Chapter 30- The Outfit
The hallway was pure chaos.
Some students booed Asha, Alayah, Nicole, and Kimberly, while others buzzed about Aurora’s queen moment.
Oma smiled victoriously, phone in hand, recording as Asha and Alayah clawed at each other’s hair.
Kimberly was still on the floor, pale and motionless.
With an irritated groan, Roseanne snatched a water bottle from someone in the crowd, marched over, and emptied it on Kimberly’s face. Kimberly jerked awake with a gasp.
Ivy pushed forward and yanked Asha and Alayah apart, forcing them to drop their grip on each other. Oma crouched beside Kimberly, her tone low and mocking.
"You see? After everything you did for revenge on Aurora, look at you. Embarrassed. And who did it? Leonard. Touché."
She straightened, smirking as Kimberly’s face crumpled. Kimberly scrambled to her feet, lips trembling, and bolted through the crowd in tears.
Asha and Alayah rose too, glaring at each other with raw fury.
"Even after going behind Aurora’s back, this is what you’re left with." Oma said coldly.
Both girls stormed off in opposite directions, still shaking with anger.
Rosanne smiled in triumph. "Ladies, let’s go."
With that, Rosanne, Ivy, and Oma swept away together, bouncing off, while the crowd exploded with noise behind them.
Kiara gripped the sink, her reflection trembling as much as her hands. She took deep breaths, but nothing steadied the storm inside her.
She wasn’t just shaken she was shattered. She didn’t just like Leo. She loved him. And yet, he had done all of this for Aurora. The girl who had only just stepped into their college.
Her chest ached. Was this really what it felt like to be invisible to someone you’d give anything for?
Footsteps echoed closer. Kiara quickly wiped her face with her palms, forcing herself into a mask. By the time two girls entered the bathroom, she had already turned to the sink, pretending to wash her hands.
She left with her head high, even though her heart was in pieces. She had to go back and act like nothing had happened.
Like Leo hadn’t just broken her in silence.
Aurora slowed her steps when she reached a quiet corner, away from the chaos.
Her chest still burned with rage. She wanted to turn back, to make those useless girls pay, but her mind dragged itself to Leonard.
She knew he was behind it. The question was why.
Why would he do that?
What did he want in return?
How had he even pulled it off?
Students passed by, some staring at her with admiration, others with envy. The weight of their eyes pressed down on her, and she needed space, air. She went to the first place that came to her mind.
The rooftop.
When she stepped out into the breeze, she let out a long, shaky breath, as if the wind could blow away the confusion Leonard planted in her.
But the image of those four girls kneeling before her wouldn’t leave.
Why had he done that?
"What do you want from me?" She muttered under her breath.
"Glad to know you realize I don’t do anything for free."
His voice slid in smooth as his cologne, Dior Sauvage Elixir, bold, dark, impossible to ignore.
Aurora turned sharply. Leonard stood there, leaning in the shadow, watching her like she was prey. She rushed toward him, her eyes blazing.
"Why did you do that? You always butt in when I don’t need you. You’re everywhere. What did you do to make them kneel?"
He didn’t flinch. "Reminded them of their place. He said flatly.
His hand slid around her waist, pulling her close without asking. Her fingers brushed his, ready to tear him off, but she didn’t.
His other hand brushed back the strands of hair the wind had blown across her face.
"You shouldn’t have done that to Sean's car. He murmured.
Her brows knitted.
"You should have taken a stone and smashed his windscreen for trying to flirt with you."
Aurora exhaled sharply and unwrapped his arm from her waist. "You should have let me handle it myself. Why did you make them kneel? Why are you doing this?"
"I didn’t want you to handle it. Simple. They deserved to kneel. I wanted to do far worse. I do what I want."
"You didn’t do that for nothing." Her eyes locked with his.
A smirk curved his lips. "Smart."
Her glare deepened. "What do you want?"
"You at that party." His words were flat, heavy.
"I didn’t ask for your help, and I’m not going to any party. You’re not making me. I never asked you for anything."
"Try me." Leonard said, his smirk sharper this time.
He turned and began to walk away, but stopped at the door without looking back. "You’ll receive the outfit. Wear it to the party tomorrow, Noelle."
And then he left her, alone with her thoughts.
The cafeteria was buzzing, packed with students, voices bouncing off the high walls like it was a stadium.
Ivy and Rosanne couldn't stop gushing about what had gone down earlier, squealing like they'd just binge-watched a teen drama.
Oma had already texted Aurora to meet them here, so they knew she was on her way.
Kiara sat with them, quiet, only smiling or chuckling once or twice, blending into the noise like nothing was wrong.
Oma, on the other hand, just watched Ivy and Rosanne squeal as though they’d been gagged by the drama.
The entire blog was on fire, post after post, memes and stickers flooding in nonstop.
Someone had even turned Kimberly and the others kneeling into Christian stickers with captions like “how God is already humbling my enemies before me.”
The blog had never been this wild. Half the cafeteria was bent over their phones, howling over the stickers, the rest whispering and debating what had actually happened.
Either way, one thing was clear: Aurora was trending like wildfire.
Then Ricky, Mason, Sean, and Jaxen walked in together, sending another wave of chaos through the room. It had been a while since the four of them showed up as a unit.
Jaxen winked at Rosanne, who dramatically blew him a kiss back.
Ivy’s eyes met Ricky’s, and she looked away, her expression screaming annoyance.
Mason’s gaze lingered on Oma, who returned it with a glare. Sean scanned the room like he was searching for someone, Aurora.
Kiara's heart sank.
Leonard wasn’t here. Was he with Aurora right now?
And then Aurora walked in.
The entire room shifted.
Conversations cut off, gossips hushed, even the clatter of trays seemed to pause. Heads turned, some hyping her up, others throwing questions. Someone even yelled if Leo had been the one to make Kimberly, Nicole, Asha, and Alayah kneel.
Aurora ignored them all, her expression unreadable, and made her way to the girls' table.
Ivy and Rosanne nearly squealed out loud when she sat down, their excitement spilling over, making Oma laugh.
Kiara forced a smile.
Collette and Charlotte slipped in a moment later, sitting close enough to hear everything.
"So, how does it feel to be the number one most popular girl in AEC?" Ivy asked, shoving her phone toward Aurora.
The school blog had different charts for different categories: most beautiful student, most handsome, richest, most trending, most popular.
Aurora wasn't just trending, she had blown the charts apart. Number one felt too small for how high her name was riding. Kimberly and the others were right below her, trending in disgrace.
Aurora rolled her eyes.
"Are we gonna pretend you didn't just become the most feared person in this college?" Rosanne smirked.
"Feared?" Oma raised a brow. "I think you mean admired."
Kiara took a sip from her drink, her voice calm. "Or maybe protected."
Aurora's jaw tightened. She didn’t want to follow that road. But Ivy and Rosanne squealed again, chanting, "Leo’s girlllll."
"Shh." Oma hissed, looking around. "Control yourselves."
Kiara's chest clenched, but she kept her mask in place, faking another smile. "Girl, you've trapped him. He did that for you? I envy you."
The word cut. Envy. Aurora’s spine stiffened. That word… it had started everything years ago. And just like that, Leonard's voice echoed in her head: 'Be careful with your new friends.' What exactly did he know?
"Aurora." Ivy snapped her fingers in front of her. "Are you thinking about him?"
Rosanne grinned. "I bet she is."
Aurora glared, annoyed, which only made Oma laugh.
Meanwhile, Ricky hadn't taken his eyes off Ivy once. Sean couldn't stop staring at Aurora.
And Collette… the fork in her hand bent slightly under the pressure of her grip. She'd heard everything. Leonard had done it for Aurora. Jealousy twisted in her stomach. How was she supposed to seduce Aurora if she was now his girl?
"Control yourself." Charlotte muttered beside her. "I told you, she’s taken."
Collette’s voice dropped low. "Even if it’s just one night with her."
Charlotte rolled her eyes.
And then Leonard walked in.
Chaos detonated. Girls screamed, some tugging down their collars and tugging open buttons as if he'd actually notice.
He didn't. He walked with his usual cold demeanor, the room folding around him, and sat at the table with Ricky, Jaxen, Sean, and Mason.
Jaxen leaned back, grinning. "Haven’t sat with you jerks in ages."
Leo's eyes cut across the cafeteria. When they landed on Aurora, there was that look in them again, the one she hated most. It wasn't soft. It wasn't tender. It was sharp, like he owned her without asking.
Her stomach turned. Across the table, Kiara noticed it too, and her heart sank like stone.
Aurora's phone buzzed on the table. She picked it up, frowing immediately she saw the name.
PSYCHOPATH: The outfit is already in your car.
Her jaw clenched. Her thumbs moved quickly.
Aurora: How the hell did you open my car?
It didn't take him long.
PSYCHOPATH: I don’t need keys.
She bit her lip, frustrated.
Aurora: You’re unbelievable.
PSYCHOPATH: Tomorrow. No excuses.
Aurora: I'm. Not. Going.
PSYCHOPATH: I don't mind barging into your house and kidnapping you. That'd be more fun. And you'll get punished in the car before we reach the party.
Aurora rolled her eyes and set the phone down, but she was already too late.
Roseanne and Ivy leaned closer, grinning like devils. Oma arched a brow, her smirk giving her away. They had seen her face change as she typed.
"What?" Aurora snapped.
They all giggled, trading knowing looks.
Kiara lowered her gaze and sipped her drink, her chest caving in on itself. Shattered.
Evening settled as students poured out, cars pulling away one by one. Aurora walked to her car with Oma beside her, who was already set on sleeping over.
She unlocked the door, and there it was, a big black box on the back seat. Aurora barely glanced at it before sliding into the driver’s seat.
Oma got in too, her eyes lingering on the box. She gave Aurora a look but stayed quiet.
Aurora started the engine. Neither of them spoke as the car rolled out of the lot.
Kimberly lay curled on her bed, her pillow damp with tears.
The shame of kneeling still burned her skin, but what lingered sharper than anything was the thought of Leonard.
He did all that for her, for that girl.
And how did he find her video?
Her mind wandered back to when he had fu￠ked the senses out of her. That night. She loved the pain, and she would love to experience it again.
Then, she used to think she had it all, she thought he would stay after that night, she thought it wouldn't end there, but he acted like he didn't even know her, as if nothing happened.
She thought she could get him back, but then that girl showed up... From nowhere. She took everything.... Everything...
Her phone buzzed against the sheets. She ignored it. It rang again, vibrating insistently. With trembling fingers, she glanced at the screen. Perry.
She hesitated, then answered, her voice low and broken. "Perry…"
A scoff cut through the line. "How are you doing?" His tone dripped with mockery.
"Please… can-can I come over?" she whispered.
He laughed coldly. "How shameless can you be?
You got humiliated, and now you want to run back to me?
Do I look like your second option? You left me for Leo, remember?
I was patient, I was ready to give you a second chance, but you stayed stubborn.
Cheap. And now look at you. You did all that to Aurora for Leonard, and it backfired in your face. Serves you right."
Kimberly’s breath caught.
"I'm done being patient with you." Perry spat. "Whatever happened to you… it satisfied me to the core. Die in hell, bitch."
The line went dead.
Her phone slipped from her hand and landed on the bed with a soft thud.
Tears leaked soundlessly, tracing paths over her cheeks, falling even as her body stayed numb.
Leonard lounged on the black leather couch, a glass of scotch in one hand, a cigarette dangling lazily from the other.
Smoke curled through the air as Onyx, his tiger, lay sprawled at the foot of the couch, golden eyes half-shut.
Mara stepped in. "She’s here." she said quietly.
Leonard didn’t bother asking who. His sigh was enough for Mara to slip back out. Moments later, the sharp, rhythmic click of heels echoed against the black marble floor.
"My darling."
Charlene’s voice filled the room. She stepped in with her usual grace, not even sparing Onyx a glance as she crossed the living room.
The tiger barely shifted, and she reached Leonard without hesitation.
She plucked the cigarette from his hand and set it down, then took the glass of scotch from the other, placing it on the table before leaning down to embrace him.
Leonard sat up, muttering, "What are you doing here?"
Charlene scoffed lightly, resting a hand on her chest. "I can’t visit my son anymore? That hurts."
Leonard rolled his eyes, but she hugged him again, sliding into the seat beside him and resting her head on his shoulder.
"Oh, my darling. Tomorrow’s your birthday."
"I know."
"Are you having a party?" she asked, already expecting a no.
"Yes."
Her head shot up, her eyes wide. "Wait,what? You're actually going to have a party?"
"Yes." Leonard said flatly. "Any problem?"
"No, not at all." She gave a short laugh, relieved. "It's just… you never do parties for your birthday, that's all."
"Well, I want to now."
Her smile softened as she held his hand. "Well, we’re going to the Ravens on Saturday. You’re coming too, okay? It's a reunion, right after your birthday. You'll see your uncle and aunt again. Isn't that wonderful? And…" Her voice dipped. "You'll even see Aurora there."
At her name, Leonard’s lips curved into a smirk. The thought of her was enough.
"Cool." He muttered.
"So you’ll come?" Charlene pressed gently.
"Yeah. I’ll be there. Whatever.
Her relief showed in her smile. "Good. All of us will be there: me your dad, and Amaya, you’ll meet us at the mansion, since you already know the place."
At the word dad, Leonard’s jaw clenched. His body went rigid beneath her touch.
Charlene felt it, but didn’t comment. She only stroked his hand and whispered. "Please be there, my love. It’s not complete without you."
"Cool."
She exhaled softly, then stood with elegance, her heels clicking faintly across the marble.
Onyx rose from his place by the couch and padded after her, his movements silent but heavy.
Charlene smiled to herself. "I’ll make you something. It’s been ages since you’ve had my cooking. I don’t even want to know what these maids feed you."
Her voice trailed into the kitchen, accompanied by the echo of her heels.
Leonard leaned back against the couch, his expression blank once more as he reached for the forgotten cigarette. Smoke rose again, curling into the silence she left behind.
Smoke rose again, as the room fell quiet.
Aurora and Oma were upstairs in her room. Aurora stared at the box on her bed like it was a plague that disgusted her.
"Did you really have to bring it inside? You should’ve let me throw it away." She said sharply.
Oma rolled her eyes. "Chill, girl. To be honest, I think you should go to this party."
Aurora's head snapped toward her. "Can you hear yourself? I hate parties. The thought alone makes me want to throw up. I’m not going."
"Auri, please." Oma pressed. "This is your way of healing."
"I don't want to heal. I don't."
Oma moved closer, taking Aurora's hand gently. Her voice softened.
"You know I don't care about what people say. I'd do anything for you, literally anything. And if I have to be your bodyguard at that party just so you can be chill and okay, I'll do it without hesitating."
Aurora looked away, her jaw tight.
Oma squeezed her hand. "Please."
Aurora finally met her gaze. "You know I'm not saying yes. You know that."
Oma sighed and let her hand fall. Under her breath, she muttered, "Then I'll just leave it up to Leo."
Aurora scoffed.
Collette's fingers pumped in and out of her dripping c?nt, the wet sounds filling the room.
Her laptop glowed on the bed in front of her, showing the photo she’d snapped of Aurora the day she wore her hair in a ponytail.
Collette’s moans came in shaky, broken syllables, Aurora’s name spilling from her lips as her head thudded back against the headboard.
Her hair stuck to her flushed face, cheeks streaked with tears, her mouth parted as she cried and gasped at the same time.
Naked, trembling, sweat-soaked, nothing she did could satisfy the ache clawing inside her.
She needed more. Someone’s tongue. Someone’s hands. Aurora’s.
"You don’t know what you do to me." She whispered at the screen, her eyes fixated on Aurora's slim, perfect fingers frozen in the image.
"Fuck..." The curse tore out of her as she shoved another finger inside herself, stretching her walls until her jaw dropped wide in a raw, wordless cry.
The door creaked.
"Collet—"
Charlotte froze, whipping her face away instantly. "What the fuck, Collette? This is the third time!"
Collette’s orgasm ripped through her, spilling messily across the sheets, streaking the laptop keys, even splattering the screen.
She collapsed against the headboard, chest heaving, body twitching, sweat and tears dripping down her face as her breathing came in shallow bursts.
Charlotte stormed in, slamming the door shut. "Letti, what the hell is wrong with you? What’s so special about Aurora?" She spat, glaring.
Collette rose from the bed, not bothering to cover herself, her naked body gleaming under the lamplight.
Her eyes burned with obsession. "Everything. Everything about her is perfect. Don’t you see? I want to tear those baggy clothes off her and see what’s underneath. I want her tongue in me."
Charlotte groaned. "She’s a girl. Leo’s girl. Stop this madness."
"Don't." Collette snapped, trembling with fury. "I've had enough of that line. Leo can have anyone else, but Aurora is mine."
Charlotte stared at her sister in disbelief as Collette's lips curled into a manic smirk.
"I'm not coming to college tomorrow." Collette said, snatching a robe and pulling it loosely over her shoulders.
"I need to prepare for the party. I’ll dye my hair red. I want her to see me at my best."
She disappeared into the bathroom, the sound of running water soon echoing through the door.
Charlotte sighed and groaned, then her phone beeped. She pulled it out of her tight shorts pocket and checked the screen. A smile curved her lips when she read the message.
Nicole lay sprawled across her bed, the bottle of whiskey half-empty on her nightstand.
Her hair clung to her damp cheeks, and she let out a broken laugh that echoed off the walls.
"She won." She slurred, her voice sharp with venom. "That bitch won. And I was humiliated… disgraced."
Another laugh, louder, emptier, followed. She pressed the back of her hand to her eyes, but the tears still came, hot and relentless.
She raised the bottle again, tipping it against her lips, the burn in her throat nothing compared to the fire of her shame.
The dining room was quiet, only the soft sound of cutlery on plates.
Aurora sat stiff, staring at the food she hadn’t touched. Beside her, Oma ate slowly, though her eyes kept flicking to Aurora like she was checking on her.
Gemma broke the silence. She turned to Oma with a smile that felt too deliberate.
"So, Oma. How’s college?"
Oma gave her a small, knowing look before she answered. "It’s fine. Really fine." She tilted her head toward Aurora. "Right?"
Aurora only hummed. "Hmm."
Silence stretched again until Melvin put his fork down. His gaze locked on Aurora.
"How are you feeling?" His voice was calm, but heavy. "If anyone is bothering you at college, just tell me the name. I’ll handle it."
Aurora’s lips pressed tight. She lifted her head, meeting his stare.
"I’m fine. I don’t even like being there. I’ll just put up with everyone."
"Are you sure?" Melvin asked.
"Yes." she said flatly. "I’m sure."
The room stayed quiet after that. Dinner ended stiff, no one saying much.
When Aurora and Oma stood to leave, Oma’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and quickly turned it over in her hand. Mason.
Aurora raised a brow but said nothing, walking upstairs.
The phone buzzed again, a text.
~ I want to see you.
Oma chewed her lip. Then another buzz, a call. She stepped aside and pressed the phone to her ear.
"Mason." She whispered.
"I want to see you." His voice came low.
"No. You’ll see me tomorrow. It’s late."
"I can’t wait until tomorrow." Mason said. "Tell me where to come. Or I'll find a way."
Her chest tightened. She glanced upstairs where Aurora had gone. Finally, she sighed. "Fine. But only for a little while."
Oma slipped out quietly, grabbed her car, and drove a few minutes down the road.
She slowed when the pedestrian bridge came into view.
Mason was already there, leaning against the rail, waiting.
When she reached him, he didn’t wait. He pulled her close, his mouth crashing into hers. The kiss was hungry, stealing her breath. His hands cupped her face, hers curled in his shirt to steady herself.
When he finally broke away, their breaths mingled, harsh and uneven in the quiet night.
Oma's voice came out soft, almost a whisper against his mouth. "Is this why you called me?"
Mason’s eyes darkened, his voice low and rough. "I can’t hold it any longer, Oma. It’s either you agree now… or never. Because I swear, I’m not letting you go."
Before she could even process his words, he was on her again, smashing his lips against hers with even more fire.
This time there was nothing hesitant, the kiss was deeper, hungrier, almost desperate. His hands slid to her waist, pulling her flush against him.
He pushed her against the car, kissing her over and over, his lips hot and insistent, his teeth tugging, his tongue slipping past her mouth like he needed every part of her.
Her knees almost gave out, but Mason's hands gripped her waist tight, keeping her right where he wanted her, kissing her like he'd never stop.
He lifted her easily and set her on the hood of his car. Her legs locked around his waist, pulling him in. She gripped his shoulders, holding on tight as their mouths crushed together, desperate and breathless, like she'd fall apart if she let go.
Aurora stood in front of her mirror, lost in a trance. Her hair was tied in a messy bun, her reflection flawless but her mind restless.
Why did Leo do that? She knew he would ask for something in return, knew he would use it to push her toward that party. Still… they had kneeled for her, on his command. He kept interfering, kept helping, kept touching her.
A knock cut through her thoughts.
"Come in." She said softly.
Melvin stepped inside. Aurora straightened.
"I’m not going to pretend I don’t see what’s happening." He said, voice low but steady. "You’re my light and I don’t care who it is, classmates, teachers, whoever. If someone crosses you, they’ll pay for it."
He moved closer, his eyes locked on hers. "So when I ask how things are at college, I expect the truth. All of it. No hiding. Understood?"
Aurora's lips parted, but no words came. After a moment, she only nodded.
Melvin studied her for a beat longer, then his phone buzzed in his pocket. The sharp sound broke the tension. He pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and sighed.
"Work never leaves me alone." He muttered, slipping the phone back.
Before heading out, he reached over and gently patted her head, his hand resting there for a second longer than expected. "Get some rest." He said, softer now.
Then he turned and left, the door clicking shut behind him.
Aurora stayed still after her father left, her reflection catching in the mirror again. Her chest rose and fell, heavier this time, as if the walls themselves were pressing in.
Finally, she turned and walked into her closet. Her eyes went straight to the black box tucked on the shelf. She carried it back to the bed, her hands trembling as she set it down.
Slowly, she lifted the lid.
The moment her gaze fell inside, the box slipped from her grip and tumbled to the floor with a dull thud.
The door creaked open. Oma stepped in, and her eyes went wide when she saw the outfit spilled. She gasped softly, her hand flying to her mouth.
Oma’s eyes lit up. "It’s so cute and sexy at the same time. Aww. At least it has a jacket." She said with a shrug.
Aurora held the outfit like it was filthy, but Oma wasn’t done. She leaned closer, grinning.
"Can you imagine Leo’s face when he sees you in this? He’ll probably lose his mind."
Aurora scoffed, shoving the outfit and the boots back into the box without a second thought. She pushed it into her walk-in closet and shut the door a little harder than needed.
Aurora’s eyes lingered on Oma’s face. The faint flush on her cheeks, the shine on her lips, it was impossible not to notice. Aurora raised a brow.
Oma’s cheeks turned even redder, and she quickly looked away.
"So this is why you left, right?" Aurora asked, her tone flat but knowing.
Instead of answering, Oma walked around the bed and dropped onto the other side, lying back like nothing had happened. Aurora didn’t press. She simply sat down on the edge of the bed.
Oma turned her head toward her with a grin. "Girl, that kiss was everything. Mason is such a good kisser."
Aurora rolled her eyes.
Oma kicked at the blanket, then blurted, "And… I said yes. I agreed to be his girlfriend."
Aurora looked at her, unreadable, then said simply. "Good for you."
Oma groaned, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Oh, come on. At least celebrate with me! You need to jump on the bed with me or something."
Aurora gave her a long look, deadpan.
"Really? That’s your reaction?" Oma muttered.
"Typical Aurora." She rolled her eyes.
"Typical Oma." Aurora shot back, just as her phone dinged, a message from the arsehole.
~ See you at the party, baby.
Her jaw tightened. She switched the phone off and shoved it into the drawer.
Unbelievable, motherfucker.
TBC...