The moment Gemma laid eyes on Aurora, who carried herself like a lofty princess, her heart sank. The disparity between people was always vast, and she knew it already, but it stung more knowing it was Aurora, whom she usually looked down upon. It was as if someone she deemed as lowly as dirt had suddenly risen to the high clouds. Gemma’s frustration was immense.
Throughout the journey, Gemma was fraught with anxiety, lacking the professionalism expected of a top salesperson. It wasn’t until they reached the lobby that she snapped out of her daze. “Miss Montgomery, do you prefer being closer to the sea or further away? We have many types of properties available.”
Even now, Gemma hadn’t fully accepted the reality. In her mind, she still assumed Aurora was just being kept by a wealthy benefactor. This thought slightly eased her discomfort and helped her regain her composure, allowing her to view Aurora merely as a source of commission, nothing more.
Aurora, on the other hand, was not bogged down with such thoughts. All along, she had been observing her surroundings. “Closer to the sea.”
“Alright, you mentioned you prefer a smaller house. This one would suit you perfectly. It’s also the closest to the coast. Just open the window and you’ll face the sea amidst blooming flowers.”
Aurora was listening to her when her gaze shifted to the incoming figures. Susan and Hayden were entering through the main door. They were about to get engaged, and their wedding seemed imminent. They were clearly here to buy a new apartment for themselves.
However, it was odd, considering Susan’s known allergy to seawater. She disliked the sea. Yet, they were buying their new home here.
Susan, smiling and clutching Hayden’s hand, looked blissfully in love. Hayden, however, appeared rather serious, as if this were merely a routine matter. After the recent scandalous headlines, Aurora, however, doubted Susan’s happiness.
Given Susan’s petty nature, she was probably causing a scene these days. The happiness they portrayed was likely just for show, a necessity given her profession.
“Excuse me, I need to use the restroom,” said Aurora, planning to avoid a direct encounter with the couple.
“The restroom is straight ahead.” Gemma, also feeling uneasy and needing some air, pointed the way.
Aurora quickly left. Hayden, catching a glimpse of her retreating figure, was reminded of the woman he remembered. Aurora! He recalled her message in his DMs. She was back, not at Montgomery Manor, and no one knew of her return.
Was she buying a house to settle in Clothville? This thought suddenly excited him. The heart he thought dead seemed to throb to life at that moment. Susan, who hadn’t noticed Aurora, felt Hayden’s gaze fixed in one direction.
“What are you looking at?” Susan followed his gaze but saw nothing.
“Nothing. Go ahead and look around. I need to use the restroom,” Hayden said calmly, avoiding further discussion in front of others.
“Okay, make it quick. You know I’m terrible at this,” she pouted.
“Miss Simmons, Mr. Alvarez, you two seem very much in love,” the nearby manager complimented.
Susan smiled silently, her eyes hidden behind sunglasses brimming with a touch of sadness. If only their relationship was as happy as they claimed.
Aurora walked with a pace that was meticulously planned. She had intended to make her move a few days later, but fate had delivered both of them to her sooner than expected. How could she not seize this opportunity? This was fate’s gift! If Hayden had any interest in her, he would surely recognize her from behind, while Susan’s attention was fixed on the houses. Thus, Aurora was confident that Susan wouldn’t see her, but Hayden, from his position, definitely would. He had been longing to meet her. How could he not chase after her when he saw her?
She stood at the washbasin applying lipstick when Hayden, positioned at the doorway, could see her at a glance. When he saw the familiar face reflected in the mirror, Hayden stared intently, daring not even to blink. The person he had longed for day and night was now right before his eyes, not a dream, but real.
“Aurora…” When he uttered these words, his throat felt terribly bitter, as if a hand was tightly squeezing it.
Aurora paused as she held her lipstick, as if she hadn’t expected him to be there. She put away her lipstick, her face expressionless as she prepared to leave, but before she could, he grabbed her hand.
“Aurora, you’ve finally come back.” The emotions Hayden had kept hidden for many years burst forth at that moment. He pulled Aurora into a tight embrace, and a hint of disgust flickered across her eyes. Any contact with him reminded her of what he and Susan had done three years ago.
“Let go, Mr. Alvarez. We have nothing to do with each other anymore, and you know that better than I do,” she said in a cold voice.
“Aurora, what happened back then was a misunderstanding, and I have always wanted to explain it to you,” Hayden insisted, inhaling the scent of her hair.
Three years ago, she favored a very light perfume, but now she had changed it, and the new scent was particularly enticing, especially to men.
“Mr. Alvarez, this is a women’s restroom. Just one shout from me, and soon everyone will know the heir to the Alvarez family is a pervert who would break into women’s restrooms.”
Aurora coldly reminded him, but instead of letting go, Hayden closed and locked the door.
“Aurora, now you can’t escape! Do you know how long I’ve been looking for you these past three years?”
He embraced her fiercely, as if trying to meld her into his body.
Aurora felt the strength of his embrace, her gaze momentarily dazed. What exactly had made them turn out this way?
“Mr. Alvarez, all I know is that you and my best friend are about to get engaged. Even if what happened back then was a misunderstanding, the person beside you now is Susan, not me.”
She felt Hayden stiffen, so she continued, “There’s no possibility for us anymore. Please let go. What do you think your fiancee would think if she saw us like this?” Aurora’s words were cold and mocking.
The word “fiancee” was indeed the most hurtful weapon to him.
Hayden’s eyes reddened, and his voice broke with emotion. “Aurora, I had my reasons, I…”
“I don’t have time to listen to this. Let go of me!”
“I won’t. Why couldn’t I find any trace of you these past three years? I just want to know if you’ve been well…”
“Knowing whether I’ve been well will make you let go of me?” Aurora asked sternly.