Sophia's heart slowed with relief.
Aurora didn't know. She didn't know about Hades's schemes, the lies, the manipulation.
For a moment, it felt like a lifeline had been tossed to her.
But that relief was mixed with something else—a tug of disappointment.
Part of her wished Aurora did know, that she didn't have to carry this alone.
She couldn't let her mother be dragged into the mess. She had to protect her, even if that meant deceiving Aurora.
Sophia swallowed, her mind racing to keep up. She offered Aurora a small, shaky smile. "I didn't mean to hide it from you... I'm sorry." She hesitated before adding, "It wasn't deliberate. I just... didn't know how to say it."
Aurora's expression softened further, still holding Sophia's phone but looking at her with concern. "Why, though? I thought we always shared things like this. You could've told me."
