Aurora genuinely didn’t know whether to laugh at Gemma for overthinking or mock her for acting so childishly. She wasn’t here today out of kindness to offer advice, but rather to show off, wasn’t she? If Aurora actually liked Ian, Gemma’s words would have genuinely hurt her. But the young lady seemed to underestimate Aurora’s resilience.
After all the experiences she had been through over the years, Gemma really wasn’t much of an opponent. Aurora couldn’t help but smile as she watched the two of them. “I agree with some of what you just said, Gemma, but not all of it. It’s true that Ian is excellent.”
Setting aside his academic performance, his character alone was better than many. He remained polite and caring even when others mocked Aurora. This alone spoke volumes about his character. Ian was honest and kind-hearted. When he heard Aurora praising him, Ian suddenly became a bit shy, while Gemma waited to see how Aurora would respond.
“But there is one thing…” Aurora added.
“What thing?” Gemma was already caught in Aurora’s trap.
“His eyes.” She glanced at Ian, who was wearing glasses.
“Yes, his vision isn’t great, but that doesn’t affect his excellence,” Gemma, who had never complimented Ian before, said this for the first time. However, instead of being pleased, Ian felt disgusted. These were not words from her heart. She was merely using them to strike at Aurora.
Previously, Ian only knew of her vanity and her willingness to sell herself for money, even wondering if she had some compelling family financial need. But he later realized he was wrong. Gemma wasn’t acting out of family necessity. It was just vanity and a love for comparison.
But today, he realized that beyond her vanity, she was a woman of a nasty, sharp-tongued character. He could never imagine Gemma treating Aurora so poorly. He knew well about yesterday’s incident. Aurora had intentionally fallen into his arms, not because she liked him, but more like she was avoiding something else.
Aurora’s smile grew. “If his vision were better, how could he possibly fall for a girl like you?” One moment Gemma agreed with Aurora, and the next, she realized she had been played. It turned out that Aurora was far from just a dowdy country girl.
Normally, Aurora felt no need to bother with those condescending remarks, but Gemma was too arrogant. If she didn’t teach her a lesson, Gemma might really start to think too highly of herself.
“How can you speak like that? I came here with good intentions, and you can’t even express your gratitude for my kindness,” Gemma became furiously embarrassed.
Aurora remained composed, her expression unchanged. “As I just said, it’s good for you and Ian to be together, and that should be congratulated. However,” she slowed her speech, looking at them both with a cold smile before continuing, “I truly think you’re not good enough for Ian, and that’s straight from the heart. If you mind that, there’s nothing I can do about it. In closing, let me clarify one thing. From the beginning to the end, I have never liked Ian. I don’t now, and I definitely won’t in the future. You can be assured of that, and please, stop overthinking everything.”
Aurora stood up, gave them one final look, and then raised her hand to signal the waiter. “That is all I have to say. I hope you won’t disturb me over such trivial matters in the future. I’m quite busy.”
Aurora spoke calmly. Her words contained not a single swear word, yet, they cut like sharp blades, each phrase piercing deeply into Gemma’s heart. Gemma had always thought of Aurora as a pushover, but she was unaware of how formidable and assertive the woman could be, a stark contrast to their school days.
“Aurora, you are really asking for it. I see you have no intention of letting Ian go,” Gemma said, her demeanor increasingly agitated and repulsive. Aurora, tired of the nonsense, chose not to engage further.
“Miss, your total is fifty-eight dollars,” the waiter said, glancing at the irate Gemma. Although Aurora’s attire was peculiar, her presence was somehow comforting. Gemma, dressed meticulously, radiated discomfort as if everyone owed her something.
“I’ll pay,” Ian said, hurriedly reaching for his wallet as Aurora pulled hers out.
“Why should you pay? She was here first. She should be the one to pay.” Gemma fumed, pulling at Ian to stop him.
Aurora took a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet. “Keep the change,” she said, eager to leave the chaotic scene and the frenzied Gemma.
As Gemma caught sight of the thick stack of cards and bills in Aurora’s wallet, her eyes widened. Aurora’s casual remark about not needing change suggested she was accustomed to tipping generously, likely a habit from where she came.
Ian, already annoyed with Gemma, found his impression of Aurora improving. “Let go!” he demanded, shaking off Gemma’s grip to pay Aurora.
“Why are you so anxious? Do you really like her that much?”
“Ian, please explain things to her. I must be going now,” Aurora said, wanting no part in the messy situation. Dealing with irrational people was daunting.
Aurora was ready to leave, but Gemma grabbed her fiercely. “Aurora, you can’t leave without clearing things up.”
“I think I’ve made myself quite clear. Please let go,” Aurora replied, her brow furrowing.
Gemma felt a profound blow to her pride and became more insistent, though she had nothing rational to say.
“You’re leaving in such a hurry just because you’re guilty,” she accused.
“I’m busy and have no time to waste with you. Let go!” Aurora responded coldly, her frustration evident.
The more Gemma thought about it, the more unsettled she became, especially provoked by Aurora’s demeanor. Suddenly, she picked up a coffee from the table, intending to throw it at Aurora. Unexpectedly, Aurora caught her wrist and redirected the coffee onto Gemma.
Gemma screamed, drawing the attention of everyone in the cafe. Aurora, mortified by the public spectacle, wished she could disappear.
“Take good care of her. I’m leaving,” Aurora said, unaccustomed to dealing with such crude behavior.
“You go ahead. I’ve got this.” Ian said, apologetically, “I’m sorry for the trouble today.”
“Ian, you’re calling me the trouble? She threw coffee at me!”
“I think you deserved worse.” A calm yet stern male voice chimed in.