Jake had tears brimming in his eyes. The guilt was overwhelming. He knew—deep down—that he was the one at fault. And he also knew that it would take more than just words for Aurora to forgive him. But one thing was certain:He wasn't going to give up on her.
Not now. Not ever.
He slowly rose from the floor, his eyes never leaving hers. With a silent nod, he stepped back—his body language clear: You're free to go.Aurora didn't hesitate. She turned and ran, fleeing toward her room like she was escaping a battlefield."Aurora, wait up!" Angel shouted, dashing after her.
If looks could kill, Jake would've dropped dead where he stood. Angel shot him a glare so fierce it could pierce steel before storming off in pursuit of her best friend.Jake stood rooted to the spot, his chest rising and falling as the air grew heavier around him."Don't worry, man. Everything will be fine," Maxwell said gently, placing a hand on Jake's shoulder. "She'll forgive you… in due time."
Jake gave him a weak nod, his face still pale and lost.
"Let's head to the study. We've got business to discuss," Maxwell added, guiding Jake out of the room.
Aurora collapsed on the bed, her chest heaving, her tears unrelenting."Why… why must it always be me?" she sobbed. "Why is it always my heart that gets crushed? This is too much, Angel. I can't take this anymore."
Angel rushed to her side, wrapping her arms tightly around her.
"Love is supposed to bring peace… and joy," Aurora cried out. "But mine? It feels like a curse. Pain after pain. Is it because I'm naive? Or because I believe too much in fairy tales? I have everything… except happiness. Maybe it's just not written in my stars."Hey, hey. Don't say that," Angel whispered soothingly, rocking her gently. "I'm here, okay? I won't let anything else happen to you."I feel like my heart's being ripped right out of my chest," Aurora whispered, her voice cracking. "It hurts so much…"Angel sighed. "He really did sound sincere down there though…"
"Really?" Aurora lifted her head slowly, her tear-streaked face softening."I'm not saying you should forgive him—not yet," Angel said carefully. "But… you still love him, right?"
Aurora didn't answer. She bit her lip and looked away, but the blush creeping up her cheeks betrayed her."Oh my God," Angel gasped, a teasing smile forming. "You're blushing!"
"No, I'm not!" Aurora protested, quickly turning away."Don't lie to me, Rora. You so are! And don't even try to deny it."Aurora sighed, defeated. "Fine… Yes. I still love him. With all my heart."Angel grinned like a victorious coach. "I knew it! Which means we are officially going to make him suffer a bit."
Aurora blinked. "Wait—what? Suffer?"
"Yes," Angel said with a wicked smirk. "We're not letting him off that easily."Aurora tilted her head. "Okay, I don't get you."Angel threw her hands in the air. "God! Sometimes I find it really hard to believe you're a surgeon!"
"Oh, shut up," Aurora laughed weakly. "Just explain already."
"What I mean is," Angel said, flipping her hair, "we're going to make him earn your forgiveness. No easy passes. Let's put him through a little emotional boot camp.Aurora's expression grew serious again. "To be honest… I'm not even sure I want to forgive him. My heart has gone through too much. I can't let it be trampled on again."Angel cupped her face gently. "That's my girl. Say it with your chest."I love you, Angel," Aurora whispered, wiping her tears."I love you more," Angel said, kissing her forehead.Then Aurora smiled faintly. "Hey, Angel… what does it feel like to be a bride-to-be? I've always been curious. What's that feeling like?"
Angel froze, the brush in her hand dropping to the floor."Really, Aurora?" she squealed. "You're asking me that right now? Ugh, don't even get me started!"They both broke into soft laughter their pain momentarily eased by friendship, by memories, and by the warmth of sisterhood,