The door opened, and there stood Julian, impeccably dressed, radiating a glow that gave Aurora the brief illusion that he was the groom today.
“Madam, we shall take our leave now,” Aurora said politely.
“Mm,” Tina replied indifferently, her voice devoid of any discernible emotion.
“You’re dressed so handsomely today; aren’t you just stealing the spotlight from the groom?”
Aurora joked, unaware of the things Julian had been doing secretly on her behalf. Julian, enveloping her with a gentle smile, responded, “I must, especially with the bridesmaid looking so beautiful today.”
As their playful banter faded into the distance, Tina’s lips curved into a faint smile. Things are going well with Aurora like this.
“Mistress, are we still leaving today?”
Erica suddenly appeared behind her; they had originally booked a flight for this morning.
Tina paused for a moment, her thoughts drifting to Aurora’s gentle smile, and then decided, “The project with Montgomery Group isn’t finalized yet; cancel today’s itinerary.”
“Alright, but mistress, are you staying for the partnership, or for that girl?”
Erica inquired.
“For the partnership, of course.”
“Mistress, could that girl possibly be our young master? You two look very alike,” said Erica, who had been with Tina only for a few years.
“No, she isn’t. I didn’t sleep at all last night; I’m going to catch up on some sleep now,” Tina replied, seemingly reluctant to continue the topic.
Erica remained silent. Having been by Tina’s side for several years, she sensed a change in her emotions since her return to Clothville, especially yesterday when she protected the girl, occasionally showing a tender look in her eyes. Considering her situation, Erica understood why she wouldn’t acknowledge it.
Some people are born unable to control their own destinies, even if they appear noble on the surface. Aurora, blissfully unaware of these reasons, was still reveling in the joy of Julian proposing, driving away Genevieve, and finding her mother.
“Look at you, so happy-are you picking up money?”
Julian teased, lightly flicking her nose.
“Happier than finding money, Julian. Tina really is my mom. She secretly treated my wounds last night and even cried. She must have been worried about my injuries. My mom isn’t dead; she’s alive and well!”
Aurora was ecstatic.
“But little Aurora, have you considered something? Even if she really is your mom, why wouldn’t she acknowledge you?”
Julian asked directly.
“That’s exactly what puzzles me the most. Why wouldn’t my mom recognize me? She clearly hasn’t lost her memory.”
“Perhaps she has her reasons. I think it’s best you don’t interfere anymore. A mother wouldn’t stay away from her daughter unless it was for her own good,” Julian reasoned, seeing things more clearly as an outsider.
Aurora had finally found her mother; how could she bear to part with her? “Julian, I know you’re right, but she’s my mom, the one I’ve dreamed of meeting.”
“Little Aurora, I understand how you feel. Let’s think this through carefully.”
“Okay, mom will stay for now. I’ll find a chance to get closer to her and find out what’s been happening over the years.”
“Alright,” Julian said, driving Aurora to Grand Belcourt. He didn’t need to dress up much, but women often had more to fuss over.
“Be careful for a bit,” Julian warned, ever since he learned that Susan had a part in last night’s incident, proving that she still harbored resentment towards Aurora.
“I know.”
When they reached the dressing room, Susan had already changed into her wedding dress but hadn’t yet applied makeup.
“Aurora, you’re here. I thought you might be angry with me and wouldn’t come,” she said.
Her demeanor was cheerful, as if the incident between them had never happened. Since Susan was pretending, how could Aurora not play along?
“After all, we were best friends in high school. Of course, I would come. I’ll go try on the dress now,” Aurora responded gently.
The room was crowded; Susan had hired the most top-tier makeup artists in the entertainment industry, so her gentle act in front of others seemed deliberate.
The movie star was indeed no simple character; her trophies weren’t undeserved, as her acting skills outshone others.
“Okay, this is the dress I picked for you,” Susan said, handing over a plain white dress. A bridesmaid shouldn’t overshadow the bride, but Susan’s scheming seemed a bit much.
The dress was as plain as could be, yet Aurora didn’t fuss. She was about to take it to try on when she noticed a pin hidden inside. If she hadn’t been careful, it could have easily pricked her skin. Susan was truly malicious.
“Susan, I’m afraid this dress might not fit me. I’ll go find another one myself,” she said, walking towards another gown.
Susan hadn’t expected Aurora to be so alert to her tricks and could only muster an awkward smile.
“Alright, go check out the others.”
Aurora casually picked another white dress. She wasn’t here to wholeheartedly be Susan’s bridesmaid, so she didn’t pick carefully.
The strapless long dress fell to her ankles, not too extravagant. Aurora changed and came out, looking exceptionally elegant in the simple white dress.
Susan couldn’t admit that Aurora looked better than her, and over the past three years, her figure seemed to have improved as well, with a hint of allure that was just perfect.
“Wow, Susan, your friend here is quite a beauty too. It’s a waste she isn’t an actress,” remarked a makeup artist by their side.
This comment made Susan very uncomfortable, but she couldn’t let it show on her face.
“We have different aspirations.”
“Ailsa, please do Aurora’s makeup,” Susan said, looking towards another makeup artist.
Aurora clearly saw the exchange of looks between them. Were they planning to tamper with the makeup?
“We’ll need to go outdoors soon, and there might not be enough time. I brought my own makeup since I’m not the main focus today. Just help me with my hair,” Aurora said.
Ailsa’s expression shifted, but she couldn’t say much.
“Okay, I’ll do your hair.”
Aurora countered every move. Susan couldn’t get near her. Aurora applied a light makeup effortlessly, and her hair was quickly styled.
As the morning sun streamed in, Aurora stood idly by the window. When Hayden entered, the first thing he saw wasn’t the elaborately dressed Susan, but Aurora, quietly leaning against the window, bathed in a gentle glow of sunlight, her soft smile exuding a serene tenderness.