Aurora turned around in disbelief at the sound of that voice, meeting the smiling eyes of the man behind her who pulled her protectively behind him.
“Why are you here? Didn’t I tell you to go back?” Aurora whispered, tugging at his sleeve.
Not only her, but everyone around was also surprised. How did he get in?
Julian had never planned to leave. He had been quietly waiting in the car, only planning to depart once he was sure Aurora was safe.
But when he saw Magnus’s car parked nearby, he thought of something. Magnus had rarely been back here over the years. Why would he come now? Unless…
He had already guessed the reasons behind it. Both the Montgomery and Alvarez families cared deeply about their reputations. Tonight, by leaving without notifying the Montgomery family, he might have inadvertently caused trouble for Aurora.
How could he bear to let Aurora suffer alone? Upon arriving, he immediately heard the various accusations being hurled at her inside.
He saw her standing there, her back straight, as if nothing could bring her down. She had grown into someone capable of standing on her own, but that only made his heart ache more.
He wished to protect her from anything that might happen. She should only need to rest quietly in his arms. He didn’t want her to face anything alone.
“Don’t worry. Leave everything to me,” Julian said, his posture protective.
“Mr. Montgomery, this is my fault. When I pursued Aurora, she was unaware of the so-called fiancee matter. She is not the other woman.”
Even if Aurora defended herself a hundred times, it wouldn’t be as clear as hearing it from the person involved. If Aurora tried to explain, it would only lead to more slander from Genevieve.
Now that Julian had spoken, Oswaldo’s anger eased a bit. He could spoil Aurora endlessly, but she must not do anything to disgrace the Montgomery family.
“Then, having a fiancee already, why pursue my granddaughter?” Oswaldo now shifted all blame onto Julian.
Julian met the old man’s gaze, every expression of his caught in his eyes. Julian continued, “Mr. Montgomery, I don’t even know that so-called fiancee. It was someone my father suddenly pushed on me. I didn’t attend the engagement day, and I have never acknowledged it from the beginning.”
“So, you have no relationship with Lindsay Gilpin?” Oswaldo had been ready to label Julian as scum, since Julian clearly had a fiancee yet pursued Aurora, but hearing Julian’s explanation somewhat eased his heart.
“Not the slightest relationship, Mr. Montgomery. I may carry the Alvarez blood, but I’ve never considered myself part of the Alvarez family. Lindsay Gilpin is just someone my father brought back for a marriage alliance without my consent. How could she be considered my fiancee? The person I’ve always loved is only Aurora.”
“Earlier at the banquet, I made it clear to them as well. I have no relationship with Lindsay Gilpin. Mr. Montgomery, you know how these things work. You must understand my helplessness.”
Julian was very adept at reading the room. In front of Oswaldo, he toned down his usual intensity, humbly stating the truth and even intentionally portraying himself as part of a disadvantaged group.
“Hmph, when Joaquin was young, he was domineering and arbitrary. Is a child’s marriage just a pawn in his game? Of course, I understand you. It was a wise decision to break away from the Alvarez family.” Oswaldo had always clashed with Joaquin in his younger days, and Julian’s discontent with Joaquin perfectly aligned with Oswaldo’s feelings.
Seizing the moment, Julian said, “Mr. Montgomery, I had good intentions when I introduced Aurora to the Alvarez family at the hotel. Unfortunately, my father is extremely old-fashioned and insisted that I marry Lindsay Gilpin. Aurora is the only one I love. How could I possibly marry a woman I do not love and have never acknowledged? In a fit of anger, I had a fallout with my father and spoke back to him, which made him very angry. At that time, I was also upset and just wanted to leave with Aurora. I forgot to greet you, and for that, I am at fault. I caused Aurora to be unjustly maligned, leading everyone to misunderstand her. Mr. Montgomery, please do not blame Aurora. If anyone should apologize, it should be me.” As Julian spoke, he actually began to bow deeply, but Oswaldo, understanding Julian’s predicament with the Alvarez family, couldn’t possibly let him continue.
He quickly helped Julian up before saying, “The fault isn’t yours. It’s your father’s for being utterly unreasonable, acting as if he is the lord and everyone must follow his whims.”
“This is also why I broke away from the Alvarez family, Mr. Montgomery. I am sincere about Aurora. Would you agree to let us be together?” Apart from his identity in the Alvarez family, Oswaldo had long noticed Julian’s merits as an individual.
His being voted the most desirable man for several consecutive years was no accident. He was wealthy and never involved in scandals, a combination any elder would appreciate, especially his status in the business world, which made Oswaldo admire him even more. “You are indeed an excellent young man. If your feelings for Aurora are genuine, I naturally agree.”
Julian’s willingness to stand up for Aurora against his own family highlighted her importance in his heart. Oswaldo, experienced in judging character, was naturally inclined to like Julian. “Mr. Montgomery, I swear to heaven, in this life, I will only be good to Aurora.” Julian had planned to visit Oswaldo another day, not knowing he would win him over today.
“And what about you?” Oswaldo turned to look at Aurora.
His beloved granddaughter was never part of a plan for a strategic marriage. He only wanted her to find her own true love and not be hurt again. Aurora, understanding her grandfather’s intentions, stepped forward, lifting the ring in her hand.
“Grandpa, I was once hurt badly enough to lose faith in love, but Julian changed that, gradually opening my heart again. For him, I’m willing to believe in love once more.” Aurora intertwined her fingers with his, a blissful smile spreading across her lips.
She had made her choice, and as long as he never let her down, she would never let go.