The bright morning became even more radiant with Julian’s presence. “Are you full?” Julian asked affectionately as he looked at her.
“Yes, I haven’t tasted this flavor in so long, and I’m stuffed now,” Aurora said with a face full of bliss.
Although the people around her had changed, the flavor of the hot dog remained the same. Julian moved closer. “Let me feel how round your stomach is.”
He embraced her, resting his head gently on her shoulder, his hand on her stomach. They looked as if Aurora was pregnant and he was feeling the baby’s movements.
When she realized this, she removed his hand. “I need to go to the Montgomery Manor now, to see my grandfather.”
“Alright, I’ll take you.” Since she was already in the car, Julian certainly wasn’t going to let her go.
“Fine, I’ll have Cameron follow us,” Aurora said quietly as she sat beside him.
They chatted about various things along the way, and time passed quickly. Soon, they arrived at the manor.
“Did you prepare any gifts for your grandfather?” The car slowly stopped at the fork in the road leading to the Montgomery Manor.
“Returning home is the best gift.”
Julian lifted a beautifully wrapped box from beside him. “For your grandfather.”
“How did you know my grandfather likes tea?” Aurora was surprised at his thoughtfulness, as she hadn’t even thought of buying something for her grandfather, yet he had prepared such fine tea.
Her grandfather was particular about his tea, and Julian’s gift clearly showed Julian had done his research.
“Eventually, he’ll be my family too, so of course I need to familiarize myself with everyone’s preferences in your family,” Julian said as he gently teased her nose.
How could she not be moved by such a man? “Thanks, I’ll go up first.” Aurora took the tea.
“I’ll come to pick you up tonight, okay?”
“We’ll see,” Aurora said, unsure of what might happen later and unable to give Julian a definite reply.
Julian ruffled her hair. “Alright.”
As Aurora returned to the Montgomery Manor, memories from three years ago flooded back. Standing in the back garden, she could almost see herself fleeing in haste.
Standing where she had first met Julian, the wind silently swept her skirt, and her heart was filled with infinite emotion.
“Miss Aurora, is that you?” The butler, seeing the figure in the courtyard, his eyes misty with emotion, called out.
“Mr. Nash, it’s been a long time,” Aurora responded gently.
“Miss, you’ve been gone for three years. Master has missed you dearly. He’ll be so happy to know you’re back,” Mr. Nash quickly ushered her inside.
In the courtyard, with a table, a chair, a cup of tea, and the misty white vapor spreading around, Oswaldo Montgomery’s figure emanated a sense of desolation.
“Grandfather, I’m back,” Aurora said, her heart aching slightly at the sight.
In the grand manor, where only he lived, Oswaldo had everything one could wish for in life, except genuine affection.
Hearing her voice, he trembled, turning around as if in disbelief, his eyes misty.
“My dear, when did you come back?” he asked slowly rising, Aurora noticed that the once towering figure had now become stooped.
“Grandpa, I’m sorry for only coming to see you now,” Aurora apologized as she entered the room.
“It’s good that you’re back,” he replied warmly, embracing Aurora. “You haven’t visited me for years, you heartless girl.”
Despite not having contacted the Montgomery family, Aurora had been in frequent touch with her grandfather over the past three years. No matter how tough her life was, she always assured him with a smile that she was doing well.
“I’m back now, Grandpa, and I’m not leaving again,” she declared.
“That’s wonderful. Mr. Nash, go prepare some of Aurora’s favorite dishes,” the old man instructed, visibly delighted.
“Grandpa, you still enjoy your tea, don’t you? Try this one,” Aurora said as she presented the gift Julian prepared in advance.
A connoisseur could tell at a glance. “This is top-notch. You’re thoughtful as always. Now, tell me about your life in America,” he urged.
As they sat in the courtyard, Aurora shared several highlights with her grandfather, who was especially surprised to learn that she had started her own company in America.
“What? You started a company? Am I hearing you right?” he asked, shocked.
“I wouldn’t lie to you, Grandpa. I’ve come back to develop it further in Clothville. The new company is already in the works, and I’ll need your support,” Aurora said playfully.
“I’m so glad to know my granddaughter has become so accomplished,” Oswaldo beamed with pride.
“Oswaldo, we’ve come to see you,” Genevieve announced, arriving with Ivy and Zachary early in the morning.
Oswaldo’s face darkened upon seeing Genevieve. “What are you doing here? I’ve told you before you’re not welcome.”
“Grandpa, what are you saying? We’re family. We came to see you. Look, we brought you some fine wine,” Ivy said with a smile.
Oswaldo was unimpressed. “Who says we’re family? Get out! Just seeing you makes me angry.”
“Oswaldo, you can’t talk like that. Aurora, you’re here too?” Genevieve said, visibly displeased to see Aurora had arrived before her.
“I’ve said it before. I only have one daughter-in-law. Take your things and leave. I don’t care for them,” he retorted. Oswaldo had never liked alcohol. In fact, he despised it. In his younger days, he had indulged enough, but now he preferred more peaceful pursuits, like enjoying tea.
Aurora inwardly scoffed, seeing the failed attempt to please. It was no wonder her grandfather hadn’t acknowledged them for so many years.
However, she knew that had she not returned, things might have been different. Oswaldo was beginning to waver. Regardless of his disdain for Ivy and the others, they were still the Montgomerys, a fact that could not be erased.
Oswaldo’s anger would not last forever. Ivy and Zachary were nearing the end of their college education, with internships on the horizon. Genevieve would surely use this opportunity to secure a place for them in the company, helping them to establish themselves and gradually gain shares.
Aurora had foreseen this, which was why she chose this critical moment to return.