"No, Aurora… please don't say that." Tiwa's voice trembled, her eyes locking with Aurora's. "You're surrounded by people who love you so much. Just take a look at Angel, Maxwell… me… and even Mark."
Mark.
Aurora's eyes widened slightly at the sound of his name.
"You might not see it," Tiwa continued softly, "but I know my brother cares about you. He… loves you."
Aurora hesitated, searching Tiwa's face. "How can you be so sure?"
"Trust me, Aurora."
Aurora exhaled and gave a faint nod. "Okay… I'll think about it."
"Good," Tiwa smiled faintly. "Now finish your breakfast. I'll go prepare your bath. Then get dressed, because we're going to L.A."
Aurora froze mid-bite. "Los Angeles?" she blurted.
"Yes, Aurora. I think you need a vacation."
Aurora's lips curved into a small smile. "Wow… looks like it's gonna be fun."
"Of course it will be."
Aurora dressed in a pair of summer shorts and a black hoodie. On her feet, she slid into black fluffy Fendi slippers, her hair tied up into a sleek ponytail. She caught her reflection in the mirror and muttered, "Not bad… good look for a flight."
Descending the staircase, she was met with a loud chorus—
"Surprise!!!"
Angel and Maxwell stood grinning from ear to ear.
Aurora blinked, caught off guard. "Well… I'm surprised, you guys!" She walked up to Angel and pulled her into a warm embrace. "How are you, girl?"
"I'm fine, Angel," came the gentle reply.
She turned to Maxwell, hugging him too. "How's my baby doing?"
"She's absolutely fine," Maxwell answered, watching Aurora's smile brighten her face like sunlight breaking through clouds.
Aurora stepped back, curious. "So… will you guys mind telling me what's going on?"
"Oh, it's simple," Tiwa's voice chimed in from behind them. "We're all going to L.A.!"
"Really?!" Aurora gasped, her eyes lighting up. She turned to Tiwa, her gratitude spilling out. "Wow, Tiwa, thank you so much!"
Tiwa grinned knowingly. "I knew it'd be more fun if they joined."
Aurora nodded eagerly. "You did the right thing."
Her joy was abruptly interrupted when her gaze shifted—and she saw him.
Mark.
He stood a few meters away, his tall frame still, his eyes unreadable, his expression heavy with something she couldn't place. The air seemed to change.
Aurora took a cautious step toward him. "Are you… also coming?"
"No," he said flatly.
She frowned. "What's that smell…?"
Then it hit her. "Are you drunk?"
"Yes. Any problem?" His tone was cold, each word deliberate.
"Hey, don't talk to her like that. She might get scared," Maxwell blurted out.
"And how is that supposed to be my business?" Mark shot back harshly.
Aurora's chest tightened. She didn't know why, but his words cut deeper than she expected. Why is he suddenly so cold towards me?
"Sorry for asking," she said quietly. "It's just… I don't like alcohol. Or the people who take it in as well."
His eyes were bloodshot, but none of them knew what her words were doing to him. He forced a bitter chuckle. "Then you might as well hate me… because I can't stop drinking."
He glanced up, quickly turning his head to hide the burn of tears.
"Have fun." He reached into his pocket and handed her his black card. "The private jet is ready to take you."
"I'm sorry, but we'll be using mine," Maxwell interrupted.
Mark's lips twitched in a humorless smile. "Sure. Why not. But she'll be staying at my mansion in L.A."
With that, he turned and walked out.
Aurora stood frozen, a swirl of emotions crashing inside her—confusion, hurt, and something she didn't want to name. She swallowed hard. "Can we go now?"
"Don't worry about him," Tiwa murmured. "Don't be surprised if you see him in Los Angeles tomorrow. Mark is unpredictable."
"I'm fine, Tiwa," Aurora said, forcing a small smile.
With those words, they moved out of the mansion and into their cars.
From an upstairs window, Mark watched them leave. His phone was pressed to his ear.
"Follow her. Make sure she's safe," he ordered before hanging up.
He shoved his hands deep into his pockets, his gaze locked on the trail of dust left by the departing cars.