THREE - Aurora Vs The Valenmoors

SMACK!

The sound cracked through the hall like a gunshot.

Aurora was thrown sideways and her body hit the cold marble floor hard.

The hat she had taken from the hotel flew off her head and skidded away. Her cheek burned instantly and the pain exploded across her face before she could even react.

Standing over her was Maribel Valenmoor, her stepmother.

Maribel’s face was twisted with pure hatred, her lips pulled tight as if Aurora’s very existence disgusted her. “You disgusting little slut,” she spat. “Look at what you’ve done. I really should have drowned you the day you were born. You dare crawl back here after bringing such filth and shame to the Valenmoor name?”

Aurora’s face burned as she clutched her cheek. The face throbbed, but it was nothing compared to the sting from the words. She slowly lifted her head.

Behind Maribel, the household staff moved calmly about their duties. No one looked surprised. No one rushed to help. Their eyes slid past Aurora like this was an everyday scene. Like she was invisible.

To the side, Lydia Valenmoor, her stepsister, leaned against the railing with a smug smile. Her eyes sparkled with satisfaction. It was the kind of look that said I did this. And finally, Aurora's step aunt, Rosalind stood in the corner staring at Aurora like she was something rotten dragged into the house.

Lydia took a step forward. Before Aurora could react, she grabbed the scarf around her neck and yanked it down hard.

“Theres no use concealing anything,Let everyone see,” Lydia said loudly.

There were loud gasps from everyone. Dark marks bloomed across Aurora’s neck and collarbone : hickeys and faint bite marks that hadn’t yet faded.

Maribel gasped exaggeratedly, then screamed, “You were barely worthy of an invitation to that award show, and yet you went there and sold your body like a cheap street woman!”

Rosalind jumped in immediately pointing a finger. “Exactly! Someone like this thinks she can marry into the Hawthorne family? Disgusting! Absolutely disgraceful!”

Aurora’s mind spun. How do they know? How did this get out? She asked herself .

Fear crawled up her spine. Her chest tightened until it hurt. She had barely escaped the hotel. She hadn’t even fully remembered everything herself. The memories were still broken, scattered pieces that refused to settle. Yet here they were, shouting like they had watched it happen with their own eyes.

Lydia's lips curled into a cruel smile. “Sister You look confused,” she said mockingly. “Well, let me tell you”

She lifted her phone lazily, as if savoring the moment. With an exaggerated gasp, Lydia tapped the screen and began reading aloud, her voice dripping with fake shock.

****“‘D-list celebrity Aurora Valenmoor caught in bed with an unknown man : explicit photos leaked.’”****

The words hit Aurora like a blow.Her blood ran cold.

Lydia stepped closer, invading her space, and shoved the phone right in front of Aurora’s face.The screen was filled with images.

Aurora felt her stomach twist violently.There she was lying on a bed beside the fat man from the previous night Her eyes were closed. Her body was limp, unmoving, like a doll discarded after use. She looked unconscious and helpless.

And Aurora almost puked at the sight.

“That’s you,” Rosalind said lightly almost amused. “Quite the spectacle, don’t you think?”

Something inside Aurora snapped at Rosalind words. She pushed herself up and shoved Maribel hard.

Maribel screamed and stumbled backward into Lydia’s arms. Lydia shrieked dramatically, “How dare you! Have you lost your mind?!”

Aurora shook with fury. “It wasn’t my fault!” she screamed. “I was drugged! And I know you two spread the rumors that ruined my reputation till date - who’s to say you weren’t the ones who!”

Her words were cut short.

“You’re the one covered in marks!” Lydia shrieked. “You slut! You probably sold your body for a role!” She sneered cruelly. “Imagine how Brother James would feel knowing his fiancée has been selling her body!”

Aurora felt sick. James Hawthorne was her betrothed since childhood. But the way Lydia said his name,in that possessive manner,made her stomach churn. Aurora had known for years that Lyra coveted him. Craved him. The engagement had always burned in her eyes.

Aurora laughed bitterly. “Stop pretending, you fake white lotus,” she snapped. “I know how badly you want to be Mrs. Hawthorne. Did you and your mother do this? Drug me? Sell me out?”

Maribel opened her mouth to scream but a deep, furious voice cut through the room.

"How dare you speak to your sister like that?” the voice thundered. “Have you grown so arrogant that you no longer know your place?”

Everyone turned as,James Hawthorne strode in