The final bell rang, and the classroom slowly emptied. Aura packed her bag quietly while Tina kept talking about snacks, movies, and ridiculous sleepover rules that kept changing every minute.
Francis leaned back in his chair, listening with a faint smile, occasionally throwing in a comment just to keep the energy alive. Avery sat beside them, silent at first, but listening carefully to everything.
"So we need popcorn," Tina said, counting on her fingers. "Chocolate. Ice cream. Maybe pizza."
"You're planning a festival," Francis teased.
"It's a sleepover," Tina corrected. "There's a difference."
Aura gave a small smile. "You're doing too much."
"That's the point," Tina replied. "You're not allowed to be sad tonight."
Francis nodded. "She's right."
Avery watched the interaction quietly.
'He keeps looking at her…'
She forced herself to relax.
"So… are we buying all this today?" Avery asked.
Tina snapped her fingers. "Yes! After school."
Aura hesitated. "We don't have to—"
"We do," Tina interrupted. "It's official."
Francis stood up. "I'll drive."
Aura looked surprised. "You don't have to."
"I want to," he said simply.
Avery lowered her eyes.
'He really is doing this for her…'
They left the school together, walking toward the parking lot. The late afternoon sun stretched across the pavement, warm and quiet. Francis unlocked the car, and the girls climbed in.
Tina immediately started talking again, pointing out random things they should buy.
"Also drinks."
"You're going to bankrupt me," Francis said.
"You can afford it."
Aura laughed softly.
He glanced at her and felt relieved.
'She's smiling… good.'
Avery watched them through the mirror.
Her fingers tightened slightly on her skirt.
'She's smiling because of him…'
The car pulled into the mall parking lot. They stepped out, and Tina practically dragged them toward the supermarket section. Bright lights, soft music, and crowded aisles surrounded them.
"Okay," Tina declared. "Mission: make Aura happy."
"I'm right here," Aura murmured.
"Exactly."
Francis grabbed a cart. "Lead the way."
Tina tossed popcorn inside. "This one."
Avery added quietly, "Get two."
Tina looked at her. "Good idea."
Aura watched them.
"You don't need to—"
"We want to," Avery said softly.
Aura blinked, surprised.
Avery offered a small smile. "It's a sleepover. It should be fun."
Francis noticed the effort and felt relieved.
'She's trying…'
They moved down the aisle. Tina kept joking. Francis kept responding. Aura slowly relaxed. Avery walked beside Aura, occasionally pointing at things.
"This one looks nice," Avery said, holding up chocolate.
Aura nodded. "Yeah."
"You like dark chocolate?"
"Sometimes."
"I do too."
The conversation was small, but it was something.
Tina leaned toward Francis. "They're bonding."
He chuckled. "Don't jinx it."
They continued shopping. Drinks. Chips. Ice cream. Random candies Tina insisted on. By the time they reached the checkout, the cart was full.
"You weren't joking," Francis said.
Tina grinned. "Worth it."
They left the store laughing lightly. The tension from earlier had softened. Aura's smile looked more natural now. Francis noticed and felt satisfied.
But Avery noticed something else.
He kept checking Aura.
Every few seconds.
Every reaction.
Every smile.
Her chest tightened.
'He's… really in love with her…'
She inhaled slowly.
'It's okay… I'm engaged to him… I'll win him over… slowly…'
She straightened slightly.
'She won't get a chance.'
They returned to the car and drove to Aura's house. The ride was quieter now, but comfortable. Tina leaned back, scrolling through movies. Aura looked out the window. Avery watched the road. Francis drove calmly.
They arrived at the estate.
Francis stepped out first and helped carry the bags.
"You bought too much," Aura said.
"Blame Tina."
"I accept responsibility," Tina replied proudly.
They walked toward the entrance. The staff opened the door respectfully. Aura led them inside. The house felt calm and elegant.
"This place is beautiful," Tina whispered.
Avery nodded. "It really is."
They placed the bags on the table. Tina immediately started sorting things.
"This goes here."
"You just got here," Aura laughed.
"Preparation is key."
Francis checked his watch.
"I should go."
Tina looked up. "You're not staying?"
He shook his head. "Girls' sleepover. That plus I've got work to do."
Aura nodded. "Thanks for today."
"Anytime."
Avery stepped forward slightly. "You're leaving now?"
"Yeah."
"You won't join later?"
He smiled faintly. "Next time."
She nodded slowly.
'He really isn't staying…'
Tina waved. "Drive safe."
He picked up his keys. "Enjoy."
He turned and walked toward the door but before he left he paused..." have a good time girls, including you." He said looking towards Avery before leaving.
As he stepped outside, his expression changed slightly. The relaxed look faded, replaced with something more serious.
'Now… I need to talk to him.'
He got into the car and started the engine. The drive to the palace felt longer than usual. His thoughts replayed the cafeteria scene.
Stephanie's announcement. Ethan's silence. Aura's reaction. Something wasn't right.
'There's no way he's really back with her…'
He tightened his grip on the steering wheel.
'I need answers.'
The palace gates opened as he approached. The guards recognized him immediately. He parked and stepped out, the evening air cool and quiet. He walked inside.
A servant bowed. "He's in the study."
Francis nodded.
He walked down the corridor, each step steady. The door ahead was slightly open. Light spilled from inside.
He stopped.
Knocked once.
"Ethan," he said.
"We need to talk."