The Path To True Love

By Anton Swanepoel

Love struck, Aurora decides to move to Thailand and live with her dream man, Chase. However, her haste to be with Chase puts her on an adventures path to a different country when she takes the wrong bus.

Rick, Aurora’s ex-boss and womanizer is hell bent on having Aurora as his trophy. Unable to let her go, he decided to do whatever it takes to break Aurora and Chase up. He also needs to make sure Aurora does not find out about his dark secrets that can send him to jail. Maxine, recently divorced, takes a vacation to the resort where Chase works. Lonely and desperate, she is determined to have Chase as her vacation toy boy.

Can Chase’s love for Aurora resist Maxine’s charm and Aurora make it to Chase in time before Rick destroys their relationship.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anton Swanepoel
• Release date: Oct 6, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370362912

Anton Swanepoel

Adventurer and world traveler, Anton Swanepoel, hales originally from Pretoria, South Africa, but has called a number of exotic locations home. Educated as a software engineer, he worked for a large multinational company before deciding to travel the globe. Along life's journey, Anton became a skilled scuba diver and technical diving instructor, teaching for seven years while living in the Cayman Islands. His resume touts Tri-Mix instructor levels from multiple licensing agencies, and dive records over 400 feet.Mr. Swanepoel has always loved travel and writing. In the past several years he's combined these passions, authoring and publishing a host of books, sharing secrets he's learned along the way. When he's not exploring an underwater landscape or racing a motorcycle down a stretch of highway, you'll find Anton visiting world destinations and chronicling his experiences.Today, he is a fulltime globetrotter and writer, having penned instructional guides for diving and travel, as well as a pair of fictional novels. His excurtion titles are geared toward do-it-yourself travelers, who enjoy saving money and seeing the out-of-way places. His favorite destinations include, Machu Picchu, the mountains of Vietnam, and the Temples at Angkor Wat.

Book preview

The Path To True Love

By Anton Swanepoel

Copyright © 2017 Anton Swanepoel

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means. Nor stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the author.

Published by Anton Swanepoel at Smashwords

Anton Swanepoel's Website

Anton Swanepoel’s Blog

Follow Anton on Facebook

Follow Anton on Twitter

YouTube Channel About Narcissism

YouTube Channel About Travel

Table of Contents

Disclaimer

Chapter 1: The Pull Of Love

Chapter 2: Where Are You Going?

Chapter 3: The Die Is Cast

Chapter 4: All Alone

Chapter 5: Indecent Proposal

Chapter 6: Hope

Chapter 7: Bring It On

Chapter 8: Are There No More Good Men Around?

Chapter 9: Balance Is Everything

Chapter 10: Rules Are Rules

Chapter 11: Facing Fears

Chapter 12: Making Up

Chapter 13: The Punch

Chapter 14: Will Love Endure?

About the Author

More Books by Anton

Disclaimer

All characters in this book are fiction and figments of the author’s imagination. Any reference to real characters is a coincidence only.

Chapter 1: The Pull Of Love

Golden rays glided over ancient temples and reflected in Aurora’s hazel eyes. For a thousand years, the temple walls of Angkor Wat stood firm against nature and foreign foes. Never did it yield to the will of others, and now gave inspiration to Aurora to follow suit. The most important decision of her life lay in front of her. She only had to stray but a little from the path she planned, and her dreams would evaporate like mist before the sun. Joy and love beat strong in her heart, for love was assured. However, from the deepest part of her mind, old lies poisoned her thoughts and lay ready to test her resolve as soon as she made a decision that countered the lies. Aurora tilted her head back and let her long auburn hair hang free for a moment. She stretched her lean and athletic legs out in front of her, then massaged her muscles. Sunset at Angkor Wat in Cambodia was something to behold, but it did result in pins and needles in her legs. Aurora took a deep breath and let the fresh forest air fill her lungs. Most of the day visitors have already left, and a silence descended over Angkor Wat.

A short distance from Aurora, love radiated from a couple and stirred Aurora’s heart. Young and in love, the couple glowed almost as strongly as the setting sun. Safely wrapped in his arms, the girl sat on the guy’s lap. Slowly the girl tilted her head backward and pressed her lips together. The guy leaned forward and answered her invitation. Aurora licked her lips when the couple’s touched. What stars and planets aligned to allow a couple so perfect for each other? I would be happy if but the moon favors me and Chase in a happy relationship. The short cut green grass was soft under Aurora’s touch as she ran her hand over the spot Chase once sat. Aurora hugged herself and imagined it was Chase. She swallowed and let out a soft sigh. Her heart fluttered and her lips tingled when memories of their first kiss danced in her mind. His sandalwood base deodorant played with her nose. Aurora puckered her lips and relived the moment. She gave a soft moan when Chase’s lips again pressed against hers.

Giggling a short distance away snapped Aurora from her dreams. The couple stared at her in wonder as she kissed the air. Aurora’s cheeks flashed red and she smothered a nervous laugh with her hands. The couple turned their attention to Angkor Wat. A wave of loneliness washed over Aurora. Chase’s departure had left a bigger hole in her heart than she thought possible. She yearned to again be with him and for him to just hold her and tell her that she mattered to him as much as he did to her. It was exactly the moment dark thoughts were waiting for and ambushed her. What if he wants kids? A chill went through Aurora. I have no idea how to raise a child. I would make the worst mother in the world. He would leave me the moment I say I do not want kids.

The soft scent of cherry filled the air while the taste of chocolate exploded in Aurora’s mouth. Aurora’s heart stopped.

Mom. She whispered. Aurora closed her eyes and dropped her head. She pressed her lips together and fought to hold back tears of longing but lost. One hot drop escaped and rolled down her cheek, salted her lips, and then called its friends. Aurora hugged herself and allowed only a few tears to escape and follow the first one. She sniffed and then dried her cheeks on her shoulders.

I miss you so much mom. Aurora took a deep breath. I am afraid mom. I love Chase. But I am afraid my dreams are not real. That he is not who he said he is, and that he will not be there if I go after him. And worse, that he will be there and is real, but would want to have kids. Aurora swallowed hard when the smell of Old Spice aftershave tingled her nose. Oh, dad. I wish you had been the one who thought me about boys and not grandma. Aurora’s throat closed up and her heart raced. From all the stories Aurora’s grandmother had told her about her parents, one was Aurora’s favorite and her grandmother’s most hated one. Aurora ran her tongue around her mouth. Her grandmother’s voice filled her head and retold the tale.

Aurora was still a star in heaven when her dad had told his mother what he was going to do that night on a date with Aurora’s mother. Aurora’s grandmother forbade him and told him if he did it, he was not welcome in her home anymore. He ignored her, and waited at a diner for Aurora’s mother. The car Aurora’s mother drove had broken down, but she had refused to give up on a simple date at a diner. She walked five miles in the cold and snow of the harshest winter Minnesota had experienced for years, to the diner. Aurora’s dad did not give up either, but waited until the woman of his dreams showed. It was that night that Aurora’s dad proposed to her mom. Aurora’s grandmother kept her word to her son, and kicked him out of her house. Her plan of stopping the marriage failed, for instead of Aurora’s mother moving to Minnesota as they planned, her dad moved to New York to be with the woman he chose as his wife.

Aurora’s grandmother could never accept that her son could stay true to his wife and chose her over his own mother even when she threatened to leave him homeless, nor what Aurora’s mother was willing to do just for a date. It took years before Aurora’s grandmother allowed them to come and visit her. On that trip, Aurora was four, and her parents died without reaching her grandmother. Aurora’s grandmother needed money and had her eye on the sizable sum Aurora’s parents left behind. However, there was a catch. Aurora’s parents had stated in their testament that Aurora’s grandmother had to take the burden of raising Aurora if she wanted the money.

Aurora bit her lip. Mom waded through the snow to be with dad. All I have to do is take a bus to be with Chase. And maybe he does not want kids, oh please don’t let him want kids.

Aurora jumped when her phone vibrated in her pocket. She looked at the Skype call identity then smiled.

Hi Jeni. Aurora said.

Hi Aurora. Where are you? Jeni, Aurora’s best friend asked.

At Angkor Wat, watching the sun set.

Oh let me see, please let me see. Jeni exclaimed. Aurora’s finger touched the phone’s screen and activated the rear camera. Ohh and ahhs came from the phone as Jeni shared in the last golden rays as it glided over the five lotus bud shaped towers of the largest religious temple in the world.

That is so amazing. I miss that view, thank you. Jeni said. Now turn the camera around so I can talk some sense into you. Although Jeni was glad Aurora met a man and had some fun, she could not stand to have her best friend leave her alone in New York. Aurora touched the phone’s screen again, and locked eyes with Jeni. The look dampened her joyful mood.

Are you really going to stay in Asia? A hint of sadness laced Jeni’s voice.

Yes, I love it here.

Are you staying for him?

Partially yes. Aurora could never lie to Jeni.

But you just met him. You know nothing of him. He is a hot instructor working at a resort where hundreds of bikini-clad girls go every year. What if you get there and he has forgotten about you or has a girlfriend?

Why would you say that? Aurora gasped. Her finger hovered over the red button to cut the call.

I just don’t want you to get hurt. Jeni lied. Her own feelings and fears were foremost on her mind. She was scared to death of suddenly being alone without the support Aurora gave her.

I know he is true to me, and that he will wait for me. Aurora said with a stern voice.

Okay okay, sorry. Maybe you are right. But have you thought about that he might want kids?

Aurora’s heart stopped and her blood stalled. Thinking about it herself was one thing, but for Jeni to bring it up was another. Of all the things Aurora’s grandmother told her as she grew up, this point was one thing Jeni agreed with. Aurora had no parents to serve as an example and would not make a good mother. Aurora was too dedicated to her work and knows nothing about raising children. She also had no one to help her now that even her grandmother was gone.

I, I don’t know. Maybe he does not want children.

Maybe? Aurora, please think. You are putting your life on the line for so many uncertainties.

I am sorry Jeni. I love you. But I have to know if there is a chance for me to be loved and love. I deserve love, and so do you. The comment hit Jeni harder than she cared to admit. Her fear of being dumped like her dad did to her mother when Jeni was 14 blocked her from allowing any man to get close to her heart, except one.

Well, let’s agree to disagree then. I will keep the tissues ready for you. Jeni said with a hint of sarcasm.

What about you and the server from the airport? Aurora changed the subject and zeroed in on the one man who managed to reach Jeni’s heart.

I dumped him. Jeni tried to sound matter of fact, but longing was in her voice and tears threatened to wet her cheeks. She desperately wanted to hold him, and scolded herself for being so weak as to fall so hard for him.

Why? Aurora gasped.

I got bored. Jeni lied. Besides, if I dump them first they cannot dump me. The truth slipped over Jeni’s lips before she could stop them.

Jeni. Have you ever thought that you may be afraid to love and are missing out on a good thing?

Please don’t go there Aurora. Love is overrated.

But you had so much fun with the guy.

Yes. I don’t know Aurora. I think about him every day. I just feel that it is too good to be true. Like you and Chase. I worry that he will hurt you.

I will not know unless I go. And if I do go and get hurt, it will be better than not going and never knowing. Aurora said.

You are brave Aurora. I don’t believe in love at first sight.

Tell you what Jeni. If I get there and he waited for me, then you have to give the guy from the airport a second chance. You have to explain to him that you dumped him because you are afraid he would hurt you. Deal?

Tell him that? That is a huge risk I will take by telling him my fears and trusting him. Jeni countered.

No bigger than me trusting that Chase will wait for me.

I guess. Jeni swallowed hard. Fear grabbed her by the throat.

Jeni?

Okay, deal. Jeni sighed while she held her fingers crossed behind her back.

Let me see your hands. Aurora said firmly.

No.

Let me see them. Aurora’s eyebrows dropped. Jeni brought her hands in line with her laptop’s webcam.

Uncross your fingers and say it again. Aurora commanded.

I will give him another chance if Chase waited for you. Happy now? Jeni said.

Awesome. Well, I have to get back to the hotel. The park is closing. I will chat with you again soon. Have a lovely day.

You to Aurora.

Aurora cut the call, then stood. The sounds of people leaving all around her were distant when she looked down at the spot she and Chase first kissed. A gentle breeze played with her hair as he did that night, and evoked a smile from her lips. Mom, it may not be the exact spot you and dad first kissed, but it is close enough and at Angkor Wat. I know Chase will love me just as dad did you, mom. A moonless night replaced day. Aurora looked towards the lights that eliminated the temple walls, and then the darkness around it. Like a beacon, the temple stood alone and proud, undeterred by the darkness that threatened it from all sides. Aurora’s heart thumped with joy when she turned to the exit of the temple grounds. The smallest candle chases away the biggest darkness and lights the path, just as hope drives away fear. Aurora had found the passage written in a textbook she borrowed when she studied investment. Illuminated like a runway, the walkway stretched out into the darkness in front of Aurora to the exit that was yet to appear out of the darkness. Her feet trusted the path, and soon she stood in the road by the entrance to the temple grounds.

Tuk tuk? A local asked next to her. Aurora only nodded. Her mind was too busy making a choice to spare thought to form words. She followed the local to his tuk tuk and then took the back seat. Her hotel’s name slipped over her lips without a thought of her mind, and instantly the tuk tuk pulled away. The tuk tuk’s old engine made a putt putt noise while it slowly took Aurora closer to her dreams. Mesmerized like a cat, the tuk tuk followed a dim yellow spot in the road. Tall trees jumped out of the darkness along the road and saluted Aurora’s resolve to keep the love she found. For the scales had already tipped in her mind. One last time the best attractions of Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, stood together. The golden palace, a massive garden clock in a park, a river walk, local markets, museums, the S-21 prison, and more tried in vain to tip the scales. The best attractions of Phnom Penh lost to the longing she had for Chase. The tuk tuk pulled into the parking area of her hotel. The engine gave one final putt then died. Dance music and joyful singing from the bar at the back of the hotel passed by Aurora unregistered, for her mind was in Thailand, with Chase.

Your hotel. The tuk tuk driver said a third time and waited for her to climb out.

Thank You. Aurora replied as automatic as she paid the driver, for her mind was made up and she had but one goal, find Nana and ask her what was the quickest way to Chase.

9th floor, Investment International, Manhattan, NY.

Rick, Aurora’s old boss gripped the edge of his desk while he hovered over his laptop. His emotions spiraled almost out of control while his eyes soaked up the poisonous words. Arteries at the side of his neck bulged out while his face reddened. Spit formed white rings around his lips when he glanced at the picture attached to the email he was reading. Obsessed with Aurora, Rick had long ago cohered the I.T. technician to secretly have copies of all emails sent to Dora, Aurora’s secretary, to him. His eyes flamed as he looked at the picture of Aurora and Chase kissing, taken by Nana. Rick’s heart stopped and his blood went cold when he spotted a motorcycle in the background of the picture. Rick slammed a balled fist on his table and made the Newton’s Cradle at the edge of his desk tremor in fear. As if it was not enough that Aurora chose a worthless beach bum over me, she had to choose a biker. Ever after Rick’s first girlfriend dumped him for a biker, he despised bikers. A permanent hole in his eardrum ruined his balance and forbade him to ever becoming a biker himself. Rick ground his teeth, then picked up his cell phone.

Rick saw Aurora as a challenge. She was the only girl to have ever brushed him off and not jump into bed with him at the slightest opportunity. He enjoyed the challenge. However, her running off with some beach bum, that infuriated him. No beach bum was going to better him.

Hi Rick. How are you? Zack, an old friend of Rick and a graphic artist answered the phone.

Zack. I need a favor.

Straight to the point. What do you need?

I need pictures PhotoShopped. Check on my company’s website for pictures of Aurora.

Ah. The girl who is giving you the runaround. The only one you could not get in bed by the wink of an eye. Zack laughed.

"Yes. Get pictures from her Facebook account and anywhere else you can. I want you to PhotoShop me into them. Make it look like we are having a good time. And make up