Dunn released his grip on his own hands and gently took hold of Auroraâs, wiping away her tears in an attempt to offer some comfort amidst her heartbreak.
âIâm sorry,â he murmured.
If only he had been stronger, he thought. Perhaps he could have saved both Ryland and Aurora from this tragic fate.
The fire had erupted so suddenly that, in the blink of an eye, the two adults who had been watching over them collapsed, unconscious, and Ryland had vanished without a trace. Dunn and Aurora had searched desperately, but as the flames grew more intense and Aurora fainted, he had no choice but to carry her to safety.
âDunn, I wonât blame you,â Aurora whispered, her voice breaking.
With those words, Aurora broke down completely, her sobs growing louder as she gasped for breath between each tearful cry.
Together, they reminisced about the days spent with Ryland, recalling the laughter and carefree moments they had once shared. Their hands remained tightly intertwined as they stared down the hallway, their eyes filled with helplessness.
âAurora, Iâm truly sorry; it was our negligence that caused this tragedy,â Dunn said, repeating the words his father had said to Adrian.
Aurora couldnât fully understand why Dunn felt the need to apologize; all she knew was that his sorrow mirrored her own.
âDunn, itâs all right. You saved my life, and thatâs something Iâll carry with me forever.â
Dunn broke down in tears, leaving Aurora utterly stunned. She had never seen him cry before, and the sight shook her to her core.
Seeing his tears stirred something deep within her, making her want to cry even harder. âDunnâ¦â
The door beside them creaked open once more, and this time, it was Shawn who stepped out.
âUncle,â Aurora called out.
Shawn lifted Aurora into his arms. âAurora, letâs go see your mom.â
âBut Dunnâ¦â She looked back at him, watching as Dunn stood there, his gaze filled with helplessness, while Shawn carried her farther and farther away, leaving him behind.
âAurora,â Shawnâs voice resonated gently in her ear. âFor now, donât bring up Dunn. Itâll only remind your mom of Ryland, and that pain will overwhelm her.â
After a long, heavy silence, Aurora whispered, âOkay.â Dunn remained frozen in place, too overwhelmed by emotion to move. Moments later, the Finch family emerged.
âDad, how did it go?â
Gracie gathered him into her arms, her voice shaking as she struggled to suppress her tears. âLetâs go home.â
Dunn turned to Fred, his voice filled with uncertainty. âDad, does Auroraâs father not want to forgive us?â
âDonât worry about grown-up issues,â Mila said, giving his head a reassuring pat.
.
.
.
Message from Noa: Have a nice evening, new chapter at Saturday. God loves you and Noa wishes you the best. (=â¡=) /
.