The airport.


    Aurora and Julian came to see Asher off.


    "Ashy, call me when you arrive," Aurora said softly.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll contact you as soon as Ind," Asher assured her.


    "You''ll be alone in New York, so take care of yourself. Make sure to eat on time and don''t overwork. Thepany is already on track; there''s no need for you to push yourself like before." Aurora hugged him gently.


    She knew thepany''s rapid growth over the years was inseparable from Asher''s hard work. When they had fought side by side, it hadn''t seemed so exhausting. But now, with him working alone, loneliness was inevitable.


    "I''m a grown man, Aurora. Don''t worry about me. I''m heading to my gate now." Asher parted from her with a smile, walking away with a carefree demeanor.


    Every time they met, it was hard to say goodbye. Parting was always bittersweet. But since leaving was inevitable, it was better to do so decisively-lingering only made it harder.


    Watching Asher''s solitary figure disappear, Aurora felt a pang of sorrow.


    Julian wrapped his arms around her. "You feel reluctant to let him go, don''t you?"


    "Mm. Over the years, I''ve always been by Ashy''s side. Now that he''s alone, I can''t help but worry. I don''t know when he''ll find someone to share his life with. It''s his departing silhouette that I hate seeing the most."


    "Don''t worry. Everyone will find their partner eventually. It''s not something to rush. Besides, Asher''s still young, isn''t he? Wait until he''s thirty-five and still single-then you can start worrying."


    "You''re right." Aurora smiled faintly. "We still have two days of vacation left before work starts again. Let''s make the most of it."


    "How about we head back to our ind?" Julian suggested. They had spent the past few days with family and friends, but a little time alone was overdue.


    "Just what I was thinking."


    In the cold of winter, the ind''s weather was perfect. They spent two carefree days there, enjoying each other''spany.


    When the vacation ended, they returned to their busy lives. Work awaited them, and Julian soon flew to Europe. Mira had already called him two days earlier, asking him toe, but he had dyed his trip to spend more time with Aurora.


    On the ne, he promised himself that this would be thest major project he''d take on for the year. Once this deal was settled, he nned to leave the rest to Phil and Rock. June marked their wedding, and after that, Julian was determined to take a long break to be with Aurora.


    Both of them understood the importance of this busy period and worked hard to wrap up theirmitments. Once these months of effort were behind them, life would be much easier.


    Aurora''spany was also settling into a steady rhythm. Mona officially submitted her resignation, announcing her n to return to New York to assist Asher.


    "That''s a good idea. I feel better knowing Ashy won''t bepletely alone over there," Aurora agreed.


    "Heather and Ian are both promising talents. With their help, your workload will lighten in no time," Mona reassured her. Mona had spent months at thepany and felt reluctant to leave.


    "Thanks to your guidance, they''ve grown so quickly. Are you really leaving without saying goodbye?"


    "You know me-I''ve never been one for goodbyes. It''s better to leave quietly than to make everyone sad."


    "Fair enough. Safe travels."


    "Goodbye, Aurora. Be happy." Mona hugged her lightly.


    "You too."


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Aurora understood Mona''s unspoken feelings for Asher. Unrequited and one-sided, she had once tried to set them up, but Asher had shown no interest whatsoever. He had even warned Aurora not to meddle in his personal life.


    Love wasn''t something that could be forced. Aurora had wanted to invite Mona to this year''s New Year''s party, but Asher tly refused. He was aware of Mona''s feelings but couldn''t reciprocate. To avoid awkwardness, Aurora had reluctantly dropped the idea. Perhaps Asher had returned to the States partly to avoid Mona. When Mona decided to go back to New York, it seemed like fate was ying its hand, keeping them apart once again.


    Asher''s avoidance wasn''t idental-it was deliberate. From the beginning, he hadn''t wanted to lead her on. Mona understood, too, and didn''t try to force anything. She simply wanted to help him.


    After seeing Mona off, Aurora sat down, taking a deep breath.


    In life, there are countless meetings and farewells. While meetings are out of one''s control, so too are goodbyes. The only thing people can manage is their own hearts.


    Not long after Mona left, Heather and Ian entered the office.


    "Miss Montgomery, how was your New Year''s?" Heather asked.


    Heather had cut her hair short, giving her a sharper and more vibrant appearance. Ian, too, looked refreshed.


    "It was great. You two didn''t hold back on food over the holidays, did you? You both look like you''ve gained weight."


    "I went home for the holidays. My family said I was too skinny and made me eat more," Heather grumbled.


    "Well, it seems love agrees with you. Ian went with you, didn''t he?" Aurora teased.


    The two turned red, looking embarrassed.


    "Miss Montgomery, how did you know?" Ian asked nervously.


    "Because he''s gained weight too. Didn''t you both eat at the same table?"


    "Miss Montgomery, you''re terrible!" Heather protested.


    Aurora smiled but then turned serious. "Alright, I won''t tease you anymore. I don''t


    mind office romances, but you need to keep things professional. Don''t let it affect the workce."


    "Understood, Miss Montgomery," they replied in unison.


    Manypanies forbade office rtionships, but Aurora was lenient. The least they could do was appreciate her trust and behave appropriately.


    "Good. Now, Ian, you''ll be taking over Mona''s responsibilities, while Heather stays in her current position for now."


    "The general manager left? We just saw her earlier. Why didn''t she say goodbye?" They both sounded surprised.


    "She''s not one for farewells. It''s the thought that counts. Let''s focus on the work ahead. Thepany is thriving right now.


    Our skincare line has been well-received, but the fashion department needs to step up. A new collection is already in development, and I want itunched by March. It''s a tight schedule, but it''s all for thepany''s growth. I trust you understand."


    Aurora thought of her six-month agreement with Gore. She needed to deliver results within that time to earn his respect.


    "We understand. Last year''s bonuses shocked everyone. You''re far more generous than their previous employers. Everyone''s eager to follow your lead.


    It''s funny-on the first day back, employees at otherpanies look like they''re attending a funeral, but here, everyone''s full of energy and optimism. You''ve given them purpose."


    "That''s good to hear. Now, get to work." Aurora waved them off with a smile.