Aurora's POV
I was on the phone with an old friend—the one who stood by me when I hit rock bottom because of Sebastian.
His betrayal was the best thing that ever happened to me. Because of it, I found the real treasures in my life—the ones who never abandoned me.
One of them? Hazel Nova.
She came from a family of prestigious scholars. Her parents, grandparents—every single generation before her—were professors. And, true to her lineage, she became a researcher at Dynacure Pharmaceuticals.
"Rorooooo!"
I looked up just in time to see a woman waving frantically across the street, phone still in hand. Hazel.
I chuckled, ending the call before she barreled into me with a bone-crushing hug.
"You're suffocating me, Hazel," I laughed, struggling to breathe.
"It's fine. Dying in my embrace is an honor," she teased, finally letting go.
Hazel was a nerd at heart, but her personality was anything but serious.
She took a step back and scanned me from head to toe, her eyes narrowing. "Wow. A top real estate mogul, dressed like a college student? Baggy shorts, a messy bun, and nerdy glasses? Who are you, and what have you done with Aurora Adkins?"
I smirked. "You don't want me to stand out and ruin our dinner date, do you?"
"Of course not! This is our special reunion. No distractions. No disturbances. No mercy." She grinned mischievously.
I laughed. "Let's go, then. The night is ours."
She grabbed my hand, dragging me forward at full speed.
For the first time in years, I felt like the old me before success, before betrayal, before everything changed.
Hazel and I devoured our dinner at an all-you-can-eat restaurant, reminiscing about the past. Eight years melted away like they never existed.
After dinner, she insisted we buy convenience store beer a tradition from our younger days.
While she ran inside to grab some, my phone rang again.
Daniel.
I stepped aside to answer.
"The higher-ups at Aetos want a personal meeting," he said. "They must've gotten wind that Drakos is approaching."
I smirked. Perfect.
That's when I heard the screech of tires.
A black luxury car pulled up beside me, and two people stepped out.
Sebastian. And Sofia.
I felt my entire body go cold.
"Huhhh… sister, what a coincidence," Sofia said sweetly.
Sister?
I arched an eyebrow. "Since when did I become your sister?"
She sighed, her eyes glistening with fake tears. "I never wanted to fight with you. It must be because of that… incident at the mall. But I swear, I didn't recognize you."
Wow. And here comes the Oscar-worthy performance.
Before I could respond, Sebastian cut in.
"Aurora, she really didn't know it was you."
I tilted my head, amused. Theyreally were perfect for each other.
Sofia suddenly turned to him, voice dripping with fake concern. "Honey, she still hasn't found a stable job, has she? Maybe we could refer her to our hospital. After all, she's your ex-wife. She must still be struggling." She smiled mocking me.
Wow. What a show.
Before Sebastian could say another word, I cut in.
"I don't need your help, Ms. Aetos." My voice was ice.
Her face twitched.
I continued, "Also, we're strangers. So drop the 'sister' act and address me properly."
Her fake smile faltered.
"I just wanted to help—"
"There's no need."
Sebastian sighed. "Aurora, you didn't have to cut us off like this. She just wants to help...."
"The moment we got divorced, we became strangers, Mr. Wagner." I looked straight at him. "Whether I live on the streets or in a mansion, whether I eat convenience store food or gourmet meals, it's none of your concern."
I turned to leave, but then I paused.
Looking him dead in the eye, I added, "I don't look back at the garbage I've left behind. Nor do I carry it with me. So next time we meet, do me a favor act like a stranger. That's the last ounce of respect I can offer you both."
I walked away.
SMACK!
A loud slap echoed in the air.
I spun around.
Hazel.
She had stormed past me and slapped Sebastian across the face.
"You piece of shit," she seethed. "If I ever see you near her again or if I catch your bimbo mocking her—it will be your last day."
Sebastian stood frozen, too stunned to react.
Hazel was furious. She was ready to go in for another slap, but I quickly grabbed her and pulled her back.
"Let's go," I muttered, dragging her toward the parking lot.
Even after we got into the car, she was still fuming.
"Why did you stop me?! I should've given her one too!"
I smiled softly. "Hazel…"
I reached over and hugged her.
She immediately froze. Her breathing slowed, her body relaxing.
"Thank you," I whispered. "I always wanted to slap him myself. But thanks to you, I feel… relieved."
She hugged me tighter. "Sweetheart, anytime you want to slap him, just call me. I'll come running."
I burst out laughing.
"Let's not waste another second thinking about those idiots," I said.
"YES! Now, drive me to my goddaughter! I miss Ayla!"
I chuckled and started the car.
But as I drove, my mind sharpened.
This wasn't over.
Sofia would have to face me sooner or later.
And when she did… I smirked.
Sebastian's POV
Since when did Aurora learn to talk back?
The Aurora I knew was sweet, petite, soft-spoken.
But today… it felt like I never knew her at all.
A sharp sting burned across my cheek.
I touched my face, still processing the slap.
"Aurora…" I muttered.
Sofia's voice snapped me back.
"What happened, honey?"
I thought I saw a flicker of rage in her eyes, but it disappeared as quickly as it came.
"Does it hurt?" she asked, her voice gentle.
"Yes," I admitted. "But not as much as the pain I caused Aurora."
She sighed and placed a hand on my arm. "It's not your fault. You had to choose career over love. If she had been in your position, she would've done the same."
I stayed silent.
"Power and money, honey," she murmured. "That's what makes the world move forward."
I clenched my fists.
She's right.
I didn't have time for regrets.
I had goals to achieve.
And when I had everything I wanted when I had the power and wealth to control my fate.
If fate gave me another chance…
I would make it up to Aurora.