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Aurora's POV

A sharp, throbbing pain radiates through my head, like a hammer pounding against my skull. My eyes flutter open slowly, and I find myself in a nauseatingly filthy truck, bouncing and rattling over rough terrain. I take in the surroundings—the truck bed filled with grimy tarps and bits of hay, as if its been used to transport livestock. A disgusted groan escapes me.

Oh, great,I mutter, forcing myself to sit up. I reach up to grab my purse, which has somehow stayed hooked on a corner of the truck bed. Digging through it, I fumble for my phone, dread pooling in my stomach as memories of the night before start filtering back. Id tried to outwit Elena, slipping something into her drink to give her a taste of her own medicine. But now, somehow, its all turned against me.

Finally, I hit call. When Desmonds smug voice answers, I nearly shout, my patience frayed. Desmond! What in the world did you do to me?!

Theres a pause, then his calm, indifferent reply. Exactly what you asked. I drugged Ms. Elena and ensured shed be... incapacitated. Someone was supposed to rough her up a bit, just as you wanted.

I catch my reflection in a broken truck mirror and gasp. My face is swollen, bruised, smeared with dried blood. My breath catches as fury floods my veins. You idiot! You drugged me, not her! Your thugs beat me up, you moron! Fix this, Desmond!

He hesitates. Uh... Well, consider it a misunderstanding. But no worries. I can finish the job on Elena.

I draw in a shaky breath, suppressing the rage boiling inside me. Listen to me, Desmond,I say with icy calm. Youd better finish it, and do it right. Make sure she doesnt see tomorrow.

The line goes silent, then clicks as he hangs up. I take a deep breath, attempting to ignore the sickly ache in my face and the growing frustration in my chest. I need to find a way back. Flagging down a passing cab, I mutter the address to my penthouse. As the city skyline comes into view, all I can think about is making Elena pay.

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Elenas POV

A shiver runs down my spine as I sit on my bed, recalling the waiters strange warning and the scene with Aurora. I should have been the one staggering and drugged, my body limp and helpless in that truck. But somehow, fate had a different plan. Auroras twisted scheme had backfired spectacularly.

Later that evening, as the sun begins to set, I head out to meet Jason at a cozy little ice cream parlor. My nerves are frayed, yet theres a sense of peace too—a reassurance that someone, or something, is watching over me. I spot Jason waiting by the door, his brows knitted in concern when he sees me.

Everything alright?he asks, pulling me into a warm embrace.

Yes…now,I reply, offering him a soft smile. There was a bit of drama, but its over. I ran into Aurora, and…well, lets just say she got what she deserved.I chuckle bitterly, shaking my head at the memory.

He looks at me, concern flickering in his eyes. Are you sure youre okay?

I nod, letting his steady presence soothe me. He hands me a cup of vanilla ice cream, my favorite. Here, try this. A bit of sweetness to calm those nerves.

I take a spoonful, savoring the cool, creamy texture, and he watches me with a tender smile. Just as Im about to scoop a bite for him, Jason pulls a small box and a bouquet of flowers from behind his back.

Elena,he begins, his voice warm and sincere. Youre the light in my life. Thank you for staying by my side, for trusting me. I got this for you as a little token of my gratitude.

Blushing, I open the box to reveal an exquisite golden bracelet paired with a delicate necklace. They shimmer under the dim lights, and I cant contain my joy as I throw my arms around him.

Theyre beautiful! Thank you, Jason,I say, my voice barely more than a whisper.

We linger there, lost in our own little world, until he excuses himself to go to the restroom. As Im waiting, I hear a familiar voice—one I hoped Id never hear again.

Elena!

Turning, I see Lucas standing on the sidewalk, looking disheveled and desperate. For a moment, anger surges through me, but his expression stops me in my tracks. His eyes are pained, remorseful.

Elena, please come back to me,he begs, his voice strained. I made a mistake, and Im ready to make it right. Ive thrown Aurora out, and the house…its yours now. Come back.

I shake my head, the fury building inside me. Lucas, what part of were donedont you understand? You humiliated me, lied to me, and now you expect me to forget all of it because youre sorry? Get out of my life.

Just as I turn to leave, a loud screeching sound pierces the air. A black Lexus careens around the corner, speeding directly toward me. Time seems to slow as I freeze, unable to move, the headlights blinding. Suddenly, Lucas lunges, pushing me back just as the car slams into him. The sickening thud echoes in my ears, and I scream as he crumples to the ground.

Lucas!I cry, dropping to my knees beside him. His face is pale, his breathing shallow, blood pooling beneath him on the asphalt. Lucas, stay with me!

Jason rushes over, his face contorted in shock and concern as he kneels beside us. What happened?

It…it all happened so fast,I stammer, my heart pounding wildly. He saved me. Jason, he saved me…

Sirens wail in the distance, and soon paramedics are rushing to lift Lucass limp body onto a stretcher. Jason wraps his arms around me, and I sink into his embrace, my mind racing.

As we follow the ambulance to the hospital, guilt mingles with confusion in my heart. Lucas had broken my trust, hurt me deeply…but in his final moments, he had redeemed himself. The thought tears at me, leaving me tangled in a web of emotions I cant untangle.

As the ambulance doors close, Jason looks at me, his eyes filled with understanding.

Are you alright?he asks softly, brushing a tear from my cheek.

I nod, still numb.