“If you keep going like this, you’ll lose sight of your path. You wont even know what to do with your future. So remember, all your effort should be for yourself–never for anyone else.”
As Arnold spoke, the confusion in young Aurora’s eyes slowly faded
He was right. She was living for herself.
So, what if Grace didn’t like her?
She still had her own life to live. She was a person, not a machine without thoughts or feelings.
She had her own dreams to chase.
Hearing those words, young Aurora suddenly remembered what her dream had been
Yes, how could she stop here?
That wasn’t who she was.
Arnold was right—she had won all those awards, but was it really just to please Grace?
She had her own goals and passions.
Wasn’t it about improving herself?
Back then, she had poured so much time and energy into learning.
And now, all of it had become nothing more than a tool to win someone’s favor?
She found herself laughing bitterly–how foolish she had been.
What had she even believed about the world?
Was she really that naïve?
“Thank you, Mr. Arnold. I know what I need to do now. You’re right. We only get one life—we should live it for ourselves, not spend it trying to please others.”
Watching her younger self come to that realization, the older Aurora, though merely an observer, finally breathed a sigh of
relief.
Even though she already knew how things would unfold, witnessing herself find the strength to stand back up still gave her a sense of pride.
If nothing else, it was a process of healing and a quiet kind of satisfaction.
The others were genuinely happy for young Aurora as well.
Though she was born into wealth, life hadn’t been easy for her, not with the way Grace and Tessa treated her.
Sure, she had everything she was supposed to have on the surface.
But the extra care and warmth were completely absent.
Thinking of that, the staff often felt sorry for her.
But more than that, they believed she was still fortunate in a way.
At the very least, she had them–the people in this house who cared about her.
And if nothing else, Arnold clearly stood on her side.
She wasn’t completely alone.
Besides, William had adored her deeply.
Those were probably the happiest days of her life, and the staff had all seen it with their own eyes.
William truly cherished his second daughter.
Unfortunately, fate was cruel. A car accident took his life too soon!
Even now, thinking about it filled them with sorrow.
But there was nothing anyone could have done.
And so, Aurora was left behind.
Because of Tessa, she had always been overlooked in this house.
After offering those words of guidance, Arnold couldn’t help but feel a wave of emotion.
He gently asked, “Miss Aurora, shall we still head to the competition?”
“Yes. It’s my competition, and even if it’s the last minute, I want to try and make it in.”
“Wonderful!”
This version of Aurora–determined and clear–eyed-
In her, he could even see the spirit of William.
–
-was someone Arnold deeply admired.
The thought stirred something in him, but in the end, he said nothing.
“Alright then, once the car arrives, I’ll take you there myself.”
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