A week after giving birth, Aurora finally felt rested. She was immersed in her research with Hilton and her aunt when Tyler appeared, accompanied by her mother.
"She's fine," Tyler announced, placing a reassuring hand on Aurora's shoulder. "I think it's just homesickness that gave her fever. She hasn't been back to California in a long time, but she's better now."
Aurora nodded, relieved.
"I'm glad to hear that. Thanks, Tyler."
She turned to her mother, her gaze becoming more serious.
"Now, Mom, you can't postpone our discussion any longer."
Her mother sighed, visibly uncomfortable.
"Aurora... why are you so keen to know this part of my past? You and your brother have been on my case all week even though I was exhausted."
Aurora took a deep breath, trying to contain her irritation.
"Why? Simply because the one I thought was my cousin forever, who stole my life and threatens my brother's, revealed to me that she's my half-sister. And yet, that doesn't stop her from wanting me dead, Hilton's, and probably soon yours. I'm sure she already knows you're here."
Hilton stood up abruptly, trying to calm her sister.
"Aurora, lower your voice. You're talking to our mother."
But Tyler placed a hand on Hilton's shoulder, stopping her.
"Let her speak."
Aurora turned to face Hilton, her gaze burning.
"You think I don't know that?!" she retorted. "I'm sorry if I sound disrespectful, but I had to say it so Mom would understand the gravity of the situation."
She turned back to her mother, whose face showed a growing trace of guilt.
"I want to know, Mom. Why didn't you ever tell me about that abandoned child and that first love before our father? If we want to know Charlotte's weaknesses, we have to know her story first, right? She knows everything about me and my family, but I know nothing about her past even though we're related!"
Her mother looked down, visibly troubled.
"Aurora, please... later."
Aurora shook her head, refusing to give in.
"No, Mom! It's time you talked to me, stopped lying to me. I'm your daughter, finally! And I'm an adult. I don't need any more lies!"
Kiara's cries suddenly rang out, interrupting their conversation. Aurora rushed into her room, taking her baby in her arms to calm her. She closed the door behind her, seeking a moment of respite.
A few minutes later, Tyler entered the room, gently closing the door behind him. He leaned against the wall, watching Aurora silently.
"Is Kiara back asleep?" he asked softly.
Aurora nodded, gently rocking her daughter before carefully placing her in her crib.
"Yes, she was hungry."
She turned toward the window, sighing deeply.
"I know I shouldn't have spoken to her like that, but... did I really overdo it?"
Tyler approached slowly, his gaze soothing.
"Aurora..."
She shook her head, unable to stay still.
"I know I'm asking a lot of her, but I have to admit I'm right. Charlotte knows everything about me, and I'm sure she already knows our mother is here and that I have a daughter. I just want to protect her, protect them." I...
Tyler interrupted her by gently placing his lips on hers.
The kiss was so unexpected that Aurora stiffened for a moment, before relaxing and letting him. The gesture, simple yet full of purpose, managed to calm the turmoil in her mind.
Tyler pulled back slightly, a soothing smile on his lips.
"All right, are you calm?"
Aurora blinked, still in shock.
"I think... yes."
Tyler crossed his arms, his gaze becoming more serious.
"Do I have your full attention?"
Aurora gave a nervous smile.
"Enough, yes. But I..."
Tyler placed a hand on her shoulder, his tone becoming firmer.
"We're not asking you to handle everything, Aurora. We know you can't do everything." You're a mother now, and you have a family that has complete faith in you.
Aurora looked down, her shoulders relaxing slightly.
"That's true."
Tyler smiled softly.
"And I'm here too. Like I told you a week ago, I won't leave you alone. You have my word. So stop panicking and go see your mom. I'm sure she needs to talk to you as much as you do. You just need to give her time."
Aurora took a deep breath, her eyes shining with newfound determination.
"I was awful, weren't I?" she whispered. "I know, I..."
Tyler shook his head, placing a reassuring hand on her arm.
"Aurora, calm down. It's understandable. You just gave birth, and you're still dealing with a lot. So, take a deep breath and go see your mom."
Aurora glanced at Kiara and Tyler one last time before leaving the room.
Aurora entered her mother's room, where she was lying on her bed, staring into space.
"Mom?"
Her mother sat up slowly, her eyes filled with pain.
"Come on, sweetheart. You're right. We need to talk."
Meanwhile, Tyler and Hilton had settled into the living room, each with a cup of coffee.
Hilton broke the silence first.
"I know you don't like me very much or trust me."
Tyler remained impassive, but didn't deny it.
"Especially because I've been a fugitive for over two weeks now. But you can't say we know each other very well."
Tyler shrugged slightly.
"That's true. But you're his brother." If she trusts you, I'll follow her judgment.
Hilton gave a bitter smile.
"I know I'm no saint, but I had my reasons when I murdered my father's second family."
Tyler put down his cup, his gaze growing more intense.
"I'm not going to judge you. I know I'm in no position to do so. I'm a mobster."
Hilton nodded, then changed the subject.
"Then let's talk about something else. My sister."
Tyler turned to him, intrigued.
"I know you have feelings for her. I'd even say: you love her. It's obvious."
Tyler remained silent, but his gaze hardened slightly.
"So what? Now you want to lecture me on love?"
Hilton shook his head.
"No. I just want to tell you one thing." She'll have a hard time trusting a man again after what, no offense, your stepbrother did to her.
Tyler clenched his fists slightly, but remained calm.
"I know. And that's why I'm not going to let her down."