?Chapter 1086:


    “Yes?”


    As he tied his apron, he offered her a weary smile. “I know you don’t see Rickey that way. But in the time you’ve been away, he hasn’t smiled. Not once. If you’re nning to talk things out with him, please try not to break his heart too badly. He’s my only son.”


    One second. Two seconds. Aurora wanted to apologize, but then she saw it—the tremor in his voice, the way he swallowed back emotions too heavy to bear. Her heart softened.


    “I’ll try to be gentle.”


    Rickey’s father let out a long, weary sigh, as if he had been holding his breath for too long. He covered his face with one hand, his voice breaking.


    “Thank you.”


    Stepping outside, Aurora strolled along the path in front of Rickey’s house. She hadn’t gone far when she rounded a corner—and there she was. The same girl who’d been lurking around just days ago.


    The girl stiffened, caught off guard. A flicker of hesitation crossed her face before she turned sharply, ready to flee.


    Aurora’s instincts kicked in. This wasn’t just some random passerby. This girl knew Rickey—and not in a fleeting, casual way.


    “Hey, wait!” Aurora called out.


    But the girl only quickened her pace.


    “Wait up! Don’t you want to know how Rickey’s doing?”


    That did it. The girl faltered, then turned slowly. Her expression wavered between guilt and anxiety.


    “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get in your way.”


    Your escape begins at g?lnσν???s


    Aurora stepped closer, studying her. “What’s your name?”


    “Emma Moore.”


    “And you know Rickey?”


    Emma hesitated, words failing her. How could she possibly exin? That she wasn’t really a friend, just someone who filled a particr space in Rickey’s life? That whatever they had, it was never meant tost?


    And how could she possibly exin all that to Aurora—the sweet, kind-hearted, innocent girl before her?


    Aurora could see Emma was holding something back, but she chose not to pry. Instead, she softened her tone. “Do you want to see him?”


    Emma nodded, then immediately shook her head. “No. It’s not like that. He doesn’t want to see me…”


    Aurora tilted her head, curious. “Do you like Rickey?”


    Emma’s face flushed a deep crimson, betraying everything she hadn’t said aloud.


    So, that was what this was. Another girl tangled in the web of Rickey’s charm. Aurora offered a small, understanding smile. “He’s awake now. He got pretty banged up, but with some rest, he’ll be fine.”


    Emma blinked, surprised. She had braced herself for jealousy, for resentment—but all she found was kindness.


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