Chapter 1173
“That’s really not necessary, not necessary at all.” Aurora felt a little embarrassed when she heard Megan’s words. She hadn’t expected Megan’s parents to be so supportive.
“Don’t worry, I can handle the funding.” Since she’d decided to open a studio, it wasn’t some empty idea she’d thrown out casually. If it were, no one would have reason to believe in her.
“What about choosing a location? Do you need my help with that?” Megan asked. Since she’d agreed to partner with Aurora, she didn’t want to be dead weight. She wanted to be useful, especially after everything Aurora had already gone through. She couldn’t just stand by and watch her work herself to exhaustion.
“I’ve already thought about the location, but now it’s a matter of negotiating with the landlord.” Aurora pulled out the plans she’d drafted and laid them in front of Megan. “Here, this is my outline for the company. First of all, it won’t work with just the two of us. We’ll definitely need to bring in a few more people. Ideally, I want to keep the team within five. That’s my starting plan. And my former assistant will be joining us as well.”
Megan nodded without hesitation. “That’s fine by me. Whatever you need from me, just say the word.”
“What I want most now is to focus on design.” Aurora glanced down at the coffee on the table. “As for my mother, I’ve stopped expecting anything. If she wants to hand the company over to Tessa, then so be it.”
“If you ask me, your mom can’t see straight. One day, when she finally wakes up, she’ll realize what she’s lost in you.” Megan’s voice softened with sympathy as she looked at Aurora. They’d known each other since they were kids, and Megan knew better than anyone how kind Aurora had always been to her. Which was exactly why she also knew how much Aurora had suffered growing up. No matter how much she endured in silence, Tessa never let her go. That woman was suspicious by nature. From the pool incident up until now, Aurora had gone through more than anyone should.
Megan had witnessed it all, and that was why she could never look kindly on Tessa. Being around someone like that, they never knew when she might turn and bite them. With her, nothing was ever certain.
“It doesn’t matter. Even if she realizes it one day, it won’t change anything.” Aurora’s eyes shifted, her gaze drifting out the window toward the busy stream of cars. “Too much time has passed. And even if she finally looks back, not everyone will still be standing there waiting for her.”
Megan looked at Aurora’s wistful expression, her heart aching for her friend. But she also knew this wasn’t the time for sentiment. What mattered most now was getting the studio off the ground and helping Aurora chase the dream she’d always held close.
“Aurora, don’t worry. I know you’ve always had a dream to design. If this is what you want, then I’ll give you everything I’ve got to help make it real.” Aurora’s eyes softened as she looked across the table at Megan. She reached out and held her friend’s hand. “Thank you, Megan.”
“Hey, if you keep talking like that, I’ll get mad,” Megan teased, feigning indignation. “We’ve known each other for so many years, and you’re still saying things like that to me?” Her voice carried a hint of hurt, as though Aurora were still keeping her at arm’s length.
“All right, all right–that’s on me.” Aurora’s laugh rang light and warm.
Chapter 1174