Chapter 172

“Later on… I found her and took her in. At that time, I was an apprentice perfumer, studying under my mentor. I brought her along, and when my mentor saw her talent, he took her in as a student too. The three of us grew up together.”
“After high school, my mentor became seriously ill. She gave up going to college and stayed home to care for him. During that time, people bullied her. It was Louis who stood up for her. They fell in love, and soon after, she got pregnant.”
“And after that, like I just told you, the flower shop caught fire. She died saving me. I made it out, handled the funerals for both her and my mentor, and then went to the hospital to find the child. By then, Louis had already taken the baby away- and he’d lost his memory.”
Aurora’s face had gone pale.
Recounting those memories was like being dragged through old wounds all over again.
Daniel didn’t press her further.
It was as if he’d accepted her explanation.
He yanked her to her feet, not bothering to be gentle. “Aurora, if you dare lie to me, you’ll have to deal with the consequences.”
Aurora’s heart gave a violent shudder. Forcing herself to meet Daniel’s gaze, she replied softly, “Okay.”
He let go of her, his face unreadable, but his tone firm. “What we agreed about the child still stands. No backing out.”
“Alright.”
No matter what Daniel asked, Aurora agreed.
As long as he promised to save Payne.
Daniel turned to leave. He’d barely taken a step when his shirt was grabbed from behind.
He looked down.
Aurora’s grip tightened. Her eyes brimmed with fear and uncertainty. “Do you really mean it?”
She was terrified he’d change his mind.
Afraid this was nothing but a dream.
After all, that morning he hadn’t even wanted to give her a ride-he’d left her there, cold as ice.
Daniel let out a short laugh, wanting to throw a few sharp words her way, but when he saw the tears shining in her eyes, his heart unexpectedly softened. Forget it.
No point in arguing with a woman.
He told himself to calm down and said quietly, “Come with me.”
Aurora stood up at once. She gave the housekeeper instructions to take good care of Payne, then followed Daniel out.
Daniel found the doctor and explained that he was willing to donate bone marrow to save Payne.
The doctor immediately had him sign the paperwork and scheduled a battery of tests.
Aurora stayed at Daniel’s side the entire time.
Whenever Daniel showed the slightest impatience, she looked at him with tear- glazed eyes-enough to make anyone feel sorry for her.
When the tests were finished, everything came back fine except for a few results that would take longer.
The doctor gave instructions: “The boy’s just had a relapse-he’ll need some time to recover before we can assess his condition. Mr. Chambers, in the meantime, try not to stay up late, and avoid smoking or drinking.”
“I understand,” Daniel nodded.
They left the doctor’s office, walking one behind the other down the corridor.
Daniel turned to speak. “You-” ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ.net
But Aurora was lost in thought and didn’t notice. She walked straight into his solid chest.
“Ah!” she cried, pressing a hand to her forehead.
Daniel, half exasperated and half amused, took her hand away. A red mark bloomed on her skin.
“I’m fine,” Aurora insisted, covering her forehead again.
The crisp white shirt he wore hid the strength of his body, making him look lean
and almost delicate-but she knew just how hard as iron he really was.
An awkward silence settled between them.
After so many arguments, neither of them seemed to know how to hold an ordinary conversation anymore.
At last, Aurora blurted out, “I’m going back to check on Payne,” and hurried away.
Daniel watched her retreat, his eyes shadowed with unreadable emotion.
He pulled out his phone and called Will.
“Look into that fire from three years ago.”
“I want to know everything.”