19

19

**Elena's POV**

As I hung up the phone, I couldn't help but feel a bit lighter, a little happier. Jason's call always seemed to have that effect on me. But then, my mind drifted to the message Id received earlier—a message from an unknown number claiming to be Aurora, asking for a meeting.

Id agreed, but I had no intention of meeting her in some secluded place where she could pull anything shady. Thats why Id chosen one of Jasons restaurants, a busy spot with enough people around. I had no reason to trust her, but I also had no reason to refuse. At least, not yet.

When I arrived, I spotted Aurora seated at a table near the window. Two glasses of wine were already waiting on the table, which made me pause. She'd ordered for both of us? Odd, but maybe she was just trying to set a polite tone.

"Hi, Aurora. Make this quick; I have other things to do,"I said, keeping my voice casual but distant.

She looked up, her expression almost remorseful, but I wasnt buying it. Elena, I called you here to—she began, reaching forward, but then her hand knocked one of the wine glasses over. Red wine spilled all over my dress, staining it instantly.

"Seriously, Aurora?"I exclaimed, trying to hold back my irritation but failing miserably. "I'm heading back to the office after this, and now Ill smell like wine. Thanks a lot!"

Auroras face flushed, and she muttered a soft apology, but I barely acknowledged it. Like I cared if she was sorry.

Its fine. Ill just clean up,I said with a sigh and stomped off to the restroom, my frustration simmering under the surface.

In the restroom, I dabbed at the wine stain with water, though it didnt do much good. The scent clung to me, so I took out my perfume and sprayed a light mist, hoping it would mask the smell. With a resigned sigh, I brushed a strand of hair from my face, took a deep breath, and returned to the table.

Aurora was already refilling the glasses from a wine bottle on the table. She placed my glass in front of me with an odd look of apology on her face. "Heres your wine. Im really sorry about the spill. I hope this one makes up for it."

"Fine,"I muttered, taking the glass. Just as I raised it to my lips, a waiter walked past, accidentally bumping Auroras bag to the floor. She bent down, cursing under her breath, as the waiter quickly replaced my glass with another one, whispering, Please, dont drink that.

I blinked, surprised, but gave him a quick nod, acting as though nothing had happened. Aurora didnt seem to notice, too focused on picking up her things. He literally replaced the wine to hers!

So, whats so important that you needed to see me?I asked, settling back in my seat, but keeping my guard up.

Aurora put on a pitiful expression, her eyes widening as if she were genuinely distressed. "I'm moving out of Lucass place,"she said, her voice soft and vulnerable. "I thought you should know."

I arched an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Is that supposed to concern me?"

Aurora bit her lip, clearly uncomfortable, then forced a weak smile. "I just thought…maybe youd want to know. Ive been…awful to you, Elena, and Im sorry for everything I've done over the years. Im planning to move out of state, make a fresh start."

Her face was painted with what looked like sincerity, but I could still feel the flicker of jealousy in her eyes, the bitterness she tried so hard to mask.

"Cheers to new beginnings,"she said, raising her glass with a forced cheerfulness, her eyes glued to me as if gauging my every move.

"Cheers,"I replied coolly, clinking my glass against hers and taking a slow sip. I watched her closely, trying to gauge the sincerity in her words, but she was as guarded as ever.

As we finished our drinks, Aurora stood up abruptly, mumbling an excuse before walking out of the restaurant. I lingered, my mind spinning with questions. Why had that waiter warned me? Why did he change my drink? A prickle of unease crept up my spine.

Determined to get answers, I scanned the restaurant for the waiter, but he was nowhere to be found. Frustrated but curious, I decided to follow Aurora, keeping my distance as she stumbled out of the restaurant. Her steps were uneven, her shoulders sagging as though she was weighed down by an invisible burden. Something wasnt right.

A few moments later, I watched as Aurora wavered, her movements unsteady. Her hand shot out to grip the wall beside her, but it was too late. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the pavement, her body limp and lifeless.

I didnt rush to help. Instead, I stayed hidden, my heart pounding with a mixture of shock and disbelief. Whatever had happened to her…that had almost been me. If not for that waiter, Id be the one on the ground right now. It was as if someone had planned all of this, hoping Id fall into their trap.

My thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a man—a rugged, unkempt figure whose face I didnt recognize. He took out his phone, his voice muffled, but I caught snippets of his conversation.

Yes, sir. I found her. Shes out cold…yes, seems drugged. Ill handle it from here.

My stomach twisted. The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. This was planned. Aurora had been set up, just as I had been. This wasnt just a meeting or a forced apology. It was a calculated trap.

As the man lifted Aurora into his arms, I took a step back, retreating into the shadows. I didnt want to risk being seen, didnt want to tip him off that someone was watching. With one last glance at the scene, I turned and rushed to my car, my heart hammering against my ribs.

My fingers trembled as I gripped the steering wheel, replaying the events in my mind, trying to make sense of it all. Aurora, the fake apology, the waiters warning—it all felt surreal, like a twisted game I hadnt agreed to play.

Oh my goodness,I whispered, my voice shaky, as I sped out of the parking lot, leaving behind a whirlwind of questions and a sense of dread that refused to let go.