Tessa was very good at slipping through the cracks and taking advantage of them. She especially knew how to manipulate others’ sympathy. That was exactly why Grace’s view of Aurora had gradually worsened—it was all influenced by Tessa’s meddling.

Back in her room, after showering, Grace sat on the bed, and the more she thought about it, the more uneasy she felt. No matter how things had ended between her and William, that was something between their generation. It had long been over. Why did she have to carry that resentment over to Aurora? It had nothing to do with her. To be blunt, back then, Aurora probably hadn’t even been born yet. She didn’t even get to choose who her parents were.

So why did she have to bear the consequences of it all alone? William was gone—shouldn’t she let it go too? With that thought, Grace felt more and more guilty. All these years, because of Tessa, she had truly neglected so much when it came to Aurora, especially in those years when William was still alive–she could barely remember holding Aurora properly. And now, the child had come to the point of asking a question like that. Didn’t that mean they were growing more distant by the day? Thinking of this, Grace felt a sharp pang in her chest. She suddenly stood up, yanked the door open, and there stood Tessa. She was holding a pillow, and when she saw Grace open the door, her face showed visible surprise. Grace was stunned as well. Wasn’t Tessa supposed to be resting in her room by now? What was she doing here?

But out of habit, Grace still asked patiently, “Tessa, what’s wrong? It’s almost midnight. Didn’t you say you had class tomorrow? Why aren’t you asleep yet?” Grace’s voice was gentle–an unmistakable softness that had never once been used with Aurora. If Aurora had been here, she would’ve felt the sting of comparison. This wasn’t just about favoritism anymore. It was clear Grace had never truly treated Aurora as a daughter. With Tessa, her choice was obvious.

Tessa smiled sweetly, as harmless as ever, and pointed outside at the storm. “Mom, I’m scared of the thunder. I want to sleep with you.” Grace froze in place the moment she heard that. Her heart instantly melted, and she pulled Tessa into the room. “Tessa, why didn’t you say so earlier? It’s my fault. I knew it was going to rain tonight–I should’ve asked you to sleep with me from the start.”

Tessa shook her head. “It’s okay, Mom. It’s not too late now.” She smiled brightly, her eyes shining. “As long as I’m with you, I’m not afraid of the thunder.” Seeing her so attached, Grace’s heart softened even more. She tapped Tessa on the nose. “You silly girl, you’re this big and still acting like a baby with your mom.”

Tessa pouted playfully. “I don’t care. No matter how old I get, I’ll always be your little baby!”

“Alright, alright, you’re my baby.”

Both mother and daughter curled up together in bed. Grace gently patted Tessa’s back, over and over again. At first, Grace had still been thinking about Aurora. After all, Aurora was younger than Tessa.