But Aurora couldn't finish her sentence, the thought of parting with Heath was unimaginable, let alone coping if that day ever came.Vespera, busy dabbing at her tears and touching up her smeared makeup, managed a messy yet composed look. After tidying herself up, she forced a smile at Aurora, "It's okay! It's over!"Aurora mirrored her smile, reassuring, "It will pass."With her eyes still red, Vespera nodded. Aurora first dropped Vespera off at her home before returning to the Pendleton residence to have dinner with her grandfather.During the meal, her grandfather inquired, "Sweetheart, how are things progressing with Heath?"Caught off guard, Aurora responded, "There's no progress."Frowning, Grandpa pressed, "He hasn't mentioned marriage? You've been staying with him for so long, and he hasn't talked about marrying you?"Aurora's cheeks flushed as she protested, "Grandpa! What are you saying? I'm just staying there temporarily; nothing has happened...""That's not acceptable!" he

Heath packed up his luggage, descended the stairs, and dug out a set of fishing gear, dragging Aurora along for a fishing adventure.Aurora was baffled again, "Where are we going fishing?""You'll see when we get there." Heath, carrying the fishing gear, led Aurora on a walk that lasted about twenty minutes, ending up beside a lake.Heath picked a spot to sit down, took out a fishing rod and bait, and looked at Aurora, "Do you know how to fish?""Of course!" Aurora responded immediately.How hard could fishing be? Just sit and wait for the fish to bite.Heath handed Aurora a fishing rod and suggested, "How about a little competition?"Aurora's interest was piqued instantly. She squatted next to Heath, mimicking his actions to fix the bait onto the hook.Taking a few steps back, Heath swung his arm, sending the hook flying far into the water, where the bobber steadied with a gentle sway. He then turned to watch Aurora cast her line.Aurora, attempting to emulate Heath, swung her rod, b

When Alaric emerged, he found Zane with a sour expression. Alaric shot him a look, "What's with the long face? It's just a girlfriend issue. I don't even have one, why are you the one fussing?"Zane retorted, "Since when does this kind of thing depend on who came first?"Having drunk quite a bit, Alaric decided not to dwell on it. He sat down and heartily indulged in the food before him. The hot pot meal stretched from dusk well into the night, past ten.Aurora, after hours in the car and more hours fishing with Heath, touched by a hint of alcohol, was now fighting off sleep.Alaric, Lysander, and the others, buoyed by their drinks, seemed to grow more energetic, showing no signs of wanting to sleep.Aurora, barely holding up, turned to Heath, "You guys keep talking, I'm off to sleep."Heath nodded. Aurora went upstairs to her own room, took a shower, and fell asleep.Not long after Aurora left, Heath put down his glass, no longer interested in drinking, and decided to head upstairs.

Evelyn had harbored thoughts about Heath, but upon learning that Elowen and Heath were childhood sweethearts, and that their families were even considering an engagement, she let the matter drop.Without Heath, there were still other eligible bachelors from the Fairbank family. As long as she stayed close to Elowen, wouldn't she have a chance to climb the Fairbanks ladder?Aurora, caught off guard by these words, paused and asked, "The Fairbank?"Evelyn laughed, "Yes, the Fairbank family from the capital. Surely, Aurora, you must know them? Mr. Heath Fairbank even attended Grandfather's birthday banquet. Weren't you quite attentive to him? It's just that, unexpectedly, Mr. Fairbank has his own beloved!"Aurora couldn't help but snort with laughter, "His beloved? Don't tell me it's Elowen?"Evelyn nodded, "Of course! Elowen will soon marry Mr. Heath Fairbank!"Evelyn was brimming with pride, flaunting like a peacock in full display, eager to let everyone know that Elowen was Heath's ch

The crowd erupted into cheers again as Chery smiled and gave a slight bow to the host in gratitude for the assist, then turned to stand before the microphone, facing the camera to deliver her acceptance speech."First and foremost, I am profoundly grateful to the judges for their recognition, and to my fans for their tolerance and love. I promise to continue striving for excellence, dedicating my best works to all of you. Most importantly, I must extend my deepest thanks to my boss, Miss Aurora!" Chery bowed slightly towards Aurora, who was seated below the stage, and said, "It was Aurora who believed in me to take the lead, strongly recommending me for the television series. It is also Aurora who has invested her efforts and resources to craft this masterpiece, Dual Facades, for me. Without Aurora, there would be no Chery standing on this path of acting today. This award holds great significance, but half of the credit should go to Aurora!"The applause was thunderous. Aurora, with t