Bramwell Elderstone had initially been a little worried, but gradually, he found himself convinced by the confidence radiating from Aurora. “I believe in Miss Aurora. She can do it,” he said firmly.
“That’s good,” Tina replied, her voice tinged with maternal concern. “She’s carrying two babies now. Make sure she takes care of herself and doesn’t overwork.”
“As her mother, of course, you’re thinking of her health first. Don’t worry, though. She’s very thoughtful. Once she finishes handling things on her end, she’s planning to drive over to see you,” Bramwell reassured her.
“Drive? She’s lost her memory, and yet she’s driving?” Tina felt her heart leap in alarm.
“She only forgot certain events from the past. Her body’s instincts remain intact. I suggested having someone drive her, but she refused. The current Miss Aurora is a little different from before. She’s more decisive now. Once she sets her mind on something, nothing can deter her. But I trust that she knows her limits, so you needn’t worry.”
Tina shook her head, a faint smile curling her lips. “A mother worries no matter how old her child gets. I can’t help it.”
“Rest assured. Your daughter is remarkable. I’m confident she’ll secure the position of head of the family without issue,” Bramwell said reassuringly.
“I’m glad to hear that.” Tina felt a bit more at ease and ended the call. Her expression, however, was one of barely contained excitement, like a young girl receiving good news.
John Walsh, noticing her radiant smile, couldn’t help but smile along. “What’s making you so happy?”
“Mr. Elderstone just called. He said Aurora has done an exceptional job,” Tina said with pride.
“That’s wonderful news. Now you can finally rest easy and focus on recovering. Don’t overthink things,” John said as he handed her a towel to wipe her face.
“My body feels much better than before. These past few days, I’ve only coughed up blood once or twice. Let’s leave the hospital and go home,” Tina suggested, eager to help Aurora.
John saw through her intentions immediately. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re planning. You’ve just started to recover, and now you want to leave the hospital? Have you forgotten the doctor’s advice? All you need to do now is rest and recover without worrying about anything else. Otherwise, what’s the point of Aurora doing all this for you? She wants you to get better. Are you really going to let her down?”
Tina’s eyes held a flicker of sadness. “I know my days are numbered. At most, I have a year left. I won’t live past forty-one. My mother and grandmother were the same.”
“Who says there can’t be exceptions? I believe you’ll live a long life. Once you’ve recovered a bit more, I’ll take you out to see the world, far away from all these troubles,” John said as he gently stroked her hair, comforting her like a child.
“I hope so. I want to see Aurora’s babies born. I want to hear them call me Grandma,” Tina said wistfully.
“You look more like Aurora’s sister. If others hear her calling you Mom or the babies calling you Grandma, they’ll be shocked out of their minds,” John teased, bringing a chuckle from Tina.
“Well, I did have her young,” Tina laughed softly.
“Tina, do you ever regret the decisions you made back then?”
John Walsh’s relationship with her was not unlike Bramwell Elderstone’s with Aurora’s grandmother. Taken in by the Walsh family as a child, John had grown up alongside Tina, harboring a deep and quiet love for her. Knowing her noble status, he had never dared to overstep. But when she returned deeply hurt, his heart ached for her, and he stayed by her side unwaveringly over the years.
“When I was young and reckless, I refused to bow to the family’s restrictive rules. That’s why I planned my escape. Then I met Magnus. At the time, I thought I’d found my happiness. Even though he hurt me deeply later, if I told you I don’t regret it, would you believe me?” Tina’s voice was calm, as though recounting a story long past.
John remembered a night years ago when she’d drunkenly sobbed in his arms, finally confessing the extent of her pain. It was then he realized she wasn’t as strong as she appeared.
“I’d believe you. No matter how he hurt you, at the beginning, there was love.”
“Yes, he did love me. But his love lacked conviction. It taught me that love is never simple. Falling in love is easy; staying together is hard. The only thing I should be grateful to him for is giving me Aurora.”
“Aurora is wonderful-so much like you,” John said, his tone gentle.
“She is. My only wish is for Aurora not to go through the same sorrows my mother and I endured. I hope she and Julian can rekindle their bond and stay together for a lifetime.”
“They will. I believe fate won’t be that cruel to her. She’ll have her happiness with Julian,” John said with quiet conviction.
“John Walsh, apart from Aurora, the person I owe the most is you. I’ve overlooked your feelings for so long. From now on, I’ll make it up to you,” Tina said sincerely.
“Don’t be silly. Love isn’t a transaction where we count who gave more or less. I’ve never regretted loving you. Don’t say sorry to me again.”
“Alright, I won’t,” Tina said, resting her head on his shoulder with a contented smile.
Aurora arrived just in time to witness this tender moment. The woman, who bore such a striking resemblance to herself, leaned against the man with happiness written all over her face.
“Mom,” Aurora called softly. Tina quickly straightened, pulling away from John. She still wasn’t used to showing affection in front of her daughter, fearing Aurora might mind.
“Aurora, you’re here. Let me have a good look at you,” Tina said warmly, beckoning her over. She’d been relying on Mira’s updates, but what she truly wanted was to see Aurora with her own eyes, safe and sound.
Aurora sat beside her, smiling gently. “Mom, I’m fine.”
“That’s good. I was worried about the effects of that serum. Did you just come from the family meeting?”
“Yes.”
“Were they difficult to deal with? I wish I could’ve been there with you,” Tina said, her voice full of concern.
“It wasn’t too bad. I heard your health hasn’t been great. Please don’t worry about these matters anymore,” Aurora said with a reassuring smile.
“As long as you’re safe, I won’t worry. My daughter has truly grown up,” Tina said, her voice tinged with both pride and nostalgia.
“Grandpa Bramwell told me how you’ve protected me all these years. Now it’s my turn to protect you. I’ll cleanse the family of its rot and rebuild it into something new,” Aurora said with quiet determination.
“I believe in you. You’ll make it happen,” Tina said, her heart swelling with pride.