23
Auroras POV
As soon as I entered Lucass hospital room, I could feel the tension between us. He looked pale, fragile even, but there was still a strength about him—an intensity in his eyes that lingered on me as I approached. I put on my best concerned face, though I wasnt sure if I could even fool him.
Lucas, I brought you something.I forced a smile, holding up a pizza box. He didnt even look at it, his eyes drifting back to the window as though my presence was already boring him. My fingers twitched with irritation, but I kept my composure. I had to.
Thanks,he muttered, barely glancing my way.
I swallowed the bitterness rising in my throat, squatting down beside him as I pretended to inspect his legs. I could feel the anger boiling beneath my calm expression. He should be thanking me for being here after all Id done for him, yet his attention was still fixed on that…Elena.
His voice broke the silence. What happened to your face?
I hadnt expected that. Startled, I quickly tilted my face away, tucking a strand of hair over the small scar that had yet to fully fade. Its…nothing,I stammered. Just a little accident.I cursed myself for being so careless. I hadnt planned on drawing attention to my own vulnerability.
Lucas shrugged, still uninterested. But then his expression shifted, a flicker of suspicion in his eyes. Somethings not adding up, Aurora.
I froze, my heartbeat quickening. What do you mean?
He squinted, as if piecing together a puzzle. This accident, it doesnt feel right. Theres…something unnatural about it.
A cold sweat prickled my skin. I fought to keep my face calm, relaxed, even smiling slightly as if his comment were harmless. Well, maybe it was just a freak accident,I said, trying to mask the nervous tremor in my voice.
His eyes remained suspicious, but he didnt press any further, dismissing it with a shrug. He didnt suspect a thing…yet. A small victory, but I could feel the cracks forming. I needed to be more careful.
Just then, the door opened, and Jason walked in. My relief was instantaneous. I just got a call,Jason said to Lucas. Mr. Edward is awake.
My blood turned to ice. Edward. That fool had survived. I quickly glanced at my watch, pretending I had an urgent meeting to attend. Well, I better get going.I flashed them both a quick smile and exited as casually as I could, though inside I was seething.
I rushed down the hall and slipped into an empty room to collect my thoughts. This was bad—no, this was disastrous. If Edward talked, if he revealed what had happened…everything would be over. I clenched my fists, my pulse pounding in my ears. I had to act, and fast.
After a few deep breaths, I pulled up the hood of my long black hoodie, adjusting it so it hid most of my face. No one would recognize me like this. I made my way down the hall, moving quickly but cautiously, avoiding eye contact with anyone passing by. I couldnt afford to be seen.
The door to Edwards room loomed ahead, and I pushed it open silently. Inside, he lay still, looking frail and broken. His face was bruised, his breaths shallow and labored. The sight filled me with a dark satisfaction. He was so close to the end already. It would take so little to push him the rest of the way.
You failed,I hissed, my voice low and laced with venom. His eyes opened weakly, terror immediately clouding his gaze as he recognized me.
Miss…Aurora…he gasped, his voice barely above a whisper. I tried…did everything you asked…He looked down, his hands trembling as he gripped the hospital sheet. Please, I need the money…for my family…
My smile was cold, humorless. Do you realize what youve done?I whispered, leaning closer so he could see the hatred in my eyes. Youve turned the love of my life into a cripple. All because you couldnt follow one simple order.
I—Im sorry…he whimpered, pleading, his eyes wide with fear. Please… I only need a little more time… My wife, my kids…they need me…
I let out a laugh, dark and mocking. They need you?I whispered. The only thing theyll need is the money for your funeral.My smile widened as the realization dawned on him, and his face twisted with horror.
No…please…he begged, struggling to sit up. But he was so weak, it was almost pathetic.
You shouldve thought of that before you botched the job,I said, my voice cold and unyielding. I picked up a pillow from the nearby chair, watching his eyes go wide with terror as he realized what I was about to do.
No! Please—His plea was cut short as I pressed the pillow over his face, using all my weight to hold it down. He thrashed weakly, his hands clawing at my arms, but I didnt relent. The struggle grew weaker, his gasps muffled, until finally, he stilled beneath me.
I waited a moment, listening to the silence, the faint beeping of machines the only sound in the room. Satisfied, I released the pillow, letting it fall beside him. His lifeless eyes stared back at me, and a twisted sense of satisfaction filled my chest.
Now,I whispered, the secret stays with you.
I straightened, adjusting my hoodie and carefully smoothing out my clothes. I glanced around the room to ensure I hadnt left any trace of my presence. My heart was pounding, adrenaline coursing through me, but I managed to keep my face calm.
But just as I reached the door, a flicker of movement caught my eye. I whipped my head around, my gaze darting to the window in the hallway. A shadow moved, disappearing around the corner.
My stomach dropped. Had someone seen me?
For a moment, I stood frozen, my mind racing. Id been so careful…hadnt I? But the hallway had been quiet; I hadnt heard anyone approach.
Shoving down the rising panic, I forced myself to stay calm. I stepped out of the room, moving as casually as possible, my heart hammering against my ribs. I kept my head down, quickening my pace as I made my way toward the hospital exit.
The cool night air hit my face as I finally stepped outside, the tension loosening slightly. Id made it out without being stopped. But that shadow lingered in my mind, taunting me, whispering that I wasnt safe yet.
I climbed into my car, hands shaking as I gripped the wheel. I took a few deep breaths, steadying myself before I pulled out of the parking lot, glancing in the rearview mirror. I didnt see anyone following me, but the idea was beginning to eat away at my confidence.
This wasnt over. Did anyone saw me?