Aurora's entire body stiffened the moment her eyes locked with Jake's."What is he doing here?" she whispered, her voice trembling with disbelief. Her breathing quickened as her chest rose and fell erratically. "Please… send him out. I beg you—please!"
She shot up from her seat like lightning, attempting to flee the room, but Angel was quicker. She grabbed Aurora tightly, holding her in place. Aurora's body convulsed in her arms, trembling violently like a leaf in a storm.
She was panting hard, as though she had just returned from running a marathon."It's okay, Aurora. I'm here," Angel said softly, trying to soothe her. "He won't hurt you. I won't let him."
But her words fell on deaf ears. Aurora was in full panic now. Her skin had gone pale, and her lips quivered uncontrollably. Her legs weakened beneath her, and her hands clung tightly to Angel's arm as if her life depended on it.She was terrified.Angel's heart shattered. Fury surged through her veins.
"Jake, what the hell are you doing in my house?" Angel snapped, her voice like fire. "Please get out. She was doing perfectly fine until you showed up. Just look at her now!"
Jake stood frozen, guilt washing over him like a tidal wave."I'm scared," Angel continued, now raising her voice, "What if her blood pressure spikes? What if something happens? Only God knows what could go wrong right now. Please… leave her alone. I'm begging you."
"Relax, honey," Maxwell said softly, stepping beside her. "He means no harm. He's here to make things right."But Aurora sobbed harder. "I beg you," she cried, her voice hoarse, "Get him out of here…"She shook in Angel's arms, her body limp and struggling for air."Aurora, please calm down," Angel whispered urgently, brushing her hair away from her clammy forehead. "You're shaking too much… try to breathe. Please."I can't relax!" Aurora screamed. "Not while he's still here!"
Angel held her tighter. "I promise, I'll get him to leave. Just breathe. Look at me—just breathe. You're not okay right now."But Aurora's sobs only intensified.Jake took a hesitant step forward, his heart tearing in two. "Please… if you have a shred of decency left in you," Angel said, turning sharply toward him, "Leave this instant."
He ignored them and took another step forward, voice cracking."Baby… please… just hear me out—"
Before he could finish, Aurora broke free from Angel's grip and darted toward the hallway.
"Aurora!" Angel shouted, reaching for her.
But she missed a step.Aurora's foot slipped, and her body tilted forward dangerously—but before she could hit the ground, Jake lunged and caught her around the waist, pulling her tightly into his arms.She gasped.He didn't let go.For a second, time stood still.Jake looked down at her face—and what he saw broke him completely.She was unrecognizable.
Gone was the radiant, lively woman he once knew. In her place stood someone pale, fragile, and hollow. Her blue eyes—his favorite eyes—were red, puffy, and devoid of life.
It was only now that he truly saw the damage he had done.He hadn't even looked at her once when she'd been in his house.Now… he couldn't unsee it.He couldn't imagine how many tears she had cried for him.He felt sick. The guilt was unbearable.He wanted to die.
"I'm so… so sorry, sweetheart," he whispered, lowering himself slowly to his knees in front of her. "I don't know what came over me. I swear, I wasn't myself. I know… I know it's going to be hard, but I beg you…"
His voice cracked."Please forgive me."
He clasped his hands, eyes pleading.
"This isn't me. You know how much I love you. Please, Aurora… find it in your heart to forgive me. I beg you. I can't live without you. I won't survive this if you leave me."
He reached out to touch her arm gently but Aurora slapped his hand away like it was poison.
"Don't you dare touch me again!" she screamed.Jake recoiled, stunned.
"I will never forgive you," she spat. "Just get out! I don't need you anymore. You've hurt me enough, Jake. I can't take it anymore. Just go… go away from my life!"Jake shook his head violently, desperate. "Aurora, please—I beg you—"
"You know what?" she cut him off coldly, eyes blazing with fury. "Can you do me a
favor?"He nodded quickly. "Yes—anything. I promise. Just tell me what you want—I'll do it."Are you sure?" she asked, her voice dead cold."Yes," he said without hesitation. "Just say it. I'll do anything."She took a trembling step back and looked him in the eyes, voice like venom.Then here's what I want: Get out of my life. Forever. It's over between us. I don't love you. I hate you. Just… leave me alone."Jake staggered back as if she had slapped him across the face."No… Aurora… I can't do that," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I can't stay away from you. I love you. I—"
"You promised, didn't you?" she snapped. "So go. Get out. I beg you… just leave me alone."And with that, Aurora collapsed to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably into her hands.