chapter1743

When Aurora got back to the Bay Residence, Elijah Cullen was already fast asleep.

Dorothy tiptoed out of the bedroom, pressing a finger to her lips. "Abby, why don't you just spend the night here? Elijah's had a long day-he's absolutely wiped out. If you try to carry him home now, he might catch a cold or something."

Aurora considered it for a second, then nodded. "Alright, if you're sure. Sorry to crash at your place again, Mom."

She'd barely finished her sentence when Everett, who'd been reading on the couch, looked up from his book and shot them a glance.

"Abby, come here a sec."

"Coming, Dad." Aurora walked over and plopped down beside him. "What's up?"

Everett closed his book and looked at his daughter. "Your brother and Felicity finally set the date."

"I know! He texted me earlier. I bet he's over the moon-he's been waiting forever for Felicity to say yes."

Aurora had watched her brother's long road to happiness, and she knew it hadn't been easy.

Everett nodded, then raised an eyebrow. "And what about you?"

She blinked. "Me?"

"Yes. What's your plan when it comes to...well, relationships?"

Normally, Everett wouldn't pry-he always wanted his daughter to just be happy. But after Craig Cullen's mother passed away, and with Craig now having only his son left in the world...well, Everett's heart softened, just a little.

After all, Craig had once been family-had once called him 'Dad.'

Everett still resented that Craig had hurt his daughter, but he couldn't deny the man had loved Abby, truly.

Caught off guard, Aurora stared at her hands for a moment before answering, “Dad, honestly, my head's just in my work right now. I haven't thought about anyone else and l don't really want to." s

After loving so deeply and being so hurt, love just seemed too risky. Even after all

these years since the divorce, Aurora couldn't shake those scars.

"When you were with Craig, dealing with his mom's passing...did he say anything to you?"

"He did." She scooted closer, letting her chin rest on Everett's shoulder as she sighed. "But...Dad, I just don't

have the confidence I used to don't

think can change Craig, not

anymore."

s

Once, Aurora believed none of their differences mattered. With enough love, she'd

thought they could work through anything and live happily ever after.

She'd been so sure even when Craig wanted to break up, when he started

avoiding her, Aurora had chased after him without a second thought.

But married life had been one harsh reality check after another, every incident just

a reminder of how naive she'd been.

And Craig he never got past his own insecurities. Even today, at the hospital he'd overreacted just- because she wanted to walk Quentin out it was clear-he still felt ke he wasn't enough. s

He could have just said he didn't want her to go. Instead, he always found a way to hurt himself.

"Setting all that aside," Everett said gently, “just tell me honestly-do you still have feelings for him?"

That was what mattered most to Everett.

Aurora thought for a moment, then gave a soft, lopsided smile. "Of course I do. I mean...he's the only man I've ever loved."

Everett's face relaxed. “That's all I needed to hear. Abby, whatever you decide, I'm behind you all the way. Always."

She grinned up at him, eyes crinkling. "Thanks, Dad. You're the best."