Chapter 406
He knew Aurora meant no harm, but right now, she was drowning in her own guilt, completely unreachable, no matter what anyone said. Leonard stood nearby, quietly keeping her company. It was the first time he’d seen her like this.
“Aurora, it’s not your fault,” Lucas said gently, his voice low and patient. “I know you didn’t mean for any of this to happen. You’d never hurt her, right?”
But Aurora was lost in her thoughts. Her gaze, sharp and unwavering, was fixed on her mother through the glass panel of the hospital room door—locked on the fragile figure lying in the bed. Her mother, usually so fierce and unshakably strong, now looked like a broken porcelain doll, quiet and motionless beneath the sterile white sheets.
“Mom… you’ve always been so forceful, so unyielding. Why aren’t you lecturing me now?” she whispered. “Come on, get up and scold me like you always do. I promise, this time I won’t talk back.”
Tears welled in her eyes, the corners reddened as emotion burned through her. Seeing words weren’t getting through, Lucas reached for her hand, wrapping his fingers around hers with quiet determination—firm, grounding, unwilling to let go. Sometimes, it wasn’t words that made the difference—it was presence.
Feeling the strength in his grip, Aurora finally turned to him, her expression softening. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Don’t worry, I’m okay. This is nothing—just a bump in the road. I’m not falling apart. I’m just… scared for my mom.”
Watching the faint smile tug at her lips, Lucas felt the tension in his chest ease. “She’ll be fine,” he said with quiet certainty. “She’s strong, and luck is on her side. We’ll take better care of her from now on.”
Aurora nodded, letting him pull her into his arms, the two of them wrapped in their own quiet world. But the sight struck Leonard like a blade to the chest.
He turned away, trying not to look, yet couldn’t stop himself. It was like a rose with thorns: painful to touch, yet impossible to resist. Even knowing it might hurt, he still wanted to inhale its scent. He didn’t even know why anymore. Maybe just to leave behind a trace of sweetness. Or was there something more behind that smile?
Leonard took a deep breath, steadying himself before finally adjusting his expression. He gave them a light, polite smile. “You two should probably head home,” he said casually. “You’re still in a hospital, after all. Might want to keep appearances in mind.”
Aurora lifted her head, visibly flustered, and offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry… I’ll talk to him about it.” Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Chapter 406
She’d completely forgotten they were still in a hospital, and in front of Leonard, no less. How could she just fall into Lucas’s arms like that? The thought made her feel a little awkward in his presence. Lucas, on the other hand, remained completely unfazed. He knew the type of man Leonard was—quiet, reserved, the kind who buried his feelings deep. Just like now, dressing his jealousy up in polite concern.
All that “keeping up appearances” talk? Classic move of a man craving what he couldn’t have. Lucas wasn’t stupid. He saw right through it. His eyes narrowed slightly. It seemed like he’d need to stick close to Aurora from now on. There were probably more than a few people quietly eyeing her.
His fingers curled into a tight fist, but when he looked at Aurora, his expression stayed soft, patient, reassuring. Only when his gaze shifted back to Leonard did the warmth disappear entirely. His look turned cold, sharp, and laced with subtle challenge.
Leonard could only shake his head inwardly. This guy… really? This is the man Aurora married? Aside from that face of his, what did he actually bring to the table? Nothing worth mentioning.