Chapter 29

It was a busy Saturday morning at the private hospital. Aurora approached the reception desk and asked, "Hi, can you tell me how to get to the inpatient department?"

The nurse, noticing the flowers in her hand, chuckled and gave directions. Aurora thanked her.

A middle-aged man nearby spoke loudly on his phone, his rough voice catching her attention. "Relax, I've got it all sorted. It's just a little girl, no big deal. You really underestimated me."

Aurora was the last to enter the elevator. When the doors opened again, she was at Maura's floor. She inquired at the nearby nurse's station about Maura's room.

The nurse, unsure who she was, asked cautiously, "And you are?"

Aurora, stroking her flowers, replied, "I'm her sister, here to check on her."

A camera shutter clicked. A middle-aged man, startled by the sound, sheepishly admitted, "Uh, I just thought you were pretty, and uh, took a quick shot." He quickly disappeared around the corner.

Aurora's suspicions grew. She recognized the man, though not from this life; he felt familiar from a previous one. Gripping her flowers tighter, she composed herself before knocking on Maura's door.

Stacy's smile vanished upon seeing Aurora. She tried to close the door, but Aurora stopped her, catching a glimpse of Jaxon chatting and smiling with Maura.

"Dad, Stacy, I'm just here to see Maura," Aurora said, adopting Maura's wounded expression. "I know Maura's your real daughter, Dad, but she's still my sister. Can't I at least check on her after her accident?"

People nearby overheard, their curiosity piqued. Stacy, glaring angrily, muttered a curse before allowing Aurora to enter.

Aurora smiled sweetly, noting the abundant bouquets and fruit baskets. Maura's school popularity hadn't waned. Aurora saw no need to rush; she had plenty of time.

Approaching the windowsill, Aurora casually tossed the best bouquet into the trash, replacing it with her own chrysanthemums.

Maura's face paled. Chrysanthemums! she thought bitterly. Those are flowers for the dead! Aurora is cursing me!

Stacy, having just closed the door, saw the chrysanthemums and exploded. "Aurora, what the hell are you doing! Are you trying to curse Maura!"

Aurora calmly adjusted the petals. "Stacy, if I didn't want Maura to be okay, would I have risked my life to save her?"

Maura muttered inwardly, regretting her thanks. Though she'd anticipated this, Aurora's words stung. Forcing a smile, she said, "Mom, don't be mad at Aurora. I've wanted to see her all day. I'm happy she's here."

Jason scolded Aurora sharply. "Why bring chrysanthemums? Have some decency! Why are you only showing up now? Maura's been waiting all day." He’d had to invent excuses for her absence all morning.

Stacy mocked, "Clearly, Maura doesn't matter to her. Her sister's in the hospital, and she doesn't even visit. We can't count on Aurora in the future."

Aurora shrugged off Stacy's opinion. "I don't have a mom hovering over me like Maura does, staying up all night. I had a splitting headache last night, and thankfully Emma brought me meds."

Jaxon, picking up on her subtle dig, waved her to the sofa. "How's your headache now?"

Aurora remained unmoved. "Dad, you treat Maura so well. Anyone would think she's your real daughter."

The room fell silent. Aurora wondered if she'd struck a nerve. The more she studied Maura and Jaxon, the more she noticed their resemblance. Maybe it's time for a paternity test, she mused.

Stacy forced a laugh, moving closer with a false smile. "Maura grew up with your dad. They've had over ten years to build that bond. He treats her like his own, but don't worry, you're still his number one."

This prompted Jaxon to display favoritism towards Aurora. He gave her his bank card, saying affectionately, "You're my biological daughter. I'd never neglect you. Look how skinny you've gotten. Take this and buy yourself something nice."

Aurora, thrilled, accepted the card with a smile. Maura's luxurious room was testament to Jaxon's generosity; taking the card felt justified.

Stacy glared at the card, seething inwardly. What right does she have to that money? she thought.

Just as Stacy's composure threatened to crack, a phone rang, saving her from a breakdown.