"You're not just my friend," Angel said, her voice low but heavy with betrayal. "You're also my soon-to-be husband's best friend. Jake… how could you?"
Jake didn't answer.
"Aurora, come on. Let's go," Angel said softly, turning to her friend. "I'm getting you out of here."Please," Aurora whimpered, clutching Angel's arm. "Just take me away from this psycho. I can't stay here anymore."Jake flinched at the word psycho, but he said nothing. His face was blank, his eyes hollow.
"Jake," Angel said firmly, "I genuinely believe you need help. This isn't you. At least—not the you we all knew. You were a good man once. A good fiancé, a loyal friend… but right now, you're lost. You need therapy—serious therapy. And maybe… maybe if you go through it, you'll find yourself again."
Jake's voice was calm but distant when he finally spoke. "Aurora… will you go with her?"
Aurora stepped behind Angel again, trembling. Her eyes flicked briefly toward Jake, but she couldn't look at him for long.
"Just stop already, Jake," Angel snapped. "Can't you see she's afraid of you now? Afraid. Look at what you've done."
"Please," Aurora whispered, gripping Angel's hand tighter. "I want to go."
Jake took a small step forward. "Aurora, are you sure?" His voice cracked—barely—but Aurora caught it.She nodded, slowly, eyes lowered. "Yes. Please. I want to leave."
Angel turned to her. "Then let go."
Aurora hesitated—just for a second—and turned to look at Jake one last time.
"I don't know why you're doing this to me," she said, her voice filled with sorrow instead of anger. "I don't understand you anymore. But… even after everything, deep down, I still love you."Jake looked away, eyes glistening.
"I just hope," she continued, "that when you finally come to your senses… it won't be too late."And with that, she turned around, holding Angel's hand tightly. Together, they walked out of the mansion—without looking back.
Jake didn't move. He just stood there like a statue, rooted to the spot, watching the two women disappear into the night. Something sharp twisted inside him as the door shut. It hurt—God, it hurt—but maybe this was for the best.Maybe this was what he deserved.
He said nothing.He did nothing.He just stood in the silence… and let her go.
>>>>> Angel's House >>>>>
"You're welcome to my home," Angel said warmly, her voice still a bit shaken. "Don't worry, Aurora. From today, this is your home too."She called out, "Martina! Martina!"
A young woman rushed in, bowing her head. "Yes, ma'am!"Please, prepare the guest room—and run a warm bath for Miss Aurora. I'll have the butler send over clean towels. Move quickly. "Yes, ma'am!" Martina responded, dashing off.Angel turned to Aurora with a gentle smile. "I'll go get you something to drink. After that, you can rest, alright?"
Aurora just gave her a weak nod.
Angel returned moments later with a tray of freshly squeezed orange juice, sliced fruits, and a thick slice of creamy cheesecake. She placed it on the table in front of Aurora, who didn't even glance at it."I'm not hungry," she mumbled."You haven't eaten in days," Angel said softly, crouching beside her. "You're not skipping anything tonight."Angel gently lifted a spoonful of cheesecake and raised it to her friend's lips.
"Come on," she coaxed, smiling. "Let me feed you. Just like old times."Aurora hesitated, but finally took a small bite. Angel fed her patiently, quietly wiping her chin and pushing her hair back like a mother would a child.They looked like sisters one broken, the other trying not to break with her.Somewhere in the middle of feeding her, the silence cracked.Tears began rolling down Angel's cheeks.
"Angel… why are you crying?" Aurora whispered."I just…" Her voice broke. "I just can't believe he really did this to you. When I saw you in that house, I couldn't even recognize you. You used to glow, Aurora. You were always smiling, always vibrant… and now…"
"I'll get back to normal," Aurora said gently, reaching up to wipe her friend's tears. "I promise. I just need to start taking my pills again. And eat better. I'll be fine. Just… don't cry, okay?"Angel nodded and hugged her tightly.Later, Aurora had her bath in a rose-scented tub Angel prepared. Her body relaxed for the first time in days. Angel brought her the pills, made sure she took them, and tucked her into bed like a little sister.She didn't leave her side until Aurora had fallen asleep.
Sunlight poured through the sheer curtains. Aurora rose quietly and decided to stretch her legs around the house. Angel's mansion was peaceful, full of warm light and silence.
As she turned a corner near the staircase, she bumped into someone. Hard.
"Oh! I'm so sorry," she gasped, quickly stepping back.
She looked up—
And froze.Her heart skipped a beat.Her breath caught in her throat."Oh my God… Maxwell? Is that really you?"