accident.
Then...
One of the guards ran toward them, holding a folded piece of paper.
Guard: Sir...
We found this near the east gate.
Lucien unfolded it.
His face remained unreadable.
Aurora reached for the note.
AURORA SINCLAIR | 24 | FL
What does it say?
He handed it to her.
Only six words were written in black ink.
"Cancel the wedding. Or bury the bride."
Download NovelToon APP on App Store and Google Play
