Chapter 144: Choose
Aurora’s POV
"Oliver, I..." I looked down at my lap, my mind spinning. If I went with Oliver, I’d miss my chance with Raymond. But if I stayed behind, Oliver would know something was wrong. "I don’t know if I’m up for a gala. With James and... everything..."
"It wasn’t a request, Aurora," Oliver said, and for a split second, I heard a flash of that same cold authority I’d heard in the club. He caught himself, softening his tone, but the edge remained. "I need my woman there. I’ll have a dress sent over. Be ready by seven."
He leaned down and kissed my forehead. It should have felt like a blessing, but with Raymond’s text still burning on my phone, it felt like a trap. I was trapped between the man I loved and the man I had to kill.
Oliver smiled at me before turning to leave. The moment he closed the front door, the breath I had been holding ripped out of me in a sharp sob. I scrambled out of bed, ignoring the way my sore muscles screamed in protest, and began pacing the small, cramped space of my bedroom.
The walls felt like they were closing in. Oliver wanted me by his side, proudly showcasing me to the world, while Raymond wanted me in the dark, stripped of my dignity and fucked like a whore.
I looked at my phone. My thumb hovered over the screen. I couldn’t fail Oliver. He was the only light I had left in this world, and the thought of his face falling if I didn’t show up tonight was more than I could bear. But I couldn’t fail my mission either. Raymond was the monster who had dismantled my family, piece by piece, and I was so close to making him pay.
With trembling fingers, I typed a message to Raymond.
Aurora: I can’t. Not tonight. I’m too sore... my body can’t handle more after what you did. Please.
I stared at the screen, watching for the reply. It came back almost instantly, cold and sharp.
Raymond: Pain was part of the agreement, Pet. I don’t recall giving you permission to negotiate. Be at the club by seven.
I bit my lip, panicking. I had to push back. I had to.
Aurora: Oliver wants me to accompany him to a gala. It’s for the Council. I can’t say no to him. It would look suspicious. I’ll come tomorrow.
I dropped the phone on the bed as if it were on fire and resumed my pacing. One lap. Two. Five. My heart was a fast drum against my ribs. Finally, the phone vibrated. I went for it.
Raymond: The contract says you are mine whenever I request it, Aurora. Not when it’s convenient for your schedule.
I felt a surge of desperate anger.
Aurora: I am telling you I cannot come! I am with the King tonight!
Silence.
One minute passed. Two. The silence from his end felt heavier than any threat he had ever spoken. I stood in the middle of the room, my eyes fixed on the blank screen, my nails digging into the palms of my hands.
Then, the typing icon appeared. It danced for what felt like an eternity before the message finally landed.
Raymond: If you don’t come to me, then I’ll come to you myself. I wonder what the Alpha King will think when he finds out his innocent, precious lover has a secret affair with a man like me. I wonder if he’ll still want to be with you after I show him the footage from yesterday.
The phone slipped from my hand and hit the floor. I felt the blood drain from my face, leaving me cold and hollow. He wouldn’t. He couldn’t. If Oliver found out, it wouldn’t just be the end of us—it would destroy him...
I collapsed back onto the bed, burying my face in my hands. I was a puppet, and both men were pulling the strings so tight I felt like I was about to snap in two. If I went to Oliver, Raymond would ruin me. If I went to Raymond, I would break Oliver’s heart.
"God, help me," I whispered into the empty room. "What should I do?"
I stayed in bed all day, staring at the wall. I was trapped in a loop of fear. If I missed the gala, Oliver’s suspicion would grow more. If I ignored Raymond, he would go to the gala or leak the footage, ruining the man I loved in front of everyone.
Suddenly, my phone buzzed on the nightstand, making me jump.
Oliver: The dress is on its way, my love. I’ve been thinking about you all day. I can’t wait to see how you look in it. You’re going to be the most beautiful woman in the room.
A small, bittersweet smile tugged at my lips. He was so perfect. He was the perfect man I didn’t deserve, the only thing keeping me from drifting away into the darkness of my own revenge. For a second, I allowed myself to imagine it—the music, the lights, Oliver’s hand on the small of my back, telling me he loved me.
Then, the phone buzzed again. My smile died instantly.
Raymond: I don’t want you wearing any bra or undies tonight, pet. I want you accessible and ready the moment you walk through that door. Come to me like that... and don’t keep me waiting.
I sat up and put my head in my hands. The dress from Oliver was probably already downstairs. I had to choose. If I went to the gala, I’d have to wear the gown and pretend to be happy while wondering if Raymond was about to ruin everything. If I went to Raymond, I’d be betraying Oliver on his big night.
My heart felt heavy. I was so close to revenge... so close to finally ending him.
But if I chose that path, I would lose Oliver—the only good thing left in my life.
And yet... if I walked away now... I would never forgive myself for the rest of my life.