"Hey, I'm sorry," the man said, eyes squinting slightly. "But… do I know you?"Aurora's breath caught. "Maxwell…? It's me. Aurora."
His brows furrowed, searching her face, then—
"Oh my God… Rora? Is that really you?" His expression changed to a mix of recognition and unease. "You look… different."There was a moment of hesitation in his voice, even a trace of disappointment."I mean, wow… I just recognized you because of your dimples." His frown softened. "Those dimples… they always gave you that beautiful smile. Come on, don't leave me hanging—give me a hug."
Aurora stepped into his arms and hugged him tightly, a thousand memories rushing back with the scent of familiarity."So, how have you been?" Maxwell asked, pulling back with a grin. "You're no longer the naïve college girl who got kissed in front of the whole school—"
"Maxwell! Cut it out," Aurora said, blushing with a weak smile."What?" he teased. "I'll never forget that day. Jake marked his territory right in front of everyone. He was clearly claiming ownership."Aurora looked down, her smile slowly fading."Where is he, by the way? My man did he come with you?"
She didn't respond."I just arrived last night," Maxwell went on, casually. "Figured you were asleep. Honestly, I didn't even know you'd be here. I know I should rest, but… I really wanted to catch up."
Aurora's eyes began to water.
"Hey…" Maxwell's tone changed instantly. "Baby, what's wrong?"Aurora let out a soft laugh through the tears. "You still call me baby."Of course I do. Remember how Jake almost beat me up the first time I did? Damn, he was ready to kill me!" Maxwell chuckled.
Aurora smiled for a second… and then suddenly burst into tears.Maxwell's heart dropped.
"Honey!" a voice called from behind. Angel came rushing into the room. "Aurora, you're up so early. And what's with the tears again? Are you still… sad?" Maxwell turned to Angel, confused and shaken.Angel, what's going on here?" he asked. "Why is she crying like this? And look at her—dammit, I didn't even recognize her at first. What happened to her? Where did the beauty goddess disappear to?"
He turned back to Aurora and clenched his fists. "Where the hell is Jake? Does he even know what she looks like now? This… this is heartbreaking."Angel sighed deeply. "Maxwell… I hate to say this, but Jake did this to her." Maxwell blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"She's in this condition because of him. You won't believe what I saw. I caught him on top of her, trying to beat her up—like a madman. I've never seen him like that."
"WHAT?!" Maxwell exploded. "No… no, that can't be! That's not my Jake. Is he acting like this because of… because of his mother's death?"Angel gave a slow nod. "Yeah. I think so."Maxwell's face darkened. "Then I need to see him. Now."
Babe," Angel reached for his arm, "you just arrived—you haven't even rested properly."
"My rest can wait," he said, shaking her off gently. "I have to get to the bottom of this."
Maxwell sped like a man possessed through the quiet streets, his hands gripping the steering wheel tight enough to leave marks. Rage boiled in his chest.The moment he reached the estate, the butler, Gaius, stepped out to greet him.
"Welcome, Master Maxwell—"
"Save it," Maxwell snapped. "I'm not here for pleasantries. Call that master of yours. Now."
"Yes, sir." Gaius bowed and scurried inside toward Jake's study.Jake sat at his desk, a small vial of his regular substance trembling in his fingers. Just one day without Aurora, and his world was already unraveling. "Excuse me, sir," Gaius said, appearing at the door. "Master Maxwell is waiting in the living room." Jake's head snapped up. "Are you serious? Max is here?" Excitement rushed through him. He practically ran out of the study.
"My man!" Jake's voice boomed with forced joy as he approached. "If it isn't Maxwell himself—"
He stretched out his arms, intending to hug his best friend.But Maxwell took a step back.
Jake froze. "I'm not your man," Maxwell said coldly. "Not anymore."Jake blinked. "Wait… what are you talking about—?"
"I'm sorry," Maxwell said, his voice deadly calm, "but I have to do this."
Before Jake could react, Maxwell stepped forward—and punched him square across the face.Jake staggered back, stunned.
"This—" Maxwell shouted, "—is for hurting my girlfriend's best friend!" Jake barely had time to recover before Maxwell followed it up with a flying kick that sent him crashing onto the marble floor.
"And this—" Maxwell growled, standing over him, "—is for making my baby girl cry."
Jake clutched his jaw, blinking up at the man he once called brother. "What the hell is wrong with you, Jake?! This isn't you! Damn it—Aurora has a chronic disease! She needed love, not trauma!"
Jake said nothing.He couldn't.All he could do was lie there… and finally feel the pain he'd inflicted on others.