Devils Star | h.s

Chapter 39

Aurora's POV

I couldn't stop thinking about Harry. Even when I was supposed to be working. Even when I was supposed to be sleeping.

Hell, I couldn't even escape him in my dreams.

Shame tangled itself in my chest like barbed wire. I knew what I'd done—what I hadn't thought through. I knew Harry would hate it. But I never saw it as a betrayal, not really. I wasn't choosing sides. I was always on his side.

He just didn't know it.
He didn't see what I felt for him.
How I felt for him.

And maybe that's what scared me the most—
Not the feelings.
But the idea that he might never forgive me.

The silence from him was unbearable.

I spent the day gnawing on my nails, obsessively checking my phone, waiting for a message that didn't come. Eventually, I caved and sent one myself—a rambling apology with a desperate plea to talk. But hours passed, and my phone remained painfully still.

"Aurora?"

I blinked, startled by the soft voice beside me. It was Chris.
My office mate—sweet, painfully shy, and about as dangerous as a kitten.

"Oh—hey, Chris. Sorry, what were you saying?"

His brows creased, concern painting his soft features. "I just wanted to check if you're okay. You've been... distant the last couple weeks. I was starting to think you were avoiding me."

I managed a small, tired smile. "No, not at all. I'm fine. Really. Thanks for asking." I softened. "How've you been?"

Ben's cheeks flushed slightly. "Well... I went on a few blind dates last week."

My curiosity perked up despite the weight in my chest. "Oh? How'd they go?"

He scratched the back of his neck, fumbling. "Disastrous. Honestly, no one really compares to—uh—" He coughed, cutting himself off. "I mean, they were nice girls, but... the pressure, you know? Dressing up, saying all the right things. I always end up sounding stupid."

I chuckled, the sound surprising even me. "Why not just be yourself? Don't you want someone who likes you for you? I think you're pretty likeable, Chris."

His blush deepened, and he opened his mouth to reply when Mr. Black's assistant appeared in the doorway.

"Meeting. Now. Main office."

Chris sighed, "Saved by the bell," and we both got up to follow the others.

When I walked into the conference room, I froze.
Nancy was sitting in Mr. Black's chair.
Everyone else was already seated.

"Take a seat, Aurora. We don't have all day." Nancy's tone was as dry and sharp as ever.

Bitch.

Nancy wasted no time. "I want updates on everyone's cases. End of year evaluations are coming, and I need hard numbers."

She made her rounds, doling out half-hearted praise—even to people who clearly hadn't pulled their weight.

Finally, her cold eyes landed on me.
"Aurora."

I straightened. "The Oakwood case is settled. I'm still working on the settlement with the police department."

"You're still working on that kidnapping case?" she sneered. "Didn't you start that weeks ago?"

"Yes. But it's a complex case—more than it seemed on the surface."

"Complex or not, get it done. Quickly." Her fake smile returned. "Oh, and you're still waiting to sit your final exam, right?"

I frowned. "Yes. Why?"

Her grin stretched wider, all saccharine malice. "Just making sure you know... finishing your exam doesn't guarantee you'll have a permanent job here."

Ah. That's what this is about.

"That's all. Back to work."

I lingered behind as everyone filtered out, my shoulders sinking under the weight of it all.
Later, as I gathered my things to leave, I overheard her talking in the hallway to her usual minion.

"I still can't believe she's even allowed to practice here," Nancy huffed. "No degree, no real experience. What was Black thinking?"

"Apparently, he wasn't," the minion chimed.

Their words stung.
Yes, I didn't have my degree yet. Yes, I was green. But I worked harder than anyone in this office. I'd bled for this chance. And they knew it.

"This girl is giving me such a headache," Nancy groaned.

I had heard enough. I stepped into the hallway and walked right past them, letting the sharp click of my heels announce my presence.

I didn't bother acknowledging them. I didn't need to.

Outside, I immediately checked my phone.
Still nothing.

The knot in my stomach tightened.
I really messed this up, didn't I?

I went home, checking every room before I found myself standing in front of Harry's bedroom door. I knocked softly.

"Hey... I know you're mad at me. But please, just hear me out. Please..." I almost begged through the door, praying he was listening.

But... silence.

I leaned in closer, straining to hear something. Anything.

Nothing.

I hesitated. Then against my better judgment, I gently pushed the door open.

The room was dark, quiet. Empty.

I sighed and turned to leave—
When a shadow stepped into the doorway, making me jump.

"Ah! Jesus, Harry, you scared the life out of me! Did you just get home? You didn't reply to my messages."

His green eyes were dull, his voice flat. "I haven't had time. Sorry."

"No—it's okay. I understand."

"It's fine, Aurora. I'm not mad anymore."

"You're not?" Relief flickered through me. "Harry, I really am sorry. It won't happen again."

"Okay." He brushed past me toward the door. "Goodnight."

Before I could say anything else, he quietly closed the door behind him.

That was...
Weird.
Cold.
Distant.
Like I was talking to a shell of him.

Something felt... off.

———
Authors Note

Dun dun dunnnnnnn !!
What do we think of this chapter?!

Will Aurora be able to patch things up with Harry? Or will is their "relationship" truly broken?

Has Harry truly forgiven Aurora?

And most importantly.. what is going on with Harry?!

I'd like to thank @malikstrippers for the love and support towards this story. Thank you, thank you!

I appreciate all your love and support. Every single read this book achieves is another reason for me to keep going. :))

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-M