Unraveled at 'I Do'

Aurora's head was still spinning, but Marco's words hit like a bucket of ice water.

So this was how it was.

Even if she was lying here, bleeding, she was still the villain.

She ignored him and turned to Sofia instead. "Then let's call the cops. Let's see who's actually to blame."

Marco had never heard Aurora sound so indifferent before. It twisted something in his chest.

"Fine, call them. You think I—"

Sofia paled and yanked his sleeve before he could finish.

There were no security cameras, but if the cops started checking for fingerprints or evidence, things could go south fast.

"Forget it," she murmured. "I'm not hurt. No need to make a scene in front of Prof. Serrano's house. Let's just drop it. I'm sure Ms. Diaz didn't mean to."

Marco frowned, holding Aurora's gaze just long enough to make it a warning before finally backing off.

Aurora looked away, forcing down the dizziness as she turned and walked down the stairs.

***

Outside, Aurora pressed a tissue to her bleeding wound, waiting for a cab.

It wasn't long before Marco and Sofia came down, both looking pissed. Even better? They still had all the expensive gifts they'd brought—completely untouched.

Guess Professor Serrano hadn't even bothered humoring them.

Aurora watched, barely hiding her amusement. Seeing them this frustrated? Totally worth it. Even the pain from her injury felt a little less sharp.

Sofia glanced up, caught Aurora watching, and flushed in humiliation. She ducked her head, tugging at Marco's sleeve. "Do you think Ms. Diaz said something to Prof. Serrano?

"Otherwise, I don't get it. Why wouldn't she even let me present my work before shutting me out?"

Marco's expression darkened.

Aurora had to be behind this. Still bitter about what happened and trying to sabotage Sofia just to prove something—and maybe get his attention.

Too bad it wasn't gonna work.

Pulling Sofia into his arms, Marco stepped up to Aurora. "I don't know what you told Prof. Serrano, but if I find out you're playing dirty, you'll regret it."

Aurora met his glare without flinching. "Maybe your girlfriend should try being competent for once instead of blaming me for her failures."

Marco's expression darkened further. He was about to snap back when his gaze caught on the blood streaked across her face.

He hesitated.

She really had hit the stairs hard. Was she seriously hurt?

Sofia noticed his shift in focus. Her eyes flickered before she tightened her grip on his arm. "Marco, I feel a little dizzy... I think my blood sugar's low."

Instantly, his attention snapped back to her. "You're dizzy? I'll take you to the hospital."

Without another word, he scooped her up and walked off, not sparing Aurora another glance.

Aurora watched him disappear, then let out a quiet, self-mocking laugh.

She got into her cab and left without looking back.