Deep down, Aurora understood exactly what had broken Ava — it wasn't just temptation. It was the crushing pressure of reality.
Money.
People said money couldn't buy happiness, but they were wrong. Money was happiness when you had none. Money bought safety, dignity, even basic survival.
Aurora had seen what a lack of it could do to people — twist them, warp them, drive them to desperate decisions. In that way, she didn't hate Ava. She understood her.
But understanding didn't mean forgiveness.
Because Ava hadn't just made a mistake. She'd chosen to cross a line, to betray someone who had trusted her completely — someone who had loved her.
And no amount of regret could rewind that moment or erase the damage it caused.
So Aurora said nothing of that to Mia.
Instead, she smirked a little, reaching out to gently poke Mia's cheek.
