Aurora ascended the stage step by step, her presence commanding an eerie silence that enveloped the entire auditorium. All eyes were on her and Sophia. Would they shake hands and make peace, or would the situation escalate into something more volatile?
Aurora reached Sophia and sidestepped the microphone, leaning in to whisper, “You were all gung–ho about airing our dirty laundry from the past. Why the sudden mute button?”
Sophia’s face was a shade of white you’d associate with a ghost. Her voice, shaky and devoid of its usual confidence, responded, “Aurora, don’t talk nonsense. You’re not going to ruin me.”
Aurora simply smiled, a knowing grin that hinted at secrets untold. “Whether it’s nonsense or not, you’ll find out soon enough.”
Sophia, in a desperate move, clutched Aurora’s wrist tightly. “Sis, I’m begging you, don’t destroy me.”
Aurora’s smile turned radiant, almost glowing in its brilliance. “When you orchestrated my assault, when you swapped out the props to harm Ivy, did you not think this day would come? Pleading for mercy now–don’t you think it’s a little late?”
Just as Aurora was about to address the crowd through the microphone, Sophia leaned in abruptly, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency. “I know the truth–the real reason behind your mother’s death.”
Aurora hesitated for a moment, her eyes meeting Sophia’s, who was glaring back with a look that could cut glass. “I really do know. Let me go, and I’ll tell you.”
Aurora offered what seemed like a reassuring smile. Sophia released her grip, exhaling a sigh of relief.
Then, Aurora turned her attention back to the microphone and announced, “Everything posted on the forum about Sophia and me is entirely true. I apologize for any inconvenience or confusion this may have caused.”
The auditorium, which had been shrouded in silence, erupted into a cacophony of gasps and murmurs.
It was as if a boulder had been hurled into a placid lake, the impact generating waves that rippled far and wide. Despite the school administration’s subtle nudges for Aurora to keep the peace, she had laid bare the truth without a moment’s hesitation.
In just one sentence, she had effectively handed Sophia a social death sentence.
Sophia was in utter disbelief. She had thought that the secret about Aurora’s mother would be her trump card, a get–out–of–jail–free card that would compel Aurora to let her off the hook. But Aurora had shattered that illusion, crushing Sophia’s last glimmer of hope without a second thought.
Sophia grabbed Aurora’s arm, her voice tinged with disbelief and desperation. “Why? You’d rather destroy me than uncover the truth?”
Aurora shook off Sophia’s grip, her voice dripping with scorn. “Sophia, the truth about my mother can wait. But you? You’re a ticking time bomb I can’t afford to ignore. After all, Ivy’s blood shouldn’t be spilled in vain.”
This Aurora was nothing like the girl who used to be submissive and docile in the Pendleton household, the girl who would avoid Sophia’s eyes and never dare to defy her.
Sophia had always been the untouchable princess, while Aurora was supposed to be nothing more than dirt beneath her feet.
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But when had the tables turned? When had Aurora become this self–assured, this formidable, this unapologetically majestic? Her gaze, when it met Sophia’s, was filled with disdain, as if she were a queen looking down upon a mere peasant.
This couldn’t be the Aurora Pendleton she knew.
55
A terrifying thought suddenly crossed Sophia’s mind. “You… you’re not Aurora Pendleton. Who are you? Who are you?!” Her voice was a mix of probing curiosity and palpable fear.
Aurora broke into a radiant smile, her lips curling up at the corners. She leaned in close to Sophia’s ear and whispered softly, ‘A lowly insect like you has no right to know who I am.”
At that moment, Sophia felt the full weight of Aurora’s presence, her gaze piercing through her like a hawk eyeing its prey. It was a look of utter disdain and contempt.
Sophia was now genuinely afraid. Aurora’s past threats were materializing into a grim reality, each word echoing in her ears like an unshakable curse.
Aurora bypassed Sophia and returned to her seat. Vespera couldn’t help but comment, “You’re so icy. I thought you’d at least put on a tearful show.”
Aurora simply replied, “…Sorry, tears aren’t something I can just summon.”
The auditorium had descended into chaos. Sophia stood there, frozen like a statue on the stage, until her assistant and bodyguards finally escorted her away.
Aurora and Vespera gathered their belongings and left the auditorium. Vespera was scrolling through the forums on her phone, a grin spreading across her face. “This has got to be the most dramatic freshman ceremony in the history of this university!”
Sophia had been thoroughly vilified on the school forums. Despite the school’s attempts to control the narrative, the incident took a long time to die down. Sophia was conspicuously absent from campus for a considerable period, giving Aurora some much–needed respite.
A month later, news broke online that Ivy had finalized her divorce.
Aurora immediately dialed Ivy’s number. Ivy picked up, her voice surprisingly steady. “Yes, I’ve divorced him.”
“Are you okay?” Aurora inquired, concern lacing her words.
I’m fine. He can go live his life with those sketchy women. Plus, I got a hefty divorce settlement. It’s a win–win,” Ivy responded.
“That’s a relief to hear. I’ve spoken to Winters; you can take some time off. Once the TV series airs, we’ll line up some promotional events for you,’ Aurora assured her.
“Aurora, thank you,‘ Ivy expressed her gratitude.
Aurora smiled and ended the call.
She returned to her room, changed into a fresh set of clothes, grabbed her backpack, and headed out. It was the weekend, and she had plans to go shopping with Vespera. Upon meeting up, Vespera was, as usual, heavily made up. Autora couldn’t resist asking, “Why do you always wear such heavy makeup?”
Vespera offered a smile, “It makes me feel better, okay?”
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Sensing that Vespera wasn’t keen on discussing it further, Aurora didn’t press the issue. They entered the mall together.
55
As they shopped, a commotion erupted nearby. A group of girls had gathered around a large screen, their voices a blend of excitement and anticipation. Vespera pulled Aurora over to join the crowd. The screen was broadcasting the finale of a popular talent show, “Chosen One.”
The top two contestants, thanks to their exceptional vocal talents, were far ahead in the voting. They gave brief, symbolic speeches as their form of campaigning.
The remaining eight contestants were in a fierce battle for the remaining spots, each delivering a heartfelt plea for votes.
The crowd in the mall was glued to the screen, eagerly awaiting the final results.
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Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.

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