"AHHHHHH!!!"
Jake jolted awake, his heart slamming in his chest.Aurora?! What happened? Why are you screaming?" he asked, his voice laced with panic as he jumped out of bed. His eyes scanned the room for a threat—anything—but there was nothing.
"AHHHHHHHH!!" Aurora screamed again, even louder.Jake groaned, covering his ears with his index fingers, eyes squeezed shut from the piercing sound of her voice. "Aurora, please… please stop screaming," he said through clenched teeth, forcing his eyes open. "Are you done now?"
Her chest heaved. Her eyes burned with fury.
"What the HELL are you doing in my room?!"
"I… I just wanted to check on you… I—"
"You what?!" she snapped. "You came here to rape me again, didn't you?!" Jake's face crumpled. "Hey—don't say that! Don't even think like that." He took a cautious step forward.I said stay where you are!" she shouted, backing away. "Don't you dare come close or else—"
"Else what?" Jake challenged, his voice low. "What will you do, Aurora? "I will…" she stammered, her eyes darting around the room in desperation—until they locked onto something.The fruit tray.More specifically—the knife in it.Without hesitation, she lunged for it, yanked it out, and pointed it at him, her hands trembling but her eyes burning with cold fury.
"I swear I will kill you," she spat.
Jake stopped. But then, with slow, deliberate steps, he walked toward her, defying her warning. "I said stop!" she cried. "Don't come any closer!"But he did
"Get back or I swear—"
Before she could finish, Jake lunged and pinned her against the wall. She gasped, her back hitting the cold surface.
His face was just inches from hers. His breath was warm, but his eyes were full of torment.He glanced at her lips."Don't you dare kiss me," she whispered, tears now forming in her eyes. "I warned you…"
Jake didn't say anything. He looked down.
Blood was dripping from his hand—he had grabbed the blade mid-air, choosing to bleed rather than let her go.
Aurora's heart clenched. She saw the pain etched into his face, but she forced herself to look away.She tightened her grip on the knife—but then slowly let it go.It clattered to the floor."I don't care if you're bleeding," she said, meeting his eyes with forced coldness. "I don't care if you're in pain. Just get out of my life."
Jake blinked. He was stunned.
"I don't need you anymore," she continued, each word stabbing him deeper than the blade ever could. "I'd be happier if you left. I don't love you. Not anymore." The blood from his hand was nothing compared to the agony twisting inside him.Jake's breath caught in his throat. His eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Aurora…"
But she turned away, refusing to let him see the emotion cracking her mask.Jake stepped back, slowly, like someone walking away from a grave. "Why are you doing this to yourself?" he asked, his voice shaking. "Why lie? You and I both know you still love me."
Aurora turned sharply.
"That's where you're wrong," she said icily. "There is no love, Jake. Only hatred. That's all I feel when I look at you." Jake wiped his tears with the back of his bleeding hand."I'm sorry," he whispered. Then without another word, he turned and left.The door clicked shut behind him.Aurora stood frozen for a moment—until her knees buckled and she collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.
Her chest hurt. Her hands trembled. She held herself, squeezing her chest as though she could wring the pain out somehow.But she couldn't.She didn't know how.
Aurora dragged herself into the bathroom. She brushed her teeth, the minty sting grounding her. Then she stepped into the shower and let the warm water run down her body like a silent balm. But nothing could wash the ache from her heart.After dressing, she picked up her phone and dialed Kim's number with shaky fingers.
Ring… Ring…
"Hello?" a soft voice answered."It's me… Aurora."Aurora, dear! How have you been?"
"I've been… okay," she said weakly. "But I need your advice. That's why I called."
"Of course. I'm listening."Aurora took a deep breath—and then told her everything. From Sadash's death… to Jake's betrayal… to the way it shattered her completely.
Kim listened silently, absorbing every word.
When Aurora finally fell silent, Kim's voice was calm but firm."Ma'am… should I forgive him?" Aurora asked quietly, her voice barely a whisper."Aurora… I understand," Kim said gently. "What Jake did was cruel. It's not something anyone should have to forgive. But the question is do you still love him?"
Aurora didn't hesitate. "Yes. I do. So much it kills me."
Kim sighed. "Then listen carefully. Jake did what he did because he was broken. His mother's death destroyed him. But you, Aurora… you were broken too. And neither of you were strong enough to carry each other through it. You both failed—but you also both hurt.
"Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting. It doesn't even mean you're ready to let him back in. It just means you're strong enough to stop letting that pain define you."Aurora's eyes brimmed with tears again.Do what brings you peace, Aurora. Not what makes sense to others. Forgive when you're ready. Not because he asked… but because your heart needs it."