Gale was relieved that she woke up in time. Otherwise, Aurum would be dead. Shawn would be a murderer. This was not what she wanted to see.

Slowly, Gale sat up from Shawn's embrace. She looked at Aurum, not saying a word, just silently watching him with tears falling incessantly.

Aurum met her gaze for only two seconds before averting his eyes, unable to bear the despair and sadness in Gale's eyes. He could not bring himself to look. Her eyes were too full of hopelessness and melancholy. He could not bear it. He was deceiving her, plotting against her, resorting to any means necessary. He was no longer the righteous Aurum he once was.

Gale's gaze was so innocent and pure that he did not deserve to look into them. He had ruined her. Even though he had never actually slept with her, her reputation was tarnished. Her pure body, both Shawn and she herself believed, was no longer pure. This was what Aurum wanted to see.

Gale stood up, swaying slightly. She walked toward Aurum. Shawn r