Chapter 1202

“Nothing, it just feels like I’m dreaming,” Ian replied softly.

“What do you mean, dreaming?” Aurora glanced at his face, not understanding what he meant.

He stopped walking and looked at her seriously.

“Boss, it just doesn’t feel real. I never thought we’d be out on our own this quickly. I figured it would take more time.

“But you’re a doer. Once you decide on something, you follow through. You’ve always been that way.” Aurora let out a quiet laugh. “Of course. Life only gives us so many days. If you keep dragging your feet, what’s the difference between that and being a coward?

“Opportunities are there for the taking. If you don’t grab them, someone else will.

“Besides, everything I’m doing is for my dream. I don’t want to live a life where I’m under someone else’s control anymore.”

As she spoke, a flicker of sadness passed through her eyes.

She thought of how Grace had treated her in the past. They were both her daughters, yet the way she treated her and Tessa couldn’t have been more different. Tessa’s poor health had always been the excuse, but that didn’t erase the things Grace had done to hurt her.

Was all of that still not enough to change her mother’s view of her? Even so, Grace continued to treat Tessa with kindness, never once considering her feelings. No matter what she did, would she always fall short in her mother’s eyes?

Bitterness welled up inside Aurora. Even though she had already broken away from the corporation, she couldn’t shake that knot in her heart. Everything she had endured came from her mother’s wounds, and now she had no choice but to bear them alone.

She no longer dared to hope for anything more. Her mother’s heart belonged entirely to Tessa. Whatever became of Walton Corporation in the future, she would no longer concern herself with it.

Since she now had her own life, she needed to learn to let go of everything from before instead of holding on to it. In the end, it seemed she was the only one who couldn’t forget.

Seeing Aurora fall silent, Ian’s gaze deepened as if something had crossed his mind, too.

“It’s alright, Boss. Don’t think too much about it. Isn’t the way you’re living now already good enough?” Ian spoke to comfort her.

Aurora nodded, showing she understood. “Don’t worry, that’s all in the past. I see things clearly now, and I know exactly what I want for my future.”

“That’s good then. Don’t worry, Boss, I’ll always be by your side.”

Ian’s face showed nothing but loyalty. Meeting his eyes, Aurora felt a wave of comfort in her heart. She hadn’t expected to find such loyalty in this fast-paced age. No matter what happened, she knew she would never let Ian down. As long as he remained faithful to her, her studio would always give him a place to belong.

Aurora smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll always remember your loyalty. Whatever happens to me in the future, you’ll always have a place here.”

“Boss, why say things like that? The studio hasn’t even opened yet, and you’re already making it sound so sentimental.”

Ian deliberately shifted the subject, though he didn’t realize his eyes were already damp.

Aurora watched him turn away, feeling a faint stir in her heart.