Aurora’s Story 1
Aurora, Mr. Hawthorne has approved your resignation, but he didn’t realize it was you leaving. Should I remind him?”
Hearing the news over the phone, Aurora Lancaster slowly lowered her gaze. “No need. Let it be.”
“But you’ve been Mr. Hawthorne’s secretary for four years. He’s always been very satisfied with you, and he can’t do without you. Are you really sure about this resignation?”
HR pleaded earnestly, but Aurora chuckled.
“In this world, no one is indispensable. My parents aren’t well. I need to go back home, see family, maybe even get married. Since he has approved it, I’ll just go through the handover process and leave in a month. Thanks.”
After hanging up, Aurora continued to clean out her belongings.
She’d lived in this villa for three years. She didn’t have much, but neither did she have little. She threw away everything except the essentials.
Seeing the gradually emptying room, she felt a moment of dizziness, a flood of memories surging back.
Eight years ago, Aurora, an ordinary girl from a small town, entered Harvard University and became best friends with Lydia Hawthorne, the heiress of a prominent Arlington, VA family.
These two girls from vastly different backgrounds were exceptionally close.
They spent every day together
–
attending classes, eating, shopping.
Gradually, Aurora was drawn into Lydia’s circle, meeting her family, and falling in love with her brother, Sebastian Hawthorne.
But she buried her feelings deep, telling no one.
After graduation, Lydia went abroad to study.
Aurora stayed in Washington, D.C., applying for jobs and becoming Sebastian’s secretary, just to be able to see him often.
Then came an accident. Sebastian was drugged.
Aurora was about to call the hospital when he, beyond his control, pinned her against the wall, showering her with kisses.
After a night of passion, she woke up to see him sitting by the window, his sharp features hidden in swirling smoke, composed yet lonely.
Hearing her movement, he turned around, asking only one question.
“Do you like me?”
Aurora instinctively wanted to deny it, but he continued calmly.
You blush every time you see me, you remember all my preferences and dislikes, and you came to work as my secretary right after graduation…”
‘Don’t tell me these are all coincidences.”
J
Every word he spoke made her face burn crimson, whether from shame or guilt.
In the ensuing silence, he suddenly handed her a card.
“What happened last night was a mistake. My heart belongs to someone else, and I can’t return your feelings, nor can I take responsibility for you. Lydia mentioned your family background is modest, so the money on this card should be enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life. Let’s just forget this ever happened.”
Aurora was stunned. She then remembered that he had been calling a name all night.
Isabelle Monroe.
According to Lydia, Isabelle was Sebastian’s unforgettable first love.
He loved her so much that even after their breakup and her numerous rumored boyfriends abroad, he insisted on waiting for her return.
Aurora remembered Lydia’s sarcastic comment:
“The Hawthorne Family are notoriously cold and heartless. How did they produce a hopeless romantic like my brother? He’s waited for years, saying everyone else is just a compromise. He refuses to compromise.”
She felt the same way. Remembering this, she suddenly found the courage to stop Sebastian, who was about to leave.
I don’t want the money, I just want you to give me a chance. Mr. Hawthorne, please be with me. If she doesn’t come back, or…if she comes back, but you still haven’t gotten over her, I will leave on that day.”
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< Aurora’s Story 1
Facing her eyes filled with love, Sebastian paused for a few seconds, then simply said, “As you wish,” and left.
From then on, Aurora was his secretary by day and his bed partner by night.
They left countless indiscreet traces in the office, his Maybach, and the villa’s floor–to–ceiling windows.
Four years passed, no one knew about their relationship, and she willingly accepted it.
Until his birthday a few days ago. Aurora prepared many surprises for him, wanting to celebrate.
But at midnight, instead of him, she received an Instagram post.
The best birthday gift is getting what you lost back.”
Sebastian, who never posted on Instagram, uploaded a picture of him kissing Isabelle under a fireworks display.
Seeing this photo, the color drained from Aurora’s face, her heart constricting.
She clung to a glimmer of hope and called him.
Isabelle answered.
After After several “hellos” without a response, she started calling for Sebastian.
“Sebastian, who is this Aurora Lancaster? She’s calling, but not speaking.”
A moment later, his low, calm voice came through the speaker to Aurora’s ear.
“Someone insignificant. Don’t worry about it. Be good, go back to sleep.”
At that moment, Aurora knew it was time for her to leave.
She packed her things, preparing to leave, but bumped into Sebastian at the door.
Because they slept together every day, Aurora was staying at his villa, but now, she couldn’t stay anymore.
Seeing her carrying her bags, his gaze flickered, but he didn’t try to stop her.“Found a new place?”
Yeah, my old apartment. I’ve made arrangements with the landlord, renting for a month.”
Hearing this, Sebastian frowned slightly.“A month? Why?”
Aurora was about to explain, but he didn’t seem interested, and said gravely, “I’ll take you.”
She wanted to refuse, but Sebastian insisted. “It’s snowing heavily, and it’s late. If anything happens to you, Lydia will be upset.”
Aurora had no choice but to get in the car.
Once, they had countless indiscreet encounters in this car, but now she barely recognized it.
The car was filled with cute plush toys, the seat covers were Hello Kitty, and snacks were everywhere…
Aurora found it hard to imagine that someone as efficient and abstinent as him would decorate his car like this.
Noticing her gaze, Sebastian explained.
“Isabelle likes these.”
Aurora understood his implication. After a long silence, she softly replied.
“You finally got her back, Mr. Hawthorne. I’m very happy for you.”
Sebastian didn’t expect her to say this, his eyes darkened, and he said nothing more.
Halfway there, Isabelle called, saying she wanted to build a snowman with him.
He pulled over, intending to go there immediately, but hesitated, looking at the person beside him.
Aurora knew what he was worried about, and opened the car door.
“Mr. Hawthorne, I’ll take a taxi back.”
Sebastian hummed in response, getting out to help her carry her things.
Her hand slipped, and the box fell to the ground. He bent down, and through the streetlight, saw the scattered contents, his body stiffening for a
moment.
