Chapter 7
My chest seized with panic as I shot up from his lap. “Stop it.”
Luigi looked stunned, then switched to that same gentle manipulation he’d used graduation night.
“Private theaters are perfect for this, babe. Complete privacy.”
He reached to pull me back against him, but I shoved open the door and stumbled out.
“It’s late. I need to go.”
I practically ran out of there without looking back.
I didn’t actually want to go home-I just needed to get as far away from Luigi as possible before he could touch me again.
That night after graduation was our first and last time together. Ever.
I wandered aimlessly through the streets, feeling like I was drowning in my own skin. My phone buzzed with a notification.
Thinking it was Luigi trying to manipulate me some more, I checked and saw an official message.
Aurelia Cooper, your security clearance has been approved. Please report to MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) within 72 hours for medical examination…
stared at the screen and felt something loosen in my chest for the first time in days.
Soon I’d be getting the hell out of this toxic wasteland. Finally.
Over the next few days, I ghosted Luigi completely and ignored my parents’ continued worship of princess Rosalia.
nstead, I handled all my early admission requirements alone-medical exams at MEPS, interviews with military recruiters, fitness assessments.
Ɔn the day I went back for my final medical clearance, I saw Luigi and Rosalia walking out of the gynecology wing together.
The sight hit me like a physical blow.
So they were already that intimate….
My stomach churned with emotions I didn’t want to acknowledge.
clutched my clearance papers and speed-walked toward the exit, desperate to escape.
just as I reached the hospital doors, Rosalia’s voice rang out behind me.
‘Aurelia! What are you doing here? Don’t tell me you got knocked up by that random guy and need an abortion! Or did he give you some nasty STD?”
Her voice was loud enough that half the lobby turned to stare at me.
I whipped around and shot back: “I’m here for medical clearance. But you’re the one coming out of gynecology with Luigi. What kind of infection did
you catch?”
“Shut up!” Rosalia’s face went crimson. “I was just meeting with a pre-med professor about college applications!”
“If you can’t handle people making assumptions, then stop spreading lies about me,” I said coldly, turning to leave.
But Rosalia was just getting started, her voice rising to a shriek.
“Aurelia, when Mom and Dad get back from Bali, I’m starting the best pre-med program in the state. They’re already networking to get me a residency at the top hospital in the city.”
14:57
“You? They don’t even care if you exist. You can fucking rot for all they’re concerned!”
The words hit me like shards of glass, but I kept my face blank.
I’d always known my parents had mapped out Rosalia’s golden future while leaving me to fend for myself.
But that was fine. I’d clawed my way to my own escape route.
kept walking, not wanting to give her any more ammunition.
tosalia grabbed my wrist, her nails digging into my skin.
I know you’re stalking Luigi like some pathetic loser. But you’re not even a virgin anymore-why would he want used goods like you?”
almost laughed at how delusional she was.
I don’t give a shit what Luigi wants. He’s not exactly pure himself anymore.”
osalia’s grip loosened as confusion flashed across her face. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
nstead of answering, I tried to pull free.
hat’s when the little psychopath raised her hand and slapped herself across the face.
was fast enough to catch her wrist mid-swing. “Are you seriously going to frame me again?!”
ut Rosalia’s eyes were already filling with crocodile tears.
Aurelia, you’re hurting me…”
Aurelia! What the fuck are you doing to her?” Luigi’s voice boomed across the lobby as he came charging over.
le ripped my hand away from Rosalia and pulled her behind him like I was some kind of predator.
efore I could defend myself, Rosalia started her victim act.
She said since we came out of gynecology together, we must have been doing something disgusting…”
uigi’s face twisted with pure hatred as he stared at me.
We were meeting with a professor about medical school applications. What the hell is wrong with you? You think Rosalia’s a whore like you?”
he words hit me like a sledgehammer to the chest, knocking all the air from my lungs.
uigi’s face crumpled the instant he realized what he’d said, but the damage was done.
Shit, I… I didn’t mean…”
Then what gives you the right to be here with her, Luigi?” My voice came out steadier than I felt. “What gives you the right to judge me?”
Luigi’s mouth opened and closed like a fish, no words coming out.
I forced myself to smile like his betrayal didn’t just destroy me. “Forget it.”
I turned and walked away, leaving him standing there with his precious Rosalia.
I was done caring about their secret relationship. Completely fucking done.
That night at 9 PM, I logged into my SAT score portal with shaking hands.
When the results loaded, I stared at the screen in disbelief:
SAT Scores:
Math 800
Reading & Writing: 780
National Percentile Top 1%
[Total Score: 1580
I’d fucking crushed it. Near perfect scores.
My phone rang almost immediately with a call from New Mexico Tech admissions.
“Miss Cooper, we’ve reviewed your application and test scores. We’re prepared to offer you immediate acceptance into our classified government research program.”
“However, this program requires complete isolation from civilian life. For four years, you’ll surrender all personal devices and have zero contact with the outside world-including family. Are you prepared for that level of commitment?”
I gripped the phone so tight my knuckles went white.
“Aurelia Cooper is ready to serve with everything I have.”
