Unbeknownst to her, the car had already stopped in the underground parking lot of the shopping mall, and Aurora was pulled into several luxury stores by Asher. Over the years, he had become her best friend, almost like a confidant. He knew Aurora’s menstrual cycle, her temper, and her preferences. He had chosen many of her outfits.
“Miss, what do you need today?” The salespeople, seeing the well-dressed duo, approached them enthusiastically.
“I’ll pick out what she needs,” Asher said, weaving through a pile of clothes and quickly selecting more than ten unique pieces.
“That’s enough,” Aurora quickly intervened, fearing he would keep buying more.
“Alright then. Since autumn is approaching, we’ll have the new season’s collection in a few days.” Asher finally relented.
They shopped all day and did not return to Aurora’s newly purchased seaside villa until after sunset.
“I heard from Cameron that you bought a villa by the sea so you can watch the sea every day,” Asher said with a smile.
“Yes, I finally got my wish,” Aurora responded with a laugh, stepping out of the car while Asher carried several bags.
“Aurora, I want to share a bed with you tonight. I’ve missed you so much,” Asher whined, reverting to his flirtatious ways that were typical during his time in the United States.
Before Aurora could refuse, a cold voice interrupted, “Whom are you planning to share a bed with? Say that again.”
Their smiles froze, and Aurora turned, her body stiff. “W-What a coincidence. What are you doing here?”
“It’s no coincidence at all. I’ve been waiting here for you,” Julian said, his eyes cold enough to devour them.
He remembered the hardships Aurora had endured and wanted to protect her, allowing her to do whatever she wished. He had been indulgent, always considering her needs, yet there she was, flirting with another man. Asher’s remark about sharing a bed with Aurora infuriated Julian even more.
“Aurora, what is your relationship with him?” Asher’s smile faded, feeling the icy aura emanating from Julian.
Julian and Hayden were not in the same league. Even though Hayden might have had feelings for Aurora, he didn’t dare pester her openly due to his social status. Julian, however, faced no such constraints. Clearly, Asher knew him too, having previously provided Aurora with his information.
Julian’s gaze at Aurora was that of a man looking at a cheating spouse.
“Our relationship?” Julian scoffed, suddenly pulling Aurora into his embrace. He wrapped one arm around her waist and tightly grabbed her resisting hand, pressing his lips against hers without a trace of warmth.
The kiss he placed on her the previous morning was gentle, as if to melt her into it. However, this kiss contained no mercy, only his anger, cold and furious.
“Let go!” Asher was shocked to find someone even more brazen than himself. After a moment of stupefaction, he realized the man had forcibly kissed Aurora. “Release her or I’ll hit you!” he threatened, lunging at Julian.
Julian’s gaze turned icy, and with a swift move, he and Aurora broke apart from their kiss.
Aurora didn’t know what had changed, but ever since she found out Julian was the boy from those years ago, her attitude towards him had shifted. She could meet anyone with a cold face, but now, facing Julian, she felt inexplicably guilty, as if she had truly been unfaithful. The relationship between her and Julian was indeed peculiar. They were not boyfriend and girlfriend, yet their bond exceeded that of mere friends. Aurora could manipulate Hayden at will and face Susan with ease, yet the sight of Julian’s icy demeanor made her feel uneasy.
“Now you know our relationship, don’t you?” Julian said, his hands still firmly wrapped around Aurora’s waist. Asher was well aware of Aurora’s capabilities. She had been training in close combat for the past three years to defend herself should anyone try to hurt her. When Julian kissed her moments ago, she did not resist at all, a clear sign that this man held a special place in her heart. She felt nothing when they encountered Hayden at the airport earlier. Could it be that Julian was more important to her than Hayden?
As Asher reached out to pull Aurora away, Julian held her tight as he asked, “And what about you? What is your relationship with her?”
Asher replied with the same line he had used to block Hayden earlier, “I share a bed with her.” However, Julian did not react with the surprise that Hayden had shown. Instead, he smirked and playfully nibbled on Aurora’s earlobe.
“So, the tricks you use in bed were taught by him?” Julian said aloud for Asher to hear. Aurora had already confessed to Julian that she hadn’t been with any man in these past years, so Julian was certain that Asher was only trying to provoke him. His hand on Aurora’s waist began to move restlessly. Though Julian was smiling, Aurora knew he was genuinely angry.
Julian’s remark struck Asher hard, indirectly confirming that he and Aurora had indeed been intimate. Both men’s gazes turned sharply towards Aurora, who suddenly broke free from Julian’s embrace. “If you two want to discuss sex, please do so without me,” she said, nearly crushed by Julian’s grip. Both men were trying to gain the upper hand, and she was caught in the middle, unable to bear it any longer.
She stormed into the house and slammed the door behind her, leaving Asher and Julian looking at each other. “It’s all your fault. She was fine with me,” Asher said. “She’s truly happy with me. You’ve never seen her tender side,” Julian retorted, having thoroughly figured out Aurora in the past few days. Asher was merely her business partner. Their relationship was one of mutual support, not romantic.
Had he not been aware of this, his actions towards Aurora would have been more than just a kiss. He knew Asher was important to Aurora, so he restrained himself, choosing only to kiss her to signal Asher to back off. “Her tender side? What do you know about her? You’re blowing your own trumpet,” Asher scoffed. “I don’t bother arguing with you. How could a relationship like yours ever appreciate her tenderness?” Julian said as he walked towards the door.
“Aurora, open the door. I’ve been waiting here for a while now.” Julian’s voice softened considerably.
“Aurora, open the door. I’m carrying so many things. My hands are going numb,” Asher whined.
Cameron watched the two men employing all their tactics to get inside, his lips twitching, before he quickly left the scene.