Jake pulled me back, his fingers closing gently yet firmly around my wrist. "Ouch, that hurts!" I winced, startled.
"Oh—sorry," he said, his voice soft, eyes burning into mine. I could feel his gaze on me, heavy, intense… unbearable. I felt the urge to stare back, to search those eyes for answers, for warmth maybe even love. But I just couldn't. My heart was pounding way too loud.
"Are you avoiding me?" His words broke the silence like glass. "What? No, why would I?" I stammered, biting my inner cheek nervously.
"Then look into my eyes."
Oh no… I couldn't. I wasn't ready to face what I might see there or worse, what he might see in mine.
"I just… I—I have to leave!" I blurted, ripping my wrist from his hold and running out of the room like a confused hurricane.
"Aurora!" I heard him yell after me. "Aurora, wait!" Back in the room, Sadash stood still, arms crossed, staring at her son with suspicion.
"What was that about?" she asked, raising a brow. Nothing… I—I…"
"You what?"
"I kissed her," Jake confessed, avoiding her eyes. "You did what!?" Sadash gasped, wide-eyed in disbelief. "Jake!"
"Why are you acting surprised? I told you I love her." He quirked a brow, almost amused.
Yeah, but I didn't expect you to move so fast."
Really, Mom?" Jake smirked. "I'm off to bed. Goodnight."
"Love you."
"Love you too, son."
"Aurora, wake up. You have to go to college. You wouldn't want to be late on your first day," the familiar voice called out.
"Sadash, please leave me alone. I swear, five more minutes and I'll be up," I mumbled sleepily, snuggling into my covers.
But something felt… off.
I sat up groggily, rubbed my eyes, and yawned. I stretched, looking adorable without even trying, then opened my eyes fully and froze.
"You?!" I gasped.
"Yes, it's me," my mother said, arms folded, standing in the doorway. What are you doing here?" I asked, more annoyed than shocked.
"I just wanted to wish you good luck on your first day at college. It's the first time you're actually leaving this house to attend school in person. A new beginning."
I said nothing. I didn't trust myself to speak kindly. "I know things aren't perfect between us," she continued, "but I'll always be grateful you found out what Charles tried to do. No woman deserves to go through something like that not even if she's your enemy."
Even if she was my mother. I stayed silent.
Get ready. I'll take my leave now." She walked out, heels clicking like punctuation marks in the air.
I groaned and flopped back on the bed. Was she being sincere? Or just trying to clear her conscience? Either way, I had to get ready.
I hopped into the shower, letting the hot water wash away my confusion, pain, and the ghost of last night's kiss.
Back in my closet, I chose a crop top and my tarted jeans designer, yes, but simple. I didn't care about impressing anyone. That's never been me.
I let my hair fall in soft waves, applied light makeup, skipped the mascara my lashes were naturally long and thick anyway.
Diamond watch? Check. Fendi bag? Check.
Nike sneakers? Check. I took one last glance at myself in the mirror and nodded. "You got this."
Descending the stairs was like stepping into a slow-motion scene. Everyone turned to look at me. "Good morning," I greeted softly, my voice calm but guarded.
"Morning," they all responded, but I barely heard them. I took my seat… right opposite Jake.
I didn't dare look at him, not even for a second. But I could feel his eyes locked on me, drilling into my skin, waiting, searching, questioning.
I ignored him.
Because if I looked at him… I just might kiss him again. And that, I wasn't ready for.