Chapter 4

Aurora’s POV

Three days after I was poisoned, I was finally discharged.

Chloe was waiting outside the hospital, and the moment she saw me, she rushed over.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked worriedly.

“I’m fine, Chloe.” I smiled.

Her expression tightened. “Damien didn’t come?”

I shook my head. “He had more important things to do.”

Chloe’s eyes darkened. “After what he did to you, I swear—”

“It’s in the past, Chloe.” I opened the car door. “I’m done talking about him.”

She stared at me for a moment before getting in. “Then what are we doing tonight?”

“There’s a Blackwood Foundation gala.”

Her mouth fell open. “You’re going?”

“Of course.”

“Aurora, you just got out of the hospital.”

“I’m still Mrs. Blackwood.” I smiled.

For three more days.

—

The gala was held at the Blackwood Grand Hotel. The moment we entered, heads turned and whispers followed us.

Everyone knew Damien’s wife had just survived being poisoned. Nobody knew I was already preparing to leave him.

Chloe leaned closer. “Everyone is staring.”

I picked up a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and shrugged.

Across the ballroom, I spotted Bella. She was standing beside Damien’s mother, wearing an elegant black gown.

Around her neck hung a diamond necklace bearing the Blackwood crest.

Chloe scoffed. “That’s the necklace Damien gave her, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“She really has no shame.”

I shrugged. “It’s not mine anymore.”

We moved toward a quieter corner of the ballroom.

Chloe looked at me. “What’s your plan, Aurora?”

I grinned. “I don’t care about Damien anymore because I’m getting a divorce.”

Chloe gasped. “You’re serious?”

“I’m getting married in three days.”

“Who is the man? Tell me!”

I laughed. “You’ll meet him soon.”

Chloe grabbed my hand. “Are you going to tell Damien tonight?”

“No. He doesn’t need to know.”

I glanced across the ballroom.

Damien was surrounded by several senior members of his organization, discussing business.

A strange satisfaction settled inside me.

For once, I would be the one leaving him without warning.

Chloe suddenly smiled. “Then let’s celebrate your freedom.”

She pointed toward the exit. “There’s a club downstairs. Come on.”

I laughed. “You really don’t waste time.”

“Absolutely not.”

An hour later, we were at Blackout.

The private room was filled with music and laughter.

Chloe ordered drinks while I sat back, enjoying the rare feeling of having nothing to worry about.

Then the door opened.

A waitress walked in carrying several bottles.

I recognized her immediately.

It was Bella.

She froze when she saw me.

Chloe slowly raised an eyebrow. “You?”

Bella lowered her gaze. “I’m working tonight.”

Chloe glanced at the expensive diamond necklace Bella had worn earlier. “So Damien’s money isn’t enough anymore?”

Bella’s face flushed. “I don’t take Damien’s money.”

Chloe laughed. “Really? Then what about the necklace around your neck?”

“He gifted me and refused to accept no from me. I work for everything I have.”

“Then prove it.”

Bella looked confused.

Chloe pointed toward the bottles on the table. “Drink with us. If you finish them, I’ll pay you.”

Bella hesitated. “How much?”

“Enough to make your little speech about not needing Damien’s money believable.”

Several people at the table laughed.

Bella’s eyes reddened. “I’ll do it.”

She picked up the first bottle.

I watched silently as Bella finished one bottle and started on the second.

Chloe leaned toward me. “She really is desperate to prove something.”

I smiled faintly. “Let her be, Chloe.”

Bella continued drinking until her face turned pale.

Then—

BANG!

The entire club shook.

The lights went out as a second explosion ripped through the entrance.

Screams filled the room.

“Get down!”

Gunfire erupted.

I dropped behind the sofa as bullets tore through the walls.

“Chloe!”

“I’m here!”

She crawled toward me as more gunshots echoed through the club.

Then I heard Bella scream.

“Help me!”

I looked up.

She was lying near the doorway, blood spreading across her shoulder.

Armed men stormed into the club.

One of them shouted, “Kill everyone!”

My blood ran cold.

Chloe grabbed my hand.

“Aurora, run!”

We rushed toward the emergency exit, but before we could reach it, several Blackwood guards burst inside.

“Mrs. Blackwood! Get down!”

They surrounded us.

One of them pressed a hand to his earpiece.

“Boss, there’s been an attack at Blackout.”