Chapter 13Shattered IllusionsI stood frozen as I heard the voice that spoke, my heart pounding in my chest as the familiar voice echoed through the grand hall. Slowly, I turned, my breath catching in my throat as my eyes locked onto the man who had spoken.It was him, the man I had been unable to forget since that day at the park, the one I had dreamed about, the one I had been secretly longing for over the past month, the one that made me reject Peter and Alex's love for me.His piercing gaze met mine, and in that moment, a whirlwind of emotions tore through me, shock, confusion, anger, sadness, happiness, excitement, and pain all at once.My father’s stern voice cut through the tension, drawing me back to reality.“Aurora,
Unraveled FatesThe next day, Aurora knew this was the day she had to talk to Alex. Deep down, she knew the conversation between them would be intense, like a storm waiting to break.She picked up her phone and called Alex. “Hey,” “What’s up?” “Can we meet at the café we usually go to?” she asked him, her voice steady despite her nerves. “Sure, give me 30 minutes.” “Okay, I’ll be expecting you.”As soon as the call ended, Aurora heaved a sigh of relief. At least, the waiting would soon be over.—Aurora paced nervously outside the small café where she was supposed to meet Alex. She had been dreading this conversation, but she knew it was inevitable. As much as she wanted to avoid him, he deserved to know she was leaving Medford. The thought of leaving without telling him felt wrong, even though she had no intention of revealing the real reason behind her sudden departure.Her phone buzzed with a text from Alex, signaling that he was nearby. She looked up just in time to see
Chapter 11The Unchosen PathFour days left. James reminded himself of the deal with the Blackwoods. "I have to get my family to choose," he told himself, feeling the weight of the decision pressing on him. Immediately, he texted his children, telling them there would be a family meeting at home by 5 p.m. The decision of who would be given to the Blackwoods had to be made today.*****While I was in class, my phone buzzed. I knew instantly that a message had come in. As I checked my phone, I saw a text from my dad about the family meeting. My heart sank. Deep down, I knew this had to do with the Blackwoods and the deal with them. I resolved to go, if only to help my dad. Besides, I couldn’t see any reason to stay in Medford away from the boy problems, at least I could use a change of environment.Throughout school, I didn’t see Alex or Peter. I knew they were both avoiding me, and I couldn’t blame them. I didn't love them and couldn't bring myself to say yes when my heart wasn't in it
Chapter 10Shadows of BetrayalAfter the altercation Vanessa had with Alex, she couldn't stop feeling bad about it. Deep down, she felt she had lost any chance of getting close to him again. Vanessa knew that his reaction was because of his love for Aurora. "That bitch is never going to reciprocate his love, so why does he even try?" Vanessa soliloquized, her voice tinged with bitterness. "Aurora has been ruining my life ever since I knew her from getting Father's love to stealing Alex’s heart, even though she doesn’t deserve either. Ahhhhhhhhh, I hate her so much!" Vanessa spat out, her voice shaking with rage.She paced around her room, trying to figure out what to do next. “I need someone to talk to… hmm, let me visit Tiffany.”Without wasting time, Vanessa grabbed her phone and dialed Tiffany’s number. After a few rings, Tiffany picked up.“Hey,” Tiffany answered, her tone a mix of curiosity and indifference.“Hey, are you home?” Vanessa asked, trying to sound casual.“Yeah, I’m h
Chapter 9Fractured bonds Early in the morning, Peter decided to visit Tiffany’s house to reconcile after their fight. He picked up her favorite chocolate, hoping to ease the tension between them.As he stood in front of her door, anxiety gripped him, urging him to turn back. “I should just leave... there’s no way she’ll accept me,” Peter muttered dejectedly. Just as he was about to retreat, the door creaked open.“Oh, Mr. Peter, you're here. Should I call Madam for you?” the steward greeted him politely.“No, don’t disturb her. I was just leaving,” Peter responded.“Steward! Who’s at the door?” Tiffany’s sharp voice pierced the air from inside.“Ma'am, it’s Mr. Peter,” the steward answered.“Is he crazy? Why is he here? Wait, I’m coming. Tell him to stay put!” Tiffany's shout echoed through the hall.Peter braced himself for the conversation he knew would be difficult. He understood Tiffany well enough to know she wouldn’t let him off easily, but he was determined to win her over.T
Chapter 8The Price of BetrayalThe moment my voice rang through the room, silence fell like a heavy curtain. I felt all eyes on me, and the tension in the air was suffocating.“Dad,” I repeated, my voice firmer now, “Give me to who?”“Baby, it’s nothing for you to worry about,” my father tried to soothe me, but his words felt hollow.“Oh, James, stop lying to her and tell her about your meeting with the Blackwoods,” Victoria’s voice cut through the tension, laced with anger.“Dad…” I looked at him, heart racing, “You met with the Blackwoods again? I thought you had paid them off.”“Pay them?” Victoria laughed bitterly. “With what money? He’s completely broke.”“Dad, answer me!” I shouted, my frustration boiling over into fear. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat louder than the last.My father sighed, looking defeated. “They requested a meeting… and I had no choice but to go.”---Two days ago…James sat alone at home, aimlessly scrolling through his phone, when a message appeare