Chapter 240: Unexpected Turns
Aurora had been living with Cormac for several days, but she realized she still knew very little about his past. She was hesitant to ask him about it, afraid that bringing it up might upset him. So, she refrained from asking, respecting his silence on the matter.
“I’m a psychologist, but I know a bit about surgery too. Treating minor injuries is no big deal,” Cormac said casually, as he helped her with another small injury.
“Wow, that’s amazing!” Aurora’s eyes sparkled. “You can do both surgery and psychology? That’s incredible!”
Cormac smiled modestly, though there was a hint of discomfort in his tone. “It’s not that impressive, just a little knowledge here and there.”
Aurora’s curiosity couldn’t help but rise. “Why aren’t you practicing as a doctor anymore?” She asked, genuinely puzzled. “Being a doctor is such a noble thing. Why are you doing hard labor now? My dad had to because he didn’t study much. But you’re so talented—why?”
Cormac’s expression tightened for a moment, and he gave a nonchalant shrug. “No special reason. Just didn’t want to be a doctor anymore.”
Aurora could tell he wasn’t eager to talk about it. Sensing she might be pushing him too far, she quickly changed the subject. “If being a doctor isn’t for you, then forget it. Your happiness is what matters most.”
Cormac looked at her, surprised by her understanding. He smiled softly, ruffling her hair in a rare gesture of affection. “You’re quite the smooth talker,” he said with a hint of amusement.
Aurora giggled. “It’s the truth!” she said, her cheeks flushing with a small, shy smile.
“But don’t overwork yourself, okay? If you get sick, it’ll be a problem.” She said, her voice suddenly turning serious, her concern for him clear. She didn’t want him to suffer the same fate as her father, who had worked himself into illness.
Cormac gave her a nod. “Got it.”
Aurora looked down for a moment, thinking about her future. “My schooling doesn’t cost much now. When I get to high school, I can work part-time. You won’t have to worry about college. I’ll get a scholarship.”
Her voice held determination, and it was clear she believed in her abilities. Aurora was always diligent and sure that she would get a full scholarship for college, despite their financial struggles.
“So don’t overwork,” she added. “My dad got sick from overworking and staying up late. I don’t want you to end up like him. I want you to live a long life.”
Cormac’s smile was soft but full of warmth. “Alright, with your blessings, I will.”
Aurora nodded firmly, her heart full of hope. “Good. Promise me.”
“I promise.”
For Cormac, these days—despite the physical exhaustion—felt more meaningful than anything he had ever experienced in his privileged past. Before, he hadn’t known what he was working toward. He had simply been getting by, but now, there was purpose in his life.
Later that day, after another long stretch of work, Alaric went to Reassuring Clinic to pick up Stellan. When he arrived, she was still busy with patients.
Alaric stood quietly in the doorway, watching her work. Seeing her in her white coat was captivating. The way she handled the patients with ease and compassion reminded him of why he had fallen in love with her in the first place.
Finally, Stellan finished with her last patient of the day and stretched, letting out a sigh of relief.
“Busy day?” Alaric asked with a smile, walking toward her.
“Yes,” Stellan replied with a tired but pleased expression. “Lots of patients today, some from out of town. It’s flattering.”
“Your reputation as a healer is growing,” Alaric said, pulling her close. “More people will come to you. But you need help. You can’t do it all alone or you’ll wear yourself out.”
Stellan sighed, nodding in agreement. “You’re right.”
“Let’s go home,” Alaric said. “We haven’t seen Caspian, Harry, and Elisa in two days. I miss them.”
“Me too,” Stellan said, her face softening. “I think about them all the time.”
After Stellan closed the clinic, they got into the car and started their drive home.
As they were driving, Alaric casually brought up an important topic. “Galatea, remember Brennan’s old assistant, Derek?”
“Yeah, did you find him?” Stellan asked, her interest piqued.
“We know where he works now,” Alaric said. “It’s a bit far, but I can have someone contact him.”
Stellan was surprised at how quickly they had tracked Derek down. Though she was eager to uncover the truth about the Storm family’s bankruptcy, she felt a twinge of fear. What if the truth was worse than they expected?
“Your clinic just opened,” Alaric reminded her, sensing her unease. “We can wait a few days. Derek won’t disappear.”
Stellan nodded thoughtfully. “Let’s see him this weekend. It’s better if I go personally. Your people might scare him off.”
“I get it,” Alaric said. “I’ll go with you this weekend.”
“No need,” Stellan replied, smiling slightly. “You’re busy with the entertainment center opening. I can go alone.”
Alaric smiled, shaking his head. “Nothing’s more important than this. It’s settled.”
Stellan smiled back, touched by his insistence. “Alright. Thanks, honey.”
Alaric chuckled. “My pleasure.”
Then Stellan hesitated for a moment before asking, “Any news about Cormac?”
Alaric’s smile faded slightly as he sighed. “No. Nothing yet.”
“Arizona’s tough for him,” Stellan said, her voice softening. “Maybe he really left.”
“Griffon’s case goes to trial next month,” Alaric added. “I wonder if Cormac will come back for it.”
“Next month? So soon?” Stellan asked, surprised.
“Yeah,” Alaric replied. “With my influence, the court sped things up.”
“Any idea on Griffon’s sentencing?” Stellan asked, her curiosity piqued.
“No,” Alaric sighed again, his expression turning grim. “But it won’t be light. Griffon doesn’t care about the sentence anymore. Since Orion died, he has no will to live.”
Stellan nodded. “He only cares about Orion, not Cormac. He never even asked about him after the bankruptcy.”
Alaric’s frown deepened. He had asked Griffon about Cormac during his last visit, but Griffon hadn’t shown any concern for his nephew. It felt unfair to Cormac, and Alaric couldn’t help but feel guilty.
“Let’s not talk about Cormac,” Stellan said, sensing Alaric’s discomfort. “No news is good news. Cormac is a good guy. He’ll be okay. Let’s go home and see the kids.”
Alaric smiled faintly, relieved by her words. “Agreed.”
When they arrived home, however, they didn’t find the kids as expected. Instead, they saw Marigold sitting in the living room, looking unusually gloomy. Stellan’s heart skipped a beat. Marigold had only just accepted her into the family earlier that day. Had she changed her mind already?