Chapter 2: 2. A New Path

"This has to be some kind of mistake," Aurora said, her voice shaky. "What do you mean Kenneth Grayson is my father? That's not possible because my dad died when I was a kid from a car accident."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Alexander McCain responded, his tone gentle but firm. "I understand this must be incredibly shocking for you, Aurora. But I assure you, the information I have is accurate. Kenneth Grayson is indeed your biological father."

Aurora's head spun with confusion and anger. "My mother... she always told me my father died when I was young. Why would she lie about something like that?"

"I can only imagine she did what she thought was best at the time," Alexander replied. "Sometimes, the truth is complicated. Your mother might have had her reasons for not telling you."

Aurora's thoughts raced. Her mother was the one person she trusted entirely, the one who had always been there for her despite their hardships. The idea that she had been kept in the dark about something so important was almost too much to bear.

"I need to talk to my mother," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "I need to understand why she never told me."

"I understand," Alexander said. "Take all the time you need. But please, know that this information doesn't change who you are. It only adds to your story. Contact me when you're ready to discuss all of this in greater detail."

Aurora ended the call and took a few deep breaths, trying to steady herself. She mounted her bike and pedaled to the hospital as quickly as she could.

[22:30]

After pedaling as fast as she could for several minutes, Aurora finally arrived at the hospital entrance. Despite the late hour, the gatekeeper was still on duty. Out of breath and drenched in sweat, she dropped her bike and quickly ran towards him. Stopping right in front of him, she tried to catch her breath before greeting him.

"Hello, sir," Aurora said.

"Hello, young lady. What are you doing here so late? It isn't safe for a lady to be out by herself at this hour," the gatekeeper replied.

"I know, but I need to see my mother. It's urgent," Aurora panted.

"I've seen you visit a couple of times, but miss, you're aware this is way past visitation hours," the man said.

"I know, but please, you have to understand it's important I see her now," she pleaded.

"I'd like to help you. I can tell you're genuine in your request, but I'm not allowed to let anyone in at this hour. Please come back tomorrow during visitation hours," the man said firmly.

Realizing there was nothing she could do, Aurora let out a big sigh. "Alright, I understand, sir," she said as she walked back to her bike and began guiding it beside her.

The gatekeeper watched her walk away with concern. "Poor girl must be having it really tough to come here at this time. I hope whatever's bothering her comes to pass," he murmured.

Aurora guided her bike down the dimly lit street, her mind still racing from the revelation. Her mother's words echoed in her head, the stories she had believed for so long now shrouded in doubt. She needed answers, but it seemed she would have to wait until morning. With every step, the weight of the situation pressed down on her, making the night feel even darker.

She finally reached her small apartment, locked her bike, and went inside. The silence of the apartment was deafening. She sank onto the old couch, staring at the wall, trying to piece together what little information she had. Who was Kenneth Grayson really? Why had her mother kept this secret?

Unable to sleep, Aurora paced the living room until the early hours of the morning. As soon as dawn broke, she grabbed her keys and headed back to the hospital, determined to get the answers she desperately needed.

[Day-2]

Arriving at the hospital, she was relieved to see the morning staff arriving for their shifts. She made her way quickly to her mother's room, her heart pounding. When she entered, her mother was awake, sitting up in bed, looking much better than she had the night before.

"Aurora, what's wrong?" her mother asked, with concern in her tone.

"Mom, I need to know the truth," Aurora said, her voice trembling. "I got a call last night from a lawyer named Alexander McCain. He said that Kenneth Grayson was my father. Is it true?"

Her mother's eyes widened, and she looked away, tears welling up. "I never wanted you to find out this way," she whispered, her voice cracking.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Aurora asked, tears streaming down her face. "You always told me my father died in a car accident. Why did you lie?. Why did you deny me what I rightfully deserved? My father was alive all this time and you kept that from me. I suffered every day and I still do. Now he's dead and I'll never get to know him. Why? Mom why did you do that to me?"

Her mother took a deep breath, her hands shaking. "I thought I was protecting you, Aurora. Kenneth Grayson was a powerful man with a complicated life. When I found out I was pregnant, he offered to support us, but he made it clear he couldn't be a part of our lives openly. He had his own family, his own empire. I didn't want you to grow up feeling second-best or unwanted. I thought it would be easier if you believed he was gone."

"But you lied to me," Aurora said, her voice breaking. "You let me believe a lie for my entire life. How could you do that?"

Her mother squeezed her hand tightly. "I was scared, Aurora. I didn't know how to tell you the truth without hurting you. And as time went on, it just became harder and harder. I thought it would be easier for you to believe that your father had died."

Aurora wiped away her tears, struggling to understand. "Easier? Do you know how many nights I cried, wishing I had a father? Wishing I could have the life other kids had?"

"I know," her mother said, her voice filled with regret. "And I am so sorry for that. I never meant to hurt you. I thought I was doing the right thing, but I see now that I was wrong. Can you ever forgive me?"

Aurora took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. "I don't know, Mom. This is a lot to take in. But I do know that you've always been there for me, and I can see that you did what you thought was best. I just... I need time to process this."

Her mother nodded, tears streaming down her face. "Take all the time you need, Aurora. And know that no matter what, I love you more than anything in this world. I am so proud of the strong, intelligent woman you've become."

Aurora leaned in and hugged her mother, both of them crying together. "I love you too, Mom. We'll figure this out together."

They stayed like that for a while, holding each other, finding comfort in the shared understanding that, despite the secrets and the pain, their bond remained unbreakable.

Aurora sat down beside her mother, taking her hand. "I don't know what to think, Mom. This changes everything."

"I know it does," her mother said, squeezing her hand. "But it doesn't change who you are. Whatever you decide to do next, I will support you."

Aurora nodded as she wiped her tears. "I need to meet with this Alexander McCain," she said finally. "I need to understand what this means for me, and what my father's legacy is."

Later that day after her day shift, Aurora called Alexander McCain and arranged to meet him at his office. She arrived at the sleek, modern building, feeling out of place in her worn clothes. But she held her head high, determined to face whatever came next.

Alexander greeted her warmly and led her to a conference room. "Thank you for coming, Aurora," he said. "I know this is a lot to take in, but I'm here to help you understand your father's legacy and what it means for you."

"Thank you," Aurora said, taking a seat. "Please tell me everything."

Alexander nodded. "Your father, Kenneth Grayson, was a very successful man, but he also had a complicated personal life. He always intended to provide for you, and now, with his passing, you are entitled to a portion of his estate. But more than that, you have the opportunity to connect with his legacy and, if you choose, to become involved with his company, Mirage Corp."

Aurora felt a mix of emotions, fear, excitement and confusion. "What does that mean? What would I have to do?"

"It's entirely up to you," Alexander explained. "You can choose to accept your inheritance and walk away, or you can take a more active role in Mirage Corp. Your father left detailed instructions and a letter for you, explaining his wishes. It's a lot to take in, but you don't have to decide anything today."

Aurora took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision before her. "I need some time to think," she said finally. "But I want to read the letter."

Alexander handed her a sealed envelope. "Take your time, Aurora. And remember, you don't have to go through this alone. There are people here to support you."

Aurora took the envelope, feeling the weight of it in her hands. "Thank you," she said, standing up. "I'll be in touch."

As she left the office, she felt a sense of determination. This new path was daunting, but she was ready to face it head-on.

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