Aurora's silence over the provocations irked both mother and daughter. Lily's venomous words pierced the air, "Did you think Alexander would ever love you? He despises you! Look at yourself –so ugly, so fat. Who could ever like someone like you?"
Lily's cruel laughter echoed through the room, and Veronica joined in, her mocking tone sharper than a blade. "Aurora, do you even know why your grandmother died? It was because of you! That poor old hag starved herself to feed you. You ate so much, there was nothing left for her. She wasted her love on a useless, gluttonous creature like you!"
Aurora faltered, her steps halting mid-stride as her breath hitched, something within her stirred and she can feel the pain emanating from real Aurora's heart after hearing about her grandmother, the only person who showed her love. The air grew heavy and eerie silence filled the space, When she turned to face them, her eyes were colder than the murderous aura emanating from her made both women shiver.
For a brief moment, Veronica and Lily's confidence wavered, but they quickly dismissed the thought. Aurora had always been weak and docile, hadn't she? They straightened, preparing to dismiss her as usual.
But this time, aurora's slow, deliberate steps toward them sent a chill down their spines. She stopped in front Veronica, her voice low and laced with steel. "Let this be the last time you ever take my grandmother's name from your pathetic mouth. Say it again, and I will personally make sure your tongue is cut into pieces."
Veronica and Lily froze, stunned into silence. This was not the Aurora they were used to. Recovering from their shock, Lily lashed out, her hand connecting with Aurora's cheek in a loud slap. Aurora fell to the floor, her weakened body unable to withstand the blow.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk," Lily said mockingly, shaking her head. "Mom, you didn't have to hit her so hard. She's already struggling from the drugs I gave her."
Aurora's eyes widened as realization dawned. So, the drug I've been battling is her doing?
Veronica crouched beside Aurora, her voice dripping with malice as she whispered, "Do you know what I gave you? An aphrodisiac laced with slow-acting poison. Every day, it will weaken your body bit by bit until –poof –you'll die. Isn't it marvelous?" Oh and today's play was also my doing. I and mom collaborated to drug Alexander and blame it on you."
Her laughter was menacing, filling Aurora's ear like the toll of a death knell. But Aurora didn't panic. Her bloodshot eyes locked onto Veronica's, a dangerous glint flashing in their depths. I know the antidote. But I need to get out of here fast. The longer this poison remains in my system, the harder it will be to cure.
With trembling limbs, Aurora faced herself to stand, her resolve unwavering. But Veronica and Lily weren't done yet. They mocked and bullied her as she staggered toward the door.
Spotting a presence near the doorway, Veronica suddenly switched her demeanor. Grabbing Aurora's hand, she pinched her hard. Aurora winced and pulled away, causing Veronica to fall dramatically to the floor. Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed pitifully.
"Sister," Veronica cried, her voice filled with false sincerity. "Please come home with us. Let's live together as a family. I'll talk to Dad and Grandpa and get you a job at the company. Why stay here and trouble Mr. Brown?"
Lily joined the charade, "Yes, Rora. Please listen to your mother this time. I've always wanted the best for you. Stop being stubborn and come with us."
Aurora's sneer cut through their pitiful act like a knife. "Clowns," she muttered, brushing past them.
As she turned, her eyes landed on Alexander standing by the door, his expression filled with disgust –directed at her.
"Aurora," Alexander roared, his voice thunderous. "How dare you push Veronica! Didn't I tell you to leave this house? Are you so desperate to be fucked by me that you're still shamelessly standing under my roof?
A resounding slap echoed through the room. Alexander's head snapped to the side as he stared at Aurora in shock. The room fell into stunned silence.
Veronica rushed to Aurora, her tears flowing even more freely. "Sister, how could you do this? You must apologize to Mr. Brown. He's the CEO of Brown Group –and your husband!"
With that Veronica turned to Alexander, her voice soft and pitiful with tears in her stricken face, "Mr. Brown, please forgive my sister, she didn't mean to. It's not my sister's fault that I fell. I just slipped on the carpet. I apologize on behalf of her.
Her voice trembled as she gripped Aurora's hand again, her fragile demeanor begging for pity. But Aurora wasn't fooled.
With a sneer, Aurora spat her gaze toward Alexander, her voice calm but brimming with disdain, "If ever get a chance, I'll slap you again." She leaned closer to Veronica, her voice a low hiss. "Oh, don't act innocent. Do you think I don't know what you are after? You want to take my place. You want to be Mrs. Brown."
"Sister, no!" Veronica exclaimed, her voice quivering. "I only attend banquets as a representative of the Smith family. I thought you didn't want to go. I'll never do it again!"
But when Veronica pinched her hand once more, Aurora's patience snapped. This time, her slap sent Veronica sprawling to the ground, her delicate face swelling instantly as blood dripped from her lips.
Alexander rushed to Veronica's side, his fury palpable. "Aurora, you vicious woman!" he snarled. "Do you think changing your tactic and acting strong will make notice you? Guards!"
At his command, the guards stormed into the room. Alexander scooped Veronica into his arms, barking orders as he left. "Teach her a lesson. And when you're done, throw her out."
The guards were ruthless, their punches and kicks merciless. Aurora's body crumpled under their blows, every strike unbearable than the last. She tried to fight back but her current strength was no match for them.
When she finally collapsed, her consciousness fading, the guards called alexander for further instructions.
"Dump her on South Hill Road," Alexander said coldly. Following his orders, the guards tossed her battered body by the desolate roadside and drove off without second glance as they also didn't liked Aurora and hated her as she always pestered their Master.
Lying in the dirt, Aurora's broken body trembled as her lips curled into a weak but determined smile. They think this is the end? No. This is where I begin.