Four hours earlier*
Aurora and her aunt were in the kitchen while Sandy was setting the table.
"How long have you known each other?"
"Sandy has been my best friend for eight years now. She's supported me, and we've been through all of life's challenges together, especially when I was abroad. My mom knows her too and appreciates her very much."
"So she's a true friend, so much the better; that reassures me. But you still haven't answered my question."
"Which one? You've asked me several."
"How could you let that girl steal your husband, whom you loved so much?"
Aurora sighed as she looked around the kitchen and noticed something unusual. A red dot coming from a mini camera installed in a corner of the ceiling was flashing, as if to signal that it was on. She decided to hide it and looked back at her aunt.
- Did you hear me?
- Yes, Aunt, but... uh, what do you say we talk about it at the table, when we're settled in? She glanced discreetly again and noticed that there was a battery pack next to the camera, hanging from the ceiling and slightly larger. She knew her aunt well enough to know that she knew nothing about all these devices and that she probably had no idea what was going on, unbeknownst to her, in her kitchen.
- I think it will be much more comfortable to talk at the table and sit down.
- You're right. Bring the vinaigrette.
- Understood.
As soon as her aunt left, she locked the door, which caught her attention, and she turned around to knock. She climbed onto one of the chairs at the counter and removed the battery pack first. Just as she was about to remove the camera, the battery flashed furiously.
- No... don't tell me that...
And then the explosion.
*A few hours later*
Tyler burst into the lobby of his hospital and immediately asked about his friend. He saw Sandy sitting on a chair next to her room and ran over to check on them.
- Are you okay?
- Yes, I'm fine, but I don't know about Aurora. She's been unconscious for an hour and a half now. And the doctor hasn't given me any news yet. All he told me was to wait for the test results and stay calm.
Tyler noticed her injured arm and glanced at the wound.
- You're hurt.
- It's just a small scratch, nothing at all, I'm fine. She implored him with her eyes, grabbing his arm. Please, do something. I know very well why she preferred to put herself in danger rather than us.
A doctor called out to Tyler with a broad smile, as if they'd known each other for a long time.
"Hello, sir, I didn't expect to see you here. Despite your departure, the hospital is doing well."
"Glad to hear it, I heard you have a recent patient rescued from a fire. Aurora Haywood."
"Oh yes, I'm her doctor, and here are her results."
Tyler looked at the file, his brow furrowed, before looking up with concern. What he had just seen and realized made him furious.
"She's really resilient and very lucky. Judging by your reaction, I'm guessing you didn't know she was..."
"Pregnant? No, I had no idea. But I imagine you did, Miss Farrell."
Sandy avoided his gaze by turning her head and heard a small voice behind the bedroom door. She rushed inside and hugged her friend with a long sigh.
"My God, you scared me so bad! You must be crazy to put yourself in such danger. You shouldn't have!"
"You know I never miss an opportunity to protect you and my family. I'm sorry about your arm."
"You apologize for my arm when you were the one who was unconscious in a burning room? No, but you."
"Your aunt is fine, and so is your friend. Her arm is unharmed. You, on the other hand..."
"Hey, Tyler. Thanks for coming and for your support over the phone."
Instead of answering, he sat down in the chair next to the bed, looking serious.
"I sense you have something to tell me."
"Indeed." Your baby's fine, if you must know, but I have a question for you.
- It's Jasper.
- Excuse me?
- That's your question, right? The father of my child is your half-brother. And no, I don't want to inform him. We're no longer together, so his things are no longer mine, just as mine are no longer his, period.
- Are you even aware of what you're saying?
- I am definitely aware and absolutely serious. And I advise you not to tell him. You know how I get when I'm angry with someone, so thank you in advance for keeping this secret between us and yourself.
Tyler stood up slowly before moving closer to his bed.
- Well, maybe you shouldn't have put yourself in danger. Would you mind if you really wanted your secret kept safe, wouldn't you? You're a doctor too, so I imagine you already knew what you did would be dangerous for your baby.
- Yes.
- And of course, that's not what stopped you.
- There was no way I was going to let this woman who called herself my cousin kill my best friend and her own mother.
- What are you talking about? Sandy interjected. How can you...
- Come on, do you think I'm stupid? I'm not that stupid to think Charlotte had nothing to do with our fire.
- Do you have any proof? Tyler asked, taking one last look at his file.
- As for proof, believe me, I'll have it.