Chapter 88 Human Nature Is Complicated

Book:Devil's Prisoner of Love Published:2024-10-15

The other gentlemen were undeniably disheartened, each having hoped for a special connection with the beautiful woman, only to find that Aurora had not chosen them. Hayden was probably the most heartbroken. He had truly believed Aurora might choose him. Who on earth was the man by her side now? Hayden felt he looked familiar, but couldn’t quite place him.
Despite his reluctance, Hayden had no choice but to slowly exit the scene, leaving only Aurora and Julian remaining. Looking into Julian’s smiling eyes, Aurora felt relieved for the first time that she hadn’t made the wrong choice. The melodious music began to play, reminiscent of the days they had drifted at sea together.
They had played every game imaginable during those days adrift, and now, their reunion felt like a simple game of hide and seek. It was as if they were back on the sea, and Aurora could no longer see the banquet hall around her. Instead, she saw herself as a child in the middle of the dance floor.
“Julian, why don’t you teach me to dance? I saw others dancing beautifully at the ball,” she said.
The man before her seemed to overlap with the young boy in white from those days, his lips curving into a small smile. “Alright.”
He approached her step by step. Despite her being much shorter than him, he didn’t seem to mind and performed a perfect gentleman’s invitation.
“My lady, may I have this dance with you?”
The two danced joyously in the cabin, their youthful silhouettes intertwining as memories began to resurface in Aurora’s mind. The movements now mirrored those in her memories. Aurora placed her hand in his, and he gently held her slender waist, dancing gracefully under everyone’s gaze.
“Let’s see if you’ve practiced over the years or if you’re still the bad dancer who used to step on my feet,” Julian said teasingly.
Aurora smiled, “Be careful. That’s going to knock your socks off.”
Compared to the clumsy girl of the past, Aurora had transformed. Her dance skills were impeccable. Despite wearing very high heels, it did not affect her performance at all. Their coordination was seamless. Everyone watched in awe, surprised by how perfectly matched they were, a feat not even some couples could achieve.
Hayden watched as Aurora twirled in another man’s arms, jealousy running amok. He remembered how she used to laugh so purely when they were in love, her eyes and heart full of him. Now, she no longer belonged to him. Could the events from three years ago truly prevent them from returning to the past?
Despite knowing it was his fault, Hayden continuously prayed for Aurora’s forgiveness, hoping they could reconcile. He was ashamed of his thoughts but couldn’t deny his deep feelings for her. Throughout the three years she was gone, he had continued to love her.
How could she laugh so joyfully in another’s embrace? Unacceptable! He would never allow it! He secretly vowed to win her back. Her smile should only belong to him.
Meanwhile, Susan was unaware of Hayden’s jealousy. She breathed a sigh of relief that Aurora hadn’t chosen him. Hayden had been acting so strangely lately, and she couldn’t fathom what he was thinking. If Aurora had chosen Hayden, Susan felt he wouldn’t have let her go easily. The desire to possess her was palpable among all the men in the room, but it was crystal clear in Hayden’s eyes.
With their engagement around the corner, she couldn’t afford any surprises from Hayden.
Even though he made the mistake earlier, she was willing to let bygones be bygones as long as he behaved himself from then on. Everyone had their own thoughts. After Aurora and Julian finished their dance, the rest of the attendees gradually joined the dance floor. The evening’s nightlife began in earnest. Aurora, drenched in sweat from the dance, pulled Julian out of the crowd.
“Tired?” Julian asked with a smile, clearly in a good mood.
“A bit tired. Too many people here. I don’t like it,” she replied, taking refuge in a corner with a glass of red wine.
“I remember you used to love crowded places.” Julian recalled her past preferences.
“That was because I didn’t know how vile a person could be. Since I realized that many people who smile at you actually harbor ill intentions, I’ve kept myself from lively crowds. Human nature is far more complicated than I thought, so now I prefer being alone. At least no one can hurt me that way.”
Her lonely gaze deeply wounded Julian, who gently stroked her hair, saying, “Aurora, I will never hurt you.”
“I hope so,” Aurora responded with a melancholy smile.
“I don’t want you to smile like that,” Julian said, his heart aching at her expression, missing the carefree girl she used to be.
“Alright, we’ve met everyone we came to see tonight. Let’s go home,” suggested Julian, who had not only brought her to meet a few people but also to help her relax. At this masquerade ball, nobody knew anyone else’s identity, which kept Aurora’s identity hidden and allowed her to have fun without worries. At her age, life should be light, not burdened with such heavy loads.
Seeing her dispirited, Julian decided it was time to leave. Aurora quickly finished her wine and agreed, “Let’s go.” They slowly disappeared into the bustling hall, while Hayden could only watch helplessly as they left.
“Would you mind taking me home?” Aurora asked lazily, leaning back in the car seat.
“Are you sure you’re okay alone? You seem really down.” Julian initially wanted to take her to his villa, but seeing her like this, he thought better of it. Recently, he had become less domineering and more considerate.
“Don’t worry. What could happen? I’ve been on my own for a long time now. I’m fine, and you don’t need to worry about me. I just want some peace and quiet alone.”
“Alright then.” Julian’s agreement surprised Aurora, who had expected him to insist or create a fuss like before.
His compliance was new to her. Aurora shifted her gaze away from him and closed her eyes to rest. The car soon arrived at her seaside villa. Julian got out to escort her, saying, “Call me if you need anything. I’m here for you 24/7.”
“Okay.” Aurora felt a sudden tenderness in her heart.
“Take a good bath and rest up. I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning. You promised to spend the day with me.”
“Okay, you can go now. Goodbye,” she said, preparing to bid him farewell.
“There’s one more thing,” Julian interjected.
“What?” Before she could react, a sudden chill touched her lips, and she found herself enveloped in his arms.
Under the dim streetlamp, the kiss, filled with longing and tenderness, subtly transformed the atmosphere around them.