A soft smile curled on Arwen’s lips before she gave a small nod to Aura and turned to leave.
"Let me walk you out," Aura offered, coming around the desk to join her.
They walked out of the cabin together, sharing light conversation. Only when they reached the store entrance did Aura gently reach out and take hold of Arwen’s hand.
Arwen was about to step away, but the slight tug on her arms made her pause. She turned back to glance at Aura.
"Arwen," Aura said softly, her voice carrying a weight that was hard to miss.
Arwen hummed in response, encouraging her to speak.
But Aura didn’t speak immediately. She hesitated, as if trying to choose the right words.
"The past isn’t always what defines us," she began slowly. "You may have forgotten a part of your life, but that hasn’t changed you. You are still who you were then —the kind and courageous one no one could easily forget. So, don’t think about it too much. You have a beautiful present now, Arwen. Dwelling on what’s lost ... it will only wear you down."
She caresses the back of Arwen’s hand, her touch full of warmth. "I won’t tell you to stop searching —because if you are digging into the past, there must be a reason. Something important. But just promise me you will take care of yourself. Don’t push hard. If required, let go of what’s already gone."
A smile twisted her hers up at the corners as she spoke with conviction. "He was meant to be yours. So, even after so many years, he came back. And you two ended up marrying each other. That’s destiny, isn’t it?"
Was it?
Arwen questioned herself. If it had been before, she would have nodded and agreed. But now, things didn’t seem so simple.
The theory of destiny might be real, but not everything depends on just that.
Breaking from her trance of thought, Arwen met Aura’s gaze with understanding. She could feel the sincerity in her voice, the quiet concern behind every word. Placing her free hand over hers, she offered a reassuring smile. "Don’t worry. I will be careful."
Aura gave a small nod in return, her eyes softening. Then she took a deep breath and added, "As for your dress ... it’s already been sent to your place. I hope I haven’t disappointed you this time either."
"You didn’t," Arwen chuckled, lighthearted now. "Aura Bright is the best at what she does. This is something that I discovered before signing the partnership with you. So, I am confident, you could never disappoint me."
They both laughed, the tension between them gently easing, before Arwen turned and stepped toward her car.
Rolling down the window, she waved. "I will leave then. Take care."
"You too," Aura smiled and waved back.
Arwen’s car slowly pulled away from the curb, and Aura remained standing there, watching until it disappeared down the street.
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