Hayden’s attempt was so evident, yet Aurora felt no desire to linger in his embrace. “I’m sorry. I have to go.” She turned and left, leaving Hayden feeling an emptiness as she hurried downstairs. It was only after Aurora had left that she noticed the man leaning against the car door, several cigarette butts at his feet, still holding a lit cigarette.
“How come you’re here?” Aurora asked in surprise, her mind previously occupied with thoughts of her mother, unaware of when he had followed her. If he had been following her from the start, might he have misunderstood her relationship with Hayden?
“It’s not what you think.” Aurora rushed towards him, frantically trying to explain, “I needed to see him for something. There’s nothing between us…” Her words were cut off as Julian pressed his lips to hers.
He followed her all the way, his mind filled with countless conjectures, but ultimately, he chose to trust her. Even as he watched them enter the house, he restrained himself, each moment of their meeting tormenting him. His kiss was fierce, as if trying to meld her into him, and after their lips parted, he spoke hoarsely, “I know. I understand everything.”
If there had truly been something between her and Hayden, she wouldn’t have come out. Meeting his gaze, Aurora suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck. “Julian, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“What is it?” he asked, curiosity in his eyes, not knowing what she was about to say.
“I’ve decided to give you the answer early.” They originally agreed to speak after seven days, and tomorrow was the seventh day. Julian thought about her recent meeting with Hayden and their past at that school filled with memories and stories. What if she rekindled old feelings?
“Tell me tomorrow,” he suggested, hoping she would calm down and not give an impulsive answer she might regret.
“But I want to say it now,” Aurora said, realizing how wonderful Julian was after hearing Hayden’s intentions. Regardless of Hayden’s initial motives, she was sure of Julian’s sincerity.
“Aurora, I know you’ve just been together and might be emotional because of him. Let’s wait until you’re calm and rational tomorrow,” he replied. If she had told him her decision earlier, he probably would have been overjoyed, but his reluctance now showed his uncertainty, fearing she had reconciled with Hayden.
Seeing him so cautious, Aurora smiled secretly to herself. His careful demeanor was rare. “Alright, we’ll talk about it later. Let’s go home.” She got into her car, and Julian followed. Somehow, his heart felt even more unsettled than before.
Aurora drove back to her villa, with her parking the car steadily. Julian usually waited to wish her goodnight each time they parted, but today he seemed almost eager to leave.
“Why are you in such a hurry?” Aurora called out, chasing after him.
Usually, he would eagerly catch up to her, but today he seemed spooked.
“I heard from the butler that you had left alone, and it was so late, so I was worried about your safety. Now that you’re home safe, I can rest easy. I’m quite tired today. I’m going to sleep.”
Seeing the man so frightened that he dared not even turn around, Aurora suddenly found this side of Julian adorable.
“You said you couldn’t sleep without me. Why didn’t you climb over the wall to my house tonight?” Aurora teased.
“I’m too tired today. The sea breeze outside is strong. You should go back and rest too,” Julian said as he walked towards the door.
But Aurora hugged him from behind, saying, “Julian, whether you want to know or not, I must tell you.”
She tiptoed, her lips moving to his ear, her teeth gently biting his earlobe, a sensitive spot for everyone, causing Julian to shiver slightly.
His heart contracted sharply at that moment, fearing she would deliver some unwelcome news, but her voice came softly. “I think I’m starting to… like you.”
Hearing her words, Julian turned around abruptly, pulling her into his arms. “Aurora, say it again! Who do you like?”
“Idiot.” She pinched Julian’s nose and continued, “I said I like you. Did you hear that now?”
“So, you mean, you agree to be my girlfriend?” Julian hadn’t expected this outcome, contrary to his thoughts, and happiness surged through his heart.
“What? You don’t want to?” Aurora smiled.
“How could I not? I’ll only love you in this lifetime, Aurora. I’m so happy!” Julian lifted her in his arms.
“Hey, didn’t you say you were tired and wanted to go to sleep? Where are you taking me while holding me?” Aurora asked knowingly.
“I’m taking you to sleep with me,” Julian said as he lowered his head and kissed her red lips. The butler was already asleep, leaving just the two of them in the house.
As soon as they entered the door, Julian could not hold back and pressed her against the door for a deep kiss, to which Aurora offered no resistance, allowing his kisses.
As things escalated, she pleaded softly in the dark, her face already flushed, “Can we not do this here?”
Originally, he had complained that the house was too small, and had it not been for Aurora living next door, he never would have settled for such a small villa. Now, he felt the short distance had grown immensely long in his heart.
Every pore on his body screamed for her, and it took tremendous willpower for him to remove his hands from her. His voice was hoarse. “Okay.”
He carried her upstairs quickly, almost tripping in his haste, causing Aurora to smirk. “Are you in such a hurry? I’ve never seen you this eager before,” she teased.
“We’re entering the bridal chamber. How could I stay calm?”
“Who said we’re going to the bridal chamber?” Aurora said coyly.
“Aurora, it was you who started it first, and even if you wanted to leave, I wouldn’t let you go. Tonight, I definitely have to have you,” Julian declared as he carried her into the bedroom.
He had just laid her on the bed when he pressed down upon her, but he found it unsatisfactory as it obscured his view of Aurora’s body.
He got up to turn on the bedside lamp, feasting his eyes upon Aurora with her clothes half-undone, her small face flushed, her eyes tender, her lips moistened by his own making them even more enticing, and her slightly parted red lips silently seducing him.