25
Aurora's POV
Im sure I need to limit how often I visit Lucas, but I cant help it—I love him too much. The mere thought of not seeing him feels unbearable, even if I have to act like everything is fine. I know I should be cautious, especially after last night. Im certain someone saw me there, but I cant afford to let my guard down, not now.
The morning light streams into my room, and I stare at my reflection, combing my fingers through my tangled hair. My hearts racing; I feel the weight of everything piling up. I quickly brush my hair, slip into my floral mini-dress, add just a touch of makeup to hide the restlessness under my eyes, and throw on a pair of flip-flops. With one last look in the mirror, I head out.
Since last night, Lucas has ignored my calls. Anxiety twists in my stomach, but I know I have to see him. If he knows anything—or worse, if someone told him—I need to be prepared, to act as though I have nothing to hide. As I drive to the hospital, memories flood my mind. Lucas had bought me this car when we were together. I still consider us together, even if hes been seeing Elena. Shes nothing compared to me. If I can get rid of her, Lucas and I can go back to how things were meant to be.
I pull into the hospital parking lot, trying to keep my hands steady on the wheel. Just breathe,I whisper to myself. But my heart is pounding as I walk down the sterile hallway, each step amplifying the tension building inside me. When I finally reach Lucass room, I find him seated at the edge of the bed, his laptop balanced on his lap. His face is drawn, focused, and he doesnt even glance up as I enter.
I walk toward him, every step slow, intentional. I cant let him see my nerves, the doubt swirling in my chest. When I reach him, I place a gentle hand on his cheek, brushing my thumb over the scar thats barely visible now. But he jerks back, his face hardening. My heart sinks.
Aurora,he says, his voice like ice, what were you doing in Mr. Edwards room last night?
The question feels like a punch. My heart skips, my mind racing to find an answer. I force a smile, trying to play it cool, but I can feel my palms growing damp, my throat tight. I swallow, pushing down the panic threatening to bubble up.
What?I say, hoping my voice sounds casual. What are you talking about?
His eyes narrow, and he studies my face with a sharpness that sends a shiver down my spine. His usual warmth is nowhere to be found. I saw you,he says firmly. I know you went in there. So Ill ask you again—what did you go there to do?
I feel a surge of anger, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. I knew it—I knew someone had seen me, and now Lucas is questioning me like Im some stranger. I force myself to let out a small laugh, though it sounds hollow even to my own ears.
Yes, I went there,I admit, my voice steady as I try to regain control. I wanted to see the man who did this to you.I point at his scar, hoping the emotion in my eyes seems sincere.
Lucass jaw tightens, and he shakes his head, disappointment evident in his eyes. Aurora, have you really gotten so used to lying to me?
I can feel my composure crumbling. The sting of his accusation cuts deep, and my hands start to shake. Tears well up in my eyes, and I blink furiously, willing them away. Im not lying,I say, my voice barely a whisper. Im not…
Lucas leans back, crossing his arms. We grew up together, Aurora. I know when youre lying. Just be honest with me, tell me the truth.He pauses, his gaze softening slightly. If you tell me the truth, Ill marry you.
My heart nearly stops. Is he serious? The words replay in my head, filling me with a desperate hope. Hes never talked about marriage before, and the promise feels like everything Ive ever wanted, wrapped in a thin, fragile thread.
But doubt seeps in, as quick as hope had. Is he only saying this to get me to confess? Is this just a trap? The struggle must be written all over my face because he tilts his head, watching me with a mixture of pity and frustration.
Lucas…I whisper, my voice trembling, my mind spinning. I want to believe him. I want to trust him. But theres a part of me thats terrified hell leave me if he knows the truth. The stakes feel unbearably high.
Do you mean it?I ask, the words spilling out before I can stop them. Are you really going to marry me, or is this just another empty promise?
He sighs, his gaze never leaving mine. Aurora, I wouldnt say it if I didnt mean it.His voice is soft, almost tender, and for a moment, I feel the walls around my heart beginning to crack.
But then he adds, But I cant be with someone who hides things from me. Especially not something as serious as this.
The walls go up again, thicker than before. I cant afford to lose him, not now, not when were so close. But if I tell him the truth, everything could fall apart. I swallow hard, my mind whirling.
I reach out, clutching his hand, searching his eyes for any sign that hell accept me, flaws and all. Lucas,I murmur, my voice choked with emotion. You have to believe me. I went there… I went there because I wanted to confront him. I wanted him to see me, to know that he hadnt broken you.
Lucas watches me, and I see the doubt lingering in his eyes. Aurora, I want to believe you. I really do. But you need to understand—trust isnt something I can just give.
The words sting, and I can feel my desperation growing. I cant lose him. Not now. So I take a deep breath, forcing myself to be brave, to let down just enough of my guard. Alright,I say, my voice steady, though I can feel my hands shaking. Ill tell you everything. But you have to promise me—promise me that this isnt some game.
He meets my gaze, and for a moment, I see a flicker of something—regret, maybe, or even love. Its not a game, Aurora. I just need to know who Im really dealing with.
I nod, my heart pounding. Should I do this?