The car moved smoothly, yet Aurora’s heart could not settle down. She was becoming increasingly at ease with his proximity. This was not a good sign for her. After being hurt by Hayden, she had an instinctive aversion to romantic relationships. She had once loved Hayden deeply, and it was that deep love that had caused her deep pain. Such agony once in a lifetime was enough. She could not endure it a second time.
Julian observed Aurora’s expressions quietly. Noticing her conflicted gaze, he could imagine the turmoil within her heart. Her heart was tightly sealed by her own doing. It didn’t matter anyway, for he was patient and would gradually help her open up.
Throughout the journey, neither spoke much. As the car pulled up and Aurora saw the surroundings, she was startled. An amusement park! This man had actually brought her to such a place. “Did the chauffeur take the wrong turn?” she asked somewhat unnaturally.
“No, I meant to bring you here to have fun.” Julian raised an eyebrow.
Aurora could hardly associate a man of Julian’s stature with an amusement park. “But this is a place for children.”
“No one said amusement parks are only for children. You clearly haven’t been here in a long time. Let’s have some fun today,” Julian said, grabbing Aurora’s hand and leading her inside. He wanted her to revert to her carefree self, and this place was perfect for that.
Upon reaching the entrance, Aurora saw a sign that read “Temporarily Closed”.
“Let’s go back. It’s not open to the public today.”
“It’s fine,” Julian said, leading Aurora inside without buying tickets and without being stopped.
As they passed the ticket booth without issue, Aurora looked at him in surprise. “Don’t tell me this place is also your property?”
“Yes.” Julian wasn’t overly showy. His main business was still real estate and other large investments. The reason he had invested in an amusement park might also have something to do with Aurora. After they had parted years ago, he often remembered her genuine smile, thinking the amusement park was a place to preserve smiles. When he felt lonely and unhappy, he would come here alone to watch. It reminded him of the support he needed to carry on, seeing the smiles on the children’s faces, as innocent as Aurora’s had been.
Of course, he didn’t share these thoughts with Aurora, but instead led her towards a nearby swimwear shop. The amusement park was half water-based and half land-based attractions, and a general admission ticket required swimwear to avoid getting clothes wet.
“There are water attractions later. Let’s change into something appropriate,” Julian explained, seeing her puzzled look.
“Alright.” Aurora’s period had just ended. There was no issue with participating in water activities now, so she stepped into the shop comfortably. Today, the park was open only for the two of them, so when Julian entered, the salespeople there recognized him.
“Mr. Barnet, what do you need?” The park had many swimwear shops, ranging from high-end to more affordable options. They had entered a high-end section, and the attractive salespeople there acted promptly upon seeing Julian.
“Pick out a swimsuit for her,” he ordered as he hurriedly dismissed the others.
Aurora walked straight to the back to choose, ignoring the gaze of the saleswomen, which was tinged with jealousy or admiration.
Julian closed the entire amusement park for the day just to be with her, despite the significant financial loss during the peak season.
All this, just for one woman, was enough to make others envious.
Aurora was well aware of what these women were thinking.
She quickly picked out a swimsuit and changed in the dressing room. When she stepped out, she saw three saleswomen huddled around Julian.
Julian had also changed into a simple T-shirt and shorts, a rare casual look for him.
“Mr. Barnet, that shirt looks amazing on you, as if it was tailor-made,” praised one saleswoman.
“Absolutely! Mr. Barnet, you look so handsome,” chimed in another.
“Mr. Barnet, is that lady your girlfriend?” asked a third, just as Aurora emerged.
Aurora heard the women’s laughter and saw some of them trying to get closer to Julian.
For some reason, this scene displeased her, and she spoke with a cold voice, “Gossiping during work hours. Mr. Barnet, what should be done about that?”
Everyone turned at her cold voice, and Julian’s eyes lit up.
Aurora was wearing a black swimsuit with crisscross straps and a sheer black cover-up that ended at her thighs.
Her long, flawless legs were on display, and through the sheer fabric, her well-toned figure was evident.
Undoubtedly, Aurora had an excellent eye for style. Her subtly revealing outfit was irresistible to any man.
She walked barefoot, stunning not just Julian but all the women around.
Her perfectly toned body, visible through the black cover-up, especially the subtle lines of her abs, clearly showed her regular fitness routine. No wonder their boss closed the park for this woman.
At her appearance, Julian’s heartbeat quickened.
“This temptress really is alluring,” he thought, even as he noticed her slightly angry expression. The next moment, he wrapped an arm around her waist.
The other observers, snapping out of their shock, scoffed at her earlier words, questioning who she thought she was to dictate their behavior.
Julian, however, playfully bit Aurora’s earlobe, asking, “And what would you like done?”
“In my company, if people gossip during work hours, they’d either be fired immediately or have their bonuses cut for the month,” Aurora stated firmly.
The other saleswomen quickly cooed, “Mr. Barnet, we weren’t gossiping. We were just admiring you…”
Aurora saw one of them grab Julian’s arm, her eyes darkening with an emotion that rose involuntarily.
Before Aurora could react, Julian, disliking other women’s touch, snapped, “Hands off!”
With his terrifying roar, Julian left the women pale-faced when he said, “From today, you no longer need to work here.”
The man who had been gentle just a moment ago turned into a ruthless tyrant. His sudden change of attitude took everyone by surprise.