The Distance Between Me and My Uncle

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I was the adopted daughter of the Ford family, New York's most prominent household.

No one knew that every night, I would spend the hours entangled with my uncle, Mark Ford.

We had been in a secret relationship for three years, hidden from the world.

In the attic, in his car, in his bedroom or mine. We did countless secret and wild things.

"Mark, I..."

The man, usually so cold and reserved, suddenly grabbed my waist, thrusting forcefully, and my words were shattered.

Sweat dripped from his chiseled face onto my neck as I was sent soaring once more.

After we were thoroughly satisfied, Mark held me close, speaking lazily. "Grandpa arranged an engagement for me."

"She and I are just putting on a show for Grandpa. Be a good girl, don't get mad, okay?"

I froze.

He didn't know that in two weeks, my biological parents would be taking me abroad.

Aurora POV

I was the only daughter of the Ford family, New York's most prominent household.

But no one knew that every night, I would spend the hours entangled with my uncle, Mark Ford.

We had been in a secret relationship for three years, hidden from the world.

In the attic, in his car, in his bedroom or mine. We did countless secret and wild things.

"Mark, I..."

The man, usually so cold and reserved, suddenly grabbed my waist, thrusting forcefully, and my words were shattered.

Sweat dripped from his chiseled face onto my neck as I was sent soaring once more.

After we were thoroughly satisfied, Mark held me close, speaking lazily. "Grandpa arranged an engagement for me."

"She and I are just putting on a show for Grandpa. Be a good girl, don't get mad, okay?" His large hand casually stroked me, as if everything was under his control.

I was exhausted and didn't say anything.

Yesterday, I had excitedly run to Mark's study, wanting to tell him something important.

As I reached the study door, I heard voices from inside.

It was Mark talking with a few of his friends.

I considerately didn't interrupt. But I was so eager to tell him, I couldn't bring myself to leave, so I waited outside the door.

"Fiona Caldwell is coming back soon, Mark. How are you going to deal with Aurora?"

"Yeah, you and Fiona grew up together, and you've been waiting for her all these years. The alliance between the Ford and Caldwell families is crucial. If Aurora finds out, can she handle it?"

In that moment, I was completely stunned.

Who were they talking about? Me?

What alliance?

A rush of blood went to my head, and my ears buzzed.

Then another voice asked.

"Didn't you say she was just a plaything, and you'd get rid of her once Fiona came back?"

"You even stayed in New York for college instead of going abroad, all for Fiona!"

Mark's unhurried voice drifted out.

"Aurora is obedient, easy to placate. She won't cause trouble."

I heard it. He said my name. They were talking about me.

To me, the world might as well have ended.

I wasn't a true member of the Ford family. I had grown up in an orphanage.

At the orphanage, I was always small and frail, easily bullied.

One day, Mark's older brother, Richard Ford, visited the orphanage for a charity event. He saw me being bullied by other kids and felt sorry for me.

Richard and his wife, Eleanor, didn't have children. So, Richard discussed it with Eleanor, and they adopted me.

I was only eight years old that year.

My adopted parents hadn't expected that shortly after adopting me, they would receive a confidential research assignment that required them to be isolated for five years.

Though Grandpa Robert, the Ford family patriarch, didn't object to his son adopting a girl, he never quite warmed up to me, his non-blood-related granddaughter, and largely ignored me.

Seeing that I had no one watching over me, the staff didn't treat me well.

They took advantage of my young age and innocence.

When my adopted parents were home, they would pretend to be kind to me, but as soon as they left for their research, my treatment immediately declined.

Breakfast was often stale leftovers, and no one made sure I had warm clothes in winter.

Once, I developed a fever, and it took three days for anyone to notice.

That winter was particularly cold.

I was playing in the Ford family's yard when I accidentally fell into the artificial lake by the rockery.

The water was deep and bitingly cold. I struggled to swim but couldn't surface.

Just as I thought I was about to sink, Mark happened to come home.

The young man saw me in the water and jumped into the icy cold without hesitation, pulling me to shore.

Mark noticed that his non-blood-related niece was even thinner than when she first arrived.

Mark was furious.

The usually quiet heir punished the negligent staff and even fired the butler.

He told everyone that I was the only daughter of the Ford family, and anyone who dared to disrespect me was disrespecting him.

Aurora POV

From then on, he personally took care of my every need, meticulously.

He insisted on coming home every weekend to help me with homework, explain complex math problems, and gently pat my back to soothe me when I cried.

Even after high school, Mark, who was supposed to study abroad according to the Ford family's arrangements, stubbornly stayed, attending a local university.

I once asked Mark why he didn't go abroad.

Mark poked my nose and said, "I was afraid you'd be home alone and hide away crying again."

It's fair to say I was raised by Mark. I was the princess he held in the palm of his hand.

My walk-in closet was filled with designer brands' latest seasonal collections, limited-edition bags, and jewelry worth millions.

On my eighteenth birthday, Mark allowed me to drink alcohol.

Drunk, I clung to Mark and wouldn't let go.

After Mark carried me back to my bedroom, he picked up a stack of my sketches from my desk and looked at them.

My drunkenness instantly faded. I rushed over and snatched the drawings away. "Don't get the wrong idea, I just drew them for fun."

I thought Mark would despise me, after all, it was morally wrong.

But to my surprise, Mark pinned me between his arms, a slight smirk on his lips, and looked at me gently. "You like me that much?"

In my panic, I forgot to answer, just staring blankly at him, my innocent eyes blinking.

Moments later, a flood of kisses descended upon me.

And then we were together.

Mark had been my uncle for eleven years, and finally, on my eighteenth birthday, he became my boyfriend.

But no one in the Ford family knew about it.

We often spent the nights together, returning to our own rooms before everyone else woke up in the morning.

This secret relationship lasted for three years.

During those three years, Mark's affection for me grew even stronger. Gifting jewelry and designer bags was just routine for him, and he also bought plenty of limited-edition sports cars, yachts, and villas.

No one in all of New York dared to look down on me anymore.

Mark said that once he inherited the family business and fully took over the company, he would help me become independent from the Ford family, change my name, and then publicly announce our relationship.

I believed him implicitly.

In my twenty-one years of life, Mark was everything to me.

The conversation in the study continued.

One friend scoffed, "Even the easiest woman to please can be stubborn when it comes to love. If she makes a fuss, it'll be a mess. Aurora has been in love with you for so many years, you'd better be careful."

Another asked, "You haven't actually fallen for her, have you? Everyone in New York knows how much you spoil your little niece."

My heart lurched violently, and I placed all my hope on Mark's next words.

However, my hope was quickly extinguished by him.

"How could I? Fiona wasn't here, and I was bored. Just messing around with a young girl."

I didn't hear anything else they said afterward; that one sentence filled my mind.

My body swayed, and I almost collapsed.

I had originally wanted to tell Mark that my biological parents had found me yesterday.

It was a family even more prominent than the Fords.

Once I returned to my biological parents, I would no longer be his niece.

His father wouldn't be able to look down on my background anymore.

We would have no more obstacles.

We could be together openly.

But I never expected that I was merely a distraction for him when the person he loved wasn't around.

Mark, you truly played me for a fool.

Now, it seemed there was no need to tell him this news.

After a moment to compose myself, I silently left the study.

Wiping my tears, I called my biological father.

"Dad, I'll come home to the Sterling family. I'm ready to leave immediately."

"That's wonderful, Aurora!" My dad was ecstatic. "I'll start your paperwork right away. A private jet will pick you up in two weeks!"

Aurora POV

The next day at noon, my adopted parents, Richard and Eleanor, surprisingly returned.

I was delighted because their research assignments were demanding, and I rarely got to see them.

Eleanor embraced me the moment she walked in, her voice soft and full of emotion. "Aurora, your biological parents met with us early this morning."

It turned out that after learning I was willing to go home yesterday, my biological parents had flown specifically to their research institute this morning to meet them.

Richard patted my shoulder. "Aurora, Dad checked it out. Your biological parents are wonderful people, and they've been searching for you all these years. It's a good thing you found them, and we're happy for you too."

He paused, a flicker of guilt in his eyes. "We were so busy with work all these years and didn't take proper care of you. We always felt we let you down. Now that you can return to them, we're relieved."

My tears welled up.

My adopted parents had given me the best they could within their means.

Regardless, I was grateful.

"No matter where I am, you'll always be my parents. You took me from the orphanage and gave me a home."

They both smiled.

Eleanor wiped my tears. "Good, good. Come back and visit often when you have time."

Richard asked, "When are you leaving?"

"In two weeks."

"Who's leaving?" Mark walked in, habitually running his hand through my hair.

My heart tightened. Why was he home so early today?

Eleanor was about to speak, but I quickly interjected, "Nothing, we were just talking about a movie. The main character leaves in two weeks."

My adopted parents looked surprised and exchanged glances.

They clearly didn't understand why I wasn't telling Mark.

But they didn't say anything more.

Mark had only asked casually and didn't think much of it. He quickly sat down and started talking about other things with Richard.

I went back to my room.

I called for the butler. "Please sell all my jewelry and bags."

The butler nodded and soon had people come to collect and itemize everything.

I stood in my empty walk-in closet, lost in thought, when a pair of arms suddenly wrapped around me from behind.

"What are you thinking about?"

I instinctively pulled away, stepping back two paces. "You've been smoking again. It smells awful."

Mark didn't seem to care. He pulled a cigarette from his pocket, lit it nonchalantly, scanned the room, and his gaze finally settled on me.

"Why are you getting rid of all these things?"

I avoided his gaze. "I don't like them anymore."

Mark smirked. "Then buy new ones."

He exhaled a puff of smoke, his expression growing a little more serious.

"Fiona is coming over tonight. We're having dinner at home."

He reached out and lifted my chin, making me look him in the eye.

"Be a good girl, don't make a scene."

So, he had rushed home early today specifically to warn me.

The smoke made my eyes tear up, and I turned my head away, coughing violently.

Mark watched me silently, seemingly waiting for my response.

"Don't worry, I won't make a scene." I said, still coughing.

A faint smile finally appeared on Mark's face. He put out his cigarette, ruffled my hair, and then went to pour me a glass of water.

"Drink slowly. You cough like this from a little smoke. You'll have to get used to it."

Get used to it?

I took the glass but didn't reply.

There wouldn't be a "later."

Before dinner, Fiona arrived.

She lived up to her name. Tall, strikingly beautiful, clearly a socialite.

Fiona and my adopted parents obviously knew each other. After a few pleasantries, she locked her gaze on me, smiling sweetly. "This must be Aurora, right?"

I wasn't in the mood and gave a few perfunctory responses.

Mark came forward, saying softly with a smile, "Fiona, this is Aurora, my niece."

Ever since Mark and I got together, he never liked me calling him uncle, nor did he ever refer to me as his niece.

I hadn't expected him to change so quickly when faced with Fiona.

I pulled a faint smile.

Fiona, however, playfully pushed Mark, frowning. "You've been smoking again? It smells bad. You should quit."

Mark nodded. "Okay, I'll quit."

With that, he tossed the half-empty pack of cigarettes from his pocket into the trash can.

My hand, holding the water glass, froze.

Everything became clear with a comparison.

I had countless times asked Mark to quit smoking.

Because I thought smoking was bad for his lungs, and because I truly couldn't stand the smell of smoke.

But each time, Mark would look at me like I was an ignorant child, gently ruffling my hair, as if he was tolerating my immaturity.

Then he would still smoke, telling me to get used to it.

Yet, a casual remark from Fiona, and he smiled, threw away the cigarettes, and quit.

The result of the comparison was so stark, I had to admit it, however unwillingly.

Aurora POV

At dinner, I looked at the table full of seafood and immediately understood.

Mark had specifically instructed the kitchen to prepare it for Fiona.

Fiona loved seafood.

Mark remembered Fiona's preferences, her eating habits, and even arranged everything in advance.

His thoughtfulness, it turned out, was never exclusively for me.

I had misunderstood him for so many years.

Fortunately, today I finally understood completely. I wouldn't misunderstand him again.

At the dinner table, Fiona was poised and articulate, chatting happily with my adopted parents.

Mark sat beside Fiona, occasionally serving her food, his demeanor natural and intimate.

I quietly ate my dinner, barely speaking throughout the meal.

After dinner, Fiona stayed for a little while longer before getting up to leave.

Mark picked up his car keys. "I'll drive you."

Before leaving, Fiona added my contact details, smiling. "I'll be coming over often from now on. Let's keep in touch."

I nodded distractedly.

After seeing them off, I returned to my room.

My hand involuntarily clicked on Fiona's Ins profile.

Her earliest posts dated back to college.

It turned out they had been together during their university years.

Back then, they were inseparable, attending classes, going to the library, and traveling together every day.

Their classmates called them the happiest couple.

The Mark in the photos was a few years younger than he was now, but the smile in his eyes was more vibrant and alive than I had ever seen.

For Fiona's birthday, Mark rented an entire yacht and filled every corner with flowers.

The caption read:

The most romantic proposal rehearsal in the world. Someone said this was just a rehearsal, the real one would come later.

I thought of the gifts I received on my birthdays.

They were valuable, but they were always just bought and handed to me directly.

He had never done anything so elaborate and romantic for me.

On Valentine's Day, Mark said he had a business trip and couldn't be with me.

It turned out he had taken Fiona to Iceland to see the aurora borealis.

Mark had waited for several days with her until the most spectacular aurora appeared.

The caption read:

He said he would show me the most beautiful light in the world, and he did.

On Fiona's graduation day, Mark held a large bouquet of flowers and embraced her.

All the comments below were well wishes, calling them a couple blessed by God.

Mark had also come to my university graduation ceremony.

But he sat in the parents' section, his identity as my uncle.

After graduation, Fiona returned to her family's company to work.

Later, the Caldwell family expanded into overseas markets, and Fiona had to go abroad to manage their overseas expansion.

Mark couldn't convince her to stay, and they had a big argument, eventually breaking up.

And the time they broke up was right before my eighteenth birthday.

So, I really was just Mark's replacement.

I felt a coldness on my face; tears had streamed down at some point.

I was about to close Fiona's Ins when one post caught my eye.

It was last Christmas. Fiona had posted a limited-edition handbag.

The caption read:

Considering someone flew halfway across the world to bring it, I'll reluctantly accept it.

I recognized that bag.

It was a global limited edition, only one piece.

I had also wanted it at the time, and Mark had flown to France overnight to get it for me.

That bag had been sitting in my walk-in closet, and I had just had the butler take it to be sold this afternoon.

How could a globally limited-edition bag appear on Fiona's Ins?

A knock sounded at the door.

The butler came in to report, "Miss, all the jewelry and bags you asked me to handle this afternoon have been taken care of, but..."

The butler paused, saying cautiously, "One of the bags was identified as a replica."

My heart jolted. "Which one?"

My voice trembled slightly.

The butler handed over the replica bag.

I didn't take it.

I turned my head, averting my gaze. "Since it's fake, just throw it away."

The butler quietly exited.

The room fell silent again.

The single, globally limited-edition authentic bag, Mark had given to Fiona.

The one he gave me was fake.

For so many years, I had lived under Mark's protection, in a fairy tale.

Now that the truth was revealed, I found how rotten the inside of this happy facade was.

Mark had certainly been good to me, but today I finally understood that his kindness came with a condition.

That was, it had to be in situations that didn't conflict with Fiona.

My place and Fiona's place in Mark's heart had always been clear.

That night, Mark didn't come home.

This was the first time he had spent a night away without a reason since we'd been together.

In the past, no matter how busy he was or how late his business engagements ran, as long as he wasn't on a business trip, he would always come back to me.

He used to say, "Aurora is afraid of the dark, afraid of being alone. You'll be scared if I'm not home."

But with Fiona back, he had forgotten all of it.

I turned off the lights, lying in the dark with my eyes open, not sleeping all night.

The next day was the anniversary of Richard adopting me, which we designated as my birthday.

From the age of eight, every year on my birthday, Mark would personally organize it.

He'd prepare gifts in advance, invite many guests, and throw a grand celebration.

But this year, Mark forgot.

Aurora POV

Without Mark's planning, my birthday this year was much quieter.

I only invited a few close friends.

However, Richard and Eleanor specifically stayed home to celebrate with me this time.

To avoid any discussion about my background, my biological parents, Arthur and Sophia, and my brother, Leo, purposely didn't show up, only calling early in the morning and sending numerous gifts.

A good friend asked as soon as she walked in, "Where's your uncle?"

I said, "He's busy."

My friend added, "He never missed your birthday before."

I smiled and didn't answer.

I had seen on Fiona's Ins that Mark was out shopping with her.

In the past, no matter how good Mark was to me, he would never go shopping with me.

When I asked him to go shopping, he would always ruffle my head and say that he'd have someone buy whatever I wanted because shopping was too tiring.

But now, Fiona wanted him to shop, and he did.

Although this year's birthday wasn't as extravagant as previous years, with the company and blessings of my dearest friends and family, I was still very happy.

Richard personally cut the first slice of cake.

My friends laughed and joked, teasing me playfully.

It turned out that my happiness wasn't contingent on Mark.

Mark returned very late that day.

Fiona had kept him company all day.

When he entered the house, the guests had already left, only a pile of unopened gifts remained in the living room.

He looked at the pile of gifts, puzzled, and asked the butler, "What's going on?"

The butler respectfully replied, "These are Miss Aurora's birthday gifts."

Mark froze.

Listening to their conversation, I turned and went back to my room.

Mark seemed annoyed and quickly went upstairs.

Without knocking, he walked straight into my room, only to find me busy, head down.

"What are you doing?"

Mark embraced me from behind. But I was hit by the unfamiliar scent of women's perfume on him. I pushed Mark, but couldn't get him off.

Mark looked down and saw I was packing things.

Those sketches of him, our secretly taken photos, my romance diary, and the small wooden carving Mark had made for me.

All were being packed into a box.

Mark panicked, hugging me tighter, and gently coaxed, "Are you mad? Are you taking it out on these things?"

My tone was perfectly normal. "I'm just putting them away. Ms. Caldwell often comes over. What if she sees them and gets the wrong idea?"

Mark, convinced I was just jealous of Fiona, relaxed.

His hand restlessly explored under my clothes. "It was my fault for missing your birthday. I'll make up for the gift next time. Don't take it out on these things. What kind of gift do you want?"

I didn't want to waste any more words on the subject. "Anything is fine."

Mark lowered his head, trying to kiss me.

I turned my head away, reminding him, "My parents are home. Be careful not to get caught. You should go back to your room."

Mark had no choice but to give up.

Before leaving, he still seemed worried and picked up the box of packed drawings and carvings. "It's safer if I keep these."

I watched his retreating back, gently clenching my hand.

It was fine if he took that box. I didn't need it anymore anyway.

The next morning, my adopted parents rushed back to the research institute.

In the afternoon, the butler informed me that Grandpa Robert was formally hosting the Caldwell family for dinner, and all Ford family members who could attend must be present.

I had never been close to Grandpa and never actively went to the old mansion to bother him.

But this time, I had to go, whether I wanted to or not.

In the evening, I arrived at the old mansion.

Fiona and her parents were there, and Mark was also present.

I found a corner seat and sat down by myself.

Grandpa Robert sat at the head of the table, chatting with Fiona's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell.

"Mark and Fiona grew up together. I've been looking forward to their marriage for many years. When our two families unite, God will bless them."

Mr. Caldwell nodded repeatedly. "You're right, these two children are a perfect match. Our Caldwell family feels the same way."

Mark unconsciously glanced at me.

I was focused on eating fruit, not even lifting my head.

As they spoke, Grandpa ordered someone to bring a delicate wooden box.

The box opened, revealing a beautiful antique bracelet inside.

I recognized that bracelet.

Only the wife of the heir was permitted to wear it.

My adopted father, Richard, was dedicated to scientific research and didn't manage the family business, so my adopted mother, Eleanor, was never eligible to wear the bracelet.

Once, I had even playfully asked Mark when I would be able to wear that bracelet.

Mark had only ruffled my head and said, "You're being naughty again."

It turned out he had never intended for me to wear that bracelet.

Grandpa Robert smiled and called Fiona over, handing her the bracelet. "Fiona, from now on, you'll be part of our family. Wear this bracelet."

Mr. Caldwell quickly said, "You're too kind. It's Fiona's good fortune to marry into the Ford family."

Fiona happily accepted the bracelet and put it on. Then she turned and walked over to me, intimately taking my hand.

"I'm only a few years older than Aurora. I'll need your guidance in the future."

Her words were beautiful, her expression flawless.

But her sharply manicured nails, hidden from others' view, dug cruelly into my hand.

Aurora POV

Blood immediately rushed to the surface.

The pain was so intense that I instinctively shook off her hand.

Fiona swayed backward, and the bracelet on her wrist hit the marble floor with a heavy clatter, shattering into several pieces.

Silence fell across the room.

Mark rushed to help Fiona up, his worry clearly visible. "Are you okay?"

He glared at me. "Aurora!"

I instinctively blurted out, "It wasn't me, it was her."

"It's not Aurora's fault, I was just clumsy myself," Fiona quickly interrupted me. "It's just a shame about the bracelet."

Her eyes reddened as she apologized to Grandpa, appearing self-reproachful and wronged.

Grandpa Robert angrily slammed his hand on the table. "Aurora was rude and made you suffer. How could it be your fault?"

Mark looked at me, his face filled with disappointment.

I opened my mouth, wanting to explain something, but facing the room full of accusing gazes, the words got stuck in my throat.

No one saw the wound on my hand.

Even though the injury was so obvious, blood dripping onto the floor.

I was taken to the yard to be punished.

It was the deep winter season, with temperatures dropping to below zero.

My knees had suffered from the cold when I fell into the water as a child, making them sensitive to cold ever since.

Kneeling on the icy, hard flagstones, the pain was excruciating.

The coldness spread upwards from my knees, quickly permeating my entire body.

I clenched my teeth, refusing to collapse.

Beyond the wall, the old mansion was brightly lit and warm.

Through the glass, I could see the scene inside.

Mark was attentively serving Fiona food and pouring wine for her parents.

Grandpa Robert looked kindly, Fiona looked bashful; they all seemed happy.

Only I was kneeling in the snow.

Throughout the entire night, Mark didn't cast a single glance in my direction.

Actually, Grandpa had never liked me, ever since I was a child. He thought I was of unknown origin, from a humble background, and would bring shame to the Ford family.

When I was nine, I came to the old mansion to play and accidentally broke one of his antique vases.

He also wanted to punish me by making me kneel.

At that time, Mark pleaded for me. When his pleas failed, the young man simply took the punishment for me instead.

Sixteen-year-old Mark knelt in the yard, his knees bruised and purple, but he turned back and smiled at me, who was secretly crying behind the door.

He had clearly said then, Aurora, I'm here. I won't let you be punished.

I was cold and in pain.

Perhaps I wasn't a strong person. The pain stripped away my pride.

I even thought, Mark, just look at me. If you just look at me, if you save me, I'll forgive you.

But then, Fiona's laughter drifted from the window. Mark was leaning in, peeling shrimp for her.

He didn't see me, and I wasn't in his heart.

At this very moment, his eyes and heart were solely on Fiona.

For more than ten years, Mark's kindness to me had made him an indispensable part of my life.

Cutting him out would kill me.

But in this moment, I felt that the pain of cutting out Mark was far less than the pain in my knees, and even less than the pain in my heart.

The night grew deeper, and the temperature continued to drop.

My body began to shake uncontrollably, and my consciousness gradually blurred.

I don't remember when I passed out.

When I woke up again, I was lying in my own bed.

The butler said Mark had carried me back.

I nodded faintly, saying nothing.

What good was being carried back?

He didn't come when I was kneeling. He only remembered me when I collapsed.

The family doctor examined me and said my old knee injury had worsened, and I had new injuries too.

The doctor prescribed medication and advised me to rest well and stay warm.

During my recovery, Mark never returned once.

Lying in bed, I replayed the last three years' events over and over again.

Then, I had someone transfer all the sports cars, villas, and yachts Mark had given me back to his name.

I didn't want any of these things anymore.

That day, Mark's assistant suddenly arrived.

"Miss Aurora, Mr. Ford asked me to bring you to him."

I asked, "Where?"

The assistant said, "You'll know when you get there."

From his demeanor, it seemed if I didn't go, he would force me.

My knee hadn't fully healed, and walking still hurt.

But I knew Mark's temper. Not going would only cause more trouble.

Helpless, I followed them into the car.

The car drove to a private resort estate.

A server led me through a long corridor to the door of a private room.

Just as I was about to push the door open, I heard voices from inside.

"Mark really spoils Fiona. Fiona just said one thing, 'Your niece is still sick,' and he brought your niece over."

Mark took a sip of wine. "My niece is ignorant. She hurt Fiona last time, but Fiona doesn't blame her and even wants to bring her along to have fun."

Fiona smiled gracefully. "Aurora is still young. How could I blame her? Why isn't she here yet? Could it be that she resents me because of what happened last time?"