Chapter 4 Aurora,. ARE YOU READY

CHAPTER 4

Aurora,ARE YOU READY?

The school bell rang, signaling the end of the day. Alex hurriedly left the classroom, his thoughts already drifting to his upcoming work shift. As he approached the school gate, a voice called out behind him.

"Alex! Alex, wait!"

He stopped reluctantly, recognizing the voice. Vanessa. He turned just in time to see her jogging toward him, her face lit with determination.

"Hey," she breathed, catching her breath. "I was wondering if you'd like to go to the cinema with me tonight?"

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Like a date?"

Vanessa blushed, shifting nervously. "Yeah... kind of."

For a moment, he almost declined, the thought of Aurora flashing in his mind. She had been so busy lately, distant even. Maybe a night out wouldn't hurt Aurora wouldn't have to know.

"Alright," Alex agreed, surprising himself. "But this stays between us. No one needs to know."

Vanessa's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I promise! We'll meet at seven."

As she rushed off, Alex felt a small tug of guilt, but he pushed it away. What harm could one night out cause?

---

Vanessa felt like she was floating. She had dreamt of this for so long, and now, it was finally happening. By six-thirty, she had transformed herself, wearing a green dress that made her emerald eyes pop. After a final glance in the mirror, she rushed out the door and made her way to the cinema, unable to wipe the smile from her face.

Alex arrived shortly after, looking as effortlessly handsome as ever.

"Hey," Vanessa said eagerly. "I got us tickets."

"Yeah, sure. Let's just get this over with," Alex muttered under his breath, though he followed her inside.

They sat in silence as the movie began-*Happily Ever After*, a love story about two long-time friends who finally confess their feelings. Vanessa, deeply invested, tried to spark conversations with Alex throughout the film, but each attempt was met with a cold shoulder. The tension between them grew unbearable.

After the movie ended, the walk back was equally awkward, until Vanessa couldn't take it any longer.

"What's wrong with you?" she demanded, her voice laced with frustration.

Alex stopped, turning to face her. "What's wrong with me? Why would you drag me to a movie that's clearly for couples? What were you thinking?"

"I did it because I love you, Alex," Vanessa blurted out, her heart pounding in her chest. "I thought maybe you felt the same way."

Alex's expression hardened. "I don't love you, Vanessa. I never have. And I never will. My heart... it belongs to someone else."

Vanessa felt her world crumbling. She had always known deep down, but hearing it aloud was a punch to the gut. "Aurora, isn't it? You've always loved her," she whispered, her voice cracking. "But you're fooling yourself, Alex. She'll never love you back."

Alex said nothing, his jaw clenched, as he turned and walked away, leaving Vanessa standing in the street, her chest heavy with a mix of heartache and rage.

---

Meanwhile, across town, Tiffany was planning her own desperate move. She carefully wrapped the gift she had bought for Peter a peace offering to make up for her recent neglect. She wanted to show him she was still the girlfriend he fell in love with, even though things had been strained between them lately.

Unbeknownst to her, Peter had other plans. After much contemplation, he decided to end things once and for all. As he made his way to Tiffany's house, he carried her favorite chocolate an odd peace token for the storm he was about to bring.

When Peter arrived, the steward led him into the parlor. Moments later, Tiffany appeared, glowing with excitement.

"Oh, Peter! I'm so glad you came," she said, taking his hand.

Peter forced a smile, but the weight of his decision pulled him down. "Tiffany, we need to talk."

She led him to the garden, unaware of the words that would soon shatter her heart.

Peter didn't waste time. "I don't think we should keep seeing each other, Tiffany. I don't love you anymore."

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, Tiffany didn't breathe. "What do you mean? Peter, no... Please, you can't do this."

But Peter was firm. "I'm sorry, but it's over."

Tiffany's tears spilled over, her desperation rising with each breath. "Is it because of her?" she asked, her voice trembling with both fury and despair. "You're leaving me for her, aren't you?"

"Tiffany, stop," Peter said sharply. "It has nothing to do with her."

But Tiffany wasn't listening. "I'll fix this," she begged. "I'll be better. I'll make peace with her. Just... don't leave me."

But Peter pulled her hands off him and shook his head. "It's over, Tiffany. We're done."

As he turned to leave, Tiffany's voice dropped to a low, menacing whisper. "You'll regret this, Peter. I swear, I will make both of you suffer."

Peter glanced back but said nothing, his footsteps fading into the night as Tiffany collapsed in tears.

---

At the same time, in the shadowy VIP section of a downtown club, a mysterious figure sat silently, staring at his phone. On the screen was a picture of Aurora. His eyes darkened with desire.

"I need her," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the club's pounding music. "Kohr, make the preparations. It's time I meet Aurora."

Kohr hesitated. "Shouldn't we inform Tiffany first?"

The man smirked, his gaze never leaving Aurora's picture. "No. She'll only get in the way."

Kohr nodded obediently. "Yes, sir. Everything will be ready soon."

The man leaned back in his chair, his fingers tracing the image of Aurora on the screen. "She has no idea what's coming. But she will."

*Aurora, are you ready?*