Chapter 28: Shadows of Doubt.
Aurora’s POV
I went back to my room, feeling overwhelmed by my emotions. The argument with Alessandro had really upset me.
I couldn't stop feeling hurt, even though Leonardo tried to explain.
When I closed the door, I felt better. I was finally alone, away from everything.
I went to the window and looked out. The moon was full and shining brightly. I wanted to run away into the woods and forget my problems.
But I knew I couldn't. I was stuck in this web of pack politics and family secrets.
I turned away from the window and began to pace around the room. My mind was filled with questions.
What else was Leonardo hiding? Why was Alessandro so determined to tear us apart?
I shook my head and told myself that I refuse to get distracted and suspect my mate. If he hiding something like this, there must be a reason and I would give him time to come around and tell me himself.
With that decision in my mind, I got up and prepared for bed. I had a class tomorrow and I didn’t want to be late for it.
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The next morning, I woke up early and left for class. When I got there, Annie was already seated, chatting with some of our classmates.
When she turned and saw me, she waved.
“Hey!”
I waved back with a forced smile.
“Hey.”
But my expression must have given away my distress, because Annie's face showed concern.
She helped me with my chair, and I sat down, dropping my bag. “Hey, what's wrong? You look gloomy.
Did something happen yesterday?” she asked, her voice soft with concern.
I was silent for a while, as I didn’t know if I should tell her, but Annie is my best friend and I practically tell her everything as she does as well.
I took a deep breath and let it all out. “Alessandro found out about Leonardo and me,” my voice low.
Annie's eyes widened in surprise.
“What? How did he find out?”
I shook my head. “I don't know, but he confronted us yesterday. He said some pretty hurtful things.”
Annie's face turned red with anger.
“That jerk! I'm so sorry, Aurora. What did Leonardo say?”
I hesitated, unsure if I should share the rest. But Annie's encouraging nod made me continue.
“He admitted to sleeping with his ex-mate, but he said it was a mistake. He swore he loves me, but…”
I trailed off, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes.
Annie's face softened, and she reached out to squeeze my hand.
"Oh, Aurora, I'm so sorry. That must have been really tough to hear."
I nodded, feeling like tears were about to fall down my eyes.
"I just don't know what to believe anymore. Part of me wants to trust Leonardo, but another part of me is screaming to be cautious."
Annie nodded thoughtfully. "I think you need to talk to Leonardo again, but this time, ask him more questions.
Find out why he kept this from you and what else he might be hiding."
I took a deep breath, knowing Annie was right. I needed to confront Leonardo again, but this time, I needed to be prepared for the truth.
As we continued to talk, the classroom filled with more students, and our professor began the lesson.
I tried to focus, but my mind kept wandering back to Leonardo and the secrets he might be keeping.
I knew I had to confront him again, but I was scared of what I might find out.
After class, Annie walked with me to the cafeteria.
"Hey, do you want to grab lunch together?" she asked, trying to distract me from my worries.
I smiled weakly. "Yeah, sure. Thanks, Annie.
"Just being around you makes me feel better."
Annie smiled back. "That's what best friends are for."
Just then, someone approached me, calling out my name.
"Hey, Aurora?" I turned to see one of my classmates, Megan.
"Hey, Megan."
"Uh... there's a hot, handsome guy outside looking for you."
Beep!
That sound indicated a message. I glanced at the screen to see a text from Leonardo.
"Hey, Aurora. I'm at your school. Can we meet and talk?"
I felt my heart skip a beat as I read the message. What was Leonardo doing here?
And what did he want to talk about? I looked up at Annie, who raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
"Who is it?" she mouthed. I hesitated, unsure if I should reveal Leonardo's identity.
But Megan's curious expression prompted me to respond.
"It's my boyfriend.” I said, trying to sound casual.
Annie's eyes widened in surprise, while Megan's face lit up with excitement.
"Ooh, the guy outside must be him!" she exclaimed.
I smiled a little at Megan’s enthusiasm, but Annie’s surprised expression made me feel uneasy.
She knew about the argument with Alessandro and Leonardo's secrets, and I could tell she was wondering what Leonardo wanted to talk about.
"I should go see what he wants," I said, getting up from my seat.
Annie nodded, her eyes still filled with curiosity.
"Yeah, go ahead. We'll catch up later." Megan, still excited, called out as I walked away.
"Good luck, Aurora! Tell us everything later!"
I took a deep breath as I walked out of the cafeteria, wondering what Leonardo had in mind.
When I saw him standing outside, looking handsome and confident, my heart skipped a beat.
He smiled when he saw me, and I felt a flutter in my chest. But I reminded myself to stay cautious, considering our last conversation.
"Hey," he said, walking towards me.
"Thanks for meeting me. Can we talk somewhere private?"
I nodded, and he opened the door of his car for me. I got in the car, feeling a bit nervous.
Where were we going? Leonardo started driving, looking around before leaving the parking lot.
We drove in silence for a few minutes. I tried to talk, but he shook his head.
"Not here," he said quietly.
"I want to show you something first."
I was curious, but also a bit scared. What was he going to show me? We drove down a dirt road, deeper into the woods.
The trees grew closer together, casting shadows on the ground. I felt uneasy. Where were we going? What did Leonardo plan to do?