?Chapter 1092:


    “Aurora, enough,” Dunn interjected. “I have things that require my attention. We’ll continue this conversationter.”


    Before she could respond, the line went dead.


    Tears cascaded down Aurora’s cheeks. His reaction shattered her expectations.


    Throughout their entire rtionship, Dunn had never exhibited such coldness.


    Perhaps Rickey’s assessment of his indifference held some truth.


    She canceled her flight arrangements, yet the decision brought nofort.


    Two days crawled by without Rickey showing signs of consciousness. Emma visited him once and discovered Aurora growing visibly more haggard with each passing hour.


    “Are you okay?” Emma inquired, surprising herself by showing concern. They’d barely exchanged words before.


    “I’m fine,” Aurora replied, though her concern shifted toward Emma. “You must be anxious about his condition. I apologize. I failed to protect him properly.”


    “That burden doesn’t fall on your shoulders,” Emma responded, gently squeezing Aurora’s hand. “Your efforts exceed all expectations. Rickey behaves selfishly, exploiting your generosity.”


    “What makes you say so?”


    Emma’s expression darkened considerably. She lowered her gaze to her hands, inhaled deeply, and spoke with remarkableposure.


    “The reality of my rtionship with Rickey is not what you think.”


    Aurora stared at her with utter disbelief.


    “You know what? Rickey ims to like you, yet he’s been using me as a stand-in for you. He’s intimate with me, then pays me off to keep me quiet.”


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    Emma spoke in a calm tone, yet her words conveyed deep disappointment toward Rickey.


    “I took the money because I needed it, but I also have feelings. I felt sympathy for him and even thought, if it made him happy, I’d ept being nothing more than an outlet for his desires for the rest of my life.”


    Aurora was speechless, shocked by Emma’s revtion. Her heart felt heavy. Was this the reality of adulthood?


    She realized she had no ce meddling in Rickey’s personal affairs, nor in judging Emma’s choices.


    “I think he has genuine feelings for you too,” Aurora tried to reassure her. “Rickey and I are merely friends. You might still have a chance.”


    Emma shook her head. “No. After meeting you, I’ve lost all hope. Aurora, I didn’t understand why he was drawn to you before, but now I see it. You’re beautiful and kind. Your decision to not be with Rickey was wise.”


    Aurora couldn’t grasp what Emma was implying.


    Emma held her hand tightly, her words deliberate and sincere as she said, “Rickey isn’t worthy of you. He’s been hiding behind his supposed love for you while causing you pain all along.”


    Aurora felt puzzled by Emma’s statement. She didn’t fully understand, but she could tell Emma was hinting at something.


    Back in Rickey’s ward, silence pervaded, with only the beeping machines breaking it.


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