Ever since he had remembered the memories of his past 20 lives in this life, Eric had never once imagined that Aria would eventually place him above Aurora in her heart at any point whatsoever.
Not even back when she realized that he was trying to kill Aurora and still chose not to stop him, not even when she told him, back at the buffet, that he was someone she could not live without, and especially not when she first started showing concerns for his wellbeing, back when they were trying to meet Celeste.
Because regardless of how her feelings and behavior towards him have changed, Eric had always assumed that Aurora would remain her first priority, and that her loyalty to her would never waver.
It had always been that way in the novel, and from Eric's perspective, it had seemed that way throughout this life as well, despite a few questionable moments that suggested otherwise.
That was just how it was supposed to be.
And Eric had been completely content with that.
