Julian set aside the magazine he was holding and looked up at Aurora as she approached in a black slit evening gown. With each step she took, the shapely legs hidden beneath the dress were accentuated by the slim fit of the fabric. Her hair was styled up, with two curly tendrils hanging by her ears, which were adorned with a pair of black earrings that gleamed with a subtle light. Few could wear black with such compelling charm. The dark color made Aurora’s complexion appear even more fair, especially with the colored contacts that were specifically chosen for her, lending an air of grandeur to her makeup. Her features were naturally distinct, and the makeup suited her perfectly. Aurora had just finished getting ready, and her appearance was strikingly beautiful, making Julian’s eyes light up. She looked almost like a different person, breathtakingly beautiful, and he surveyed her slender figure with appreciation. “Very beautiful.”
“Mr. Barnet, I’m glad you like it,” Calvin said with a sycophantic grin.
“I indeed like it,” Julian replied, his gaze sweeping over Aurora’s face and then briefly over to Rocky, who went to settle the bill with Calvin.
Julian took Aurora’s hand and they left together. By the time they exited, it had already grown dark outside. He glanced at his wristwatch when he said, “I had planned to go eat after you changed, but I hadn’t realized how troublesome it is for a woman to dress up.” Julian noted the time was already late.
Aurora tilted her head to look at him. “Have you never waited for a woman?”
“Do you think there has been any woman worth waiting for? You are the first in these years,” Julian said earnestly, recalling what the housekeeper had mentioned about him never bringing a woman to his villa before, which spoke to his integrity. He had been without a woman by his side, naturally unaware of their needs, something she could understand.
“The dinner time is approaching. I think I’ll buy some cupcakes to stave off the hunger,” Aurora said, somewhat embarrassed to meet his gaze.
“No need. You get in the car. I’ll go buy it,” Julian insisted as he helped her into the car. Her heels were very high, and although women wore high heels more than men, Julian had become more empathetic after watching a video at the office today. It showed several men struggling to walk in high heels all day, which made him realize the hardships women endure.
Sitting in the car, Aurora smiled warmly, watching his retreating figure. Julian seemed even more considerate than before. She often suffered from low blood sugar, and her mention of buying cupcakes was actually to prevent feeling dizzy from low blood sugar, so Julian’s offering to buy them was more than welcome.
Soon, Julian returned with a bag. Aurora took out a tiramisu and noticed he hadn’t taken any for himself. “Aren’t you eating?”
“I’m not hungry yet. Your stomach isn’t strong. You eat first,” Julian said considerately.
“Then I won’t be polite,” Aurora replied, genuinely feeling hungry. She slowly fed herself with a spoon. A woman with delicate makeup was quite the sight, especially when she absentmindedly licked her lips. Because she wore lipstick, she had to do it gently, and it was this subtle motion that suddenly made Julian feel urges.
“Why are you staring at me? Do you want some too?” Aurora noticed the increasingly intense gaze of the man beside her.
“Is it good?” Most men seldom fancy such sweet treats.
Aurora nodded. “Mmm, it’s quite sweet. Do you want to try some?”
“Sure, let me have a taste,” Julian responded, uncharacteristically expressing a desire for sweets, and Aurora quickly scooped a spoonful for him.
Julian leaned in, not to taste the dessert from her spoon, but to press his lips against her red ones instead. Aurora hadn’t expected his request to “try it” to mean this! She was dressed to the nines, just like him. In the somewhat shaky ride of the car, holding the tiramisu in one hand and the spoon in the other, she dared not push Julian away too forcefully. Any mishap with the dessert would ruin their outfits, as they were about to attend a grand banquet.
Aurora’s hesitation only emboldened Julian, though he didn’t overstep too much, merely kissing her deeply before letting go. “If we keep this up, I can’t promise I’ll be able to stop.” He added, “It’s sweet, indeed.” His comment flushed Aurora’s cheeks red. This rogue! It was unclear whether he referred to her lips or the tiramisu she tasted.
“My lipstick is all over your mouth,” she glared at him, annoyed. He had knowingly provoked despite her heavy makeup. “Then you wipe it off. Since you’ve already eaten the cake, you must be full,” Julian said lazily, reclining into his seat.
Resigned, Aurora set down the remaining half-piece of tiramisu and took out a tissue to wipe the lipstick off his lips. As she did, she thought to herself that it was only because he had helped buy the cake that she was being so kind to him.
“Are you full?” Julian asked, noticing her gentle demeanor, reminiscent of her younger self. Aurora nodded, “Pretty much. I couldn’t eat much anyway.”
“But I’m very hungry.”
“What flavor do you want? There’s more inside,” Aurora said, reaching for a small cake. Instead, Julian caught her hand. “It’s not my stomach that’s hungry.” His lips neared her ear, and he softly bit her earlobe. “I’ve been hungry for a long time.” His voice was ambiguous and seductive, and Aurora knew his words were never that simple.
“I can’t help you with that,” she quickly shifted to the side. Julian feigned a pitiful look. “Do you know what I really want to eat?”
Looking at his suddenly pitiful expression, Aurora tilted her head and asked, “What do you want to eat?”
“It’s you I want to eat now.”
“Nonsense.”
“I mean it. But don’t worry. I won’t force anything if you’re unwilling.” After hearing about Aurora’s experiences, he couldn’t bear to be as arrogant as before. He would cherish and pamper her.
“Are you really Julian?” Aurora still remembered how he used to threaten her.
“Truly. If you don’t believe me, let’s pinky swear,” he extended his hand, a gesture Aurora had taught him over a decade ago. Seeing his extended little finger awakened Aurora’s memories. A lump formed in her throat. “You still remember this?”
“I won’t forget anything about you,” he declared, linking his pinky with hers. “I promise!” His magnetic voice blended with the memory of a young girl’s voice from the past. Aurora’s mouth opened slightly as she recited softly, as if returning to that carefree time when there was no sorrow, only joy.