+Z9 BUNUS


    Rachel <b>was </b>a loyalpdog, and for the sake of keeping up appearances, Wendy reluctantly paid her medical bill.


    It wasn’t much—nothing serious had happened anyway, and Wendy didn’t care about the money


    <b>What </b>really got under her skin was the time wasted and the hit to her pride.


    She had no idea how to face anyone now.


    Rachel kept whining about how much her hand hurt.


    With no other choice, Wendy forced herself to soothe her, all the walle silently cursing her in frustration.


    How useless.


    She couldn’t even get her finger seriously hurt.


    Now with no in


    he had no proof and not a single excuse to go to Lucas with.


    no injury, she


    Rachel, too caught up in herints, didn’t notice the growing impatience on Wendy’s face.


    Every time she thought of Aurora, , a chill ran down her spine. Who would’ve guessed that someone who looked so refined would strike without a hint of mercy<b>? </b>


    In the end, the two of them left the hospital<b>, </b>sulking in silence. There was no point staying any longer.


    Back at the mall, Leonard nced at Aurora, still carefully browsing through clothes.


    He adjusted his grip on Nora, his arms unconsciously tightening around her.


    Eventually, he couldn’t hold back and asked, “Hey, Aurora… are you okay?”


    She turned to him, confused. “Why wouldn’t I be?”


    Leonard scratched the back of his neck<b>, </b>a little embarrassed. “No ruson, I just… I was worried that earlier incident might’ve gotten to <b>you</b>.”


    Aurora <b>gave </b>a scoff, lifting her chin slightly. “Her? She’s not worth my time. I’m not the kind of person who lets someone like that affect me. Arguing with people like her is aplete waste of my time.”


    Leonard blinked, then let out a lowugh. “You’re absolutely right about that.


    Aurora smiled, saying nothing more.


    She looked over at Nora, smiling as she ruffled the little girl’s softhair. “Alright, let’s not waste time on people who don’t matter. We’re here to buy clothes for our adorable Nora.‘


    Seeing how fond Aurora was of his sister, Leonard felt deeplyforted.


    It was the first time he’d met a woman so patient and gentle.


    And it was obvious Aurora wasn’t just putting on a show; she genuinely cared about Nora,


    As he watched her carefully pick through outfits, something unspoken stirred quietly in his chest, a feeling he couldn’t quite


    name.


    In the end, they bought a whole pile of clothes for Nord


    Aurora also ended up with a few outfits of her own–thanks to Leonard’s insistence.


    Holding the bags in her arms, Aurora looked slightly embarrassed I was supposed to be the one helping you shop today. And


    now look at me, causing a scene and walking out with clothes you bought me.”


    1 really feel bad. You’ve already done too much.”


    Leonard waved it off without a second thought. “I can tell Nora really likes you. So, think of these as a thank you gift foring along with us today. No need to overthink it.”


    Then, remembering what she’d said about making a fool of herself earlier, he added casually, “And about that so–called scene…


    rofit” I honestly don’t remember any of it.”


    Aurora let out augh, the sound light and unrestrained.


    Their eyes met, both of them smiling, perfectly in sync.


    Aurora understood exactly what Leonard meant.


    There was an ease between them, a natural chemistry, something that just fit.


    Anyone looking on would say <b>the </b>same–they simply matched.


    And because Leonard was such a good partner, Aurora was more than willing to spend time with him and let him be a little closer to her.