CHAPTER 1A

Regret gnawed at his conscience, tormenting him with the weight of his negligence. The realization struck him like a lightning bolt—Aurora had endured unimaginable pain within the very walls he had deemed safe. The knowledge of his failure as a guardian bore down on him, awakening a fierce determination to rectify his wrongs. No longer would he be a passive bystander while Aurora suffered in silence.

Guilt surged through William's veins, a relentless torrent that threatened to drown him in remorse. It clawed at his conscience, a constant reminder of the promises he had broken and the precious soul he had neglected—Aurora, the embodiment of his forgotten oath.

How had he allowed himself to become so consumed by the pursuit of expanding his business empire that he had forsaken the very essence of his humanity? In his relentless quest for wealth and power, he had lost sight of the one person who had needed his protection the most. Aurora.

The weight of his transgressions settled heavily on William's shoulders, bowing him under its unbearable burden. Regret gnawed at his heart as he reflected on the passage of time, the years slipping away while he was blinded by ambition.

The echoes of his late friend Marco's voice resounded in his mind, their conversations vividly replaying like a haunting refrain. "Promise me, William," Marco had pleaded, his eyes filled with trust and vulnerability. "Promise me you will protect my precious Aurora, no matter what."

But William had failed. In his relentless pursuit of wealth and power, he had allowed his priorities to shift, betraying the very essence of his friendship with Marco. The weight of his guilt threatened to consume him, to reduce him to ashes of remorse.

Now, as the realization of his negligence gripped him with unyielding force, a fire ignited within William's soul—a fervent determination to right his wrongs, to restore his shattered promise. He would no longer let Aurora languish in the shadows, forsaken and forgotten. He would reclaim his honor and protect her with unwavering devotion.

Every ounce of his being yearned to make amends, to shield Aurora from the darkness that had tainted her world. The embers of his forgotten oath blazed with renewed vigor, propelling him forward, urging him to rectify the sins of his past. With every step, he vowed to dismantle the walls of neglect and build a fortress of unwavering protection around Aurora.

No longer would he allow the allure of wealth and power to blind him to the needs of those he held dear. In the crucible of his guilt, a newfound sense of purpose emerged—a burning resolve to fulfill his sacred duty, to honor Marco's memory, and to ensure Aurora's safety and well-being.

As William stood on the edge of starting anew, he understood that his path to making things right wouldn't be simple. He anticipated difficulties and obstacles, both from the world around him and from within himself, as he worked to rebuild the connection with Aurora that he had previously disregarded. Yet, he felt prepared to face these challenges with deep regret, a strong resolve, and an unwavering dedication to fulfill the forgotten vow he had made.

As William's eyes continued to scanned the reports, a torrent of emotions engulfed him. Guilt washed over him like a relentless tide, for he had failed to shield Aurora from the horrors she endured within her own home. The weight of his negligence pressed upon him heavily, awakening a fierce determination to right his wrongs. No longer would he stand idly by while Aurora continued to suffer

Closing the files, William's eyes gleamed with a newfound fire—a fire fueled by compassion, by the unyielding desire to protect and heal. The world around him blurred as his vision crystallized, fixated on a singular purpose: to shield Aurora from further harm, to expose the truth that had languished in shadows for far too long. The path ahead would be treacherous, fraught with peril, but he would become the unwavering ally she needed, leading her toward a future of redemption and restoration.

He grasped the phone with a firm hand, the dial tone humming like an ancient chant. With steely resolve, he dialed Thomas's number.

As the phone rang, he took a deep breath, masking his true intentions behind a composed demeanor. When Thomas answered, William's voice carried a tone of genuine concern.

"Thomas, it's William," he began, his voice calm and measured.

"I have an idea, and it involves Aurora."

There was a slight pause on the other end of the line, and William could sense Thomas's curiosity piqued.

"Aurora?" Thomas questioned

William continued, careful to maintain an air of mystery.

"I have a proposition for you, one that could potentially benefit both of us."

Thomas's voice, now tinged with a mixture of suspicion and intrigue, cut through the silence.

"What sort of proposition, William? You have my attention."

William allowed a small, knowing smile to play on his lips, knowing that he had successfully ignited Thomas's curiosity. "I prefer to discuss such matters in person," he replied, his voice still measured. "Given the delicate nature of our conversation, I believe it's best to meet face-to-face. Are you available to meet tomorrow?"

He could almost hear Thomas's mind racing, his curiosity battling with caution. After a moment, Thomas conceded, "Alright, I'm intrigued. Let's meet. But remember, William, this better be worth my time."

"I assure you, Thomas," William responded, his voice oozing with confidence, "this could be a turning point for both of us. I'll provide you with the details when we meet. Tomorrow, let's say, at 3 p.m."

A fleeting pause ensued, pregnant with Thomas's internal deliberation. Finally, he acquiesced, his voice tinged with curiosity, but laced with caution. "Fine. Where do you suggest we meet?"

William's mind raced, considering the options. He needed a way to meet Aurora, to assess her situation firsthand and ensure her well-being. "How about we meet at your home, Thomas?" he suggested, his voice steady yet laced with hidden intent.

"It would be more convenient for me, and I would love the opportunity to catch up with you."

There was a momentary silence on the line, as if Thomas was taken aback by the unexpected proposition. "My home?" he replied, his curiosity piqued. "Very well, I suppose that can be arranged. I'll provide you with the address, and we can meet tomorrow evening."

"Perfect," William responded, his heart filled with a mix of anticipation and concern. "I appreciate your cooperation, Thomas. I'll be there tomorrow, eager to see you and catch up."

As the call ended, William couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. He had found a way to get closer to Aurora, to assess the situation firsthand.

The meeting at Thomas's home would provide him with the opportunity he had been waiting for, and he was determined to make the most of it.

The time had come to fulfill his long-forgotten promise to Marco, his best friend, to keep Aurora safe. As he prepared for the meeting at Thomas's home, memories of their past flooded his mind, reminding him of the bond they had shared.