Aurora thought back to the time she and Hayden were alone together in a room, and one could only imagine Julian’s feelings.
It was fortunate he managed to restrain himself. Had she not come down in another ten minutes, who knows what he might have done?
No wonder she was embraced so tightly by Julian when she came down last night. She said, her head willingly buried in his chest, “Don’t worry. In this lifetime, Hayden and I will have nothing to do with each other.”
Their relationship had already been cleanly severed three years ago on that night, which was supposed to be just a youthful dream shattered by reality.
She once thought Hayden was the person who loved her the most in this world, only to realize after meeting Julian that his shallow love could not withstand any storms.
His career was what Hayden cherished most, so perhaps it was his wish that Susan drugged him that night.
She didn’t get the 20% share in the Montgomery family and almost got her reputation ruined back then, but Julian was still willing to protect her.
“That’s good,” Julian said softly, holding the woman in his arms. Despite the many trials they had endured, fortunately, they ended up together.
They both cherished this hard-won relationship. She placed her small hand in his before saying, “Julian, if you ever betray me in this lifetime, I will do everything in my power to make you lose everything.”
Julian knew she had been deeply hurt before, and it had taken her a long time to gradually open up to him. If he betrayed her again, she would trust no one.
“Aurora, I’ve waited over a decade for you. Even if you want to leave, I won’t let you go again.”
The car slowly arrived at the hotel, and before getting out, she could already feel the bustling and brilliant lights outside. The car door opened, and Aurora elegantly stepped out.
A red carpet extended from the lobby to the outside of the hotel. As if wanting everyone to feel her happiness, Aurora, arm in arm with Julian, slowly walked into the lobby.
The area was decorated with flowers, predominantly in pink and white, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere.
Everyone was dressed glamorously, mingling in their finery.
Back in America, Aurora had fantasized about what it would be like to attend Hayden and Susan’s wedding. Would she make a scene, or find another way to embarrass them?
It was only now, truly standing here, that she realized how fortunate she was for not resorting to those melodramatic tactics from soap operas. Otherwise, she would have been the one who made a fool of herself.
The bigger the scene she would make, the more it would prove her lingering feelings and unwillingness to let go, leaving her open to ridicule.
The best revenge was simply living well, better than Hayden and Susan. Her calm presence here served as the greatest revenge.
“You ready?” Julian whispered in her ear, still worried that Aurora might lose control of her emotions.
“I’ve prepared for three years. Do you think I’m not ready?” Aurora’s lips curved into a poised smile as she walked towards Susan’s parents.
Susan’s parents looked troubled, perhaps due to the various scandals surrounding Hayden lately. Yet, with their daughter insistent on marrying him, they couldn’t stop her.
Besides, the two had been together for so many years. Calling off the engagement now would make them a laughingstock in the business world.
The two could only suppress their anger, hoping that the couple would become more sensible in the future and stop causing trouble.
They had just greeted some acquaintances when a familiar voice reached their ears. “Mr. and Mrs. Simmons, long time no see.”
How could they forget that voice? During high school, Aurora and Susan were close friends, often visiting each other’s homes.
They had always treated her gently, but Aurora later learned that the incident three years ago was not meticulously orchestrated by Susan alone. Susan was after Hayden, while Susan’s parents were eyeing the Alvarez family, hoping to arrange a marriage.
The drug that evening had been prepared by Susan’s mother. Despite feeling guilty about it, she still did it. After all, everyone was selfish.
Turning mechanically, they felt as if they had seen a ghost upon seeing Aurora.
“Isn’t this Aurora? It’s been many years since we last met,” Mrs. Simmons said with a forced smile, her gaze darting around guiltily.
“Indeed, ever since Hayden and Susan got together, we haven’t seen each other,” Aurora said elegantly, lifting a glass of champagne.
Her smile made the couple feel inexplicably uneasy, as she was just a young girl.
“Aurora, matters of the heart are truly strange. You and Hayden didn’t end up together probably because of fate. It’s nobody’s fault,” Mrs. Simmons tried to defend Susan.
“Don’t worry, Mrs. Simmons. I’ve moved on from that relationship. I’m here today specifically to give my blessings. After all, Susan is my only friend,” she emphasized, making them feel even more ashamed while they forced a smile.
“Over the years, Susan has felt very guilty and often talks about you. We hope you have been doing well in America,” Mr. Simmons chimed in hurriedly.
“Or perhaps she wished I’d never come back?” Aurora asked with a smile.
“What are you saying, Aurora? Of course, we hope you come back soon. It must be lonely being alone in a foreign land. Now that you’re back, you should come over for meals more often.”
“I would indeed like to visit you both, but I fear you might not welcome me then,” Aurora said, swirling her champagne.
“How could that be? You and Susan are so close. You’re welcome any time.”
“I’ll visit you both another day, but now I must go greet Susan. Excuse me,” Aurora said, holding her champagne and leaving.
Watching her retreating figure, the couple exchanged glances. “Why did she come? She might cause trouble. After all, we did her wrong back then,” Mr. Simmons expressed his worries.
“What are you worried about? She was just a little girl. If she causes a scene here, it’s her own and the Montgomery family’s reputation on the line. She wouldn’t dare!” Mrs. Simmons’s eyes flashed maliciously.
“Let’s hope so. After all, we are the ones who wronged her,” Mr. Simmons sighed.
Aurora watched Susan, now surrounded by high school classmates, smiling radiantly with delicate makeup and wearing an elaborate dress, her smile eerily reminiscent of her own past self.