Perhaps it’s just human nature to sympathize with the weak. When Kimberly was arrogant and domineering, everyone disliked her. But now, seeing her so fragile deeply touched Aurora’s heart. Although Genevieve deserved her fate, Ivy’s earlier words had left Aurora slightly shaken.
As Ivy had said, Aurora was still alive and well. But seeing Kimberly in her current state, Aurora pushed those thoughts aside.
“It’s okay. I understand. Both of us are victims here. It’s only natural for you to want revenge,” Kimberly said, her demeanor entirely different from the past.
“Aunt Kimberly, I’m just glad you don’t blame me,” Aurora said, feeling a sense of redemption in her heart.
“How could I blame you? In some ways, I should even thank you. I used to cling to certain things, desperately holding on to what I thought was love. But now I understand that sometimes letting go is the only way to find peace,” Kimberly said, gazing out the window.
Aurora understood what she meant. It seemed Paul had truly lost a woman who once loved him deeply. She thought of how Alison had orchestrated everything from the shadows. In the end, Aurora couldn’t tell anymore what was right or wrong in this world.
“Aunt Kimberly, get some rest. It’s getting late. I won’t disturb you any longer,” Aurora said, signaling her goodbye.
“Alright. Thank you for coming to see me,” Kimberly said with a faint smile.
“Miss Montgomery, take care,” Emily said as she escorted them to the door. In the end, Aurora didn’t mention anything about Genevieve.
So be it. Everyone has their own fate. This was Genevieve’s ending, and Aurora saw no reason to trouble herself over an enemy.
Aurora and Julian left. As they walked down the corridor, they ran into Eric, who was carrying bandages and medicine.
“You’re leaving?” Eric asked, standing still. He felt as if the distance between himself and Aurora had grown insurmountable. Since that incident, he could barely summon the courage to even greet her.
“Yes. Seeing that Aunt Kimberly is recovering well, we’re relieved. Eric, Emily is a wonderful girl. Don’t miss out on someone so good,” Aurora said, reminding him once again.
People are always like this. When they possess something, they take it for granted, thinking it will always be there. It’s only when they lose it that they realize its value. But not every regret comes with a second chance.
Some people’s connections are fated to end. No matter how much effort you put in, it can’t be salvaged. Having seen so many stories, Aurora understood this truth deeply.
Eric seemed lost. He thought the person he liked was Aurora, yet he overlooked the beauty right in front of him. From the way he instinctively reacted when Emily cut her hand earlier, it was clear he wasn’t indifferent to her. He just hadn’t realized it yet.
Even if he didn’t love Emily now, at the very least, she already held some weight in his heart. The two of them really suited each other. Sometimes, you only need a glance to see how well two people fit together.
Aurora and Julian left, and Eric watched their silhouettes fade into the distance. He wanted so badly to tell Aurora, “But the woman I love is you.”
“What are you standing there for?” Emily poked her head out, noticing Eric standing silently in the corridor, lost in thought. He looked dazed, as though frozen in place.
“Nothing. How’s your hand?” Eric asked, snapping back to reality. Emily waved her hand in front of him.
“See? I’m fine.”
“Idiot. It’s still bleeding, and you think you’re fine. I’ve never seen anyone as foolish as you,” Eric said, noticing her hand had started bleeding again as she moved it.
Emily smiled at him. “Do it like you did earlier.”
When Emily had injured herself earlier, Eric had instinctively grabbed her hand and put it in his mouth to stop the bleeding.
“That’s unsanitary,” Eric said, now embarrassed by her request. But Emily was straightforward by nature and wouldn’t give up until she got her way.
“You didn’t think it was unsanitary earlier. I don’t care. I’m bleeding, and I want you to do it again,” Emily said, pouting.
“No.”
“Yes, you will.” Emily grabbed his shirt stubbornly.
“Let go,” Eric frowned. This woman was so defiant. The more he resisted, the more determined she became to do the opposite.
Emily huffed. “I won’t let go. Unless you do what you did before-mmph…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Eric silenced her by pressing his lips against hers. Emily’s eyes widened in shock.
Although they had agreed to an arrangement where she was supporting him for a month, this was their first intimate moment since that night. His lips were cool but incredibly soft.
Back then, she had been drunk, and he had been drugged. Neither of them had been fully conscious. But this kiss was different. They were both completely sober. Emily could feel there was no trace of desire in his kiss-it was simply a way to punish her, to shut her up.
Even so, her heart raced wildly. She stood on tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck, gently slipping her tongue out to cautiously explore.
Truthfully, Eric had little experience with women. That night had been his first real encounter, and he could barely remember the details. All he remembered was the overwhelming sensation of pleasure.
Now, as their lips and tongues intertwined, what had begun as a way to silence her was shifting. Her inexperienced but tender movements traced the outline of his lips, and his heartbeat grew erratic. A fire seemed to ignite within him, and he abruptly pushed her away.
“Take care of your own wound,” Eric said, tossing the medicine and bandages to her before trying to leave in a hurry. Emily, however, grabbed the corner of his shirt.
“I… I don’t know how. I’m clumsy and might just hurt myself more,” Emily said, blinking her wide, innocent eyes.
“You’re such a fool,” Eric sighed in exasperation. “Come here.” He pulled her into the room and carefully began to bandage her hand.
“Be more careful in the future. If you scar your face, it’ll leave a mark,” he muttered, scolding her as he worked. Emily’s eyes softened as she watched him, feeling a rare warmth radiate from him.
“Alright, I’ll be more careful from now on,” she said with a smile.
On the bed, Kimberly quietly watched the two of them. She thought to herself, *How wonderful.*