Chapter 0827
She hesitated. “Well… when you put it like that… maybe.”
I exhaled, running a hand through my hair.
“I have to admit something. You’re my least favorite person in the world.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“But you’re also Mary’s best friend. And you’ve proven to be a good friend to her. So, I just want to ask one thing… If for some reason, I can’t be with her–if something happens–promise me you won’t leave her alone. She’s going to need you.”
Aurora frowned. “Peter… I don’t like where this is going.”
“Just listen. If something ever happens to me, be there for Her. Look for her. Don’t let her go through it alone. I hate how loud you are, but I know that if you’re by her side, her life will be better.”
“You’re really insane, you know that? Of course, I wouldn’t leave her alone!” Then, she narrowed her eyes. “Tell me something, Peter. Are you backing out?”
“What?”
“You’re having second thoughts, aren’t you?”
“Second thoughts about what?” I asked, caught off guard.
“About raising Mary’s baby.”
“What are you talking about?”
She folded her arms. “I may not be the smartest person in the world, but I don’t need a genius IQ to know that baby isn’t yours.”
I stared at her, stunned.
“Look, I know you love Mary. But you have to understand something–raising a child that isn’t yours is a huge responsibility. If you’re going to do it, you need to be all in. If you have even the slightest doubt, then step aside and let her tell Maximus.”
“Did she tell you?”
“I just confirmed it myself…”
“God, I can’t with you, can I?”
“Nope! I’m your nemesis! Ha, ha, ha!” she laughed after saying that.
“I hate you!” I said, pulling her into a hug.
It felt weird, but it was my way of showing her that I appreciated her. I appreciated that she had searched for Mary as best as she could. I was grateful that she had taken care of Agnes in her final days, that she had even brought her flowers from time to time.
“Let’s go back inside before Mary gets worried. She’ll think I kicked you out.”
“Would you be capable of that?”
“Don’t tempt me!”
Chapter 0827
+25 BONUS
Aurora and I had never been the best of friends, but when Mary needed help, she hadn’t hesitated. She had dropped everything and stood by her side during the most painful moments of her life. That alone was enough for me to trust that if I wasn’t around, Aurora would be there.
As we stepped inside, we found ourselves face–to–face with Mary. Her expression was full of panic–she must have thought we had been fighting or that I had kicked Aurora out. She knew perfectly well that her best friend was far from my favorite person.
Aurora smirked and walked past us, saying,
“Close your mouth, girl, or you’ll swallow a fly. Your dear husband here was just begging for my forgiveness for all the terrible things he’s done to me.”
I stood there, speechless. That was exactly why I didn’t like her–her humor, her constant need to mess with me. I didn’t bother responding, just narrowed my eyes at her before turning away toward my study.
“Mary, I’m just grabbing my briefcase, and then we’ll head to the doctor.”
“Okay, I have everything ready!”
“Good, And you, Aurora–I hope I come back home and don’t see that stupid grin of yours.”
“As long as Mary is my friend, you’ll be seeing my stupid grin a lot.”
I really did hope she stayed by Mary’s side. She would be a good friend to her. And if Mary didn’t stay here, I at least wanted Aurora to go with her to Hesperia.
I stepped into my study one last time, letting my eyes sweep across the space that had been mine for so many years. I took a deep breath, knowing that the moment I walked out of here…
I would never set foot in this room again.
