"KIM, WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!"
Rose's voice sliced through the hospital corridor like a whip. "What do you want to prove by being here? Are you planning to kidnap my daughter just like yours was stolen? Or maybe… maybe you want to take away my only source of happiness to feel better about your own misery?"
Kim blinked, taken aback. "Rose…"
"MOM!" Aurora cried out, voice shaking. "Just stop it! You're behaving like a lunatic! Can't you see you're hurting her feelings?"
"Oh please," Rose rolled her eyes. "Of course I'm blind now, huh? So blind I can't see she's faking the pain!" Aurora's bottom lip trembled. "Really? How can you be so cruel?" she muttered beneath her breath.
"What did you say?" Rose snapped.
Nothing!" Aurora spat, turning her head. But her eyes rolled and Rose saw it. She didn't miss a thing. Kim's chest rose and fell slowly. She stepped back, visibly hurt. "Rose," she said calmly, "please take care of her. I'll go back to my ward. If we're meant to meet again… we will."
She turned to Aurora with a motherly smile. "Goodbye, my dear. Get well soon." Rose snorted. "This whole drama was unnecessary, Kim." Kim paused in the doorway. "And yet, Rose, you were the one who brought it." Then she left, quietly.
"Tsswww…" Rose hissed. Mom!" Aurora yelled, frustrated. "What?!"
Just… just go rest. You're getting discharged tomorrow." Fine. Whatever."
Later That Night…
"Mom!!" Aurora yelled from her bed. "Why are you shouting again? Do you think I'm some prisoner here?" "Oh please," Rose snapped. "You think I'm here to babysit you?"
Aurora's voice dropped. "But I thought… I thought you were finally starting to become a mother to me." Rose's eyes narrowed into slits. Her voice turned into venom. "Never. You are NOT my daughter. I hate you. I always have. You're the child of that whore—"
"ROSE!!!" Charles's voice boomed through the mansion like a crack of thunder.
Aurora's heart stopped. She turned slowly. Her father if she could even call him that was furious. Eyes wide, veins throbbing in his neck.
"What is it now, Charles?" Rose spat, swallowing hard. You should be ashamed!" he bellowed. "Were you even listening to yourself? You're despicable!"
"Don't you dare raise your voice at me. I'm your wife—"
And you've forgotten how to be a mother."
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Aurora screamed. "When will I get some peace?! You're not even my real parents and yet you haunt my life! Just KILL me already and let me be free!"
The room fell into a stunned silence.
She stormed out, tears burning her cheeks, anger clenching her chest. Behind her, the words stayed stuck in their throats.
Finally… peace, she whispered to herself as she reached the stairs. Then she heard footsteps. Aurora," Charles called.
She turned, exasperated. "What is it now?"
"We're getting you a nanny."
Her brows lifted in surprise. "Wait… really?"
"Yes," Rose replied, arms folded. "She'll be here tomorrow."
"Wow… that's nice," Aurora muttered, unsure. "At least I won't feel so alone anymore. Thank you." Her voice cracked. "I… I love you. Even if you hate and mistreat me." That line pierced both Rose and Charles like a dagger. For a split second, something warm flickered in their expressions but they shrugged it off, pushing the thought of loving her back into the shadows.
"She'll report tomorrow," Charles said.
Okay. Thank you…" You're welcome."
In her room, Aurora twirled with joy, hugging her pillow. "I'm finally getting a friend!" she squealed.
The Next Day — At the Brooks Mansion
Sadash's heels echoed as she stepped through the massive golden-arched doorway.
Her jaw dropped. "Wow," she whispered. "These people are seriously rich. Jackpot!" She giggled to herself. "Taking care of their only daughter? This is luxury and money served on a diamond plate."
Suddenly, a high-pitched voice echoed. "HELLOOO!!" Sadash jumped, then turned just in time to see a little girl flying down the staircase, her curls bouncing with every step.
"Hi! I'm Aurora!" the girl beamed, her voice electric. "I'm so happy to meet you!"
Sadash blinked. "Wait… why are you so excited?"
"Because you're my nanny!" Sadash stared. "Seriously?" Aurora giggled. "Why? What's so funny?" Sadash raised a brow. "You have a… very weird expression."
"Okay, fine. My name is Sadash Scott . I think we're going to get along." "Oh, yes we are!" Aurora squealed, grabbing her hand. "Come on, I'll show you my room!"