Echoes Of Aurelia

Chapter 12

The sound of the gunshot echoed through the room, Felix's eyes going wide as he looked ahead. 

Aurelia stood there, clutching her chest, a look of shock and pain on her face. 

Without wasting any time, Felix ran to her, his heart pounding with fear and desperation.

"I promised, Aurelia... I was going to take you away, where no one would ever hurt you," Felix gasped, tears streaming down his face as he knelt beside her.

Aurelia managed a small smile through the pain. "I... I'm going to a place where I won't have to live up to anyone's expectations, love," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Felix held her close, his heart breaking at her words. "No, Aurelia, please, don't leave me," he pleaded, his voice filled with anguish.

As Felix held Aurelia in his arms, trembling with shock and grief, Mr. Hawthorne stood like a statue, his hand trembling as the gun fell from his grasp. 

The gates to the room opened, and Austin rushed in, followed by James and the police. Seeing the scene before them, James ran towards Felix.

"Hey, Felix, I was trying to search for you. Hey, are you okay? Wait, what happened to her?" James exclaimed, his voice filled with concern as he saw Aurelia's condition. 

"Mr. Austin, please call an ambulance. Aurelia is injured!" he shouted, turning to Austin, who wasted no time in rushing outside to make the call.

Felix was still in shock, his mind reeling from the sudden turn of events. 

James shook him gently. "Felix, wake up! We need to rush her outside!" James's words finally broke through to Felix, who nodded, his eyes filled with tears.

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Taking Aurelia in his arms, Felix ran outside, James following close behind. 

The sound of sirens filled the air as the ambulance arrived. Aurelia was quickly taken inside, with Felix by her side. 

James went to the police station with Austin to file complaints against Mr. Hawthorne for his heinous actions.

Inside the ambulance, Aurelia's eyes were closing, her strength waning. 

Felix held her hand tightly, tears streaming down his face. "Please, love, please fight for it," he pleaded, his voice trembling with emotion.

Aurelia managed a smile, her voice weak but filled with determination. "Felix, promise me one thing," she said softly.

Felix shook his head, unable to bear the thought of losing her. "No, I'm not good with promises. I won't do it. Please, stay awake. You'll be fine," he implored.

Before Aurelia could reply, the nurse spoke up, her voice urgent. "Her pulse is going down fast. we need oxygen mask!"

Everything was chaotic inside the ambulance as the medical team worked to stabilize Aurelia. Finally, she managed to look at Felix, her gaze filled with love and sadness. "You love me, right?" she asked.

Felix nodded, his heart breaking. "I do, I do, so much," he replied, his voice choked with emotion.

"Then please, let me go. It's hurting," Aurelia whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Felix sobbed, unable to bear the thought of losing her. "What is that promise you want?" he asked, his voice filled with anguish.

Aurelia smiled weakly. "I want my portrait to be kept amongst your other paintings on the wall in a museum. And beside them, I want you to paint landscapes. You paint landscapes so beautifully. If I ever feel bored, I can wander around in those landscapes," she said, her voice fading.