The table was already laden with a variety of dishes, and Aurora was carried downstairs horizontally in his arms like a princess, while the affable butler looked on.
“Miss Montgomery, do you like these dishes? If there’s anything you dislike, I won’t prepare it next time,” said the butler with a smile.
His politeness made Aurora somewhat embarrassed. “I like these dishes very much. There’s no need to trouble yourself.”
“That’s good to hear. Please enjoy your meal, Miss Montgomery,” the butler said tactfully as he retreated, and Julian gently set her down in her chair.
Aurora, who was already very hungry, focused solely on eating until she was full, only then noticing that Julian hadn’t eaten but was just watching her.
“Aren’t you eating?”
“I had something earlier, and besides, I find watching you eat quite charming.” If someone else had said that, Aurora would have scoffed, but coming from him, it was earnest.
Aurora shyly turned her face away, thinking her skin had grown thicker just like her body had healed, but in front of Julian, she reverted to her old self.
After they finished eating, Julian carried her upstairs again. “You don’t have to carry me all the time. I’m not that delicate, and I can walk down on my own.” She had only fallen because she was unaware of her body’s condition.
“But I want to hold you,” Julian said with a gentle smile, taking her back to her room without further discussion.
“I need to go home to get ready,” Aurora noted, checking the time, as Hayden’s engagement party was that evening.
“No need. I have everything you might need here.” Julian, ever so thoughtful, had already prepared everything for her.
From clothes to makeup, everything was available. “This here is an evening gown.” Julian opened his vast wardrobe, which indeed was filled with evening gowns of various colors.
Aurora instinctively reached for a black gown, but Julian glanced at it and said, “Aurora, why not try some other colors? Black might be majestic, but I’d love to see other colors on you.”
He remembered she used to like light colors before that incident changed her, and now she only favored black among many.
“What color do you like?” Aurora turned to look at him, and Julian’s lips curled into a faint smile.
“Whatever you wear, I’ll love it, but tonight I want to see you in this dress.” His hand wandered among the colorful gowns, eventually selecting a halter-neck bright red gown.
“That bright? I might steal the bride’s thunder.” Aurora frowned.
Julian smirked mischievously, “But I want you to be the center of attention tonight.”
“Alright then.” Aurora took the red dress, having never worn such a striking color before.
Earlier, while Julian was choosing her dress, he had imagined her in this gown, but no fantasy compared to seeing her wear it.
Her tall figure was accentuated by the flowing, beautiful red gown, the halter-neck design revealing her delicate collarbones and arms.
She came out barefoot, her hair down, looking enchanting and sensual, her bare feet on the soft carpet.
Although she was initially unsure about the color, the moment she appeared, Julian was dazzled. “Aurora, you truly suit red.”
Her skin was already delicate and fair, and the pure red dress made her complexion glow even brighter, showcasing her voluptuous figure, slender legs, and narrow waist. All the traits any woman could desire.
“Do you think it looks good?” she asked Julian, her confidence wavering slightly.
“It looks so good I want to take you right here,” Julian replied, pushing her in front of a full-length mirror. Aurora, seeing her reflection, was surprised at how well the red color suited her compared to white or black.
“Alright, go do your makeup. I need to change as well,” Julian said with a light laugh, nudging her toward the vanity while he picked out a suit from the closet nearby. Uncharacteristically, he chose a red tie, the same color as Aurora’s dress.
Aurora’s features were naturally distinct, and she didn’t apply heavy makeup. A simple brow touch-up and bright red lipstick transformed her instantly into a radiant figure. Upturned eyeliner added a hint of allure, and with red nail polish, Julian’s favorite perfume, and her hair styled up, she looked both sleek and seductively charming. Seeing Aurora fully dressed, Julian felt a stir in his heart, almost wishing he could pin her down right then.
“Aurora, you’re the most beautiful,” Julian said as he presented a teardrop-shaped necklace, simple yet chic, a design that seemed simple yet was challenging to perfect.
“It’s beautiful,” she remarked, immediately taken with the unique necklace.
“The most beautiful being is you,” he said, wrapping his arms around her from behind. Aurora saw their reflection together in the mirror and thought how unexpectedly well-matched they looked, especially with his tie matching her dress, truly romantic.
“It’s about time we head over,” Aurora said as she stepped out of his embrace, which was all too easy to sink into and hard to leave.
Lazily reclining in a chair, she played with her phone, today’s headlines buzzing about Susan and Hayden’s engagement party. Both from wealthy families and with Susan being a top actress, the event was bustling with celebrities and CEOs, making it the talk of the town.
Every news website was covering the event, and Julian, watching her look down, found her incredibly enticing. His lips wandered near her ear, but Aurora put a hand to his lips. “Stop it.”
“Aurora, even though you hate Hayden and Susan, I’m actually thankful to them for bringing you back to me,” Julian said, looking at the enlarged photo of the couple. Susan’s smile was radiant, while Hayden seemed cold, his unhappiness apparent just by looking into his eyes.
Thinking back to Hayden’s actions last night, Aurora was more certain than ever that she would have no further dealings with him.
“If I hadn’t come out last night, would you have come in?” Aurora had always wanted to ask this question.
“Even though I’ve been holding back, if you had stayed another ten minutes, no matter what, I would have burst in. He lost the right to have you three years ago, and from now on, the only person who can be by your side is me!”