Julian arrived on time to pick Aurora up and take her home. The moment she got into the car, Aurora collapsed into his arms. “Julian.”
“Little Bunny,” he murmured, stroking her hair gently, “I reached out to some contacts in New York. There’s an alumnus I know, Mino. He’s one of Lockman’s prized students. He’s not as well-known as NE because he’s low-key, but he’s brilliant. I’ve already talked to him about you. He’ll introduce you to Lockman when the time comes. Whether you can succeed or not will depend on your own abilities.”
Aurora looked up at him, her heart brimming with gratitude. “Julian, thank you so much. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t even have a chance to meet Lockman.”
“Silly Bunny, I’ve told you before-you never need to thank me. I’ll make sure someone takes care of your company while you’re away. Don’t worry about it.” His voice was calm, reassuring.
Aurora leaned closer, her head resting against his chest. “Meeting you was the greatest blessing of my life.”
Julian held her tighter, inhaling her familiar scent. “It’s just a shame that we won’t be able to see each other every day like this anymore. Little Bunny, I’m going to miss you so much. Now, to see you, I’ll have to cross the ocean.”
“Julian,” Aurora said softly, “I promise I’ll finish my studies as quickly as I can. If I don’t go and try, I’ll always feel like there’s something unresolved in my heart. No matter what happens, I have to give it a shot.”
“I know,” he replied, though his emotions were conflicted. On one hand, he wanted her to pursue her dreams. On the other, he couldn’t shake the unease that something might change during their time apart.
“Little Bunny, you won’t leave me, right?” he asked, pulling her closer, as if trying to merge her into himself so they would never be separated again.
Julian’s insecurities stemmed from his deep love for Aurora. He cherished her like his life depended on it, shielding her from even the smallest discomfort. Yet, at the same time, he feared that someone else might take her away. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing her.
“Julian, you’re such a fool,” Aurora said with a light laugh. “Even if you weren’t so good to me, I’d still never leave you. Once I’ve decided on someone, I stick with them. Besides, you’re the only one I’ve ever loved. If I left you, where would I ever find another you?”
Julian’s expression softened, but a flicker of doubt lingered in his eyes. “Asher treats you well too,” he said quietly, naming the one person he truly worried about.
Among all his rivals, Julian wasn’t concerned about Hayden, Eric, or Ian. Hayden had betrayed Aurora and was permanently blacklisted in her heart. Eric had tried to take advantage of her, so she would never like him. And Ian, too young and immature, wasn’t her type.
But Asher was different. Asher was devoted to Aurora, always treating her with warmth and care. He had never done anything to hurt her. With Aurora heading to New York, it was inevitable that she would see Asher. Julian’s concerns were not unfounded, especially since he couldn’t drop everything to accompany her there.
Who knew how long she would be away this time? The uncertainty gnawed at him, a tension that never eased.
Aurora chuckled. “You’re still thinking about Ashy? I’ve told you before-he’s a friend, like family to me, but never a lover. If we were going to be together, it would’ve happened a long time ago. Why would I wait for you? My heart only has room for one person, and that’s you.
“You’re worried about me, but I’m worried about you too. There are so many women who like you. Don’t you dare flirt with anyone while I’m gone,” she teased, poking his chest lightly.
Julian caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her fingers. “My heart has been yours for the past fifteen years. No one else could ever enter it.”
“And from now on, you’re my one and only,” Aurora whispered, her voice filled with conviction.
That evening, they shared the slowest dinner they’d ever had, savoring every moment together. Aurora had already booked a flight to New York for the next morning, wanting to make the most of her time.
That night, their passion was more intense than ever, as if trying to make up for the time they would spend apart. Aurora understood Julian’s feelings completely, clinging to him like a vine to a tree.
It wasn’t until dawn that Julian finally let her go. Aurora had barely slept two hours before he gently woke her. He hadn’t slept at all, spending the night memorizing every detail of her face.
At eight o’clock, he called softly, “Little Bunny, it’s time to get up.”
Aurora opened her sleepy eyes, realizing the moment had come. As she looked at Julian’s handsome face, a wave of sadness washed over her.
“Julian, the thought of waking up every day without seeing your face makes me so sad,” she said, her fingers tracing his features.
“I feel the same,” he said, his voice tender. “Humans are strange creatures. Once we form a habit, losing it becomes the hardest thing of all.” He nuzzled her cheek affectionately.
“To make sure we don’t lose this habit, I’ll make frequent business trips to New York,” he promised with a smile.
“Okay,” she replied softly.
After lingering in bed a little longer, they finally got up. Julian prepared a simple breakfast, which Aurora ate with relish.
“Julian, when I marry you one day, I’ll cook breakfast for you and our baby every morning,” she said with a bright smile.
“Okay,” he agreed, his own smile warm.
On the drive to the airport, they were inseparable, clinging to each other like conjoined twins. Aurora carried only a small suitcase, while Julian handled the check-in for her. As the boarding time approached, their reluctance to part grew stronger.
Though it wasn’t a life-or-death separation and neither of them were overly sentimental, they had grown so accustomed to each other’s presence that the thought of being apart was unbearable.
Time ticked by, and the moment finally came. “Julian, I have to go now,” Aurora said softly.
“Three years ago, I chased you to the airport, only to see your resolute back as you walked away. This time, when you leave, don’t make me wait another three years,” he said, his voice tinged with sorrow.
“I won’t. I’ll be back in less than three months. I’ll spend Christmas with you,” she promised.
“Deal.”
“Julian, goodbye.” She hugged him tightly one last time before turning to leave. She didn’t dare look back, afraid that if she did, she wouldn’t be able to go.
“Little Bunny…” Julian whispered, watching her retreating figure. Just like three years ago, he couldn’t board the same plane with her.
Once on the plane, Aurora, exhausted from the night before, settled into her first-class seat and pulled a blanket over herself. She quickly drifted off to sleep.
As the plane prepared for takeoff, the last first-class passenger boarded. The flight attendant greeted him with a polite smile. “Welcome aboard.”
The man, dressed in black from head to toe, exuded an icy aura. Ignoring the flight attendant, he strode to his seat, glancing at the woman sitting next to him.