Chapter 62

Maura’s eyes reddened as she nervously glanced at Aurora, fear evident in her gaze before she quickly lowered her head and stammered, “No…”

Although Maura denied it, her body language and the look in her eyes betrayed her. Aurora had clearly done something to her in private. Alison immediately flew into a rage. "Aurora, have you no shame? Although Maura isn't your biological sister, legally, she's still Mr. Crawford's daughter. With his wealth, Mr. Crawford could afford to raise ten children. How could you be so selfish? Did you hit Maura?"

Alison demanded, lifting Maura’s sleeve. The crisscrossing scars on Maura’s arm fueled her fury. Nearby students gasped at the sight of the bruises. "Oh my gosh, her arms are covered in bruises! Who would've thought Aurora could be so cruel?" one exclaimed. Another added, "She's vicious! We can't go to school with her," and another, "We need to get her expelled!"

Unfazed, Aurora looked at Maura with a knowing expression. "Maura, are you sure those bruises are from me? Because I recall hearing strange noises from your room the afternoon before yesterday."

A chill ran down Maura's spine. How does she know? she thought. I can't say…

"I—I did this to myself, Alison," Maura blurted, attempting to deflect the accusations.

Alison, unaware of the truth, immediately shielded Maura. "Maura, what are you afraid of? I'm right here. I won't let her pick on you."

Damon joined in, "That's right, Maura. Don't be scared. We'll tell the principal and get Aurora kicked out of school." Other students echoed their support, even suggesting calling the police. The extensive scarring on Maura’s arm was undeniable, silencing any doubt about Aurora's culpability.

Maura’s attempts to change the subject were futile. Her poor health worsened under the stress; she broke into a cold sweat.

Aurora chuckled. "Maura, everyone says I did it. I guess I'll have to show some evidence."

A sense of foreboding washed over Maura. Aurora extended her hand, meeting Maura’s tense gaze. "I say I didn't, you say I did. Why don't we compare finger marks?"

From behind Alison, Maura breathed a sigh of relief. So that's what she's getting at, she thought. But would Aurora really cover for me? Her instincts warned her otherwise.

Unexpectedly, Aurora shoved Alison aside and dug her nails into Maura’s wrist, eliciting a scream. Damon yanked Aurora away, furious. "Aurora, are you insane? You hurt Maura right in front of everyone!"

Aurora, ignoring the shocked onlookers, raised her chin toward Maura’s arm. "Look. See for yourselves."

Erik, leaning against the wall, mocked them. "I think your eyes are useless. The size and shape of those finger marks are completely different. How could you possibly think Aurora did this?" He then taunted Damon, questioning his future as a lawyer given his disregard for evidence.

Erik's words resonated with the other students, their doubt palpable. "So, who did make those marks on Maura’s arm?" someone asked.

Aurora smiled slyly, her gaze sweeping over Maura. Maura paled. "I've heard," Aurora began, her tone casual yet biting, "that some people hurt themselves… kind of like DiLaurentis from 'Pretty Little Liars.'"

A gasp rippled through the crowd. The comparison instantly shifted the students' perception of Maura. Teasing smiles and knowing looks replaced their concern. Maura’s carefully cultivated image crumbled. She was overwhelmed, unable to defend herself against Aurora’s accusations, teetering on the brink of tears.

She shook her head, her voice trembling. "I—I didn't… I'm not like that, Alison. You have to believe me…" Her fragile appearance tugged at the onlookers' hearts.

Aurora, enjoying Maura's distress, crossed her arms and tapped her fingers against her elbow. Just a little mud-slinging, and you already can't handle it? she mused. She recalled Maura's past behavior – basking in the glory of Aurora’s hard-won projects while spreading vile rumors about her.

Back then, I was far more helpless than you are now, Aurora thought darkly. This is just a small appetizer.

Suddenly, a shout broke the tension: "The exam results are out!"

The distraction provided a moment of relief for Maura. The crowd rushed to check their results. Aurora's name topped the senior class rankings. Alison’s disbelief was evident.