Chapter 287

I nodded, eager to leave, but Leo's birthday party was still underway. "Let's finish Leo's party first, then we'll go see Hawthorne," I announced, rising.

We all agreed and returned to the festivities. I’d been right; Sebastian had left Phoenix with my parents. I approached my friends, their faces etched with worry.

"What happened? Where are Aurora, Roman, and Margaret?" Iris asked, her gaze searching for her mate.

"Aurora's been arrested, so Roman and Margaret went to the station."

"What?"

Their shocked exclamations startled some nearby children. I hushed them before recounting the events. Jaxon remained calm and detached, while Iris and Sophia appeared stunned.

"Why would they think it was Aurora?" Sophia echoed my own lingering question.

"That's exactly what I want to know," I replied. "The police only said their orders were to arrest Aurora. No explanation."

We sat in silence, lost in thought. The party blurred; all I could think about was Aurora and the police chief's message. Even when Piper joined me, my mind wandered.

Iris left early—understandable. She wasn't Aurora's biggest fan, but she needed to be with Roman. Initially torn between staying and leaving, she ultimately went to him after my reassurance.

Finally, the party ended, and I was anxious to reach the police station. After bidding farewell to the guests, only close friends and family remained.

“Mom, can Wyatt stay overnight?” Leo asked, his face still beaming.

I glanced at Jaxon for approval. His nod prompted a smile. “Of course… you two can have a sleepover.”

They squealed with delight, racing upstairs hand-in-hand. Moments later, their bedroom door closed.

"Ready?" Sebastian asked. "We can leave now."

My parents' questioning looks reminded me I hadn't explained the situation. I gave them and Sebastian's parents a brief summary.

"You both go. We can stay here and watch the children," Sebastian's mother offered.

With everyone's agreement, we departed in separate cars, Sebastian and I together.

"Do you think she's guilty?" I asked after a while, wanting to gauge his reaction. This was, after all, the woman he once loved.

"I don't know," he began, glancing at me before returning his attention to the road. "She certainly had motive, and you two have clashed repeatedly since she returned."

"Really?"

"Yes. I've witnessed her verbally attacking you, warning you to stay away from me. So, yes, she might have done this. If it were the Aurora I knew before, I'd disagree, but the Aurora who came back… she's different, capable of anything."

I remained silent. Without my memories, I couldn't judge the kind of woman Aurora had become. She had been cruel to me after I awoke from my coma, but did that mean she wanted me dead?