| E X T R A - H I G H L I G H T S |

David eagerly awaited to open the phone from Mark, sensing this video held answers about the deaths of Aurora Romano and Jackson Simpson. Finding the truth was paramount, and he was determined to seize this opportunity.

This was his moment to rewrite history and breathe life into cold, forgotten files. David's hopes for a well-deserved promotion seemed closer than ever.

As the video began to play, it whispered secrets from the past, offering a chance to reshape destinies and bring justice.

The girl with golden hair. With golden tresses that framed her face like a radiant halo, her eyes sparkled in gold matching shade with her hair. Her smile was as bright as daylight, and her porcelain skin, coupled with rosy, plump cheeks, rendered her an absolute beauty.

Date: November 25th 2020:

The video opens with Aurora Romano speaking directly to the camera. She has a warm smile on her face.

"Hello, brother. It's been a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration here at the Simpson's house. I wish you were here to join in the festivities. It's a whirlwind of colours, delicious food, laughter, and that indescribable warmth of being with family. The atmosphere here is simply amazing. You really should come for a visit sometime.

I know you hate this town because it comes with bad memories, but I can't help but fall in love with this place. Maybe what happened eighteen years ago was just a misfortune, but we can't deny the fact that this is our home, brother. Markus and you should come visit the town someday. I am sure you would fall in love too."

Her smile widens, but a hint of nostalgia creeps into her eyes.

"I miss you.

So, from now on, I will make the video blogs for you and Markus, so that you don't miss out on anything."

Date: December 1st 2020:

In the next video, Aurora is sitting in a cozy room, talking to the camera with a fond smile.

"Do you know, this town has some excellent Mexican and Tex-Mex recipes? They're absolutely delicious. I know you've never been a fan of spicy food, but I can't resist them, and neither can Markus. Speaking of whom, how's he doing all this time? I'm sure he's quite miffed that I escaped without much warning, isn't he? I know him too well. Just let him know that I love him so much, and he'll probably melt at the sight of my smile."

She sighed, a frown etched on her brows.

"You know, growing up in Texas has always left me thinking about what LarksVille was like, where our parents grew up and fell in love with each other. I wanted to know." A sparkle of tears glistened in her eyes as she continued, "I miss Mom and Dad. I don't remember them much as I was too young when they died. But I know you do. You remember them and this town, and probably that's why you don't want to visit here." She sighed. "I understand. But I wanted to know what our parents were like or at least to see the place where they grew up."

She leaned back against the headboard as tears ran down her cheeks. "I went to the cemetery to find Mom and Dad, and the Romano's were nowhere to be found." Looking back, she continued, "Do you think what happened eighteen years ago was LarksVille's fault? What if they have really changed, and we can come back here and live forever?"

Wiping her tears, she said, "I know it's a lame wish, but still, I wish to stay close to Mom and Dad. Please, Benny, come back here. At least for once."

Date: December 27th 2020:

In this video, Aurora appears a bit concerned as she addresses the camera.

"Why haven't you guys called me back during Christmas? Did you all really forget about me? I tried calling Markus, but he hasn't answered my calls.

As much as I'm enjoying my time here, I do miss you all terribly. It would have been so wonderful if we could have gathered for Christmas. 

"I found out something about our parents. It looks like Mom and Dad were alumni of LarksVille High. Last week, I found an old article about them as the best innovative group. Dad won an annual award along with Mom and his group. The picture was old, but I could see how happy they were.

I am trying to find the others in that picture."

Taking a deep breath, she continued, "But there has been something else going on at LarksVille High. And sometimes, I can't help but feel that this town isn't quite what it appears to be.

I really miss you all. I wish you were here."

Date: January 20th 2021:

"New Year isn't turning out to be what I expected, brother. There are so many hidden secrets lurking within this town, and it somewhat seems to revolve around LarksVille High too.

I had no idea that the students here could be so brutally cruel. I'm not just talking about nasty personalities; they're willing to go to any lengths to flaunt their power, even if it means causing harm to others.

Even the principal seems powerless against these bullies. I think it's time for me to stand up to them, just like you taught me to. But I want you and Markus to wish me luck because I know this journey is going to be long and challenging."

Date: January 27th 2021:

"Jackson's in love, although she won't reveal the person's identity. My gut feeling tells me it might be Hardin. Even if they're not a perfect match because of their respective backgrounds, who cares? Love knows no bounds.

Just like Markus and me.

Recently, there have been some missing students at Sommerville. While cases have been reported, what's odd is that two of the missing students were from Sommerville High itself. I have a hunch that they might be victims of these bullies.

I'm closely watching them to gather evidence, but so far, I've found no leads. It seems I'll have to work even harder this time. "

Date: January 31st 2021:

The camera's view revealed an unused room within the school premises, its door slightly ajar. Hidden behind that crack, Aurora captured the horrifying scene unfolding inside.

Mia, Blakely and Kevin had a boy pinned beneath their feet, forcing him to kneel as Shawn and Sam subjected him to their cruelty. The boy cried, begged and pleaded for mercy, but his pleas fell on deaf ears.

Oliver approached the boy, his face contorted with anger. "What did you think, Styles?" he seethed. "Did you believe you could escape us? Did you think you had any power against us? Do you even know who my uncle is? He could tear you into pieces and toss you into the sea. Would you prefer that?"

Styles, bloodied and bruised, now looked terrified of Oliver. But he remained standing, locking eyes with his tormentor. "I know what you did to Gweneth and Sharline," he said, his voice trembling but determined. "I witnessed how you all abducted her and tortured her for your sick pleasure. Do you think I'd let you get away with it?"

Oliver scoffed, "And what would you do, exactly? Call the police?"

"I will if I have to!" Styles shouted in a final act of defiance. "You're all twisted, sick individuals who take pleasure in tormenting innocent people. I won't let you—"

Before Styles could finish his sentence, a gunshot rang out, and he fell to the floor, lifeless. His eyes stared blankly, a bullet hole between them.

The camera shook from the abrupt violence, and Aurora's face mirrored the shock she felt. She instinctively covered her mouth to stifle any sound. Unnoticed, tears streamed down her cheeks, and her horror was palpable.

She hastily left the scene, her breaths ragged, and, upon gaining some distance, she turned the camera back on. With a tremor in her voice, she continued, "Among these bullies, someone was pulling the strings, and the rest were just following orders. There was someone more powerful behind all of them who killed Styles. The real killer. I need to find them."

Date: February 3rd 2021:

"I went to the police today and all they did was laugh at my words. They asked me to bring proof next time. And I shall get it."

Date: February 7th 2021:

The camera opened in Aurora's room, revealing the telltale signs of sleepless nights. Her eyes were puffy, and dark circles underscored them, evidence of the restlessness that plagued her.

"They closed the case, saying that Gweneth and Sharline's families had to move away due to some emergencies," Aurora began, her voice heavy with frustration. "I stood there, unable to reveal the harsh truth. If I speak now, the real culprits behind all this would be alerted. I don't want that. I'm determined to bring them to justice, brother."

Aurora continued, her eyes reflecting her determination, "Styles's body was discovered near an abandoned road. The police found drugs in his bag, and they simply concluded that he was involved in some illegal activities. I wish I could show them the video, but I've chosen to remain silent until I uncover the real culprits."

Her expression softened as she talked about a new acquaintance, "I also met a sweet boy named Benjamin Sanderson. He was part of Oliver's group, but he's completely different from them. He's kind and genuine. I hope we get along well soon. He promised to help me."

Date: February 14th 2021:

"Just so you know, brother, Benjamin is just a friend. Last night, Markus became way too possessive because of him. Just tell him that, no matter what, I promise I will be his bride someday."

She couldn't help but giggle at the thought.

"PS, just a little secret," she confided, "Benjamin did propose to me today. But I turned him down. I told him we could only be friends, and thankfully, he accepted that as well."

Aurora's tone shifted back to a more serious note as she spoke of their ongoing mission, "As for the case, I've devised a plan. It's risky, and it might endanger life, but we have to take the bait. We're willingly letting them target Jackson next, and this time, I'm determined to get the recordings. I've shared the entire story with Jackson, and we're both involved in this case now. I've witnessed and recorded all the horrifying things they've done to those students. I'm very close to the truth now. Though Oliver and his team have scattered to torture their victims, I'm confident I'll catch them all together again."

Date: February 27th 2021:

Aurora whispered urgently, "They took Seojin forcefully in their car, the red Mercedes. They took Jackson too. I'm following them right now. I did what you asked me to, brother, and surprisingly, they took the bait. All I have to do now is wait until I catch them red-handed."

She trailed the car as quietly as possible, recording the sinister events as they unfolded. The camera showed an old mansion where the red Mercedes came to a halt, and Aurora could see the ominous figures dragging the captives inside.

"Jackson knows I am here," she continued. "In case I find anything wrong going to happen, I'm going to call the police. The plan was ready."

Aurora watched from outside a window, and what she saw sent a chill down her spine. It was Benjamin Sanderson standing among them, along with seven other girls from her school, all knelt before him, tied and terrified.

Benjamin's eerie obsession was palpable as he breathed in the scent of their hair, "Such beauty..." The girls whimpered in fear. Mia, Blakely, and Tia stood by his side.

"We've delivered what you asked for; can we go now?" Mia inquired with a bored tone. "We don't want to be a part of your torment games, Ben."

Ben hissed with anger, his eyes blazing, "Do you know why you're studying in this prestigious school, Mia, which your mother probably cannot afford? That's because I allowed you to be here." Mia rolled her eyes, and in an instant, she was pinned to the wall by Ben's hand around her throat. "So you will only move When. I. Say. So."

Aurora, horrified, recorded the shocking truth: Benjamin Sanderson was the sick culprit. He was no friend, but a dangerous predator.

Her phone beeped suddenly disrupting everyone, And possibly gaining their attention. She gasped in shock, whispering, "Shit," as she quickly silenced it, but she knew they had heard the sound and might be on their way, so she did not waste any more time before making the run.

It was enough evidence to turn all of them in. And she knew she had to reach out to the police as soon as possible or else she wouldn't be able to save them. She needs to be quick.

In her attempt to escape, Aurora's camera captured a chaotic, jumbled view as she ran. After a while, all that could be heard was her yelps with a thud as she fell. The camera ended up upside down, revealing that both she and the recorder had fallen. The red Mercedes screeched to a halt before her. Benjamin emerged from the car, accompanied by a tall, beautiful woman with black shades and a menacing man. Aurora was scared. She tried to flee, but her injured leg hindered her progress.

The camera abruptly went dark as the menacing man turned it off with her muffled screams.

Date: March, 27, 2021:

The camera unveiled a battered and bruised face, revealing Jackson, a girl who had suffered greatly running in the forest. Her eyes were circled with purple smudges from sleepless nights.

"It's been a month now, and I witnessed Aurora's death. He made me watch it. Benjamin Sanderson. He's a psycho," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Jackson's eyes seemed to hold the weight of the world as she continued, "But what I've discovered is even more brutal and horrifying. They were part of an organization, an evil network where they kidnap innocent girls and sell them. Benjamin is working with them, or perhaps, it's the other way around."

With a deep breath, Jackson revealed the gruesome extent of their crimes, "Ben takes advantage of the girls before shipment, and so far, they've shipped seventeen girls from Larksville High, aged between 16 and 18."

Her voice quivered as she confessed, "I ran away today. They captured a girl from our school, Miley. I took her with me. I took the camera with me too. I saw what happened to Aurora. It was Jules McLaren and the criminal Rownan Nave. They helped him torture her to death. They shipped the other six girls tonight. Benjamin was sick, and now he's after me. Most likely, I'll end up dead very soon, but I need to record the truth. I hope whoever finds this recording will seek justice for us. For everyone who's suffered.."

She ended the recording with a heartfelt message, "I love you, Mama. I love you, Hardin."

****

As the video came to an end, a solitary tear glistened in Mark's eyes for the first time. This man of rock-solid composure had been deeply affected by the unfolding tragedies. The room fell into a heavy silence, tension thick in the air, until Lara finally broke it with a pointed question, "Wait, where the heck is Ana?"

A/N: Aurora will have her justice. The Devil will make sure of it. Vote comment and share.