7
“No! Isabelle must go to the hospital first! I can’t let anything happen to her! Everything else is secondary!”
Sebastian’s frantic, desperate roar was the last thing Aurora heard before she slipped into unconsciousness.
Endless darkness enveloped her… Aurora felt like she’d had a long nightmare.
Upon waking, she saw Lydia Hawthorne, eyes red.
“Aurora, I just got back from overseas and heard about your accident. The doctors said you had a massive hemorrhage, almost didn’t make it! I was
terrified!”
Seeing her, Aurora’s bottled–up resentment welled up.
Her eyes reddened, and she couldn’t help but hug her.
“Don’t worry, I’m okay…”
The girls hugged for a long time. Lydia gave her water, then, remembering the doctor’s instructions, shifted to lighter topics.
How was your life in D.C. these past few years? Did my brother bully you? Didn’t you have a boyfriend? When can you introduce him to me? I’ll thoroughly vet him; if he’s bad for you, I won’t approve.”
Aurora’s expression froze.
“Mr. Hawthorne is professional. He didn’t bully me. My boyfriend… we broke up.”
Lydia didn’t expect it to end so soon. Fearing she was upset, she quickly consoled her.
“It’s okay; what’s done is done. Better luck next time! I know a lot of great guys, I’ll introduce you!”
Before she could finish, the ward door opened, and Sebastian walked in, his face grim,“Introduce who? No! None of those playboys you know are
suitable.”
Lydia instantly pouted at his immediate rejection.
“What playboys? Brother, don’t be ridiculous! They only dated two or three girlfriends. Do you think everyone is as devoted as you, hung up on Isabelle? Besides, when I introduce a boyfriend to my friend, why are you even interfering?”
Hearing this, Sebastian’s temper flared, his voice laced with anger.
“I said no, means no. You can’t force feelings. Don’t meddle.”
Yes, feelings can’t be forced. It was only after four years that Aurora finally understood this.
Aurora smiled silently, squeezed Lydia’s hand, and calmly looked at him.
“Lydia was just joking, Mr. Hawthorne. Is there something you need?”
Seeing her safe and sound, Sebastian slightly relaxed.
He instinctively wanted to say, “I came to see you,” but changed his words.
“Nothing. Lydia heard about your accident and came to the hospital straight from the airport. I’m here to take her home and check on you.”
“Okay, brother, I’ll go home tonight. You should leave now. Don’t assign Aurora any work after her severe injury.”
Lydia dismissed him.
Only the girls remained. Lydia started praising Sebastian again.
“He may seem harsh, but he’s good to you. The nurse said you were on the brink of death yesterday, he organized a city–wide blood drive to save you.”
9
