24
Jason's POV
As I walked out of the restroom, I noticed a figure in the hallway—a tall, slim person in a black hoodie, her face partially hidden, but her stride gave her away. It was Aurora. Just moments ago, she'd mentioned needing to leave for a business meeting, yet here she was, sneaking around in the hospital, her movements tense, like she was concealing something. I quickly ducked behind a corner as she passed, barely breathing, watching her hurry down the corridor with suspicious urgency. Once she disappeared, I let out the breath I'd been holding, a strange unease building in my gut. What was she doing here? I shook my head, trying to dismiss the thought, but it lingered, persistent.
I caught up with Elena, and we headed to Lucas's room, where he was sitting up in bed, slicing through a ripe apple. His casual demeanor faded the second he saw the look on my face. "Whats going on? Did something happen?"he asked, his brows knitting together in concern.
Elena and I exchanged a glance, then I spoke. "You haven't heard the latest news, have you?"
He shook his head, setting his fruit down. No. Whats happened?
Elena leaned in, her voice a whisper, though no one else was around. "Mr. Edward… they found him dead. He was awake and stable just a few hours ago, but by the time we got to his room, he was gone."
Lucass face turned ashen, his eyes wide. "What?"He looked between us, stunned. "But he was improving. They said he was conscious just hours ago. How does that even happen?"
I shifted uncomfortably, gathering my thoughts. Thats exactly whats bothering us. It just doesnt add up. And, uh… I dont mean to sound like some amateur detective here, but…I trailed off, glancing around the room before lowering my voice. "I think I mightve seen Aurora here a few minutes ago. She was in a hoodie, trying to hide her face, but Im pretty sure it was her."
Lucass frown deepened as he looked from me to Elena, clearly trying to make sense of what I was saying. Aurora? Here? Are you sure it was her?
I nodded. Positive. I know what I saw. She was acting… off. Hiding her face, moving quickly, like she didnt want anyone to notice her.I paused, gauging his reaction. Doesnt that seem strange to you?
Lucas ran a hand over his face, looking troubled. Aurora isnt… she wouldnt do something like this, would she?He glanced over at Elena, almost as if he needed her to confirm it was impossible.
Elena bit her lip, clearly torn. I dont know, Lucas,she murmured. Shes done some strange things lately.She looked at me, hesitant but resolute. Jason… do you think she could be involved in Mr. Edwards death?
I nodded slowly. I wouldnt put it past her, especially considering some of the things Ive noticed about her.I took a breath, deciding it was time to tell them what I'd seen before. Theres something I didnt tell you guys, but I think you should know. A while back, when Elena went out with Aurora, my manager spotted her putting something into Elenas drink. It looked suspiciously like she was trying to poison it. I couldnt reach you, Elena, but I had my manager swap the drink out just in case. I didnt want to worry you, but… now this?
Elenas face went pale as the shock registered. What?she gasped. Why didnt you tell me?
I didnt want to alarm you unless I was absolutely certain,I replied, feeling a pang of guilt. But now, seeing her here like this… I dont think we can ignore it any longer.
Lucas clenched his fists, his expression a mix of disbelief and anger. If shes capable of something like that, then we cant rule her out as a suspect.
I took a deep breath. Theres one way to find out if she was really here today and what she was doing. We should check the hospitals security footage from the hallways.
Lucas nodded, his expression grim. Lets do it.
Elena and I left Lucas to rest and headed down to the security office. After a little persuasion—and a generous cash offer—the security staff handed over the footage from the day. We thanked them and made our way back to Lucass room, where we gathered around his laptop, plugging in the flash drive.
As the footage played, we watched intently, the seconds ticking by with tense anticipation. And then, there she was—a tall figure in a black hoodie, her face partially obscured but unmistakably Aurora. She moved with purpose, her steps quick and determined as she passed through the hallway. My stomach dropped.
There,I said, pointing at the screen. Thats her.
Lucas stared, disbelief etched on his face. I… I cant believe it.
Believe it,I said firmly. Look at her. Shes not here for any innocent reason. Shes hiding something, and shes hiding it well.
Elena nodded, a shiver running through her. If she was willing to do that with my drink… who knows what else shes capable of?
Lucas clenched his jaw, his gaze hardening. We need to confront her. We cant let this slide. But first, lets find out if theres any record of her going into Edwards room.
I nodded, ready to get to the bottom of it. Ill go back to the security office. We need all the footage from the ICU area too.
Elena and I left again, managing to obtain the additional footage. When we returned to Lucass room, we played it, our eyes glued to the screen as Auroras figure appeared once more. This time, she stopped in front of Edwards room, glancing around before slipping inside.
There was no doubt about it now.
Lucas looked sickened, his face contorted in anger. She… she killed him.
Seems like it,I replied. I dont know what Edward was to her, or why shed do it, but its clear she didnt want him waking up.
Elenas face paled, and her voice trembled. This… this changes everything.
Lucas took a shaky breath, looking at us both. If she was willing to kill him, she could be a threat to all of us. We need to be careful.
Let's find out more evidence!