The scene, one that seemed ripped from a movie, suddenly unfolded in her life, overwhelming Aurora with emotion.
The man, dressed in a tailored suit, knelt on one knee before her, waiting quietly for her decision, his obsidian eyes brimming with profound affection. It seemed that one more glance from her might drown her in his gaze.
The answer was on the tip of her tongue.
“I-”
“You can’t say yes!”
Lindsay Gilpin burst through the crowd, facing a scene she had only imagined, with the man she liked, yet all prepared for another woman.
Hearing Lindsay’s voice, Aurora hesitated no more and spoke the three words decisively, “I do!”
Her voice was firm, like a vow, committing her life, her all to the man before her.
Julian smiled slightly, ignoring Lindsay on the side, and resolutely slipped the ring onto Aurora’s finger. Whistles and cheers erupted around them, “Kiss her, kiss her!”
the crowd began to chant.
Julian gently cradled her cheek, his touch careful as if he held a priceless treasure, though they had touched countless times before. Yet a kiss as solemn and serious as today’s was a first; the lights brightened at that moment.
All eyes were on the striking couple, their features standing out wherever they went, especially with this kiss, the epitome of romance.
The crowd harbored various thoughts. Oswaldo and Magnus were obviously relieved, especially a woman in black standing in a corner, a tear slowly trailing down her face under her veil, her lips curving into a smile.
Genevieve, Ivy, and Zachary felt discontent, envying Aurora’s good fortune in finding such a powerful ally.
Hayden, witnessing the scene, gripped Susan’s hand so tightly it turned red without him realizing.
“You’re this heartbroken over her engagement? Remember, you’re marrying me tomorrow!”
Susan’s cold voice pierced his ear, questioning his respect for himself.
Why would he stay in Clothville to get engaged to her instead of going to the States to find Aurora if she mattered so much to him? Susan knew well what he wanted; he had lost the right to truly love Aurora three years ago, and now, who was he trying to impress with this facade of deep affection?
Besides him, another person felt upset-Eric, standing like a statue in the crowd.
“So she’s not your girlfriend, huh? Don’t tell me you’ve been secretly in love with her,” Emily said, turning to fetch a plate of cupcakes, the chill from him even making her shiver.
“Look how well they match; she’s engaged now, give it up. The world is beautiful, just like this cake. Try some, it’s delicious.”
Emily’s bluntness failed to grasp Eric’s feelings.
“Get lost.”
Eric’s anger flared, and he knocked over her cupcakes. At this moment, all attention was on Aurora and Julian, no one noticing their exchange.
Eric turned and walked away, with Emily, lifting the hem of her gown, chasing after him, intent on making a transfer.
Contrary to the bustle inside, the outside seemed much quieter. As the streetlights flickered on, Eric felt utterly alone. He had waited for her for so many years, yet she had chosen Julian in the end. Why was fate so unfair? His love was certainly no less than Julian’s.
“Hey, why are you walking so fast? Wait for me!”
Emily, unaccustomed to wearing high heels, struggled to keep up. She had only taken a few steps before she twisted her ankle.
“Ouch, my foot!”
Yet her cry did not evoke any sympathy from the man.
Eric’s mind was filled with images of Aurora and Julian kissing. What did Julian have that he lacked? Why couldn’t she accept him?
Seeing she couldn’t catch up, Emily removed her shoes and limped barefoot towards Eric.
“I’ve finally caught up with you!”
She grabbed his wrist as she stood there holding her high heels in one hand.
“What are you chasing me for?”
Eric had been so absorbed with thoughts of Aurora that he hadn’t noticed the woman following him.
“I want to hire you!”
Emily declared boldly.
Eric frowned.
“Say that again!”
Being mistaken for a gigolo once or twice was enough, but to be treated as one for the rest of his life?
Emily shrank under his cold gaze.
“Cough, I mean, don’t get me wrong, I just think you’re very handsome and fit the image of a boyfriend perfectly. It would keep my dad from worrying I’ll never find one, and it could also serve to irritate that despicable pair,” she explained.
“Name your price.”
“Hire me? I’m quite expensive,” Eric blurted out, perhaps still stung by Aurora.
“I’m not afraid; I’m very rich,” Emily boasted, assuming the air of a wealthy heiress.
“How rich are you?”
Eric scrutinized her. She wasn’t as beautiful as Aurora, but her features were delicate and appealing, especially her bright, expressive eyes, which reminded him of Aurora as a child, innocent and pure.
“Well, my father gives me $5, 000 a month for living expenses, which I hardly use. I’ve been saving it up, and now I have over a hundred thousand,” Emily revealed. Coming from a prominent family, she was a rarity among socialites for her frugality.
Eric was surprised. Though the Langdon family wasn’t as prominent as the top four families, they were doing well recently. To think she saved most of her monthly allowance, accumulating over a hundred thousand dollars.
“A hundred thousand can hire me for a month.”
“What, that expensive?”
Emily’s eyes widened. A hundred thousand was a fortune to her, accumulated over a long time.
“Reluctant to spend it?”
Eric was charmed by her expressive eyes.
“No, a month then. I like you that much, so consider it a major splurge,” she said, clearly pained by the expense.
Listening to her, Eric’s lips twitched. This woman, with her captivating eyes so like Aurora’s, was otherwise nothing like her.