The crowd hesitated, visibly wavering.


    “Maybe… maybe he really didn’t know?” someone murmured, watching him with newfound uncertainty.


    “Yeah, sounds like he just had a bad friend. Not much you can do when that happens.“.


    “At least he figured it out early. Cutting ties is the right move.”


    <b>+25 </b>Bonus


    Onement after another, the crowd began washing Joseph’s hands clean, as if the whole ordeal hadn’t been his fault at all.


    “Honestly, I think thisdy should give him a chance. He really does seem sincere.”


    “Right? When is it my turn for a sweet, fairytale romance like this?”


    The heat in Aurora’s chest red violently.


    People always did this–offering misced kindness under the illusion of fairness, but in reality, it was nothing but shallow


    sentiment.


    She seethed silently.


    Joseph was a natural–born actor.


    He knew exactly how to y the victim, how to weaponize sympathy.


    All it took was a few tears and suddenly the world wanted to rally around him.


    However, Aurora’s eyes swept over the crowd, memorizing every face.


    These were the same people who couldn’t tell right from wrong, who blindly followed the loudest voice in the room without a


    single thought of their own.


    They wereughable.


    Joseph, encouraged by her silence, stepped closer, reaching for her hand.


    But Aurora was faster. She drew back instantly, even taking a step away.


    “What do you think you’re doing?” she asked coldly.


    Joseph’s expression twisted into one of wounded heartbreak. “Aurora, I love you so much. How could you treat me like this? I…”


    “You <b>love </b>her <b>so </b>much? Then what am I to


    <b>you</b><b>?</b><b>” </b>