Chapter 1383

“I understand, Dad.”

Aurora glanced at Lucas and finally realized that even as head of the family, there were still so many things beyond his control. Not everything could be done his way.

She understood now–nothing in an adult’s world ever came easy.

Just as Aurora was lost in thought, a familiar voice suddenly called out.

“Aurora!”

She turned and saw Megan, dressed in a princess gown, hurrying toward her.

Aurora’s eyes lit up with delight, and she quickly stepped forward. “Megan, you’re here too! Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t know you’d be here. When my parents asked me to come, I was reluctant at first. If they’d told me you’d be here, I would’ve rushed over right away.”

Aurora then remembered she hadn’t mentioned it to Megan either.

“Alright, alright, that’s my fault. I forgot to tell you. Everything happened so quickly.”

Aurora felt a pang of regret–how could she have forgotten something like this?

After all, Megan was considered part of the Carter family through her close ties with Diana. It wasn’t strange at all for her to be here.

“Well, this is perfect. Now I won’t be bored at the banquet.” Megan clutched Aurora’s hand tightly, unwilling to let go.

Lucas stepped over, cleared his throat softly, and let his gaze linger on their joined hands.

Megan fell silent.

She muttered inwardly, “What a jealous man. Can’t I hold my best friend’s hand?”

Diana and Edward came over then, spotting Megan’s parents.

Their expressions softened with warmth, especially Diana, who eagerly linked arms with Eleanor. “Sister, it’s been far too long.”

“Yes, we haven’t seen each other in ages. And you’re still as beautiful as ever,” Eleanor replied with her usual polished flattery.

The two women embraced, tears glistening openly in their eyes.

Aurora thought about how busy they had both been with their families, and how long it had been since they’d last seen each other. It was only natural for them to pour their hearts out now.

She also remembered Lucas mentioning that his mother had suffered a great deal when she was younger. For her to reunite with her sister now was no easy thing.

Meanwhile, under Lucas’ gaze, Megan reluctantly let go of Aurora’s hand.

Only then did Lucas’ eyes finally ease.

Aurora noticed it and couldn’t help but mutter inwardly, “He’s so jealous.”

“You have no idea how bored I get at these banquets every year,” Megan complained. “I can’t exactly linger by Aunt’s side, so I always end up sitting alone in a corner, eating by myself with no one to talk to.”

She launched into a tirade about how dull past family gatherings had been.

Aurora glanced around the hall and noticed there were plenty of people Megan’s age. “But why didn’t you talk to any of them?” she asked.

Megan scoffed at once. “You don’t get it. Those rich girls are all arrogant and stuck-up. Once they found out I was just a cousin from the side branch, they wouldn’t bother with me. All they ever think about is getting close to my cousin.”

Megan knew her place clearly enough. Her family was comfortable, yes, but in the eyes of these young ladies and gentlemen, they were far from wealthy and certainly not worth befriending.