When Aurora awoke, she found herself confined to a dim cell, its darkness unrelieved by any window or light. Eamon had taken her captive, yet he had refrained from inflicting pain, instead ensuring she received sustenance through IV fluids and three daily meals, her primary constraint being the handcuffs encircling her wrists.Aurora huddled in the cell's shadows, losing track of time. She had no appetite, the thought of food repugnant until she could lay eyes on Heath once more.Upon his arrival for an interrogation, Eamon discovered Aurora lying on the cot, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. He settled into a chair and inquired, "Should I address you as Aurora or Olivia?"Aurora maintained her silent vigil, eyes still on the ceiling.With a sigh, Eamon pressed, "I've not resorted to torture. I harbor no desire to harm women. What I seek to understand is your unwavering loyalty to Heath. Why do you remain by his side?"Drawing her knees to her chest, Aurora met Eamon's gaze. "If I divulg
Heath paused at the door to the dimly lit room, a moment of hesitation before he pushed it open.The door swung open, and Heath and his entourage were stunned into silence.The room was starkly empty, the handcuffs on the corner wall pried open, leaving no trace of Aurora.But Heath was certain, just moments ago, he had clearly seen Aurora huddled in the corner of this very room!The only explanation was a breach in the surveillance room. The footage Heath had seen must have been from another day altogether.And Aurora? She might have left this place a long time ago."Boss..." Kieran, looking worriedly at Heath's complexion, spoke up. Despite his severe injuries that warranted bed rest, he had insisted on coming to find Aurora, who now was nowhere to be found.Heath, clenching his fists, demanded, "Who took her?"Lysander, momentarily taken aback, ventured, "Heath, you don’t suspect Eamon, do you?"Heath, his face a shade of stormy, turned back, colliding head-on with Eamon. Shaking o
Aurora was lost in a whirlwind of thoughts as Heath studied the girl before him. With her head bowed in silence, she bore none of the fearless demeanor she had within the stronghold.In the tense and quiet atmosphere, Heath's voice finally broke the silence. His slightly hoarse voice sounded unexpectedly pleasant in the night."I've just proposed. Are you planning to run away from our engagement?" he said.Aurora's foot, tracing circles on the ground, paused. She lifted her head, her gaze fixed on Heath in bewilderment, and blurted out, "What?"Heath looked into her eyes with utmost seriousness and said, "I'm merely injured, not crippled. I'll live a long life. Why run?"Kieran couldn't help but let out a snort of laughter, earning a glance from Heath. Kieran immediately silenced himself.Aurora still didn't understand. Her mind was in chaos. Wasn't Heath here to capture her? Then why bring so many people?Heath felt helpless. The girl standing foolishly before him made him wonder if
Aurora was taken aback, turning to face Heath. With his gaze locked on hers, he pronounced every word with deep sincerity, "I love you, more than you could possibly imagine."Kieran, sitting upfront, couldn't help but cough awkwardly. The CEO sure had a knack for charming ladies! Ever since he met Aurora, it had been a non-stop barrage of sweet nothings.Aurora's cheeks flushed with warmth. She leaned into Heath's lap, burying her head in silence. Heath gently stroked her hair, patiently untangling the knots with his fingers.Gradually, Aurora drifted into a peaceful slumber, a luxury she hadn't indulged in for ages. With all matters resolved and Heath by her side, she relaxed completely, sleeping soundly.Upon their return to the base, Heath insisted on carrying Aurora back to the medical room himself. Lysander was delighted to see Aurora returned safely and teased, "Carrying the beauty back in your arms?"Heath smiled wryly, "Carried the beauty, but reopened my wound."Lysander sigh
Lysander sighed deeply and said, "Aurora’s grandpa has passed away. Aurora came looking for you right after the funeral. After all the turmoil of these past days, we still don't know the state of affairs with the Pendletons! I've heard that the old man left all his shares to Maxwell, enough for them to oust Aurora!"Heath narrowed his eyes, his voice icy, "Who's ousting whom remains to be seen."Lysander frowned, "You're not fully healed. Rushing back now could be too much for your body."Kieran also advised, "Boss, it's better to recover fully before heading back. A few days won't make a difference."Heath nodded. Lysander gave him another look, "It's been two days. Don't you plan to meet Eamon?"Heath closed his eyes, replying, "We'll see."With a sigh, Lysander and Kieran left the hospital room.Heath leaned back on his hospital bed. It wasn't that he was unwilling to see Eamon, but he didn't know how to face him. On the matter of Aurora, their stances were too opposed. Even if Eam
Auroralay quietly in Heath's arms, eyes closed. For the first time since her rebirth, she poured out her heart completely. From now on, she wouldn't have to live in fear, nor tiptoe around Heath, worried he might discover her secret at any moment.He had wholly accepted her, understanding every facet of her life.Aurora had thought that unraveling the mystery of her rebirth would be a tangled mess of emotions, shocking and frightening Heath. Yet, when she spoke of her rebirth, his reaction was as mild as if she were commenting on the day's catch being particularly tasty.Heath held her, his heart aching with nothing but compassion for her.His girl had traversed mountains and rivers, bridging the gap between two souls to be with him. What more could he ask for?In the quiet of the hospital room, Heath suddenly asked, cradling Aurora, "So, you really do have feelings for Dom
Aurora sat there, honest and upright, when Lysander suddenly asked, "Aurora, did you know Heath hasn't talked to Eamon for three days now?"Aurora blinked, looking down, and said, "I didn't know."Lysander sighed, "Eamon was indeed reckless this time, but Heath saved his life. The two of them are real brothers-in-arms, with an extraordinary bond. I hope you won't hold a grudge against him."Aurora nodded without speaking, and Lysander knew continuing would only make her more upset, especially since she had risked her life for Heath while Eamon had been contemplating how to execute her.Lysander left the infirmary. Aurora looked out the window at the clear, cloudless weather and decided it was a good day for a walk.Wanting to change her clothes, she only had the tank top and long pants she'd taken off, which had been washed and returned to her. After changing, Aurora put on an overcoat from the base and stepped out in short boots.She hadn't enjoyed the sun properly for many days. Wan
Heath looked at Aurora, a bit peeved but still with a fond gaze, and asked, "What brings you to the shooting range?"Aurora's big eyes darted around as she replied, "It's such nice weather, just out for a walk..."Heath, somewhat helpless, stared at her. "A walk from the clinic that somehow ended up at the shooting range?"Aurora squinted her eyes, smiling, her eyes curving like crescents, almost resembling a cat that got its fish treat. She tugged at Heath's sleeve, saying, "Nope! I came to find Eamon!"Heath paused, asking, "For what?"Eamon, equally baffled, watched as Aurora chuckled and said, "To tell him we're leaving, so he's gotta treat us to a meal! Right, Eamon?"Eamon awkwardly looked at Heath, nodding, "Yeah, it's been a while since we all ate together. How about we grab a meal today?"Heath looked at Aurora, who was trying to charm him, swinging his sleeve back and forth, nearly throwing herself into his arms.With a resigned look, Heath pinched the bridge of his nose and