It was only after they had walked a considerable distance that Aurora spoke, “What did you just say to her?”
“Nothing. She just wanted to flirt with me,” Asher said with a slight smile.
Aurora raised an eyebrow, “I didn’t expect you to be so attractive.”
“Only you haven’t noticed my charm! She also wanted to ask me out. But my heart is only for you. How could I let her get her way so easily?”
Asher wrapped his coat around himself dramatically, as if someone was indeed trying to take liberties with him.
Aurora chuckled helplessly. This man had always been frivolous since she knew him, and she had gotten used to it.
“My dear, I’ll definitely take good care of you when I get home,” Aurora played along, teasing Asher’s chin with her finger.
“Au… Aurora.” Ian in front was stunned. Was this the calm and composed Aurora he knew? And the handsome young man beside her must be the important person Aurora had mentioned before. He had been surprised when he first met Julian.
“Who is he?” Asher seemed to radiate hostility towards any male creature, as had been the case previously with Hayden, Julian, and now Ian.
Asher tightened her grip on her waist. This man had protected her from many unwanted advances when they were in America.
“Let me introduce you. This is Ian. We attend the same class. And this is Asher,” Aurora said, knowing Ian meant no harm, and her tone was friendly.
“Nice to meet you. Please take good care of Aurora,” Asher said, never quite serious.
Ian extended his hand to Asher.
“Hello, I’m Ian.”
“Ian, is today’s class important? If not, I might just take her out for some fun. It’s not often I get to visit.”
“No worries about signing in. I’ll handle it,” Ian responded directly.
“Great! Bye.” With that, he left with Aurora. Aurora was only warning Gemma, and since she had achieved her goal, it was time to leave.
Asher and Aurora spent the morning together, and in the afternoon, they signed a contract. As evening approached, they dined and then headed to the airport.
“Aurora, the time I spend with you always feels so short. It’s going by so fast,” Asher said, holding her hand reluctantly.
“That’s because we used to spend so much time together, and now it feels hard to part. But we’ll get used to it over time,” Aurora consoled.
“I’d rather never get used to it. Aurora, with him by your side, I’m reassured. Now I can also seek my own happiness,” Asher said, suddenly serious, his usual playful demeanor gone. Aurora felt a pang in her heart.
She was aware of Asher’s feelings for her from the start, but despite three years, she could not reciprocate them.
They could only be best friends, not lovers, as neither wanted to breach that final barrier, fearing even friendship would be lost.
It was Julian’s arrival that changed everything. If it weren’t for him, Asher was willing to remain by her side as a friend or family forever.
Although he had only been with Julian for a short time, he could sense that his feelings for Aurora were genuine. Even though Aurora outwardly did not accept it, her heart was gradually beginning to accept Julian. If he were not in her heart, how could she let him kiss her, touch her, and share a bed with him? Such acts were reserved for someone extremely close. Some things he saw through but did not expose. Perhaps this was for the best. Knowing Julian was capable of taking good care of her was enough.
If Aurora were a kite, then Asher was the one flying it, always keeping her firmly in his grasp. Fearing she might get hurt by others, he had always silently protected her, while Julian was like that expanse of sky. He allowed Aurora to soar freely in the sky, for even as she flew, she was in his embrace, providing her with freedom yet ensuring her safety.
“I’ll come back to see you when it’s not so busy here. You’re not young anymore. It’s time for you to settle down,” Aurora said, initiating a hug.
“Of course. It was only because I had you to look after before. Without you, I would have found a pretty lady by now.”
“I know you’re so charming, having girls lining up. Alright, it’s getting late. I’ll watch you go in.” Aurora lifted her head from his embrace.
“It’s always me watching your back. You go ahead, and I’ll watch.” Asher gently touched her head.
“Alright, take care,” Aurora turned and left. Parting was probably the most painful thing in the world.
Asher watched her retreating figure, his smiling lips slowly drawing together. “Aurora, I can only accompany you up to here. From now on, I’ll let him walk with you.”
After seeing Asher off, Aurora felt an emptiness inside. After all, they had come up together, and though not family, they were like family. The closer people were, the harder it was to develop romantic feelings. Perhaps this was all the fate they shared.
Her car brought her to the villa. “Miss Montgomery, I’ll be leaving now. Call me if you need anything.”
“Alright, you go ahead.” After saying goodbye to Cameron, Aurora got out of the car. The sea breeze was particularly strong tonight. The villa next to hers, which had always been vacant, now had lights on.
Could someone have moved in today? She wondered who the neighbor might be. Aurora went back to her room and picked a bottle of wine to meet the new neighbor the next day. The villa area was not as lively as regular residential areas, and such neighborly relationships needed to be managed well in case something happened later.
Remembering that she had told Mrs. Hill to come over, Aurora dialed Mrs. Hill’s number. As soon as the call connected, Mrs. Hill’s excited voice came through. “Miss, you finally called me. I thought you didn’t want me anymore.”
“How could that be? I’ve just been busy these past few days. I’ll send you the address later. Come over to work tomorrow,” Aurora said, her voice softening.
“Alright, miss. You didn’t see that sly vixen’s face that day. I made her so mad she turned pale,” Mrs. Hill’s hearty laughter rang out.
Just then, the doorbell rang. Aurora hurriedly said, “Mrs. Hill, someone’s here. I’m going to answer the door.”
“Okay, I’ll be there tomorrow.” Mrs. Hill hung up, sounding delighted.
Aurora, somewhat puzzled, wondered who would come to her house so late.