Beneath the Perfect Disguise, I Quietly Slipped Away Chapter 17

Epilogue: Connor

Connor had a long dream.

First, he saw nineteen-year-old Aurora.

Back then, the department was recruiting. He was the manager; she was a new member.

Everyone went for steak.

She ordered hers well-done.

Someone laughed openly.

She had fair skin, and the redness spread from the roots of her ears to her slender neck, disappearing into her white shirt collar.

Ashamed as she was, she managed to smile openly and confess in front of everyone:

"Sorry. My family wasn't wealthy. I've never eaten steak before."

Later, this girl who hadn't eaten steak and would twist her ankle in heels—

Walked on flat ground in heels in this grotesque city, repeatedly fighting for first place.

Like a small boat. Tiny, but resilient. Never giving up.

Connor loved and ached for her precious sincerity and resilience.

So he transformed into a safe harbor.

Giving her meticulous care so she could anchor safely, with no need to take risks.

But as time passed...

He became like those men in soap operas who marry the woman they love.

When he swore to protect her forever so she wouldn't have to be strong, his heart was true.

But when she truly relied on him completely and reached out for love—

The resulting arrogance and contempt were also true.

He began to forget that Aurora was someone who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him.

He self-righteously sacrificed silently, shouldering the resistance of his family.

Calling it paving the way for their safe and happy future.

But he forgot—

The future is made up of every present moment.

He ignored Aurora’s pain of insecurity.

Allowed her to slowly wither and decay.

A ship staying in the harbor is the safest.

But that is not what ships are built for.

As a harbor, his existence should have told that adventurous little boat:

No matter where she goes, there is always a place for her to anchor safely.

But he mistakenly stopped the little boat from adventuring.

He even made her lose confidence, making her feel she wasn't good enough.

He loved her. But he loved her the wrong way.

Connor prayed to God over and over.

He wanted to go back to the past.

God regretfully told him:

The past cannot be returned to.

But his God said:

"But the future... remains to be seen."

Connor slowly opened his eyes.

He thought—

If Aurora forgives him, that would be best.

If Aurora doesn't forgive him, that is also very good.

This time, he would respect her choice. Unconditionally.