Rachel was a loyal lapdog, and for the sake of keeping up appearances, Wendy reluctantly paid her medical bill. It wasnโt muchโnothing serious had happened anyway, and Wendy didnโt care about the money. What really got under her skin was the time wasted and the hit to her pride. She had no idea how to face anyone now. Rachel kept whining about how much her hand hurt. With no other choice, Wendy forced herself to soothe her, all the while silently cursing her in frustration. How useless. She couldnโt even get her finger seriously hurt.
Now, with no injury, she had no proof and not a single excuse to go to Lucas with. Rachel, too caught up in her complaints, didnโt notice the growing impatience on Wendyโs face. Every time she thought of Aurora, a chill ran down her spine. Who wouldโve guessed that someone who looked so refined would strike without a hint of mercy? In the end, the two of them left the hospital, sulking in silence. There was no point staying any longer.
Back at the mall, Leonard glanced at Aurora, still carefully browsing through clothes. He adjusted his grip on Nora, his arms unconsciously tightening around her. Eventually, he couldnโt hold back and asked, โHey, Auroraโฆ are you okay?โ
She turned to him, confused. โWhy wouldnโt I be?โ
Leonard scratched the back of his neck, a little embarrassed. โNo reason, I justโฆ I was worried that earlier incident mightโve gotten to you.โ
Aurora gave a scoff, lifting her chin slightly. โHer? Sheโs not worth my time. Iโm not the kind of person who lets someone like that affect me. Arguing with people like her is a complete waste of my time.โ
Leonard blinked, then let out a low laugh. โYouโre absolutely right about that.โ
Aurora smiled, saying nothing more. She looked over at Nora, smiling as she ruffled the little girlโs soft hair. โAlright, letโs not waste time on people who donโt matter. Weโre here to buy clothes for our adorable Nora.โ
Seeing how fond Aurora was of his sister, Leonard felt deeply comforted. It was the first time heโd met a woman so patient and gentle. And it was obvious Aurora wasnโt just putting on a show; she genuinely cared about Nora. As he watched her carefully pick through outfits, something unspoken stirred quietly in his chest, a feeling he couldnโt quite name. In the end, they bought a whole pile of clothes for Nora. Aurora also ended up with a few outfits of her ownโthanks to Leonardโs insistence.
Holding the bags in her arms, Aurora looked slightly embarrassed. โI was supposed to be the one helping you shop today. And now look at me, causing a scene and walking out with clothes you bought me. I really feel bad. Youโve already done too much.โ
Leonard waved it off without a second thought. โI can tell Nora really likes you. So, think of these as a thank you gift for coming along with us today. No need to overthink it.โ Then, remembering what sheโd said about making a fool of herself earlier, he added casually, โAnd about that so-called sceneโฆ I honestly donโt remember any of it.โ
Aurora let out a laugh, the sound light and unrestrained. Their eyes met, both of them smiling, perfectly in sync. Aurora understood exactly what Leonard meant. There was an ease between them, a natural chemistry, something that just fit. Anyone looking on would say the sameโthey simply matched. And because Leonard was such a good partner, Aurora was more than willing to spend time with him and let him be a little closer to her.