Chapter 48- The Weight Of Guilt
★
[NEXT DAY, MONDAY- VALENTINE'S DAY]
Elara stood in front of her mirror like a model.
Oma leaned against the dresser beside her, arms folded, both of them staring at their reflections in silence for a moment.
Then Elara smiled first. Slow. Satisfied.
"Yeah," she said. "We look dangerous."
Oma tilted her head, eyes tracing Elara's outfit. "You look like money."
Elara smirked. "I am money."
Her hair was flawless. Everything about her screamed rich, the fabric, the fit, the confidence. Daddy's girl, classy, expensive, and unbothered.
Oma looked just as lethal in her own way. All black. Simple, clean.
Elara's phone buzzed.
She glanced at it, groaned.
"Xander," she muttered. Then read aloud, "'I'm already downstairs. Stop flirting with each other like lesbians and come eat.'"
Oma blinked. "Did he just-"
Elara locked her phone. "Ignore him."
She reached for her bag. "Let's go."
Elara turned toward the door, then paused. "Should we get Aurora?"
Oma caught her wrist gently. "No. Leave her."
Elara studied her. Oma's face was dull. And she knew why.
"She'll come down when she's ready," Oma added quietly.
Elara nodded. She understood.
The Ginny effect.
They headed downstairs.
---
[DINING ROOM]
Gemma was already seated, phone in hand. Melvin stood beside her, jacket on.
Breakfast was barely touched.
Elara and Oma took their seats just as Melvin glanced at his watch.
"I have to run," He said. "Meeting came up."
Gemma sighed. "I do too. I'll check on you all later, okay?"
She kissed Elara's cheek, squeezed Oma's shoulder, and then they were gone.
Now it was just the three of them.
Xander leaned back in his chair, eyes immediately landing on Oma.
"Damn," he said. "You look cute."
Oma lifted a finger. "Hush. I'm taken."
Xander scoffed. "I'd like to see the guy who pulled you."
He grinned. "Because last I checked, no one's more handsome than me."
Oma didn't answer. She just looked away.
That's when footsteps came from the stairs.
Aurora.
Baggy black hoodie. Loose pants. Hands in her pockets.
A durag tied neatly at the back of her head, framing her face in a way that made her beauty sharper. Colder.
Dark. Ethereal. Untouchable.
Like an angel that had been thrown out of heaven and decided to make it everyone else's problem.
She reached the table and sat.
"Morning," she muttered.
No warmth.
"Morning, sweetie," Elara said softly.
Oma offered a small smile.
Xander said nothing.
Aurora glanced at him. "You don't have to look scared. I'm not going to hurt you. I already forgave your madness last night."
Xander blinked, then smiled awkwardly. "Yeah. I know."
Breakfast continued.
Elara and Xander talked. Mostly Elara. Xander chimed in. Oma answered when needed.
Aurora ate quietly.
Then Elara paused mid-sentence.
"Oh- wait." She frowned. "I haven't even wished anyone happy Valentine's day."
Oma didn't react.
"I told you last night," Oma said plainly.
Oma was in black for a reason.
So was Aurora.
Elara cleared her throat. "There's a party tonight, right?"
No answer.
She looked at Aurora. "Happy-"
Aurora lifted her eyes. Deadpan.
Elara stopped. "Oh yeah. Sorry."
Silence settled again.
Elara changed the topic quickly, voice lighter but careful. "Oma, what do you think your boyfriend's getting you?"
Oma shook her head. "I don't really feel like celebrating today."
Xander stayed quiet. So did the others.
★
They left the Raven Mansion in two cars.
Aurora drove.
One hand on the wheel, the other resting near the gear, eyes straight ahead. Oma sat beside her, quiet for once, dressed in black. Her and Aurora always wore black on Valentine's day.
"Later." Oma said gently. "We'll go see Ginny after classes."
Aurora nodded. "Yeah."
That was all she could manage to say.
Today always did this to her. Ginny's birthday. Valentine's Day.
The weight of it always pressed against her ribs, making everything feel slower. Heavier. Like she owed the world something she could never repay.
Behind them, Xander and Elara followed in their own car.
---
[ALL ELITES COLLEGE]
The college gates came into view.
Aurora pulled into the parking lot, and almost immediately, another car rolled in beside them.
Timing was cruel like that.
Leonard stepped out first.
Ricky followed. Then Mason.
At the same time, Aurora stepped out of her car.
Then Oma. Then Xander and Elara from behind.
The air shifted.
Whispers followed instantly.
★ Who's that?
★Is he new?
★God, he's fine.
Elara froze the moment she saw Leonard.
"Oh my God," she breathed. "Who the hell is that?"
Oma grabbed her arm without even looking. "No. Don't. Trust me."
Elara smirked. "Too late. I already want him."
Aurora rolled her eyes, shutting the car door harder than necessary.
Oma suddenly squealed. "Mason!"
She ran to him, and Mason caught her easily, lifting her just enough to spin her once before setting her down.
Xander stared at them. "That's the guy?"
Elara glanced at him. "Obviously. He's hot. Oma won. Accept it."
Xander scoffed and flipped her off. She returned it with interest.
Ricky was already walking away, phone in hand, mind somewhere else entirely.
Aurora adjusted the strap of her bag.
"Go find your departments," She told Xander and Elara. "Orientation emails should've told you where to be."
Elara frowned. "You're not coming?"
"Figure it out."
And Aurora walked inside.
She didn't look at Leonard.
Leonard didn't look at her either.
Not when she passed. Not when the space between them stretched thin. Not even when it would've been easier to.
The crowd slowly dissolved, chatter rising again, speculation spreading like wildfire.
Elara sighed, finally tearing her eyes away. "Okay. Mystery man."
Valentine's Day had officially started.
★
Aurora was already inside the building.
She didn't look back.
Outside, Mason lingered with Oma near the cars, fingers still hooked in hers like he wasn't ready to let go yet.
"Happy Valentine's Day," He murmured.
Before she could reply, he kissed her.
The kind of kiss that made people nearby painfully aware they were single.
Oma hesitated at first, then melted into it, laughing softly when he pulled back only to kiss her again. Her cheek. Her nose. The corner of her mouth.
"I love you," Mason said easily, like it was the simplest truth in the world. "You're so cute it should be illegal. And somehow also hot. You're just... perfect."
"O-kay," Oma laughed, pushing at his chest. "You're doing too much."
He grinned, kissed her once more, then reached for her hand to pull her along. "Come inside with me."
"Wait," she said quickly. "I'll meet you there. I need to show my friends around. First day and all."
Mason hesitated, clearly unhappy about letting go, but finally released her fingers with one last kiss. "Don't take too long."
Oma watched him leave, smiling to herself, then turned back to where Elara and Xander were quietly bickering about directions.
She strutted back like she owned the place.
"Don't worry," Oma said confidently. "The others will be here any minute."
Elara didn't even let her finish. "OMG, girl," she blurted. "You got yourself a good catch. That dude is fine."
Oma grinned. "Thank you."
"But hold on," Elara added, lowering her voice. "Who's the other one? The one who doesn't smile."
Oma's smile faded just a little. "Leonard?"
"I need to know everything about him. Now."
Oma gave her a look. The kind that said absolutely 'not happening'.
"Girl, relax," She said. "Leonard is untouchable. He doesn't date. He plays. And besides, you're Aurora's cousin. There's no way he'll let you close."
Xander squinted. "Why? Is he dating Aurora?"
Oma paused.
"No," She said finally. "They're not. Just... stay away from him."
Xander was about to push when another car pulled in.
Rosanne jumped out first, energy loud before her voice ever was. Her dark skin glowed against the cold morning, braids swinging neatly around her shoulders.
"Happy Valentine's Day!" She yelled.
Ivy laughed as she stepped out behind her. "You're insane."
"It's Valentine's day we're talking about." Rosanne said proudly. "Of course I'm insane."
Oma waved. "I texted in the group chat. Auri's cousins showed up unannounced."
She gestured. "This is Xander. This is Elara. Twins. They're stuck with us now."
Rosanne studied Elara, impressed. "Girl... you're pretty. Whatever genes run in your family are crazy. You look like money."
"Ouuu, thank youuu." Elara squealed. "I ALWAYS keep the rich look."
Xander rolled his eyes. "She's overhyped. Final boss of makeup."
Rosanne laughed. "And you must be the menace. Welcome to All Elites."
Xander lifted his hands. "I can't stay. Too many pretty ladies. I'm overwhelmed."
Before leaving, he pointed at Oma. "I'll never forgive you for not saying yes to me."
Then he walked off, already drawing eyes, whispers trailing behind him.
Ivy, Oma, Roseanne followed Elara to her department before heading to class.
"Did you see her waist? She's so hot. TF?" Ivy gushed.
"I know right? So curvy. I love curvy girls." Roseanne replied with the same energy
Oma laughed. "I'd think you're a lesbian if you didn't have a boyfriend."
Ivy smiled, phone buzzing in her hand. A message from Ricky. Her lips curved just slightly.
"Come on," Oma said. "We're late."
They headed toward class together.
★
Mr. Thorne's class felt normal on the surface.
Too normal.
Aurora walked in, took her seat, and pulled out her book.
Nothing about her gave away the fact that today hurt more than usual.
Mr. Thorne avoided her.
It was obvious.
He stayed near the board, pacing in short steps, calling on other students. When he moved around the room, he made sure his path never crossed hers. Not once did he stop near her desk.
Aurora noticed immediately.
She didn't react.
She didn't care enough to.
Leonard sat a few seats behind her.
She felt him before she ever thought of turning. That quiet pressure. That awareness.
She kept her eyes forward.
Mr. Thorne spoke about the lesson, but his voice wasn't as firm as usual. Every time he drifted a little too close to Aurora's side of the room, Leonard's stare locked onto him.
Sharp. Warning.
Mr. Thorne felt it.
He faltered once, lost his train of thought, then cleared his throat and stepped away again. His fingers shook slightly as he wrote on the board.
Oma watched everything from her seat. Ivy leaned closer to her, whispering something under her breath. Rosanne stayed quiet, jaw tight, eyes moving between Leonard and the teacher.
Aurora didn't write much.
She just sat there, listening without listening. Her mind was elsewhere. On Ginny. On guilt. On how certain days never let you breathe.
She never turned around.
Leonard never looked away.
When class was dismissed. She picked up her bag and walked out.
She didn't wait for the girls.
Leonard stayed seated for a second longer.
Mr. Thorne finally let out a breath he'd been holding all class.
Whatever control he thought he had over this situation; it was gone.
And Aurora didn't look back once.
★
[QUIET CORRIDOR]
Mr. Thorne stood in a quiet corner near the staff offices, his back to the wall, phone pressed tightly to his ear. His shoulders were tense. He kept glancing around like he expected someone to hear him.
The call connected.
Zane has been watching Aurora in class through the hidden camera in Mr Thorne's button.
Though he couldn't see her properly.
Zane smiled.
Slow. Satisfied.
"She looks good," he said calmly. Too calmly.
Mr. Thorne swallowed. "You told me not to go near her."
Zane's smile didn't fade. "And yet, you still failed to show her properly."
"I couldn't," Thorne said quickly. "Leonard was watching. Every time I stepped closer, he..."
"I don't care about Leonard," Zane cut in.
The room went quiet.
Zane leaned back, eyes still on the paused image of Aurora. "You had one job."
"You told me to keep my distance," Thorne repeated, his voice tight. "I followed instructions."
A pause.
Then Zane sighed, almost amused.
"Relax," he said. "This isn't over. You'll get another chance."
Mr. Thorne's grip tightened on the phone.
"She'll come back to me," Zane added softly. "She always does."
That sentence made Thorne's stomach twist.
The call ended.
Mr. Thorne stared at the blank screen for a long moment before lowering the phone.
He left slowly.
★
[CEMETERY·LATE AFTERNOON]
The car stopped in front of the cemetery. Aurora stayed inside for a moment, gripping the bouquet in her hands, her chest tight like it might cave in.
Oma stepped out first, holding her own flowers, and waited for Aurora. When Aurora finally followed, her steps felt slow, deliberate, weighed down by guilt.
Every row of gravestones reminded her she shouldn't even be here. She wasn't worthy of standing in front of Ginny's grave.
Oma gently reached for her hand. "It's okay," she said softly. "You're here. That's what matters."
Aurora let herself be guided. Her fingers brushed the small gravestone, simple and unassuming, yet it carried all the weight of a life cut short.
She could feel the burn of her eyes, the raw ache in her chest, but crying wouldn't fix anything. It never did.
Oma knelt beside her, setting down her lilies. "She knows," she said quietly. "She knows you loved her. That's enough."
Aurora pressed her flowers to the grave, leaning slightly forward, feeling the weight of regret.
"I was supposed to be the victim. She wasn't meant to replace me. She shouldn't have come to that room to help me. I should've been able to help her when she begged."
"You did what you could," Oma said, keeping her voice steady, a quiet anchor. "We all did. But we're here now. That counts."
Aurora nodded, swallowing hard. She traced the letters on the gravestone with her fingers. "I'm sorry, Ginny. I didn't... I couldn't..." Her chest heaved, but the tears didn't come. She felt hollow, raw, exposed.
Oma slid an arm around her shoulder. "We'll honor her, Auri. Today, tomorrow... every day. That's how we keep her alive."
Aurora exhaled, a long, shaky breath. "Yeah," she muttered. "Every day."
They stayed a few more minutes in silence, the cold air pressing around them, before turning back to leave.
★
[EVENING · RAVEN MANSION]
Elara's room glowed warm under soft lights, the kind that made everything look expensive without trying.
Clothes were scattered across the bed, silk, satin, black, silver, discarded options that hadn't made the cut.
She stood in front of her mirror now, chin lifted, shoulders back.
Perfect.
Her hair fell exactly how she liked it. Makeup sharp but classy. The outfit hugged her in all the right places without screaming for attention.
She looked perfect. Like she belonged anywhere she stepped into.
Elara tilted her head, posed, and snapped a mirror selfie.
She posted it immediately.
★ First party in new york. pretty as always ???
She smiled to herself, dropped the phone on the vanity, then picked it right back up and dialed Oma.
"Oma," She said the moment the call connected, "When are you getting here? Don't tell me you changed your mind."
Oma sighed softly on the other end. "As if Mason would let that happen. He practically ordered me to come."
Elara laughed. "Good. Because I was about to show up and cause chaos alone."
"I'm coming with Mason," Oma added. "So you and Xander will have to go together."
"No problem," Elara replied easily. "We'll see you there."
She ended the call just as a notification popped up.
The group chat.
Ivy: Can't wait for tonight ?? heading there now
Roseanne: Where the hell is Kiara??? She skipped today and won't answer
Ivy: Leave her. You know how she gets
Elara frowned slightly, but before she could think too much about it, Xander's voice drifted in from the hallway.
"You ready yet or are you planning to fall in love with yourself in there?"
She grabbed her clutch and stepped out.
Xander was already dressed, dark clothes, sharp edges, chest barely covered, that effortless, dangerous charm clinging to him like a bad habit.
He looked like he lived for parties.
He looked her over once. "Yeah. Figures."
"What?" she asked, amused.
"You always look like trouble."
She smirked.
"So Oma wasn't really going to come?" Xander asked as they started down the stairs.
Elara shrugged. "Of course she's coming. She hates Valentine's Day, but she loves Mason more."
Xander scoffed. "Yeah. We know she does."
They reached the front door.
Tonight's party was being held at The Atrium, All Elite College's private event hall. Glass walls. High ceilings. Hidden from the rest of campus.
Xander paused, like he'd just remembered something.
"...I forgot something," he muttered.
Elara glanced at him. "You'll survive with cond?ms, jerk."
He grinned slowly. "I always do."
They stepped out into the night.
★
[ALL ELITES COLLEGE ~ ATRIUM]
The Atrium was alive. Lights flashed, bass thumped, laughter and music collided, and everywhere, people were celebrating like the world was ending tomorrow.
PDA was rampant, lovers couldn't keep their hands off each other, and the energy was intoxicating.
Charlotte and Perry were no exception.
They couldn't stop kissing, grinning like fools, utterly lost in each other. They were obviously in love, and everyone around could see it.
This wasn't just any Valentine's party, it was wild, untamed, the kind of night that would be talked about for months.
Luxury cars lined the entrance like it was a fashion show, engines purring as their owners strutted into the chaos.
Roseanne and Jaxen arrived next.
Roseanne didn't hold back, glitter caught the lights along her shoulders and legs, her braids styled to perfection. She radiated confidence and power, stepping out of the car like she owned the night.
Then another car pulled up. Mason and Oma stepped out. Oma's red mini gown hugged her in all the right places, accentuating her curves with effortless grace.
Mason's hands found her waist immediately, his possessive gesture clear to everyone around, she was his, and everyone knew it.
Ricky's car was next. And then...
Ivy!
Oma and Roseanne practically gasped. "FINALLYYYY" They screamed crazily.
Ivy stepped out, her smile radiant under the lights. Ricky was quick, rounding the car and claiming her lips in a kiss that had some of the girls screaming in envy.
Some hearts broke. Some eyes widened.
Oma laughed, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.
Finally, Elara and Xander's car arrived.
Elara flipped her hair the second she stepped out, confidence dripping from every movement.
Xander... looked perfect, effortless, the kind of presence that drew attention without even trying. Whispers followed them.
Compliments flew, some for Elara, some for Xander. Twins like them were masterpieces, and the crowd knew it.
Roseanne screamed, clapping loudly, "CLOCK IT, GURLL!" While Ivy blew kisses toward the twins. Elara laughed, soaking up the attention, loving every second of it.
But one thing was conspicuously missing.
Aurora. And Leonard.
Even some students whispered, scanning the crowd, noticing their absence.
No Aurora. No Leonard.
Planned? Or chaos in waiting?
★
[RAVEN MANSION]
Back at the Raven Mansion, the world was quiet.
Gemma and Melvin sat in the inner living room, wine glasses in hand, shoulders finally relaxed. This was how they celebrated, soft music, low laughter, and the comfort of each other.
Melvin had gone overboard with jewelry again; Gemma joked that her closet upstairs was officially full.
Gemma wasn't different, she showered him with gifts too.
Aurora came down the stairs slowly.
She was dressed in all black, an oversized hoodie, loose sweatpants, furry flip-flops.
She's currently listening to music on her headphones. They're also black.
Billie Eillish is the theme of the night, cuz there ain't nothing cheerful ''bout today.
Her parents had checked up on her earlier. They know how she always is on this particular day.
And sometimes, it's a nightmare for them.
She decided to take a stroll around the mansion.
Funny how she'd never really done that since they moved here this year.
The pool lights glowed blue, reflecting against her face.
Blue.It reminded her of his eyes.
She inhaled sharply and forced the thought away.
She stood there for a moment, staring at the water, hands buried deep in her sleeves. The weight in her chest didn't ease. It never did. Guilt sat there like a living thing.
Like a curse. It was.
She felt cursed. Like the universe had chosen the wrong person to survive.
A tear slipped down before she could stop it. She couldn't this time.
She didn't wipe it away.
Why her?
Why had Zane noticed her?
Why had Ginny paid the price?
Why did Ginny have to be the one who didn't come back?
Her gaze dropped to the water again.
She took a sharp breath. More tears falling.
She took off the headphones, cutting off the music. She dipped her hand in her pocket and threw her phone out too.
She took a step forward. Another tear fell.
Another step.
One more step and she fell completely into the pool.
Motionless. Unwilling to survive.
The water closed around her.
Her brain couldn't comprehend how deep the pool was ''cuz she was already drowning.
Seriously drowning.
But still, she didn't bother swimming back up. She stayed still numb.
Her once open eyes turned shut.
Bubbles left her mouth and nose. It hurts. She deserves it.
Everything blurred.
But immediately...
Another splash sounded, someone else jumped into the pool.
Someone yanked her back up with force, arms locking around her before she could sink into nothing.
She coughed, choking, air burning her lungs.
She knew that scent instantly.
Dior Sauvage Elixir.
"Have you lost your fucking mind?" Leonard's voice cracked through her senses.
She laughed weakly, breathless, shaking. "Here for... another make out?"
"Noelle."
"Shut... your lying mouth." She said weakly.
"Breathe," he ordered, holding her tighter. "Just breathe."
"Why did you save me?" she whispered. "Why?"
She clutched him without realizing, forehead pressing into his chest like muscle memory.
"I let you use me," she muttered, bitter. "Pretty stupid, right? You're a monster." Another sarcastic laugh.
"Noelle, stop talking."
She was shaking. "Do... do you... know what l-love is?..."
Footsteps pounded closer.
"Miss Aurora!" A guard shouted.
"We're dead," Another muttered. "Boss will kill us."
Gemma's scream split the night.
"Auri!"
Melvin followed, rage and fear colliding in his eyes.
Nanny Mira rushed behind them, she alerted them immediately she saw what was happening.
Leonard shifted Aurora upright just in time for her to cough up water, her body shaking violently.
"Oh God," Gemma cried, collapsing beside her. "Dawn."
Melvin turned on the guards, fury unleashed. "Where were you? What am I paying you for?"
"Boss, we took a short break-"
"That break almost killed my daughter!"
Nanny Mira flinched.
Gemma's hands shook as she held Aurora's face. "What if Leo hadn't come?" she sobbed.
Leonard said nothing.
What if he didn't fight his ego and decide to come see her again?
Aurora went limp.
Without hesitation, Leonard lifted her into his arms and carried her inside.
Water trailed behind them.
Gemma and Nanny Mira followed. Melvin dismissed the guards with a look that promised consequences later.
Upstairs, Leonard laid Aurora on her bed. She was soaked, so were his clothes, but her fingers tightened around his arm even in unconsciousness.
Gemma was already on the phone, calling Doctor Nina.
Melvin was filled with worry and pain as he looked at his drained daughter on the bed.
She looked so pale.
A tear fell down Gemma's face.
She sat beside Aurora on the bed, touching her face to caress it.
Leonard's eyes locked on Aurora's face. Already thinking of several ways to punish her for trying to take her life.
Melvin's heart pounded with fear. Not daring to imagine what would've happened if Leo didn't come.
His eyes studied Aurora. Even in this state, she was fiesty. Her body isn't glad it still has a pulse.
Yet her hand stayed wrapped around Leonard's arm possessively.
.
.
.
.
.
TBC...