I shrugged my shoulders. Maybe they've changed. Jake helped me sit gently on the sofa, adjusting the pillows behind me.
Sadash appeared moments later with a warm cup in her hand. "Here, dear. Almond milk with a hint of turmeric this time." I frowned instantly. "Sadash, you know I hate it when you add turmeric to the milk."
"It's for your own good, dear. Turmeric is medicinal it'll help you heal faster. "But I don't want to have it," I muttered, turning my face away like a stubborn child.
"Aurora…" Jake's deep voice sliced through the room like a command. My gaze shifted to him.He didn't say another word but his eyes told me everything.That look. The 'no-negotiation' look. I gave him pleading eyes, silently begging him to let me off the hook.
Nothing changed. His face remained stone.
"Fine!" I huffed, snatching the cup. "I'll drink it."That's my girl," he said with a faint smirk.
I scrunched my nose and gulped it down, shivering at the bitter aftertaste. "Mom, I think she needs another glass," Jake teased, making me choke on the last sip.
"Hey! No, no, I'm perfectly fine with this one," I said quickly, waving the cup as proof. Jake chuckled, clearly enjoying himself.
Then came a sudden shift. Jake's tone turned serious as he looked at my parents. "Sir… I want to take Aurora to my house. Just for a week," he said. "I want to take care of her personally."
"And what makes you think I'll allow that to happen?" Dad's voice roared like thunder, standing to his feet. "My daughter is no whore! She isn't married to you, and you expect me to let her live under your roof? Do you even hear yourself? What will people say? What about our family's reputation?!"
Jake remained calm but his jaw tightened.
Sir, with all due respect, there's no need to listen to society's noise. Aurora is my girlfriend. I have the same right to care for her as you do."
He took a step closer.
"She's going with me. With or without your permission. I can't risk her health not when she's surrounded by people like you."
"Watch your mouth—" Dad interjected, but Jake didn't stop. "She needs more than just a mother who hugs her when it's convenient. She needs peace. Affection. A loving environment. Not this hypocrisy you both wrap in golden lies."
He turned to me and gently took my hand.
"You deserve more than emotional manipulation. More than staged affection in front of guests. You deserve to breathe freely, to feel safe."
Jake's eyes burned as he turned back to face my dad. And clearly, you don't have the decency to act like the caring father you pretend to be."
"That's enough!" Dad shouted. "Over my dead body will you take her out of this house!"
"Charles!" Mom's voice rang out sharply. Everyone turned. Her tone was different this time—clear, resolute.
"Jake is right." What?" Dad gasped.
"How much do we really care for her?" she asked, pain flickering in her eyes. "You're acting like some possessive father, but the truth is we failed her." She turned to Jake with a small smile. "You have my permission. Take her with you."
My eyes widened. For the first time in forever, I walked to Mom and hugged her willingly.
Thank you," I whispered. It's okay, dear," she murmured. "I know very well you want to go with him. I'll have the maids pack your bags—"
"That won't be necessary, ma'am," Jake interjected politely. "I've already gotten her new clothes."Well, then," Mom nodded approvingly. "You're free to take her."
Dad scoffed behind us. "Don't come running to me when this fool breaks your heart." I turned back with a calm, steady voice.
That won't be necessary… because Jake will never hurt me."
Dad said nothing. Just nodded, reluctantly.
Jake stretched out his hand. "Shall we?"
I smiled, lacing my fingers with his. "We shall."
Sadash followed us to the car, holding my smaller bag. Please take care of her, Jake," she said earnestly. "Don't trouble my girl. Make sure she takes her pills on time, and every evening, please give her warm milk. Oh, and one more thing massage her head with argan oil every night."
Jake gave a small salute, grinning. "Yes, ma'am. I'll make sure of it."