(Author’s POV)
The sharp sound of Aurora’s hand connecting with Amelia’s cheek still hung in the air, echoing off the walls of the Skylar mansion. The staff froze where they stood, stunned into silence. Amelia’s face was turned to the side, a red mark blossoming on her pale skin, her eyes wide with shock.
“Aurora!” Ian’s voice rang out, sharp, shocked.
Ian strode toward them quickly, his usual cheerful expression gone, replaced by disbelief and something darker, anger.
“Did you just slap her?”
Amelia’s lips quivered as though she were holding back sobs. She turned her face slightly, enough for the brothers to see the redness of her cheek. Her eyes shimmered with tears.
Aurora’s heart pounded, fury and dread clashing inside her.
“Ian, you don’t understand…” She began, but he cut he
