Chapter 2

By the time Aurora got home, it was late.

She unlocked her phone—only to be met with a fresh post from Marco.

A photo of his and Sofia's hands, fingers intertwined. On Sofia's delicate ring finger, the engagement ring gleamed under the light, its diamond obnoxiously massive.

[An unforgettable day—I've found the love of my life.]

Aurora let out a quiet laugh.

Marco had never once acknowledged their relationship publicly. She'd brushed it off, thinking it was just how he was. But now, it was obvious—he never saw her as someone worth claiming.

No hesitation. She blocked him.

They'd met on a rainy night. She'd been tutoring when the student's father got too close, hands where they didn't belong. She barely escaped, running blindly through the downpour—until Marco found her.

And she'd fallen.

She, who had never cared for anyone before, had taught herself how to love. She learned how to make him happy, how to be the perfect girlfriend—nursing him when he was sick, soothing him when he was down, doing everything right.

And for what?

She really thought she'd earned a place by his side.

Like an idiot, she believed giving it her all would actually matter.

But in the end, it was nothing.

***

The next day, Aurora made sure her makeup was flawless—no trace of last night's mess. She had plans to finalize with Professor Serrano, and everything was set.

But as she was leaving, she ran into Sofia on the staircase, clutching some ridiculously expensive gift, clearly on her way up.

Something twisted in Aurora's chest, but she kept her mouth shut. Not worth it.

Sofia, though, visibly tensed. She'd been gunning for Professor Serrano's only grad student spot, but seeing Aurora walk out of Professor Serrano's place? That wiped the smug look right off her face.

Then she spotted Marco approaching.

In a snap, she latched onto Aurora's arm, her grip iron-tight.

Aurora flinched, shaking her off—

Sofia yanked her down with her.

Aurora fell.

Marco rushed forward—

Straight to Sofia.

Aurora slammed onto the ground, her head cracking against the last step. Blood seeped into her hair.

"Sofia, are you okay?"

Marco didn't even look at Aurora. He cradled Sofia like she was made of glass, scanning her for injuries, like she was the only one who mattered.

Sofia, perfectly fine in his arms, still played the fragile act. "I think... I upset Ms. Diaz. I didn't mean to."

Only then did Marco glance at Aurora, sprawled at the bottom of the stairs.

His gaze barely lingered before shifting away.

"You swore you didn't care, but now you're hurting innocent people? You're only making me hate you more."