Aurora's Pov
I was so worn out I couldn't get out of bed.
Not only had he taken away my ability to walk properly, but I couldn't even make it back on my own. A random lady helped me, silent but full of judgment in her eyes. I wished I cared—but all I wanted was the safety of my bed.
My mum and Lily hadn't noticed when I came in last night, and they didn't bother checking on me this morning. The house was quiet, which only meant one thing—they were gone. I was more than grateful.
My back and legs still ached.
The memories of last night clung to me like smoke I couldn't wash off. Awake or asleep, they haunted me.
I had an exam at 2 p.m., and I had completely forgotten about it.
It was already 11.
I couldn't go like this—what would people say if they saw the bruises on my neck? But I couldn't miss the exam either. I needed the grade.
I was a proud A-student.
Education was the only weapon I had.
Others believed money and connections were the real key to success. Maybe they were right, but I didn't have either, so books were all I could hold on to.
I dragged myself into the bathroom, dressed, and pulled on a turtleneck sweater to hide the marks. By 1 p.m., I was already in a cab heading to campus.
---
"I thought you were going to be late for an exam," Bryan said the moment I got down. He grinned like always. "And if you're late, it can only mean two things—you're dead or giving birth."
I rolled my eyes. "Well, you're not too far off."
He laughed, but his eyes lingered on me. "You ready?"
I wasn't. Not this time. Not after everything. I had read, yes, but my brain felt like a locked drawer. Nothing wanted to come out. It wasn't going to be bad but I doubt the knowledge I had right now would give me an A.
"Yeah, I guess so," I muttered.
"Of course you are." He snatched my books out of my hands, studying my face. "You look stressed. Late-night study?"
I forced a nod. "Something like that."
Bryan was the first real friend I'd made at the library—a nerd like me, though he managed to balance it with parties, sports, and a string of girls he didn't take seriously. Attractive, smart, and he knew it. That was his secret weapon.
"Exams will be over soon. Then freedom," he said, throwing his arm over my shoulder and shaking me lightly.
I tried not to wince.
"You coming to Daniel's party tomorrow? Trust me, it'll be fun. Way better than your boring books."
If only he knew what my nights were really like.
Nobody knew.
"I'll think about it."
"That's why you're my favorite girl, I'll catch you later b." he said, handing back my books before running off.
I sighed and walked into the hall for the exam. The room was still empty. I sat, pulled out my phone—Harrison was calling.
Of course.
I didn't answer. He didn't care about anything except his money. I was supposed to drop it off this morning, but I couldn't even stand up from bed.
I shoved my phone away. One by one, students began filing in. The exam was about to begin.
---
Later that evening, I stood in front of Harrison.
"You're always late," he said, counting the bills I'd handed him. "You trying to run away with my money?"
"No, sir. I had an exam today."
"Bullshit," he spat, still counting.
"I—I won't be able to make it tonight." The words trembled out before I could stop them.
He stopped counting. Slowly raised his head. "And why's that?"
"I'm not feeling well." I cleared my throat. "I'll be back tomorrow night."
"Hm." His eyes ran over me like knives. "Well, you do look kind of disgusting. Customers won't like that."
I swallowed hard.
Suddenly, his hand was on my throat. I gasped, choking, his grip like iron.
"You know you're one of my finest tools," he said, his stare drilling into me.
He let go just as quickly, shoving me back.
"Get out. And be here as early as possible tomorrow night."
He snatched the money, walked into his office, and slammed the door.
---
When I finally got home, sleep refused to come. My mind was restless, my body exhausted.
I dropped my bag by the door and was about to collapse on my bed when I heard little footsteps.
"Aurora!" Lily's voice rang through the hallway before I could even fake a smile. She came running, holding up a messy drawing—stick figures with bright colors. "Look, I made this in school. That's you, that's me, and that's Mum."
Her eyes were glowing, proud and innocent. I forced a smile and crouched down, my bones aching as I did. "It's beautiful, Lily."
She hugged me tightly, her small arms around my neck. My bruises burned under her touch, but I held her anyway. She deserved that much.
"When you're done with your books, can you read me a story tonight?" she whispered.
I nodded quickly, trying to keep my voice steady. "Of course. I'll always have time for you."
Before I could say more, Mum's voice called her from the kitchen, and Lily bounced off happily.
I stayed frozen, the smile slipping from my face the second she was gone. The contrast hit me hard—her innocence against the filth of my nights.
My chest tightened, the air thick, suffocating. I went to the window to open it, desperate for relief.
And that's when I saw it.
A tinted car, parked just outside the house.
My stomach dropped.
It felt like I caught him watching because the moment my eyes landed on the car, the engine roared to life and it sped off into the night.
I gripped the window frame, my pulse pounding in my ears.
What the fuck?