Chapter 15

Aurora pulled her hand back, her lips curling into a mocking smile. “No need. You just stay here with your dear friend. Don’t let me be the reason you two fall out.”
She wanted to ask if the “important business” he mentioned was just an excuse to see Eleanor. The question rolled around in her mind, but she swallowed it back. The answer was obvious-no need to embarrass herself by saying it out loud.
But Daniel insisted, “I’ll go with you.”
The smile vanished from Aurora’s face. After the argument they’d just had, there was no reason for him to keep up appearances. After all, everyone knew how hollow their marriage truly was.
Grandma Grace, who spent most of her time in her room because of her bad leg, appeared at the doorway, leaning on her cane.
Aurora hurried over and gently helped her back inside. Before she could say a word, her eyes grew red.
“Grandma,” she choked out, sinking to her knees and burying her face in the old woman’s lap.
Grandma Grace stroked Aurora’s hair, her voice filled with worry. “What’s wrong, darling? Tell me, what happened?”
Aurora fought to compose herself, wiping away her tears as she gripped her grandmother’s hand. “I’m fine, Grandma. I just missed you, that’s all.”
“If you missed me, you could’ve just come to see me,” Grandma Grace sighed, her gaze softening.
She knew all too well that Aurora must have been badly hurt to cry like this. And the cause of that pain… Grandma Grace glanced up at Daniel, who stood in the doorway.
Daniel stepped inside. “Grandma,” he said quietly.
Grandma Grace nodded, but her words were directed at Aurora. “The cook made some soup. Could you check if it’s ready?”
Aurora nodded obediently and slipped out.
Grandma Grace motioned for Daniel to take a seat, her voice turning serious. “When they wanted you to marry Aurora, I was against it from the start.”
Daniel sat down, hands resting on his knees, listening with the respectful silence of someone expecting a scolding.
“And now Eleanor’s back,” Grandma Grace continued, her eyes sharp, “so tell me -what are you planning to do?”
She was asking him to choose.
Daniel’s face gave nothing away, his expression cold and unreadable. Only his fingers twitched slightly in his palm.
“I won’t divorce Aurora,” he said at last. It was a promise for the old woman’s sake.
“And if Aurora wants to leave you?” Grandma Grace pressed. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on
A wave of irritation surged through him, but Daniel managed to answer, “Don’t worry, Grandma. We’ll work things out.”
A vague answer, and they both knew it.
Grandma Grace sighed, her heart aching for Aurora, yet powerless to help. All she could do was plead with Daniel, “If Aurora ever wants her freedom, please don’t stand in her way.”
Daniel’s throat tightened, and he couldn’t speak.
Everyone seemed to think he would eventually leave Aurora. Aurora probably thought so too. But he doubted anyone would believe him if he said the thought had never crossed his mind.
What he felt for Eleanor was nothing more than the bond of childhood-gratitude for an old debt he could never repay.
“Grandma, the soup’s ready.” Aurora’s gentle voice drifted into the room.
She entered carrying a bowl of soup, her face carefully blank as she passed Daniel, never meeting his eyes.
He noticed the chill in her manner instantly. After three years of marriage-first as strangers following the rules, then as partners sharing the same home-they knew each other all too well.
“I’ll step outside, Grandma. Aurora, I’ll wait for you,” Daniel said politely, leaving the room.
Aurora said nothing, focusing on feeding her grandmother the soup.
Grandma Grace watched Aurora’s pale face, knowing Eleanor’s return had only added to her granddaughter’s suffering. The family had always been painfully biased.
“Aurora, I heard what went on out there,” Grandma Grace said in a low voice, her eyes glistening with tears and guilt. “It’s my fault. I’ve been a burden to you.”
Aurora’s fingers tightened around the bowl, emotion surging inside her, but she kept her tone light and teasing. “Grandma, this has nothing to do with you. Besides, a little arguing is good for the soul, right?”
Grandma Grace could only sigh.