Chapter 6

Aurora’s POV

The moment I heard Damien had sent Chloe to the Blackwood compound, I drove there without hesitation.

The compound was located outside the city and was normally used to train the Blackwood family’s attack dogs.

When I pushed through the gates, barking immediately filled the air.

My stomach dropped.

“Chloe!”

“Aurora!”

Her voice came from behind the training cages.

I rushed toward it and found her curled against the bars.

Three enormous attack dogs paced outside the cage, their eyes fixed on her.

Chloe looked terrified. “Aurora, please get me out of here.”

“I will.”

I searched for the key but couldn’t find it.

Then I spotted a metal rod lying nearby, grabbed it, and approached the dogs.

They snarled and lunged toward me. I swung the rod against the ground.

“Stay back!”

The dogs retreated for only a moment. I used the opportunity to unlock the cage.

“Come on!”

Chloe tried to stand but nearly collapsed. “I’m too weak.”

“I’ll help you.”

I wrapped her arm around my shoulder and dragged her toward the exit.

We had barely taken a few steps when one of the dogs broke through the barrier.

It charged straight at us.

“Aurora, run!”

She shoved me aside and the dog tackled her.

“Ah!”

“Chloe!”

I grabbed the rod and struck the dog until it backed away.

Chloe lay on the ground, clutching her leg. Blood soaked through her clothes.

“Aurora…”

“Don’t move.” I dropped beside her. “You’re going to be okay.”

She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “I’m scared.”

I grabbed her hand. “I’m here. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

I dragged her toward the gate with everything I had.

“Open the door!”

No one answered.

“Open it!”

Finally, the lock clicked.

I pulled Chloe through the gate and immediately called an ambulance.

Nine hours later, the doctor finally walked toward me. I stood immediately.

“How is she?”

“She survived.”

Relief rushed through me.

Then his expression turned grim. “But the damage to her leg was too severe.”

My smile disappeared. “What does that mean?”

“We had no choice. She lost her leg.”

I couldn’t breathe.

Chloe had grown up beside me.

She had been there when everyone else left and Damien had nearly killed her because of me.

I sat beside her hospital bed until morning.

She was still unconscious.

My phone buzzed.

The first message was from my lawyer.

The divorce documents are ready.

I stared at the message.

Then another message appeared.

I’m waiting for you outside the courthouse.

I knew who it was—the man I’d contacted seven days ago.

Before I could reply, my phone buzzed again.

It was a message from Damien.

Come home tonight. I have a surprise for you.

I stared at the message.

After everything that had happened, he still expected me to come home.

Then another message appeared.

This time, it was from an unknown number.

Mrs. Blackwood, I heard your best friend lost her leg.

My fingers tightened around the phone.

Another message followed.

Don’t blame Damien. Chloe brought it upon herself. Also, Damien never watched the video you sent. He trusts me more than you.

I deleted the messages.

I didn’t cry.

I simply looked at Chloe sleeping peacefully then I stood.

It was time.

—

Outside the courthouse, my lawyer handed me the divorce certificate.

I took it without hesitation.

Then I walked into the Civil Affairs Bureau with the man waiting for me.

We obtained our marriage certificate. From beginning to end, my expression remained unreadable.

The man beside me curled his lips into a faint smile.

“You don’t seem very eager to marry me. Having second thoughts?”

Standing in the sunlight, I looked up at him.

“Alexander Sterling, help me exact my revenge.”

His smile disappeared.

I stared directly into his eyes.

“I want Damien Blackwood and Bella to pay for their crimes in blood.”