Returning to this place filled with memories, Aurora was overwhelmed with complex emotions.
Back then, Hayden and she were celebrated as a match made in heaven by their school, but who could have imagined everything would fall apart? When the news broke, her social media and DMs nearly exploded with everyone asking what had happened.
When Aurora first arrived in America, seeing those messages felt like adding insult to injury. On her way to the sports field, she thought back on everything that had happened over the years.
It was already late, and all the students had gone home, except for a few boys sweating it out playing basketball.
On the soccer field, a figure sat slumped, reeking of alcohol even from a distance. It was Hayden, surrounded by several bottles of red wine.
She had never seen Hayden so disheveled. Even when he used to come off the basketball court drenched in sweat, he would sit next to her, vibrant and smiling as he accepted the water she handed him.
Now his eyes were filled with sadness as he stared intently at her, his gaze slightly unfocused.
“Aurora, you came…” He was clearly tipsy, his speech slurred.
“Drank a lot?” Aurora asked, eyeing the wine bottles beside him. Knowing his tolerance, she thought those wouldn’t normally get him this drunk. He must have been drinking before.
“Not much. Aurora, look, there are stars tonight,” Hayden said, his head swaying slightly.
“I’m here now. Can you tell me about mom’s situation?” Aurora was only interested in her mother’s issue at the moment.
“Sit with me for a bit first.” Hayden patted the ground beside him.
With no other option, Aurora sat down beside him. Hayden pointed towards the distant field. “Aurora, do you remember the 800-meter race that year? You’ve never liked sports.”
“I only ran 300 meters before I couldn’t go on, and you carried me for the rest of it,” Aurora recalled, her eyes softening at the memory.
Because of their families, even when the school teachers knew about their early romance, they didn’t intervene, allowing them to be so well-known at school.
In reality, she had her period that day, suffering from cramps and unable to run forcefully.
Thinking she couldn’t continue, Hayden had carried her on his back through the entire distance, under the watchful eyes of everyone. Back then, her younger self was so touched and she thought she would marry no one else but him.
Thinking back, Aurora felt a mix of nostalgia and sighs. How simple she was back then, thinking she would love anyone who treated her well for the rest of her life.
“I thought you had forgotten all about it.”
“I couldn’t forget even if I wanted to, and I don’t want to forget any of those things,” Aurora said lightly.
“Do you also find it hard to let go of that past?” Hayden asked, hopeful.
Aurora responded calmly, “Not wanting to forget doesn’t mean I can’t let go. I need that past to remind myself not to make such foolish mistakes again.”
Hayden’s expression stiffened. “Aurora, I never intended to hurt you. That night three years ago, I was actually planning to propose.”
“Whether you meant to or not, it all happened. You’ve apologized before. If you’re here to repeat those words, I advise you not to bother. It’s really not necessary.”
“Aurora, I didn’t come to you today to apologize, but…” Hayden suddenly pulled a ring from his pocket before he continued, “Aurora, I love you. Whether it was three years ago or three years from now, my feelings for you haven’t changed at all.”
Seeing the exquisite ring, Aurora was reminded of three years earlier when they had passed by a jewelry store displaying a ring on a large screen.
At that time, she casually pointed at the screen and said, “Buy me this ring when you propose.”
“Okay.”
She thought Hayden didn’t take it to heart, but he had actually bought that ring.
The ring had a unique design, which she liked at a glance, and even after three years, she recognized it immediately as the one she had seen back then.
The ring, which should have appeared three years ago, was now before her eyes, and Aurora felt conflicted. “You’re getting engaged tomorrow. Why are you showing me this ring now?”
“Aurora, I’ve thought it over. I can’t be without you. Can we start over?” Hayden seemed to have made a great resolution, mustering the courage to speak.
Aurora was startled, not expecting him to say such a thing now. “What about Susan?”
“Aurora, give me three months, please. Once I secure the inheritance of Alvarez Legacy Holdings, I will completely break off with Susan. I’ve had people look into it. Over the years, you’ve been mistreated by the Montgomery family, with Genevieve controlling everything, intent on driving you out of the Montgomery family. Once I obtain the inheritance, I’ll take revenge for you. Then, I will make you the only Mrs. Alvarez.”
Aurora’s eyes remained calm and indifferent from start to finish. “That sounds quite tempting,” she said slowly.
“Aurora, I truly have never loved Susan. I swear to heaven the person I love most in this life is you.” Hayden thought she would agree, his face lighting up with joy.
However, Aurora continued, “Hayden, had I not heard what you just said, I would still be unaware of how selfish you are. The person you really love is yourself. No matter what the reason was for you and Susan being together three years ago, you are responsible for her. You’ve publicly claimed that your relationship with her is stable, yet now you say you’ll cut ties with her once you get the inheritance. Hayden, Susan has probably just been a stepping stone for you, hasn’t she? You’re using the Simmons family’s influence to solidify your position. If you get the inheritance, you plan to sever ties. What kind of status would you have me in then? Are you planning to keep me as a mistress?” Aurora’s mouth curled into a cold, mocking smile.
She couldn’t believe that the man she had once devoted herself to could be so cold and heartless. What kind of vicious heart lay hidden beneath his elegant facade?
“No, it’s not like that, Aurora. I know you’ve had a hard time with the Montgomery family, and I want to help you. My current strength isn’t enough to fully protect you. I love you, Aurora. Can’t you give me one more chance?”