Julian clearly didn’t care about others’ opinions; his gaze was fixed solely on Aurora. His slender lips slightly parted: “Three…”
As he counted the first number, Aurora knew she was doomed. She gritted her teeth, tightly closed her eyes, and resigned herself to her fate. Even if she could escape now, it would only be more embarrassing when he later ran up to her dormitory. Moreover, Julian was so flamboyant and reckless, if their escapade got out, Ivy and Zachary would find out, ruining her plans.
She turned and ran toward Julian. Initially, all eyes were on Julian, but when Aurora burst forth, the crowd was shocked beyond belief. The handsome man had everything-good looks, apparent wealth-so why was he interested in such an ordinary girl?
Aurora ignored the disdainful and puzzled looks from the onlookers; she only knew she had angered this man. The happier he seemed now, the more he would torment her later.
“Two…” His voice was as compelling as a train whistle, urging Aurora on. Fortunately, she wore flats and could run unhindered. There was still about ten meters between them.
The crowd tensed, wondering what would happen if she couldn’t cover the distance before he finished counting. Just as tension peaked among the spectators and Aurora alike, a voice rang out, “One point five.”
It was the half-second buffer that finally allowed Aurora, panting heavily, to reach him just before he could count to one. Due to her speed, she couldn’t stop in time and barreled into him. Julian opened his arms, catching her against his sturdy chest. Her sharp nose bumped into him, and she unconsciously moaned in pain.
Hearing her cry, Julian felt her glasses were in the way and gently removed them, revealing the pained tears swirling in her eyes. Her facade of strength seemed just that-a facade. She was a girl who feared pain.
Even Julian, who had just resolved to be tough on her, couldn’t help but soften his gaze when he met her eyes. His heart melted at her tears. “Why run so fast? I’m not really going to eat you.”
With her glasses removed, all the spectators’ mouths formed ‘O’s-they had previously thought the handsome man had poor vision. Now seeing her true beauty, they were speechless, and even her outfit seemed less dowdy. Such a pretty face could shine even in rags!
The transformation was so dramatic that everyone felt as if they were watching a romantic movie. They watched as Julian tenderly lifted her chin, soothing her with a doting tone and gently blowing on her nose.
Their youthful dreams of romance seemed to reawaken at the sight, and nobody wanted to disrupt such a peaceful scene.
Aurora’s eyes sparkled as she caught onto something advantageous, “You said it yourself.” Julian looked at the bright-eyed young woman, his smile widening, “Come on, you can’t escape today.”
Saying this, he escorted her personally, opening the passenger door for her-a gesture that seemed gentlemanly to all. Only Aurora knew it was to prevent her from ‘escaping.’ Reluctantly, she sat in the passenger seat. The seatbelt felt like chains binding her, and she despised herself for walking into the situation again.
She had been winning the entire game, but a moment of carelessness at the last minute led her to capsize in the gutter.
Until the luxury sports car vanished from sight, everyone regretted not having taken pictures, merely noting that he looked somewhat familiar.
Where had they seen this man before?
But who exactly was he?
As the roar of the sports car broke the silence and tranquility of the campus, Aurora was taken away, albeit unwillingly.
Such a flashy sports car would turn heads even if it were parked by the roadside.
The car reached an intersection just as the traffic light turned red.
Julian rested his head on one hand and idly placed the other on the steering wheel, “Have you thought about how you’re going to make it up to me?”
It was the first thing either of them had said since getting into the car, but Aurora wasn’t thinking about making amends; she was thinking about how to escape.
“Actually… I was busy yesterday,” she began to lie, hoping to patch up the huge gap.
“Oh, were you abducted by aliens for human experimentation?” Julian clearly didn’t believe her, his smile tinged with sarcasm.
His calmness now only meant that his revenge would soon be as fierce as a storm.
Aurora admitted defeat to herself, seeing his demeanor; no matter what she said, he wouldn’t believe her.
“Miss Montgomery, besides my mother, you’re the second woman who can lie to me, and moreover, the first to do it twice.”
“It’s an honor,” Aurora retorted fearlessly.
“Do you know how annoying it is to be stood up after waiting all day?” Julian looked at her pointedly.
He was never short of women, and even he couldn’t understand why he was so taken with this heartless woman.
Ever since they made love three years ago, she had become like a poison he couldn’t rid himself of for the rest of his life.
“I…” Aurora wanted to argue that it was he who had first confined her in the villa, which was why she had lied to him.
But considering her current situation, she was no match for Julian, and saying so would likely only provoke him further.
“If you’re thinking of deceiving me, you might as well not speak. I’ll give you a chance to make up for the pain you’ve caused, and I’ll forgive and forget.”
Hearing his presumptuous words, Aurora wanted to say that her spirit was also wounded.
But it was better to avoid trouble when possible.
Recalling the butler’s advice, she nodded obediently, “Alright, I’ll make sure you’re satisfied.”
However, Julian saw right through her act; it was because of her ploy that he had been caught off guard the day before.
Did she think she could use the same trick again?
“Since you’re being so obedient, you can start making it up to me now.”
No sooner had he spoken than Aurora tensed, “What are you going to do?”
“It’s not what I am going to do, but what you are going to do. You have twenty-three seconds, kiss me,” Julian said as he looked at the red traffic light ahead.
The sports car was a two-seater, and Aurora wasn’t worried about him trying anything inside the car; the red light would change soon.
She hesitated for a few seconds before closing her eyes and leaning towards his right cheek, but just then, the man who had been looking straight ahead suddenly turned towards her.
Their lips met in an instant, and she had been tricked again!
Julian watched her with a smile, her eyes filled with anger.
Only when the honking from behind them started did he gently let her go, “Little bunny, don’t run around anymore.”
He stepped on the accelerator, the engine roared, and the car sped away. Seeing Aurora wiping her mouth, he chuckled softly and ruffled her hair with his right hand.
“Don’t touch me like that, I’m not a puppy,” Aurora protested, turning her head away.
Neither of them noticed as another luxury car sped past, with Hayden’s gaze following the sports car waiting for the green light.