Julian didn’t prepare anything complicated-just a fruit salad and two bowls of spaghetti.
It was simple and quick, with ready-made ingredients.
“Julian, is it ready yet?” Aurora peeked into the kitchen every five minutes.
“Almost. But Little Bunny, you need to drink this tea first.” Julian, ever the doting figure, even went out of his way to reheat the tea for her.
“Not again!” Aurora’s previously bright smile instantly fell. For some reason, she had a sinking feeling that even if the world were ending, Julian would insist she drink her tea before anything else.
For example, during their trip to the island, Aurora had been completely captivated by the scenery. She had just started to enjoy the fresh sea breeze when, out of nowhere, the familiar herbal scent wafted toward her.
Julian appeared, holding a cup of tea. Aurora had been exasperated but helpless. He had rushed off to the island yet still remembered to pack all those herbs.
But wasn’t this his way of showing care? If he didn’t hold her so dearly in his heart, how could he go to such lengths?
“I made you a fruit salad. Drink the tea first, and it won’t taste so bitter.” Julian always had a way of coaxing her.
Aurora knew he was doing it for her own good, and deep down, she enjoyed the feeling of being cherished and pampered by him.
She used to believe she could handle everything on her own, but after experiencing his care, she realized how wonderful it felt to be loved.
“Okay.” Aurora finally drank the tea.
This time, Julian’s spaghetti was fairly safe. He had followed the recipe to the letter and watched Aurora eat with bated breath.
“How is it? Does it taste good?”
“It’s delicious! Really good.” Aurora gave him glowing praise. Only then did Julian relax and try it himself. It wasn’t bad-at least there was nothing strange about it.
The meal ended on a satisfying note. As Julian noticed Aurora was still wearing the clothes she’d come home in, he asked, “Are you planning to go out again later?”
Aurora couldn’t help but admire how well he knew her. She did have a habit: if she wasn’t going out again, she would change into comfortable lounge wear as soon as she got home.
“I’m planning to stop by the hospital later. You know, the Blake family and the Montgomery family have always been close. Paul’s wife has been injured for days, and I haven’t visited her yet.”
Given the unresolved history between Magnus and Genevieve, it wouldn’t be appropriate for him to go. But not visiting seemed equally rude.
Julian cast her a long, thoughtful look. “What’s this? Feeling soft-hearted?”
Only he could understand Aurora so well. He knew that if she brought up visiting Kimberly at a time like this, it wasn’t just a casual gesture.
“Soft-hearted? Julian, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Aurora said, avoiding his gaze.
Julian chuckled softly and pulled her into his embrace. “You don’t have to pretend with me. Just do whatever you want. No matter what, I’ll support you.”
“I… I’m just going to see her, that’s all.”
“Alright, alright. You’re just going to see her. Such a stubborn but kind Little Bunny.” Julian kissed her gently on the forehead. “Let me change, and I’ll go with you.”
Aurora felt completely exposed under his gaze. No matter how hard she tried to hide, he could always see right through her.
After getting ready, the two headed out. Julian even made a detour to a flower shop to buy a bouquet.
“If you went out alone, I wouldn’t feel at ease. That little flower shop girl’s eyes were practically glued to you,” Aurora teased.
Julian remained as stoic as ever. It was only now that Aurora realized his cold demeanor wasn’t entirely natural-it was a mask to keep others at bay.
It was precisely this aloofness that had kept him unattached. Otherwise, women would have been throwing themselves at him.
Seeing Aurora chuckling to herself, Julian placed the flowers in the back seat and ruffled her hair. “Are you that happy seeing other people fawn over me? If I’d known, I would’ve given her my number.”
Aurora’s smile froze, and her eyes widened. “Don’t you dare!”
Her reaction was so instinctive and intense that Julian found it adorable. Her flushed face, full of indignation, made him laugh.
“So you do care about me. For a moment, I thought you enjoyed seeing other people flirt with me,” he teased.
“I don’t!” Aurora blurted out.
“Then why were you smiling?”
“I was just thinking it’s a good thing you’re always so cold to others. Otherwise, there’d be a flock of women chasing after you. I quite like that about you, so I smiled,” Aurora said candidly.
Julian hadn’t expected her to say something like that. He ruffled her hair again. “That’s my good girl.”
She used to hate it when he treated her like a little pet, but after getting used to it, she didn’t mind anymore.
Then she remembered what he’d said earlier and grabbed his collar. “Someone just threatened to give his number to the flower shop girl!” she said angrily, glaring at him.
Julian burst into laughter, his deep, hearty chuckle filling the car.
“What are you laughing at?”
“I’m laughing because you’re so naive. I meant giving my number so they could deliver the flowers. What did you think I meant?” Julian said, brushing her cheek.
Realizing she’d been tricked, Aurora’s face turned crimson. “You scoundrel!”
“Well then… let me show you how bad I can be.” Julian leaned in and captured her lips in a deep kiss. How could he resist when the opportunity was right there?
When the kiss finally ended, Aurora pushed him away. “Let’s go, or it’ll be dark before we get there.”
“It’s already dark. Don’t forget to reward me when we get home,” Julian said as he smoothed her hair and started the car.
Aurora’s cheeks burned as she muttered, “Rogue.”
Julian chuckled, his joy evident. Both of them knew that this-this simple, everyday life-was what they wanted most. And now, they had it.
With each other, they’d never be alone again.
Aurora rested her head against the window, watching the city lights outside.
She thought back to when she’d first returned to Clothville and sat in the car, staring at the passing scenery. Back then, she’d felt hopeless, thinking there wasn’t a single light in the world that belonged to her.
Now, driving down the same streets, her heart felt entirely different. As long as she was with the man beside her, anywhere could be home.
“What are you thinking about?” Julian asked, catching her reflection in the glass.
“I’m thinking… about the lights,” she replied.
“Hmm?”
“In the midst of the lights, there’s someone waiting for me. And that feels wonderful.”
She reached out and took Julian’s hand. Their fingers intertwined tightly, and in that moment, they both understood the depth of her words.