Chapter 79

Chapter 79

Isabella's eyes widened when she heard this. Unable to do anything about Aurora, her eyes darted around for a long time but she couldn't squeeze out a single word.

"How can a calculating and worldly woman like you deserve Simon?"

In the end, that was all she could say.

Aurora replied with a smile, "Whether I deserve him or not isn't for you to decide. At least someone has my back, unlike you—your adopted daughter went to the Coldridge family and got kicked out. What do you say to that?"

In the end, Isabella left with her tail between her legs. The woman beside her, who had been enjoying the drama, looked a bit reluctant when dragged away.

Aurora paid no attention and turned to the counter to buy herself a bag.

Sophia was shocked by Aurora's full-force attack, tugging at her arm and exclaiming "Oh my" the whole way, never expecting her to suddenly fight back like that.

"Well done, Aurora! I used to think you let people walk all over you, but seeing you like this puts my mind at ease."

Sophia was afraid that when she wasn't around, Aurora would get bullied.

Aurora smiled faintly. "Before, I just didn't want to argue with them, but running into her while shopping was too unlucky, and she even badmouthed you."

She felt uncomfortable and didn't want to let others feel good either. But after arguing with Isabella, her emotions didn't seem to get any release at all.

It was still stuck in her chest, a big lump, all the bad feelings growing wild like weeds.

Sophia noticed Aurora's mood was off and gently squeezed her forearm. "Let's not think about the past for now. Come on, I'll treat you to dinner later."

Having a good friend by her side at least kept her mood from being too terrible.

But after Isabella stormed off angrily, Aurora wondered—would she go back and complain to Blair again?

What would Blair say then? Would she cozy up to Simon?

Sophia, having heard about what happened before, shook Aurora's arm and said quietly, "Actually, it's okay. Simon will at least stand by you on the surface."

"What else could he do?"

Aurora frowned slightly.

He couldn't possibly side with Blair in front of so many people from the Coldridge family and fall out with Aurora.

Simon certainly understood which was more important.

Sophia pursed her lips, knowing that Aurora's family matters were just a mess, and as a friend, there really wasn't much she could say.

She could only watch her be unhappy.

"I can support you, but... you and Simon's situation is something only you understand."

Looking at her friend, Aurora didn't mention wanting a divorce for now.

With Simon's attitude uncertain, even if she brought up divorce, there probably wouldn't be a definite answer. Having Sophia gather documents back and forth would make Aurora herself feel bad.

She said "thank you" to Sophia but didn't say anything else.

Better to say less, or it would just annoy people.

After shopping with Sophia, Aurora went home and saw a familiar car downstairs.

Sophia also spotted the man smoking by the car and said "Oh" to Aurora, "He's even waiting for you here."

Aurora walked forward without looking back, not wanting to give Simon even a glance. But as they reached the building entrance, Simon caught up.

"Ms. Brown, did you go shopping with Aurora?"

Simon spoke politely, always putting on a good show in front of others.

Aurora sneered inwardly but said nothing on the surface, quietly listening to them exchange pleasantries.

Sophia laughed awkwardly a couple times and moved closer to Aurora. "Yes, just got back, planning to go upstairs to have dinner with Mia."

Simon put his hands in his pockets and naturally came over to put his arm around Aurora's shoulder, saying gently, "Perfect, I'm also going upstairs to see Mia. Let's go together."

Aurora pulled away uncomfortably, not wanting Simon to hold her, but his arm was like a soft bone—no matter how she struggled to the side, it remained firmly on her shoulder.

Aurora suddenly got angry. "Simon, what exactly do you want?"

"Nothing, I said I'd go upstairs with you for dinner."

Simon smiled shamelessly.

Sophia, watching this scene, what could she say?

She tried hard to minimize her presence as they entered the elevator.

Aurora knew that in this situation, if she went to Sophia, it would only make Sophia more awkward.

Once in the elevator, she became much more docile, letting Simon hold her shoulder while chatting with Sophia here and there.

"Sophia, my mom keeps talking about that steak you made."

Sophia responded, "I'll make it. Didn't she call today asking her to buy groceries?"

"The caregiver already bought everything, just waiting for us to come back and cook."

Right at the front door, Aurora stopped and turned around. "Everyone who comes to my house today has to cook."

One sentence blocked Simon at the door.

Simon's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly as he leaned toward Aurora, their faces suddenly much closer.

In front of Sophia, Simon doing this made Aurora feel a bit embarrassed. She shrank back. "People who come to my house have to cook. You can't cook, so you should go back."

"It's only been a few days, Mia. Won't you let me come for dinner?"

Aurora forced herself to stay calm. "Today is our family cooking day. Don't you know that?"

"As a member of this family, I can come for a meal anytime."

The two were at a standstill. Sophia had to offer a way out. "Mr. Coldridge, maybe you should go back..."

"Today we only planned for Aurora and me to come back for dinner. We really didn't prepare extra ingredients."

Including the caregiver, there were only four people in total.

Besides, they were all women with small appetites—how much fresh food could they prepare?

Simon wasn't rushed or angry at these words. "Just add a set of utensils."

"If there's really not enough, I can eat less. Or if you really need me to cook, I can fry a couple eggs."

Aurora sighed deeply. "Given our marriage that exists in name only, do you have to create situations that make both of us unhappy?"

After Aurora finished speaking, Simon fell silent too.

The two quietly faced off. Sophia's voice became even weaker. "If it really doesn't work, just let him in."

He just wanted to have a meal together.

Perhaps it was because of running into Isabella outside today that Aurora was so bothered.

In the end, Aurora said nothing and turned to open the door with Sophia.

Mia was also helping in the living room. She looked up, a bit surprised to see the two. "How come you're back so early..."

Her voice trailed off as she saw the person behind them.

Mia smiled awkwardly. "Simon, you're here too."

Clearly, everyone in this household wasn't particularly comfortable with Simon's arrival.