chapter 8

"Mr. Jansen, this tendering process went so smoothly! It's all thanks to Horizon Group! Let us drink to that."

"Mr. Lynch, you're too kind."

Zane clinked glasses with his business partner out of courtesy. After he downed his drink, he tugged at his tie in irritation.

His gaze swept across his phone screen countless times.

It's already 3:30 p.m. By now, Aurora should have arrived in Lutharia.

Why hasn't she sent me a message to let me know she's safe?

Is she still mad at me?

Zane felt increasingly restless. Just then, the notification sound chimed—a WhatsApp message had arrived.

He picked up his phone excitedly, only to realize the message was from Isabelle.

"Zane, don't drink too much at the business dinner. Take care of yourself."

The smile that had just formed at the corner of his lips disappeared. For once, he wasn't in the mood to reply to Isabelle's message.

He stood up, excused himself to the bathroom, and walked down the hallway.

Just as he was about to call Aurora, a familiar face appeared in front of him.

"Zane, you're dining here too?"

Zane looked up, recognizing the woman as Wendy, the director of the hospital where Aurora worked. He politely nodded. "Director Harper."

Recalling what Aurora had told her the other day, Wendy beamed and said, "I haven't seen you in a while, congratulations on your marriage to Aurora!

"You two have been through so much together since childhood. It wasn't easy, but you finally made it."

Zane was about to respond with a polite smile when something suddenly felt off.

Married? He and Aurora hadn't even had their wedding yet!

A strange unease crept up in his heart. Forcing a smile, he answered, "Director Harper, you must be mistaken. Aurora and I aren't married yet."

Wendy looked surprised. "That can't be right! About half a month ago, Aurora told me she was married and wanted to resign ..."

As she spoke, realization dawned on her.

With an awkward chuckle, she said, "Oh, maybe I misunderstood. She must've meant she was preparing for your wedding in advance."

But her explanation didn't put Zane at ease. Instead, his uneasiness grew.

Half a month ago? I haven't even agreed to marry Aurora at that time!

Why did she say she was married? Who did she marry?

Why did she resign? Where is she going?

A barrage of questions flooded his mind, sending his heart plummeting straight into an abyss.

Panic seized him, and he quickly asked, "Director Harper, what exactly did Aurora tell—"

Before he could finish, someone emerged from a private dining room nearby.

"Director Harper, what took you so long in the restroom? Come on, everyone's waiting for you!"

The person spoke while pulling Wendy back toward the room.

Wendy could only give Zane an apologetic smile before turning away.

Zane's questions remained unanswered.

Standing frozen in place, he felt his panic deepen. He no longer had the patience for this business dinner.

Instead of returning to the private room, he strode out of the restaurant and told his assistant to drive him home.

He spent the entire ride calling Aurora nonstop.

"Sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavailable ..."

He made at least a dozen calls—and every single one went straight to voicemail.

Clenching his jaw, Zane sent her a string of messages.

"Aurora, have you not arrived in Lutharia yet? Why haven't you texted me?

"Are you still mad at me? I can explain everything that happened today.

"Please call me as soon as you read this. I'm really worried about you.

"Stop pulling my leg, okay? This is not funny. I am worried."

He kept refreshing the screen, but there was no reply from the other end.

When he arrived home, Zane rushed straight to Aurora's room, murmuring frantically, "She just went on a trip ... just a trip, that's all!"

But the moment he opened the door, he froze.

The room was empty. The wardrobe was spotless—not a single piece of clothing remained.

Zane stood motionless, unable to process what he was seeing.

A thought crept into his mind—one that he refused to accept.

Has she really left?

But almost immediately, he shook his head.

No, that's impossible. She is just throwing tantrums. Aurora would never leave me!

Gritting his teeth, Zane ordered his assistant, "Find out exactly where Aurora went!"

...

When Aurora got off the plane, it was already four in the afternoon.

She was supposed to arrive in Havenbrook by two, but due to the sudden snowstorm, the flight was delayed by two hours.

As she stepped outside, the heavy snow continued to fall.

The winters in Riverwood weren't this cold, and it never snowed.

Aurora was only wearing a cashmere coat today, and the chilling wind seemed to cut right through it.

It's so cold out here!

She breathed into her hands and was about to take out her phone when a warm coat was suddenly thrown over her shoulders.

"Why aren't you wearing more layers?"