Chapter 87
Margaret pushed her damp bangs aside, her cheeks flushed with anger and frustration. "They were all crowding around you, Rory, so I tried to squeeze in, but they just kept pushing me back."
Aurora chuckled. With her hair in a ponytail, she was a vision of natural beauty. Her porcelain skin was flawless, and her delicate features seemed sculpted. When she smiled, it was as if the entire night sky had been captured in her expression.
Margaret clutched her chest, swallowing hard. "Rory, you're just so beautiful," she murmured.
Just then, the door to their private room swung open, revealing a parade of exquisitely prepared dishes. The tantalizing aroma made Aurora realize how hungry she was. She noticed Margaret staring blankly into space and shook her head slightly.
"Time to eat!" Aurora said, playfully pinching Margaret's cheek.
Being classmates, they skipped formalities. As soon as the food arrived, they dug in. Once full, they lounged around.
"I'm so full!" someone groaned, sprawled on the couch, clutching their stomach.
Others, still energetic, headed for the karaoke room. Aurora, not a fan of singing, went to the movie room instead. Margaret followed her everywhere. Even when Aurora excused herself to the restroom, Margaret tagged along.
The hotel's thick carpets muffled their footsteps as they walked to the railing of an open-air garden, taking in the nighttime view of Mereida.
"Rory, which college are you applying to?" Margaret asked, sidling up with a sheepish grin. "I want to pick a school near you."
She was self-aware enough to know her limitations. Rory's stellar grades guaranteed her a place at a top school—something Margaret couldn't match. Being near Aurora was the next best thing.
Aurora rested her arms on the railing, facing the garden, letting the traffic noise fade.
"Royal University has a great alternative medicine program. If my grades are good enough, I'd like to go there," she said.
Margaret frowned, her voice tinged with disappointment. "Jydratica is so far from Mereida. Dad wants me to go to college here." Does this mean I won't be able to study near Rory? she thought, pouting.
Aurora turned, the breeze ruffling her hair. She smiled at Margaret's gloomy expression. "I'm just going to Jydratica, not dying. You can visit anytime." With modern transportation, people could see each other anywhere in the world.
Margaret's eyes lit up. "Oh, right! I can fly there! It would only take a little over two hours. And Dad even has a private jet!"
Margaret puffed out her cheeks, tapping her forehead and mumbling, "I'm just not as smart as you, Rory."
A cool breeze rustled through the night air, carrying the sound of distant applause. The noise drew their attention to a barbecue in full swing. Smoke rose from the charcoal, carrying its irresistible aroma to them.
Margaret sniffed appreciatively, patting her belly. "Rory, think I'm hungry again. Why don't we head back and fire up the grill?"
Aurora agreed. It was a rare, laid-back evening, perfect for indulging their whims.
They turned to head back, but a commotion erupted behind them.
"What happened? What's going on?" someone shouted.
Another voice called out, "Everything was fine! How did they fall?"
"Hurry, call an ambulance!" a third person yelled.
Something was wrong. Aurora felt a twinge of unease and looked back. A crowd had gathered where the outdoor garden met the raised platform. She could make out someone lying on the ground. It seemed someone had suddenly fallen ill.
"Margaret, wait here. I'm going to check it out," Aurora said, making her way towards the commotion.
Hotel staff had already called emergency services. One employee calmly instructed the crowd, "Everyone, please remain calm. An ambulance is on its way. Is there anyone here with first aid training?"
"Let me through! I know first aid!" Aurora shouted.
The crowd parted, relieved. Aurora got her first clear look at the person on the ground. A young woman lay there, fashionably dressed. She would have been quite pretty if not for her current state. She was sprawled on the floor, her limbs jerking uncontrollably. Her eyes were rolled back, and foam bubbled from her mouth.
Epilepsy, Aurora recognized the symptoms instantly. She knelt and carefully turned the woman onto her side. "Everyone, please step back," she called. "She needs air!"
The crowd shuffled back, muttering. Fear lingered in their eyes.
"I saw her get off the elevator," one person said. "She was walking just fine, then suddenly collapsed. Scared the life out of me!"
"Tsk, doesn't this look like epilepsy?" someone muttered.
Another chimed in, "What a shame. She's so pretty, but afflicted with such a condition."
"Damn, if she's got epilepsy, why isn't she resting at home instead of making a scene out here?" a third voice added.
The chatter grew louder, but Aurora remained focused, providing aid.
A ripping sound cut through the noise. As the woman's pale skin became visible, the onlookers fell silent.
"Why is she tearing her clothes?" someone asked.
Another speculated, "Ripping someone's clothes while they're unconscious? Does she have a grudge against her or something?"
Aurora ignored the comments, adjusting the woman's clothing to ensure she could breathe easily. The woman's form-fitting dress, while beautiful, could hinder her breathing. Aurora pulled a tissue from her pocket, placing it under the woman's face to prevent the foam from soiling her clothes. She subtly shifted her position to shield the woman.
Just then, a man wearing glasses crouched down and reached for the woman's ankle.
"What are you doing?" Aurora's voice was sharp with suspicion.
The man stammered, "I–I saw her feet moving. I thought I'd hold them still so she doesn't hurt herself."
"You can't forcibly restrain someone during a seizure," Aurora stated firmly.
The man argued, "But this floor is wooden. What if there are splinters? Won't her movements cause injury?"
Ignoring Aurora's protests, he grabbed the woman's ankles. As soon as he touched her soft skin, a dark glint flashed behind his glasses. His hands lingered, his face betraying an unsettling look of pleasure.