The doctor gave a firm nod. “Don’t worry. I’ll do everything I can to stabilize the patient.”

Hearing that, Grace nodded in return and said nothing more. Looking at Tessa lying there, she had no room in her heart to think about anything else. Her mind was entirely consumed by worry over Tessa’s condition.

As for Aurora–she was just picking up another award. She had already won enough of them; it wasn’t something that needed much attention. To Grace, health came first, always.

Tessa, watching Grace stay by her side the whole time, finally relaxed and closed her eyes. This was exactly what she wanted–to not have to worry about Grace being pulled away to Aurora’s side. As for Aurora and her award? It could be tossed aside. Not worth thinking about.

In Grace’s mind, physical health was still the priority. And since Tessa’s health had always been fragile, of course she needed more care and presence. Grace knew this all too well, and that was why she hadn’t gone with Aurora. For the award ceremony, she simply sent the family butler, Arnold, in her place. Between the two, there was no question–Tessa needed her more. Grace didn’t even hesitate. Her decision was immediate: she chose Tessa.

Meanwhile, Aurora, unaware of what was happening, had quietly held onto a thread of hope after learning the teacher had called Grace. If nothing else, she knew what this award meant. She understood exactly what she was doing. She stood in the conference room, waiting for Grace to arrive. She watched her teacher make the call–watched that hopeful gleam on her teacher’s face slowly fade. It wasn’t hard to guess. The shift in expression–from bright anticipation to quiet disappointment–was painfully clear.

Aurora didn’t even need to ask. She already knew. Grace had turned it down. Otherwise, her teacher wouldn’t be wearing that look now. Aurora knew all too well–Grace was undoubtedly with Tessa. Tessa was sick. There was no way Grace would leave her side now. In truth, she had heard about Tessa’s condition. She hadn’t stopped the teacher from making the call because deep down, a small part of her still hoped to see whether Grace would make a different choice this time.

To be honest, Aurora had been curious. But the memory was too far removed now, and as she stood quietly in the present, she found herself comparing the Grace from then to the one who had once quietly stepped into her room to pull up her blanket. It left her puzzled. That same Grace had once cared enough to check on her–so why now did she seem so cold? She did not hesitate or give any explanation, just a flat-out refusal to the teacher.

Watching the younger version of herself standing there, clearly disheartened, Aurora felt a deep ache swell in her chest. But even so, there was nothing she could change. This pain was something she had to go through. It was all part of what had slowly shaped her into the resilient, forward-moving woman she would become.

When Arnold arrived, he found Aurora standing alone in the conference room. That slender figure, waiting with quiet hope, struck him deeply. For as long as he could remember, Grace had always attended Tessa’s events, big or small. As for Aurora–Grace had rarely even shown interest in attending a single parent-teacher meeting. More often than not, it was Arnold who came in her place.