?Chapter 1109:


    It was a drawing of a girl fishing by theke’s edge, her silhouette graceful against the shimmering water. From the distinctive color of her dress, Molly instantly recognized Aurora. Lucas had been stealing nces in her sister’s direction the entire afternoon.


    “You’re secretly drawing my sister?”


    She didn’t think much of it—just another amusing discovery. Lucas, however, turned crimson, the blush spreading from his neck to his hairline. “Stop talking nonsense!”


    “Then let me see!”


    “No!”


    “You’re so stingy!”


    She wandered a few meters away, her footsteps deliberately slow, waiting for the familiar sound of Lucas chasing after her. But only silence followed.


    When she turned back, she saw him carefully tidying up the painting. Aurora emerged from theke, and Lucas hastened to offer his assistance.


    That moment, silhouetted against the crimson sunset, seared into Molly’s vision.


    For the first time, a flicker of resentment toward Aurora kindled within her heart.


    She felt as though Aurora had unwittingly imed her most treasured friendship.


    The following summer, Lucas visited again.


    Brimming with enthusiasm, Molly presented her sketchpad. “Look! I started learning how to draw too. My teacher says I have real talent.”


    Lucas absently…


    He tousled her hair before resuming his engrossing conversation with Aurora about medical school.


    Every tale finds a home at g?lnσν???s


    Molly retreated to her room. She shredded the drawings she hadboriously created and copsed to the floor, her arms wrapped tightly around herself, tears flowing without restraint.


    It wasn’t that Aurora deliberately lured her best friend away.


    It was that her best friend’s gaze never truly fell on anyone but Aurora. It wasn’t Aurora’s fault. This truth resonated within her. It always had.


    But even so, she still wanted to be Lucas’ best friend forever.


    As they matured, Lucas’ visits became increasingly rare.


    That was eptable. Molly resolved—if he wouldn’t journey to her, she would venture to him.


    For the first time in her sheltered existence, she embarked on a solitary international voyage. Her entire family gathered at the airport to bid her farewell.


    “It’s okay, don’t worry. Rafael and Allie will take care of me over there!” she remarked with feigned nonchnce.


    Adrian tousled her hair. “Don’t cause trouble for them.”


    “Lucas is busy with his studies. Don’t bother him too much,” Joelle reminded her with maternal concern.


    Aurora and Dunn had discreetly slipped her additional spending money. “If anything happens, call us. We’lle to get you right away.”


    Rnd, maintaining his customary frown, grumbled, “Hey, don’t get lost when you get there.”


    Molly acknowledged them all with gratitude before waving goodbye.


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