Aurora’s breath caught in her throat.
Her father had escaped with barely a slap on the wrist while she was exiled.
She opened her mouth to protest, but no words came out.
The Elders struck the gavel once more, signaling the end of the meeting.
Without another word, Aurora stormed out, fury burning through her veins.
As she neared the exit, Alpha Grey approached her, his smug expression unchanged.
"You must be happy," Aurora spat, her voice low but seething with bitterness.
Her gaze bore into him, every word dripping with contempt. "Happy to see your own daughter exiled for defending her child. But mark my words, Alpha Grey, the Moon Goddess will see what you’ve done, and she will punish you for it."
Alpha Grey’s smile only widened, the mocking curve of his lips making her stomach turn.
He chuckled softly, completely unfazed by her fury.
To him, this was nothing.
"Let the Moon Goddess do what she wishes," he said, his tone light, as if Aurora’s words were nothing more than a joke to him. "It won’t change anything."
Then, Alpha Grey brushed past her, his shoulder barely grazing hers as he walked away.
--- One Week Later ---
As the airport check-in counter loomed ahead, Aurora’s heart was heavy but her resolve remained intact.
Pushing Leo’s stroller, she moved forward, her baby boy sleeping peacefully inside.
Ava followed close behind with Aria, cradled in another stroller.
The gentle hum of the airport did little to ease Aurora’s turmoil, especially when she heard the distinct sound of footsteps approaching.
She didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.
Alpha Grey.
His presence was unmistakable.
Aurora sneered inwardly, already anticipating his usual arrogance.
Slowly, she turned and saw him approaching, his guards in tow.
Alpha Grey smiled, the expression completely out of place, as though their past was nothing but a distant memory.
He reached out, his hand hovering over Leo’s stroller, but Aurora slapped his hand away before he could even graze it.
"Don’t you dare," she said coldly.
Alpha Grey pulled his hand back, rubbing the spot where she’d struck him, though he seemed more amused than hurt.
"Goodbye, then," he said smoothly, as if they were parting on friendly terms.
Aurora didn’t respond. She didn’t even spare him another glance.
With her chin held high, she pushed the stroller forward, and Ava followed suit.
Soon, they were through the gates, boarding the airplane, where the weight of Alpha Grey’s presence was finally left behind.
For the first time in hours, Aurora felt the slightest bit of relief, though it was short-lived.
Once seated, Aurora exhaled deeply, but her concern shifted to Lucas.
She hadn’t heard from him since everything began spiraling.
No messages.
No calls.
Not even from Amos.
Her movements had been restricted by the Elders, and now, with everything settled, she expected at least something from Lucas.
But there was nothing.
She had tried calling countless times, but it was as though he’d disappeared.
Her heart ached as she scrolled through her phone, hoping for some sign of life.
Instead, her eyes landed on a bold headline:
Julia Mayhem Captures CEO’s Heart: Lucas Rossi Announces Whirlwind Engagement
Aurora’s hand trembled. Her mind raced.
How could this be?
Lucas had confessed that he loved her, that he would support her through everything. Now, this?
Had it all been a lie?
Was he simply toying with her emotions?
Her heart shattered in an instant.
Seated beside her, Ava noticed the sudden change in Aurora’s demeanor.
"Ma’am, is something wrong?" Ava asked, her voice hesitant.
Aurora laughed, the sound bitter and broken.
"Guess who’s getting engaged today," she said, her tone thick with disbelief. "Lucas. He’s getting engaged to Julia."
Ava bit her lip, unsure how to respond. She had heard rumors but had hoped they weren’t true. "I’m... I’m sorry, Ma’am. I only found out about the rumor a few minutes ago."
Aurora scoffed, her eyes narrowing. "The rumor? This isn’t a rumor, Ava. The article was published by a well-known journalist. They don’t post lies. It’s true. Lucas is really engaged to Julia."
Ava shifted uncomfortably, guilt washing over her. "Maybe it’s not what it seems, Ma’am. Perhaps we can still try to reach Sir Lucas and find out what’s going on."
"No." Aurora’s voice was firm, resolute. She had no intention of chasing after someone who had clearly made his choice. "It’s over, Ava."
"But, Ma’am—" Ava started, only to be cut off by Aurora’s steely gaze.
"I don’t want to hear it."
Ava swallowed hard. She knew how much this was hurting Aurora, even if she was doing her best to stay strong.
Still, she decided to try one more time.
Ava picked up her phone, intending to reach out to Lucas.
But instead, she was greeted by the same headline:
Julia Mayhem Captures CEO’s Heart: Lucas Rossi Announces Whirlwind Engagement
Her eyes widened as she saw the attached video.
There was Lucas, smiling, holding Julia’s hand.
The video zoomed in, capturing the moment he placed the ring on her finger.
Ava’s heart sank. She couldn’t believe it. It was real.
Ava gasped softly, quickly turning off her phone before Aurora could notice, but she was too late.
Aurora’s eyes flashed with quiet fury.
"You see it now, don’t you?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper, but the pain was evident.
Ava nodded slowly, unable to deny it any longer. "Yes, Ma’am. I see it."
Aurora stared out the window, her breath steady though her heart felt like it was being torn apart.
She wouldn’t crumble now.
Lucas’s betrayal stung, but she’d endured worse and survived.
This wasn’t the end of her story. Not for her, and certainly not for her children.
She glanced down at Leo, still sleeping peacefully in the stroller beside her, and then at Aria, whose soft breaths matched his.
They were her strength, her future.
No matter who failed her, she had them. And for them, she would rise above it all.