|Aurora | ..*..*..*... Empty, I couldn't pinpoint the source of this emptiness. It wasn't just the void which was growing with passing time. I found myself grappling with the vast emptiness of the future. It’s been already weak since of the demise of my mother, so many things had changed already. Desperation and loneliness seeped into me; I couldn't fathom why Rayn had become so distant. I found myself isolated not only by the absence of her mother but also by Rayn. The grief that had settled within my seemed to cast a long, dark shadow over every aspect of my life, including my relationship with the man I had once called my partner. Countless nights were spent, I tried to apologize him but as always he ignored me in fact he didn’t want to stay with me in a single room. I observed Rayn's behavior with a heavy heart, He might have didn’t spent his nights outside of home because of his mother. However, despite this proximity, an impenetrable wall had risen between them, creating a p
|Aurora|..*..*..*..*...Amanda descanted down the stairs, with an apple in her hand as she took bite of it while her eyes focused at her son. She looked at her son, with a mixture of amusement and approval. A genuine smile played on Amanda's lips, adding an extra layer of uneasiness to me.Her eyes met yours, and that guileless smile remained, "Hey Aurora, you have come? Why do you standing at the gate, come inside."- Her voice relaxed, as I stood there like a fool. I felt the weight of humiliation and heartbreak intertwining. Amanda's eyes moved from her son to the young woman cradled in his lap and took her seat. There was pleasant satisfaction in her look, rather than disbelief or disgust as if she was approving of his son's actions.Caught in the crossfire of emotions, I stood witness to the betrayal not only by my husband but also by a mother-in-law who appeared to take perverse pleasure in the crumbling of my heartbreak.As tears continued to stream down my face, the overwhelm
|Aurora| ..*..*..*... The shock of his words reverberated through me. "You will not disrespect my guest, Aurora. I won't tolerate it he declared, asserting his dominance. "Guest" echoed in my mind like a cruel joke "That woman is not my guest, and she'll not stay a second in my house. Do you hear me? I want her out right now," I asserted, attempting to reclaim some semblance of control. Rayn's mocking laughter continued, cutting through the air like a sharp blade. "Your house!" he exclaimed, his tone dripping with condescension. "For your information, this house is under my name, and not only this house but also everything which was under your name is now under my name and my mother's." The revelation sent a chill down my spine, I looked at Amanda, and I turned my gaze toward Amanda, I found an unsettling uneasiness still present in her eyes, all her attention was her apple, seemingly indifferent to the emotional storm brewing just a few steps away. "Seriously, Rayn, what are yo
|Author Pov|..*..*..*...Aurora sat on bed, she was sent to her room, whereas Amanda was now with Lucas, her heart was still beating in fear that Amanda will do something with her little brother. Tears were streaming from her eyes as the door opened, entering Rayn.She angrily got up from bed and stormed towards him holding him by his collar, “Don’t you dare to do anything with my brother, Rayn.” – She stated, her body was shivering under rage. Her eyes were red so was the tip of her nose.Rayn narrowed his eyes at her words, and then his eyes fell on her hand, “Leave my collar, Aurora.”- He gritted his teeth, he despised repeating his words, he hates when people didn’t show him any respect and this girl had the audacity to grab his collar and asked questions.Rayn's frustration boiled over. In a swift and forceful motion, he seized her hand and spun her around, his grip unyielding. He pressed her back against his solid chest; Aurora winced as he twisted her hand, a sharp hiss escapi
|Author Pov| ..*..*..*... Slowly opening her heavy eyelids, Aurora tried to get up. As she propped herself up on her elbows, a dull throb pulsed through her temples. The room spun momentarily, and she took a deep breath, trying to collect herself. She found herself lying on her bed. Her eyes finally realized she was in her room, the familiarity around her made her uneasy as if something was out of place. "How much lower can these people go?" she wondered, her mind echoing with disbelief. The tears that had gathered at the corners of her eyes now spilled over, tracing a path down her cheeks. She wiped away the tears with the back of her hand. She remember really well how Amanda held the handkerchief close to her nose and forced her to inhale that harmful substance so that she can lose her consciousness and then they can do whatever they want. But as her surroundings came back into focus, a perplexing realization dawned on her. She was still in her own bedroom. The questions echoe
At the back of 25 years (Parents of Aurora Taylor: Brian Taylor and Susan Harding)Brian Taylor, the charismatic heir to the Taylor family fortune, had always been the talk of the college campus. His sharp features, toned physique, and undeniable charm made him the object of admiration for many girls. The Taylor name carried weight not just within the college walls, but throughout the city. The Taylors were renowned for their wealth, influence, and a legacy that spanned generations.Despite the attention and infatuation from his female peers, Brian was not the stereotypical playboy. Unlike the expectations that often accompanied his status, he chose not to engage in casual relationships. His principles and values set him apart from the typical image associated with young men of his stature. The legacy of the Taylor family was not just about financial success; it was also about maintaining a certain level of dignity and responsibility.Susan Harding possessed a beauty that turned head
Same night Aurora sat alone in her dimly lit room, the weight of the past few weeks pressing down on her shoulders. The walls seemed to close in as the silence enveloped her. She hadn't eaten for the last thirty hours, her appetite swallowed by the turmoil within. Her mind replayed the events of the past few weeks like a haunting film. The loss of her mother had been a devastating blow, leaving an emptiness that seemed impossible to fill now the life of her brother was at the edge of knife. Aurora's exhaustion went beyond the physical; it was a weariness that seeped into her soul. The constant worry, the sleepless nights, and the emotional toll had taken their toll. She felt drained, like a vessel emptied of everything that once defined her. A surge of anger coursed through Aurora's veins as she dwelled on the betrayal inflicted by Amanda. The mere thought of how Amanda had played with her mother's trust fueled a boiling rage within her. The betrayal cut deep, leaving wounds that
The room fell into a heavy silence as his words hung in the air, she could feel the weight of his gaze, like a predator sizing up its prey, it sent shivers down her spine. Her eyes looked at him bewildered, the words felt like a hiss of gasoline which was burning her entire being.Aurora's groans of pain echoed through the confined space as Rayn mercilessly tightened his grip on her hair. Each tug felt like fiery tendrils of agony, shooting through her scalp and down her spine. She groaned in pain as Rayn tightened his grip on her hair, dragging her helplessly upstairs. Despite her efforts, she couldn't loosen his hold, each step intensifying the torment.As her heart pounded in her chest, she was scared now what he’ll do with her since this look of him she never anticipated, he looked devil who was hungry for its prey. She never imagined her sweet gentle caring husband was monster in human form.Rayn's grip tightened and a cruel sneer twisted his face as he continued dragging her m
|The better Version|.After the party ended, Aurora headed for a shower. Irene was already fast asleep, completely worn out from all the running and playing with her friends. I couldn’t help but chuckle—my little girl had so much energy. One day, I wouldn’t be surprised if she won a marathon.Lucas, on the other hand, went out with his friends. Before leaving, he shot me a look and said, "You make me sick," before slamming the door behind him.After the party I started tidying up. Irene’s books were scattered all over the table. then I found one of her drawings. It made me pause. She had drawn our little family—Aurora, Irene, Lucas and me. My chest tightened as I stared at the picture. She had included me, her dad, in her little world. I glanced at her sleeping face, peaceful and innocent, and for the first time in a long while, I felt warmth I couldn’t describe.Afterward, I went to my room to shower. As I dried off, I stood in front of the mirror. I stood before the mirror
|Finding Redemption|.|Rayn|Time moved on, and with it, my bond with Irene grew stronger. She was a radiant ball of joy, lighting up every corner of my world. Watching her laugh, play, and even pout felt like a balm to the gaping wounds of my guilt. Every moment with her was bittersweet, a reminder of how much I had missed in her life.Aurora had told her so much about me, despite my absence. Irene often shared stories her mother had passed down—stories where I wasn’t the monster I believed myself to be. It was humbling, and I couldn’t help but feel indebted to Aurora. She could have painted me as the villain, yet she chose to preserve some image of me for our daughter.I was still trying to process the shock of Aurora staying single. The thought had haunted me for years—Axel, the man I believed would step in where I failed. But to my surprise, Axel had married his girlfriend years ago, though he still remained in touch with Aurora. Knowing Axel, I was certain he had loved
|Is this worth?|.Aurora’s eyes fell on him, and for a moment, time seemed to stop. Their gazes locked, her breath hitching as recognition and disbelief swept over her. Rayn stood at the gate, looking like a man reshaped by the weight of years.His once youthful face was now marked by faint lines of age and pain. His sharp features had softened slightly, but his eyes—those deep, piercing eyes—still held the intensity she remembered. His hair, now peppered with a touch of gray at the temples, was neatly combed back.Aurora, at 30, looked different too. Her face had matured, a quiet strength radiating from her. The playful brightness in her eyes had dimmed slightly. Her long, dark brown hair fell loosely over her shoulders, and her simple yet elegant floral dress swayed in the gentle breeze. She looked beautiful.Beside her stood a young girl, about nine years old, her small hand clutching Aurora’s skirt. Irene was a perfect blend of them both, with Rayn’s sharp jawline and Au
|Aurora & Daniel|.Rayn sat quietly on the cold concrete floor, his back against the wall as Jason, his prison mate, grinned at him.“Hey, man, congratulations on getting out of here so early,” Jason said, giving Rayn a friendly pat on the back.Rayn had granted five years off his prison time since he was well behaved and never caused a single problem in fact Rayn gained good reputation which helped him to cut the prison time.Rayn nodded, managing a faint smile. “Thanks.”Jason sat beside him, leaning forward slightly. “So, aren’t you excited to finally see your family? Must be a big deal after all this time.”At the mention of “family,” Rayn’s smile faltered, replaced by a distant, melancholic expression. The word felt foreign—almost meaningless. Did he still have a family? His mother was gone, and as for Aurora... he wasn’t sure if he had the right to call her his anymore.Ten years was a long time.He thought of her—Aurora, his wife. Or at least she had been his wife. The
|Pay for sins|.Aurora stood frozen, her gaze lingering on the spot where Elina had exited the courtroom. A storm of emotions brewed inside her—anger, frustration, and an aching sadness. She wanted to run after Elina, plead with her to reconsider, to understand that Rayn’s actions weren’t cold-blooded murder but acts born out of desperation, self-defense, and tragic accidents.But deep down, Aurora knew it was futile. Elina had made it abundantly clear before the trial that she would stop at nothing to ensure Rayn received the harshest punishment. And she had succeeded.A gentle hand rested on Aurora’s shoulder, and she didn’t need to turn to know it was Daniel. She wiped at her tears, trying to compose herself, and turned to face him.“Let’s go, Aurora,” Daniel said softly, his voice filled with quiet concern. “Zoe called. Lucas has been asking for you for a while now.”Aurora’s lips trembled as she fought back another wave of tears. She nodded but remained rooted to the spo
|The emptiness of his heart|.The courtroom was tense, every breath seemingly held in suspense. Rayn sat silently in the defendant’s box, his head lowered, and his expression void of any emotion. His entire body bore the scars —cuts and bruises lined his face and hands, and his shoulder was tightly bandaged from the gunshot wound. Aurora sat in the front row, her hands clasped tightly in her lap as she watched him. Tears welled in her eyes as she took in his hollow gaze. She couldn’t understand how things had spiraled so far, so fast. Daniel and Ivy sat beside her, their faces grim and filled with worry. Ivy occasionally glanced at Aurora, her hand reaching out to comfort her friend, but Aurora remained fixated on Rayn. On the opposite side of the courtroom, Elina sat with a composed yet cold expression. She was unmoved, her focus entirely on the proceedings. The lawyer she had hired, Martin, was a seasoned professional, his words sharp and deliberate as he presented his
|You betrayed me| Rayn immediately shielded Aurora with his body, groaning as the bullet grazed his shoulder. “Rayn!” Amanda’s scream pierced the air, her face pale with fear as she saw her son take the hit meant for Aurora. Aurora gasped, clutching Rayn’s arm as tears spilled down her cheeks. “Why, Rayn? Why would you do that?” she whispered, her voice trembling. Axel chuckled darkly, his eyes gleaming with malice. “Well, well. I didn’t see this coming,” he said, his gaze shifting to Amanda. “Amanda, you truly are full of surprises. Who would’ve thought you’ll have the gun and even pull the trigger? Impressive.” Amanda stood frozen, her hands trembling as she stared at the gun in her hand. Tears streaked her face, but her expression remained bitter and cold. “I did what I had to,” she spat, her voice sharp and unforgiving. “You think I’ll let anyone ruin my son’s life? Never.” Axel smirked, his amusement growing. “What a scene! A mother shooting to protect her so
|Kill Me|.Axel tilted Aurora’s chin up with a cruel smirk, his fingers brushing a strand of her hair aside. “You know,” he began, his voice a twisted mixture of mockery and fascination, “I never planned on involving you in this. But when I saw how his eyes burned every time I mentioned your name… That’s when it hit me. You’re his weakness, Aurora. The one thing he cares about.”Aurora’s heart raced, her chest tightening with every word he spoke. She could feel his breath on her neck as he leaned closer, inhaling her scent “You’re the opposite of him,” Axel whispered, his voice dripping with venom. “Where he’s fire, you’re water. He’s ruthless, and you… you’re tender. You’re the perfect tool to break him.”She shivered, her mind racing for a way out, but before she could react, the door to the room slammed open with a thunderous crash.All eyes turned to the doorway. There, standing like a ghost risen from hell, was Rayn. His clothes were torn and soaked with blood—his own bl
|No mercy|.“Don’t make the same mistake your son did,” Axel growled, his voice low and threatening. With a rough shove, he pushed Amanda to the ground. She stumbled, landing hard, gasping as pain shot through her.Aurora watched the scene unfold in horror, her breath catching as Amanda hit the floor. “Stop!” Aurora screamed, her voice piercing through the tension. She stepped forward instinctively.Axel turned his gaze back to Aurora, a sick grin spreading across his face. “Aw, how touching,” he said mockingly. “You care about her? After everything she’s done to you? That’s adorable.”Aurora's body tensed as Axel’s cold fingers grazed her cheek in a mockery of affection. Her skin crawled, and bile rose in her throat at his touch. “Where are my brother and my friends?” she demanded again.Axel chuckled darkly, leaning closer to her. “Oh, my sweet, naive baby,” he said, his voice dripping with false sweetness. “You’re in no position to be thinking about anyone but yourself. D