Volume 2 – The Weight of an Empty Heart
After lashing out every ounce of pain to her father, Aurora's voice finally broke… and so did her body. The world spun, darkness swallowed her, and she fainted in his presence.
When she regained consciousness hours later, the silence of her room felt heavier than before. She lay there, staring blankly at the ceiling, and the first tear escaped without permission. Then another. Until the dam burst and she began to weep quietly at first, then with aching sobs that shook her chest.
She would sometimes force herself to step out of her room, walking aimlessly through the house like a ghost… but no matter where she went, the emptiness inside her followed.
"Maybe my life is better off this way," she would whisper to herself in the dead of night, curling into a tight ball on her bed until exhaustion claimed her. Sleep was no longer rest it was an escape.
Four Months Later
Aurora opened her eyes to the pale morning light filtering through her curtains. Something was different today. She felt… not whole, but stronger. The deep ache in her chest still lingered, yet there was a stubborn spark in her heart a will to live.She decided she would no longer let grief chain her to her bed. Life had taken enough from her.She descended the grand stairs of the Brooks estate, her bare feet brushing against the polished marble. The air was thick with the rich aroma of breakfast, and for the first time in weeks, it didn't make her nauseous. She wore a soft pink jumpsuit that hugged her gently, her hair pulled into a sleek ponytail.
The moment she entered the dining hall, she was greeted by her parents."Good morning," she murmured, her voice small but steady.
Her father looked up from his coffee, studying her face. "It seems you're in a better shape now? "Yes… I'm okay now," she replied softly.
He raised a brow. "And if I may ask off to somewhere?" "Yes," Aurora nodded. "I'm going to SCOTTRA. I don't know exactly why I'm needed there… but it seems important."
Charles hummed, his expression unreadable. "Hmm." He returned to his breakfast, his fork scraping against the plate. "Aurora, what will you have?" her mother, Rose, asked warmly. In the past two months, she had been unusually kind hovering over Aurora, speaking gently, even cooking for her. Apart from Angel, Rose had been the only other presence keeping Aurora from drowning entirely in grief."I'll have an omelette, please," Aurora said.
Rose herself served her, smiling as though nothing dark lingered beneath her gentle façade. After breakfast, Aurora leaned down and kissed her mother's cheek."Goodbye, Mom."Have a nice day, baby," Rose replied sweetly.
Aurora smiled faintly and left the room, unaware of the exchange that followed behind her."Poor girl," Rose said, her voice lowering into something colder. "She doesn't know a thing. She thinks I'm being a mother to her… she has no idea of the plans we've set in motion." Charles chuckled darkly. "And I must say, you're doing an excellent job."
"Thank you, dear husband."
Aurora arrived at SCOTTRA with her usual slight smile a mask she had learned to wear. The instant she stepped into the building, the workers stood from their desks and bowed. Respectful. Fearful. Loyal."Baby, you arrived," Maxwell announced, approaching her with a relieved expression.Yes, I did. I hope you're good, Maxwell?"
"I'm very good," he said, though his voice softened. "But I'm the one who should be asking that question. How are you holding up?" Aurora's lips quivered faintly, but she forced a nod. "I'm good, Maxwell… I am." She lowered her head and quickly wiped away the small tears threatening to betray her.
"So why am I needed here?" she asked after steadying herself, thankful that Maxwell hadn't noticed her moment of weakness.
"You'll see," he replied. "Follow me to Jake's office." She hesitated, her heart already uneasy, but nodded. "Okay… then lead the way." They stepped into Jake's private elevator, the enclosed space thick with unspoken words. The soft chime of ding signaled their arrival at the very top floor.
When the doors opened, Aurora froze.
Jake's office… it wasn't just an office. It was a shrine.From the soft hues of the curtains to the choice of furniture, every detail reflected her tastes not his. Not a single one of Jake's old preferences remained. And then she saw them.Her pictures. Everywhere.
Her graduation portrait. Their first date. Their reckless adventures together. Her smile frozen in moments they once shared, filling every wall, every corner, until she felt her knees weaken.Her hand flew to her mouth, stifling the sob that clawed its way up her throat. The room swam, her breath quickening as the memories slammed into her like a storm.Finally, her legs gave way and she collapsed to the floor.
A sharp, aching cry tore from her chest.
Maxwell rushed to her side, crouching down and wrapping his arms around her trembling frame. "Aurora…" he whispered, but the name felt heavy, as though even he couldn't bear the weight of the pain in it.